Delays, Deadlines, and To Do's: God's Timing Always Wins
This week, I’ve found myself stacking and prioritizing activities with a lot of differing deadlines. Some of what I’m working on needs to be done now, some needs to happen in a certain sequence, and some is reliant on others to complete their work so that larger plans can come together. Most of us when looking at our "to do" lists want things done immediately. We also want things to be predictable and run smoothly. We're normal - but this isn't always how it goes.
Ashes: Lent Begins Today
Today (Ash Wednesday) begins our journey through Lent. I received ashes this morning, but as I've traveled around town, I've received some strange looks. This happens every year, so today I thought we'd take a quick historical trip into this season that leads us to Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the start of this sacred season—a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Check it out!
Put on Your Oxygen Mask
An analogy was shared with me today by a good friend and pastor that I had not considered before. We were discussing the significance of daily renewal in Christ. Turning our attention and energy toward Him before stepping into the world. He asked if I had ever truly paid attention to the safety instructions before a plane takes off. I had to admit that, despite taking plenty of flights, I hadn’t actively listened to that spiel in years.
Milestones: Important Dates Matter!
Today marked a milestone for our team—two years since anyone in the world saw or heard about our Tithe brand. While the time itself isn’t what makes this moment significant, the people we’ve influenced along the way certainly do. The longer I’m in business, the more I realize that the true measure of success isn’t just revenue, profit, or statistical growth (though those things have their place). Instead, it’s the impact we have on others that truly matters.
Finding Satisfaction: It's in the Simple Stuff
As this week comes to a close on this Friday afternoon, I find myself reflecting on the work that has been done. The meetings prepared for, the conversations had, the administrative tasks, and the daily in-the-weeds actions that I often enjoy but sometimes discount as small. All of these little actions add up to the sum of the influence I've had on the world around me. Compared to the "bigness" of everything happening in the world, it may not seem like much. But what I’ve learned is that for those who have been touched by it, it may have meant everything.
The Juggling Act | Staying Rooted When Stretched Thin
This week, there seems to be a common theme among many of the folks I've met or spoken with. For some reason, life seems to be bringing opportunities, but with them comes conflict. Each opportunity demanding our time and attention. This isn't an isolated problem. In our fast-paced world, where speed and efficiency are king, most of us (myself included) tend to get anxious when things feel out of order or when our output doesn’t match our expectations.
We Are What We Repeatedly Do
This quote, most often attributed to Aristotle, is one of the truest phrases I've ever heard. We are not what we think about. We are not what we say. We are certainly not what we desire, want, or complain about. But—we are also not what we do once in a while, from time to time. We are what we repeatedly do, consistently.
Keep Fighting Mighty Warrior
Lately it seems like every day leaders in business are fighting for every inch of ground they take. The current economic cycle is more challenging than in recent years, and many leaders feel the weight of uncertainty. Some even question whether they have what it takes to overcome the obstacles before them. If you’ve ever felt weaker than the work in front of you, you’re not alone. But take heart—this feeling is nothing new, and it is often in these moments of doubt that we are drawn closer to God’s power and provision.
What's in My Control? Staying Focused on Opportunities
There is no shortage of distractions in our world. Today, the number one way many of us get off track isn’t social media, entertainment, or busyness—it’s discouragement. Specifically, discouragement over circumstances or obstacles we cannot control.
Turning Off Autopilot: The Habit of Judging Others
Today at our Friday men’s Bible study, I sat among a group of men I’ve come to know and love over the past couple of years. We represent a diverse mix of business owners, market leaders, non-profit directors, and pastors. What binds us together is our love for Christ, but what makes us different is the unique way He uses each of us in our day-to-day lives. Today, we found ourselves unified by a struggle we all share: the tendency to judge others.
Unexpected Detours: How To See the Next Step
Today, I had the privilege of serving some of the neediest in our city alongside two close friends I’ve known for nearly 15 years. Freely giving time to make others feel seen and known is one of the best feelings that money can't buy.
Quit Your Race: Run His (A True Story)
Today, I had breakfast with an incredible leader and mentor. Every conversation with him is worth its weight in gold because of the overflow of love, encouragement, challenge, and conviction I receive. But today, I heard a story I had never known about his background—one that left a lasting impact on me.
Don't Be a Jack of All Trades: What Networks Are For
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
In our modern world of specialization, the importance of having a strong and diverse network cannot be overstated. The phrase "Jack of all Trades" is often followed by the phrase "Master of None," and mastery is the goal in most cases. We are most useful when we fully embrace and develop our strengths.
The Sands Will Shift: Are You Built on the Rock?
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Recently, a dear friend of mine experienced this firsthand. Without warning, he received a call from his boss and was let go from a job he believed was secure. While the personal details of his situation remain private, this moment was a fast reminder of how quickly life can change.
Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Moving Beyond the "Silent Saved"
Today, I had coffee with another Christian business owner. We had a fantastic conversation that spanned business life, our backgrounds, our love of cabins in the Hocking Hills area, and, of course, our faith. One of the commonalities we shared was our desire to use our work and the proceeds of our businesses to influence more than just earthly accumulation.
Step By Step: There Is No A to Z
We live in a world that craves immediate gratification. When we set a goal, we want to achieve it now. When we see our flaws, we want to overcome them instantly. Yet, God’s process of transformation rarely happens all at once. More often, He leads us step by step, using struggles, confusion, and even rebellion to shape us into men and women of real purpose.
Identity Crisis: Who am I?
Identity is the foundation of everything we do in this life. Knowing who we truly are is a pursuit that seems simple on the surface but is difficult to tackle in reality. When someone asks, "Tell me a little about yourself," the most common answers revolve around what we do for a living, where we grew up, what school we attended, and maybe a few hobbies.
Divine "Appointments" | Introductions that aren't coincidence
Each week, our business leadership team prays that God will bring the right people into our path—those meant to encounter or join our mission. It can be difficult to discern divine appointments from coincidences or personal efforts. Yet, sometimes the Holy Spirit creates an introduction that is unmistakably His work.
Words Serve a Purpose, But Service Speaks
There is something truly special about serving others—it has the power to bring people together in ways that few other things can. This morning, some of our team had the privilege of serving at The Bridge Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless and those in need. While they provide food and resources, their ultimate mission is focused on the full transformation of lives. The Bridge is just one of many opportunities to serve, but it holds a special place in our hearts.