What is the most amazing gift you have ever received? Were you 6, 26 or 76? At age 6, I received an American Flyer train set with real smoke, an engine & whistle sound and some real cool cars and bridges. I think my dad had more fun with it than Read more…
I am a big Seattle Seahawks fan, and of course, of QB Russell Wilson. Russell has orchestrated several successful 4th Quarter drives that ended in a victory for the Hawks. Win or lose they are fun to watch. He also brings a positive outlook on life whether winning or losing, Read more…
In my ministry to homeless men and seekers of a faith walk, I like to ask three questions: What do you believe? Is it true? What difference does it make? Perhaps this is a good exercise for all of us who hold traditional beliefs related to the Trinity. If you Read more…
Is Group Think dangerous and divisive? “Group Think” was a much discussed subject while obtaining my M.A. in Psychology and Counseling. The power of suggestion and control by a few can lead to a blind following by many. Are we in America losing the concept of individual decisions and taking Read more…
What is “thankfulness” and what is its value to you and me? It is not just a state of mind. Thankfulness requires practice as well. Let me share my story and the role of being “thankful.” At age 50, I moved from a highly paid position to a self-employed life Read more…
“It was a dark and stormy night…” Author Snoopy (of Peanuts fame) continually starts his great novel with these words. But on a dark and stormy night this past Tuesday, in Bellevue, WA, Congregations for the Homeless opened its Eastside Winter Shelter for homeless men. The rain came in sheets Read more…
Why is “being thankful” crucial for a productive and a joy-filled life? In case you hadn’t noticed, life is a series of ups and downs, involving career, relationships, finances, health and even our walk with God. Could being thankful even out our personal ups and downs? The human mind cannot Read more…
Sometimes life moves faster than one is ready to handle. During my last posting I spoke of a Congregations for the Homeless colleague, Curt, who was gravely ill and a man in the shelter looking for a job. In the short intervening period, Curt, in hospice care passed away, quietly, Read more…
As I begin year 12 serving homeless men in the Bellevue, WA area, I continue to be amazed at the lessons I have learned. Most men are in a shelter or in homeless situation because of some poor decisions, relationships gone off the rails, or a financial setback. But learning to live Read more…
This post is an update on the previous post about Steve Roberts. Even though retired as Ex. Director for Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue, WA, he continues to serve the men in the E. Puget Sound area. Steve’s work on a major project related to the homeless community will Read more…