My childhood was filled with trips to Roberson Museum, a true Binghamton tourist attraction. Every Christmas they would display trees decorated from around the world. This exhibit had the ability to take us to distant lands such as Sweden, Russia, and Ethiopia. Advent is like a book you have read thousands of times before, but each […]
A friend handed me a comic. The picture included a biblical character tip toeing across a sheet of ice. As I came to the caption, I saw the words, “Peter’s faith grows in the winter.” Those words alluded to the Apostle Peter walking across the water, but I could not help to hear those words for
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Prior to the wedding, I received countless advice about marriage. Unsolicited and unexpected suggestions came from family, friends, and even strangers. Our life altering events seem to invite people to share wisdom from their stories It’s only been a month, but I have not forgotten the stories. I now have a context for the stories,
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What makes someone a great listener? As you answer this question, you can most likely picture someone who allows you to feel heard. You can share anything with them without the fear of misinterpretation or constant interruption. The skill of listening has not come easy for me. I have has to constantly cover my
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Rev. Ron Piedmonte ministered in my hometown of Binghamton, NY for over 30 years. He excelled at presence. If you asked the people he pastored, most of their meaningful memories related to his visits to the hospital, thoughtful phone calls, and remembering their names in congregation over a thousand people. I had the opportunity to
Finding the Key to a Person Read More »
For many of us, the coffee shop has become another office. We send our emails, type reports, and brainstorm for ideas. If you saw my calendar, you would notice the number of meetings I have with people over coffee. Thinking through all the meetings I have over coffee, a questions emerged; Who are five people
5 People I Would like to Meet for Coffee Read More »
Looking back through our journals can act as a spiritual retracing of steps. The content of our lives found in entries and prayers reveal what we believe about Christ. Written in our own hand lies the worries, ambitions, plans, requests, angst, rejoicing and gratitude. The idea of being “Christ-centered” is nothing new, but it can
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You can learn a great deal from a person by the questions they ask. People’s inquiries can allow others to deduce their intent or motivation. The narrative of Mark 10:35-45 exemplifies the intent behind the question. James and John corner Jesus with this question, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at
I have known Trevor Gordon Hall since my freshman year of college. One of the joys of knowing him has come from seeing how his music connects to his personal life and beliefs. Whenever you have a chance to meet a musician, take time to ask them what inspires or motivates their music. In the
What I Learned about Life and Love from Listening to the Music of Trevor Gordon Hall Read More »
We cannot walk very far without feeling the influence of the word, “Extraordinary.” Movies showcase the seemingly normal person who defies the odds. Conference speakers by the droves share their story of fulfilling their dreams. Even narratives in sermons come back to David beating Goliath. Today is Monday. Most of us have a few issues
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