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Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks Part 1

Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks: 5 Insights for Ministry As we approach the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned throughout my 30+ years in ministry. This week, as I coached 11 pastors and church leaders, I was reminded of some truths I’ve picked up along the way. These lessons weren’t always learned easily—some came through the school of hard knocks,…

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Designing Your Best Year Yet: Planning for 2025 with Hope and Purpose

Here we are, almost at 2025. It’s always surprising how quickly the year winds down, but here we are. As we look forward to a fresh start, I like to begin with two powerful concepts: Hope and Purpose. Setting expectations and dreaming big as we move into the new year can shift your approach to life. It may sound corny, but this mindset isn’t just about wishing—it’s about planning, taking action,…

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What is a Clergy Coach?

I have been having conversations with folks who have been asking me about what exactly coaching is. And so, I thought it might be helpful to talk about that today to give you a little background and insight on that, and I think it will be helpful to you as you think about your local church and ministry. I want to start with a little bit of history. In my life, coaching has been an essential…

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Digital Ministry

This week my first book was released! What is it about? Well….. Are you looking for a resource for digital ministry that is practical and usable no matter your skill level? I am not a digital native but over the years (and certainly over the last couple of years ) I have learned how to do digital ministry that is doable and that connects with new people. This resource will give you simple and…

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Birthday Post 2020

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Six-Week Challenge, Week 1, Post 4 (end of Week 1)

Six-Week Challenge, Week 1, Post 4 (end of Week 1)

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Six-Week Challenge, Week 1, Post 3

Six-Week Challenge, Week 1, Post 3

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Six-Week Challenge - Week 1 Post 2

Six-Week Challenge – Week 1 Post 2

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Six-Week Challenge Week 1, Post 1

Six-Week Challenge Week 1, Post 1

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Preview – The Six-Week Scripture Challenge Bible-Verses-to-Build-Your-Faith_Valencia-UMCDownload

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Living a Liveable Rhythm

Living a Liveable Rhythm

This week I shared Jesus’ teaching from John 15 –

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides…

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Psalm 137 – Praying When You Are Angry –

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Discomfort is the Currency of Your Dreams

Discomfort is the Currency of Your Dreams - I thought about last week. Last week I spent a week meditating. For 10 hours a day, we did sitting and walking meditation. It was hard.

I listen to a lot of podcasts. I get a lot of great ideas and I love to learn something new each day. This week I heard: “Discomfort is the currency of your dreams.” That made me sit right up!

I thought about last week. Last week I spent a week meditating. For 10 hours a day, we did sitting and walking meditation. It was hard. My usual practice is 20-30 minutes most days so 10 hours a day…

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And now, for something completely different....

And now, for something completely different….

This week I have been working with clergy and laity who are being introduced to coaching tools.  I am at El Segundo United Methodist Church with the Bishop, several District Superintendents and the Director of Connectional Ministry who are leading this training for 35 students from around the Conference (Southern California and Hawaii).

I am part of the leadership for this training. As an ICF…

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Does it Ever Get Easier?

Does it Ever Get Easier? I keep waiting for it to get easier. Certainly, some of these things should be easier by now, right?

I keep waiting for it to get easier.  Certainly, some of these things should be easier by now, right?

None of what was “hard” was out of the ordinary. For example, I got back to exercising this week.  Certainly, it wouldn’t be hard to get back to this?  It’s an hour or so, of walking and weights.  But it was hard.

So, when I woke up on DAY TWO I thought: that was hard, let’s not do it.

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Meditation for All

Meditation for All: I was introduced to meditation in my 7th grade Confirmation Class. And, while it took me till much later to develop a daily practice, meditation is a cornerstone of my spiritual life.

I was introduced to meditation in my 7th grade Confirmation Class. And, while it took me till much later to develop a daily practice, meditation is a cornerstone of my spiritual life.

Why? It helps me slow down. It helps me reflect. It enables me to put things in perspective. And most importantly, it helps me hear God’s leading.

This week I took the next step in my practice by starting…

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This Is The New Year - Valencia UMC

This Is The New Year – Valencia UMC