The reason that is significant is that one of my ‘goals’ for the year was to welcome challenges.  And if I am going to do that, I should have a plan to respond to them the right way.

Challenges aren’t just unavoidable; they’re purposeful. Each one is a moment God gives me to confirm His work in my life, glorify Him through my response, and inspire others to that same end.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott

His wild excursion helped me put into perspective a new book I’m reading, called Tiny Experiments, by Anne-Laure Le Cunff *.  While I’ve thought daring thoughts, I’ve not always (read: almost never) pursued the wild unknown with reckless abandon.  However, her book isn’t about cliff-jumping or sky-diving, but rather, that we’re not to assume or settle on living our lives with the mindset of a linear path to achieving our goals.  Life isn’t a ladder.

The ‘dare’ is to allow yourself to explore and discover by conducting Tiny Experiments. I liken her recommendation to my understanding of Benjamin Franklin. He was a printer, a postmaster, an ambassador, an author, a scientist, and a Founding Father. Franklin explored, tested, observed, tried, failed, and moved himself and the world forward. Hardly a straight path toward a pre-determined destination.  

I really like the idea of letting myself leave the path to do a little sightseeing. Allowing ourselves to intentionally wander could do us some good, and who knows, our tiny experiments could lead to some significant breakthroughs.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott

* If you’re interested in getting her book, I want to mention that my reference to or recommendation of a book, product, or article is not necessarily a tacit endorsement of their beliefs, but that I believe they provide good arguments to challenge our thinking on a particular topic— and that’s a good thing.  And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wowza.  As I read David Bahnsen’s book, Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, it took a while for me to settle into his declaration.  But he does make a good argument from Scripture in his defense.

He can make this proclamation because, well, in Genesis, God says so.  When we properly understand work, David says, we “discover our purpose, we create community, and we reveal our God-given dignity” and avoid being unhappy, which he believes is because we’ve “been cut off from the purpose and earned success that vocational calling offers.”

Purpose, “earned success” sounds like some pretty good living.

It is right and good for us to see how being created in God’s image means we are here as co-creators with Him to “work, make, and serve.”

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott

Quote

“If any man be given over to sex appetite he is harboring a rattlesnake, whose sting is rottenness and sure death.” – Wabasha — or Wapasha — I (1718-1806), American Indian warrior and the chief of a band of Santee Sioux

Question

This vivid quote from Chief Wabasha I uses strong imagery to warn against being controlled by sexual appetite. Comparing it to “harboring a rattlesnake”, unchecked lust is not just dangerous—it’s actively destructive. While the desire may seem manageable or hidden for a time, its eventual outcome is inevitable and harmful—“rottenness and sure death” (moral, relational, or spiritual decay). Where in your life might you be tolerating something that seems pleasurable or harmless now—but, like a rattlesnake, could bring harm if left unchecked? How might you begin surrendering that area to God’s wisdom and self-discipline?

Read the full list of quotes on Words of Wisdom

Part of me is a little jealous of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) people.  

It’s really not an option for me at this point in time, but I have to appreciate some of the thinking: prioritize cutting expenses, saving, and investing with the goal of retiring early or gaining more financial freedom  

It’s the retiring early that I wonder about specifically, as it relates to work in general.  According to David Bahnsen, we’ve been led to believe that work is something to be tolerated and ended as soon as possible.  That is, do what you have to, for only as long as you have to, so you can stop working and enjoy your life.

He’s got a new book out.  I just ordered it.  Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life argues that “we were created to work, and our work provides unique meaning and purpose in our lives. Yet today we are living in a crisis of apathy and ignorance regarding work’s theological and existential nature.”

Though it may seem a little late in the game for me to be taking a hard, in-depth look at this, I’m intrigued by the idea that though we’re not financially independent and won’t be able to retire early––that probably wasn’t the right plan anyway.

I’ll let you know what more I find out.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott

Read the full list of quotes on Words of Wisdom

Quote

“There is a price to godliness and godliness is never on sale.” – Jerry Bridges

Question

Jerry reminds us that living a godly life requires real commitment, sacrifice, and intentionality. Godliness isn’t something we can obtain cheaply or casually—it demands our whole heart. It won’t be handed to us at a discount or found in shortcuts. We grow in godliness by daily dying to self, pursuing holiness, and relying on God’s grace through discipline and obedience. Have you been expecting spiritual growth without spiritual effort? What disciplines or sacrifices might God be inviting you to embrace in this season to grow more like Christ?

If not, you still may have heard about tight end Mark Andrews.

If not, he dropped a pass in the end zone, to tie the game and send it into overtime (Not to mention his “pivotal fumble in the second half”). There were thousands and thousands of people watching this NFL playoff game.

I’m so glad people can’t watch me work. Though there are cameras in our building, at least the ‘coverage’ isn’t televised.

Aside from the many things we’re not aware that we do, there are those things that coworkers will never forget: scratching your head with a glue gun… blasting your music not realizing your headset isn’t connected to your phone… “replying all”… so glad those things don’t go worldwide.

In light of their loss and Mark Andrews’ performance in particular, coach Jim Harbaugh had this to say: “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews… Mark will handle this fantastically because he’s a high-character person, a tough person, and a good person. Proud of him like I’m proud of all the guys.”

We’re all going to blow it.  We can only hope for a boss who responds like that.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott

Mind  |  Lessons from the U.S. Navy on Building a Culture of Learning

In 2018, the U.S. Navy was tasked with increasing the number of operational F/A-18 fighter jets from 260 to 341 within a year. To achieve this, they adopted a culture of continuous learning, embracing new behaviors, problem-solving tools, and collaborative approaches. That included things like frontline personnel taking ownership of challenges and fostering a mindset where mistakes were analyzed for improvement rather than punished. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability can effectively tackle complex challenges and drive significant improvements.

Body |  How to Win Over the Room With Effective Persuasion Skills

Lauren Hirsch Williams emphasizes that successful persuasion extends beyond presenting data and pitches; it’s about forging genuine connections with the audience. She outlines five key strategies, one of which I’ll highlight here, as I see frequently, knowledgeable people not putting in the effort to “provide visual engagement” to complement and enhance their depth of expertise.  Make sure your audience can ‘see’ your expertise.  

Soul  |  Temptation: A Growth Strategy?

Exploring the dual nature of temptation, it can either lead to personal destruction or serve as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Tim Chaddick emphasizes the importance of having a deliberate and purposeful plan when facing temptation, akin to an evacuation strategy. This approach encourages us to respond to temptation with intention and control, rather than panic or denial.  Viewing temptation as an opportunity for growth, rather than solely as a threat, allows us to develop intentional strategies to confront and overcome it, ultimately strengthening our spiritual resilience.

Read the full list of quotes on Words of Wisdom

Quote

“If any man be given over to sex appetite he is harboring a rattlesnake, whose sting is rottenness and sure death.” – Wabasha — or Wapasha — I (1718-1806), American Indian warrior and the chief of a band of Santee Sioux

Question

This vivid quote from Chief Wabasha I uses strong imagery to warn against being controlled by sexual appetite. Comparing it to “harboring a rattlesnake”, unchecked lust is not just dangerous—it’s actively destructive. While the desire may seem manageable or hidden for a time, its eventual outcome is inevitable and harmful—“rottenness and sure death” (moral, relational, or spiritual decay). Where in your life might you be tolerating something that seems pleasurable or harmless now—but, like a rattlesnake, could bring harm if left unchecked? How might you begin surrendering that area to God’s wisdom and self-discipline?

Since the Vikings playoff game against the LA Rams was moved to AZ due to the fires in California (2024), and he and his brother are currently living in AZ, why not fly down to spend time with them and watch the Vikings—in a playoff game?!

Well, if you watched the game or later heard the score, you know why not.

Nearly 100% of the time I watch the Vikings, they lose. Not only do they lose, but they also play like a bad high school team. Nevertheless, we grabbed a flight, a couple of nights in a hotel, and joined in the Wild Card game hype.

At least half of my son’s idea worked out well. We had the absolute best time hanging with our boys in our whirlwind trip to AZ. Even if the Vikings had won, it isn’t the event, but the people you’re with that make life wonderfully meaningful.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!

Scott