I’ve had a water bottle in my backpack or by my side pretty much everywhere I go since, about 4th grade when a teacher gave me one I liked. Unfortunately, that one I had to throw, but soon after my family bought others. In middle school we used aluminum ones with screw tops, in high school I really liked Camelbaks, in college I had found a aluminum one with a straw that worked for a while. the flip top broke off that one and now I’m using a silicon sleeved, covered one with a straw from Ello. I’ve had a Nalgene on backup since high school as well. I drink…

Last night at the youth group I volunteer with we had a great time talking about stewardship. It was very interesting and helpful to hear about scarcity and abundance mindsets in this context. We talked about how scarcity mindsets lead to greed, and selfishness. And how, alternatively, an abundance mindset leads to generosity. It’s a good challenge to think about changing our perspective. We ended the evening going into our local neighborhood and giving bags of treats and thank you cards to local businesses. Each leader drove the students around and they went about going up to each business and handing them a bag, or leaving it in at the…

Today I am finishing a trial run at a co-working facility in my area. I saw an offer for a free week, and thought it could be good to try out as I may be working remote in the future. It’s more expensive than I thought it would be. I mean it would actually be cheaper for me go out to eat at a coffee shop, and chill there for most of the work day. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, because space costs money but, it definitely threw me off, and I’m writing this at one of the cheaper options availible. It’s not perfect, and the vibe isn’t exactly what…

In the book of Daniel, we meet a man called, well, Daniel. If you grew up in the church you may know many of his stories, especially if you watched VeggieTales; even if you didn’t grow up in the church you may know of them because they are so iconic. I had the privilege of teaching Sunday school again today for Sr High Ministries. In a nutshell here’s some of the stories. First you have Daniel and his friends eating a healthy diet over the king’s. Then you get the story of Daniel interpreting dreams. Followed by the story of how his friends survived a fiery furnace. Then the story…

I have a look of energy, but more recently my family more aware of how I can use it and how it truly affects me. You see it isn’t just about me going to play sports, or going to swing dances. It’s also about how my brain goes a million miles an hour with different thoughts. That is, there is more to energy than the physical portion it’s also somewhat mental. Energy can be as simple as talking really fast or trying to think through too much at once. Energy for me often often looks fast in general. Energy isn’t refreshed for everyone the same way either, take the simple…

Whether its the free apps on the internet, a book at the library, your car, a YouTube Video, the space in your home, a trusted friend, mentor, or family member, or something else. There are so many resources that so many of us have that we don’t make full use of. I know not everyone has all of these, but think of the ones you have that are listed here and aren’t and see how you could bless others, and help yourself out as well. Can you drive a friend who lives a block away from you to the gym in the evening where you both work out? Did you…

While being discerning. I’ve tried listening to a number of different podcasts in the car this week. I don’t hate them, it has to be consistently good to keep my attention, but I have learned a number of things, and been inspired overall. I usually enjoy music more on car trips but I had a couple of longer trips this week and it was nice to sit through a full podcast. I don’t know how often I’ll go back to listening to podcasts but it’s potentially a good resource in general. I don’t think podcasts are something I could listen to while I work or anything though just because you…

I’m still visiting Nebraska today, and I’ve been hanging out in town, seeing things like a huge Scheel’s and a classic suburban mall, and and independent book seller. I also stuck my head in the Nebraska History Museum, not a whole lot there to be honest but I actually also had a lovely conversation with the front desk people there. I do this back in Minnesota as well. It’s my way of trying to get the best of both worlds and trying to see what the best is an area has to offer. It’s why I look at things like libraries and ask what kind of grocery stores there are,…