During my last full day in L.A. I got the chance to wander around the city again. This time I got to go with one of my friends. I was really excited to have one more excursion. It was fun to head out without a real goal in mind, but being open to discovering a new place. While walking around I found a bookstore. What I shortly realized was that the bookstore was one that I had seen featured on travel websites and Instagram. It was so fun to go through a unique store and see what I had only seen in Instagram pictures. There was also some small boutiques…

Often when people think of church missions work, they seem to be thinking of going abroad, to a new country or starting a new organization. While that all can be fine and dandy, it’s not the whole story. Being a Christian is about going into all the world from small villages, and remote cultures to your office, to the retail job you might work on the side, or really anywhere. People everywhere need God’s love. You don’t always have to a have a plan either, and even if you do, God may change it. Sometimes literally telling people that you’re a Christian and you want to share with them, may…

I’ve been told many times before how important thank yous are, from personalized notes to a simple verbal exchange. Thank yous cost nearly nothing but leave a positive impression. Call it Minnesota nice, but I’ve tried to be thankful to others wherever I go. Giving a thank you in really any form is always appreciated. I’ll add that sometimes you can make a thank you work for you. That is, you can use it as a way to introduce yourself and maybe add a handshake if appropriate to leave a lasting, more physical impression with the person you’re thanking. I think it also has a psychological effect in that thanking…

As I’ve mentioned before, I usually drive everywhere. I have my own car, so it just makes sense. But in California travel has looked much different. I’ve been in an Uber for the first time, I’ve taken a bus in LA, I’ve taken an airport shuttle, and I’ve walked numerous miles. It’s nothing Earth-shattering, but its weird to me. It’s been interesting navigating different parts of L.A. with the transportation I’ve had a hand in the moment. I’m so thankful for the chance to drive. I know I just wrote about planes, but my consistent conversation with others has been my missing my car, but being appreciative for local public…

My current temp job is working at a plumbing, heating, metals, and fire sprinklers company west of Minneapolis. Although it’s not my ideal workplace/industry it’s been quite fun getting to know my coworkers and getting a sneak peek into the industry. Its been nice to have a consistent temp job until I take on my apprenticeship. They have a beautiful showroom that guests are coming into everyday, as well. It’s interesting to see another aspect of an industry that I only know of from trips to Home Depot with my folks. It gets me even more excited to think about my future home, and the furnishings.

Road trips require a lot of patience. Something I’m not usually as good at. But family road trips in the past have led to some great experiences, so I think having that in mind helps. My family still enjoys heading to Grand Marais for holidays/various weekends. The trip is long but the trip provides many beautiful views, various experiences. Road trips mean you get a chance to slow down in life even though you’re probably speeding down the highway. See with road trips you can know what the wait will bring and that the wait is valuable. This is different from other times where you have to practice patience in…

I was challenged the other night by a friend with this question that he said he had heard in an interview. I’ll admit I thought about it for a minute, but when he mentioned his answer it almost immediately made sense. He said he loves to win, because this mentality helps him appreciate the little victories. It also helps him with the rejection he gets as a salesman.  I want to have this mentality more. It means seeing the small victories in life and keeping a more positive attitude overall. Loving winning means you’re striving for a better goal, and you’ll be more likely to see the good progress along the…