“It didn’t take long before they all had surrendered their lives to Jesus.”
My Story: A Battle with Pride and People-Pleasing
“They could see my denial. They could see through my mask. The strange thing was… when I looked in the mirror, all I could see what the good image I had been trying to maintain.”
Something More To Be Found In The Mess
“Before the fog had cleared… before the “happy ending” …before Job ever knew he would see a light at the end of the tunnel, he found something priceless. “ When you’ve been beaten to the ground, there is little comfort in hearing that you will be able to help others in the same situation someday. It is true that one of the greatest spiritual joys in life can be helping others out of the same difficulties you have faced in the past. (More on that here.) But let’s be honest… In the depths of the messiest moments of life, your first…
Sometimes It Takes a Wave
“Sometimes it takes a wave to reveal where you are standing. “ If you’ve ever walked along the beach, there is a place between the water’s edge and the dry sun-baked sand where the ground can feel deceptively firm. Standing in this area can provide unique feeling. Your feet can be firmly planted on the hard surface, but as soon as the tide begins to roll in and a wave washes past your feet, you immediately start to sink down into the sand. One of the most frustrating experiences I’ve ever had was something similar – but…
Actions and Consequences
“Eventually, you will lose your game of Russian Roulette.” It seems that nearly every week another prominent individual is fired from their position because of something done in secret. Although their positions, stories, and circumstances vary, they share three very important similarities. They did something in private hoping it would never be discovered. They did something that was critically in conflict with what was acceptable in their position. Their actions brought dishonor upon themselves, and the organizations they represented. If you are in any kind of leadership position, these moments should be a wakeup call. Actions have consequences. Any…
The Pit Doesn’t Last Forever
“He was patient during my bitter doubts knowing that eventually His power and purpose would unfold.” I didn’t always have such a fond opinion of Psalm 40. In December of 2005 I wrote out the first verses of this Psalm in a journal. I included some skeptical, critical, and angry thoughts about how I doubted it’s reality. My wife and I were at the beginning of a difficult valley. We had two choices: Give up and walk away from God and each other, or push forward even though the road seemed entirely uncertain. In the months that followed, we saw…
I Realized A Little Too Late
See that handsome guy right there? …that’s my dad. I want to take a few minutes to tell you about him… specifically, I want to tell you about the most important thing my dad ever did. (Click here to watch a video of this tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaOvfHT1cfI) Thomas Wesley Zdanio was born on October 2, 1941. He grew up in an average home in Detroit, Michigan with his parents and younger brother. His teen years were lived out in the 1950’s, with all the glory you would expect as a teenager back in those times. He spent some time studying in…