Facing rejection with a smile: a story of persistence

Posted in Stories
PersistentFriendliness_square

Cole, a reader, said something in a comment last week that reminded me of a story I’d heard years ago–a story of persistence.

But I’ll get to that later–the “why” of this story. First, let me start with the who.

(I promise, I’ll get to the “why.”)

I called Ron Gillum and asked if I could share a story he once told in church.

“I’m just going to come and ask some questions,” I said, “and take some pictures. How’s that sound?”

“Oh that sounds fine. I’m not much to look at. See, I used to be ugly. Now I’m ugly and old.” Read more »

A decade in love

Posted in Stories
The story of amber and dustin

I’m not a fan of public proclamations of love. I recently heard of a man who declared on facebook how much he loved his wife then shot her the same day. Real smooth, dude. That ain’t love.

These public proclamations have become a thing to do–like visit the grocery store or take the dog for a walk. Too many people do it without thinking of what it means.

But my wife likes them. Aaaaaaand it’s her birthday. And it’s the ten year anniversary since we met. So, indulge me for 2500 words as I tell you the story of us.

Read more »

I learned to love exercise

Posted in Stories
How I've learned to love exercising

I was skinny once. Let me say that again…I was skinny once–scrawny, bony, gaunt, even. And I didn’t want to be. Even the plump kids couldn’t envy me–they made fun of me!

My parents always told me my metabolism would catch up–that I’d put on weight faster than I’d want it.

Right. Iiiiim-possible.

See, the thing is, I assumed that when I gained weight, it would conveniently form only around my pecks, biceps, and six circles around my stomach.

Oooooh no. Not a chance. Read more »

From heaven to heaven: A near death experience

Posted in Stories
Dale Swaim's Near Death Experience

Perhaps the greatest tragedy in life is that we pass people on the streets, at work, at church, or at the grocery store and never get a chance to meet them. I wonder if, one day when we meet our Maker, our greatest regret will be that we never reached out to more people and learned their story.

I almost missed this one–the story of Dale Swaim’s near death experience. Read more »