Category Archives: Inspiration

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Tuesday Brain Dump: Smile, Ride Your Bike, & Be Thoughtful

Here are just a few things that have been on my mind lately. It’s time to dump some of it out.

  • Smile. I was getting my new Florida driver’s license on Monday, and I noticed all of the people getting their pictures taken. It was interesting how smiling for a picture changed almost everyone’s disposition. Just a little smile. That’s all.
  • Ride your bike. Tammy and I took a long, long bike ride the other night. Riding a bike always makes me feel like a kid. It’s great exercise and such a freeing feeling. Get out your bike…and ride it…today.
  • Take out a blank sheet of paper. Seth Godin has recently been writing a great deal on his blog about the blank page. (Don’t just read past that link; click on it.) It has resonated with me as I am starting a new ministry in a new place. What if every group, board, and organization threw away “we’ve always done it this way” and started with a blank sheet, like Google? What new ideas, ways of thinking, and new strategies would come to the fore.
  • My Milwaukee Brewers are out of the race for the post season. This past weekend they were swept by the division leading Cincinnati Reds, effectively eliminating them. Now they are in “selling mode,” looking to make trades to bolster their farm system. What if, when we got behind in real life, we could go into “selling mode”?
  • Kids’ Play. As a kid, I remember playing “war” and being genuinely fearful as we crawled along the ground trying to avoid the “bullets” buzzing above our heads. There was nothing of which to be afraid. Now, it seems, there really are scenarios where that might happen, and there are genuine reasons to fear.
  • Be thoughtful. Having recently relocated, I can’t tell you how much “thoughtful” people mean to us. We have been blessed here with people who have gone above and beyond in very thoughtful ways. What can you do today to show thoughtfulness to someone who may really need that extra boost?

What are you dumping out of your brain today?

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3 Tips for Managing Expectations

Have you ever anticipated something only to find that it was completely different from what you expected?

  • The pictures on the web site of the vacation home were taken at night, lit like a Christmas tree, from across the lake. When you drove up, it looked completely different.
  • The conference registration promised a mountaintop experience. Your idea of a mountaintop and theirs ended up being completely different.
  • The reviews of a restaurant  led you to think it would be a completely mediocre experience. To you it became one of the best places you had ever been.

For months I had been thinking, dreaming, envisioning, and contemplating what life would be like beginning a new ministry in a new place. I had certain pictures of the place, the people, and my own activities and attitudes. I had a very complete picture in my mind.

Now that I am here and I have actually settled in, things are different from what I expected. Not at all worse, or even better. Just different. I am finding that I have to manage my expectations and keep at the forefront of my mind the goals and dreams that I had when I rolled into town.

To do that, I am making sure to these three things:

  1. Following a written plan. Before I rolled into town I wrote a 100 day plan that would be my guide through my first few months. I make sure to consult it daily and see to it that I live up to my own expectations.
  2. Listening and learning from the people who have been living the reality I have now entered. I am putting together listening sessions in my new congregation so that I can learn the thoughts, dreams, hopes, and ministry goals of the people who have a vested interest in Ascension Lutheran Church and its ministry. Their thoughts both ground me and give me a launching point to move forward in an intentional way.
  3. Adjusting my expectations to meet reality. A fun part of managing prior expectations is looking at the places where they meet with reality, and adjusting accordingly. It’s a fun exercise that brings lofty ideas down to the plane of “rubber-meets-the-road” ministry. It actually gives everyday work direction and impetus to bring some of those loft hopes, dreams, and goals to fruition.

If you’re trying to manage expectations: 

  1. Write down your plan.
  2. Listen and Learn.
  3. Adjust expectations.
Your expectations may even be greater than the ones you initially envisioned.
How do you manage expectations?
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The Other End of a Decision

I am now on the other end of a major life decision. Today  began a new ministry in a completely new place amongst new (to me) people. And what a day it was. People were gracious, good-humored, very kind, and very loving.

It would not be honest to say that I was always completely comfortable with the decision to end one ministry, begin another, move a quarter of the way across the country, and start all new endeavors. Sure, there were doubts. There were times when I thought about just remaining in a comfortable place where things had become somewhat routine.

But in the end, I knew that I was being led to follow a Call. In the end, I knew I couldn’t refuse. In the end, there were just too many things that pointed to a decision that I knew I had to make. In the end, the decision was made, we made the move, and here we are in the middle of a hot Florida summer.

When a decision is made, it often isn’t until one gets to the “other end” of it that there is affirmation. Following my installation today as Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Casselberry, Florida, our daughter made a statement that brought (for me) final affirmation.

She said, “You made the right decision. The people here are really, really nice.” True words. Affirmation. I guess it was so affirming because it came from an unexpected source. I never thought our daughter would make a statement like that. She was separated enough from the initial decision that her words carried weight.

The next time you have to make a decision, watch for signs that affirm your decision. Those signs may not come until after the decision is made, but they will bring affirmation and peace of mind.

Maybe you won’t even have to wait until after the decision is made. After seeking the opinions of people who are close to a situation, seek people who are on the perimeter of your decision and ask their opinion. It may go a long way toward turning back…or affirming a decision. God often uses His people to help reveal His will.

It’s always nice to know, on the other end of a decision, that it was the right one.

How do you determine when a decision is the correct one?

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Are You Listening?

This week I begin work in a brand new place with brand new people. The first thing I’m going to do is listen. But the listening is going to be ongoing…and very focused.

I have recently been reading a book called Church Unique. The premise is that each congregation has very specific gifts and resources. When those are narrowly focused and emphasized, it brings all work and ministry together moving in one direction and seeking a common end.

My listening will begin by paying attention to the things that make this new place unique.

How about you? What is it that makes you, your vocation, your place of employment, your ministry, unique? Begin by asking the questions suggested by Church Unique:

  • What are the unique needs around your geographic area?
  • How are these needs reflected socially, economically, ethnically, environmentally?
  • What special opportunities are found within your immediate sphere of influence (within a half-mile)?
  • What is the most significant change in your community in the last decade, and what needs or opportunities do they create?
  • What are the largest community events, and what needs or opportunities do they create?
  • Because of your specific location, what solution could you provide that no one else does?
  • What one positive change in your community would have the most dramatic effect in people’s lives?

When you answer these questions, you will have a starting place, a focus, and and plan.

What questions would you ask to help you become a better listener?

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I Am An Alien

I am an alien. This week we drove through the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby to our new home in Florida. It was almost like passing through some sort of chamber and into “the world beyond.”

We now find ourselves in a place where people, places, and things are unfamiliar. It’s both exhilarating and disconcerting at the same time. The roads are unfamiliar. The vegetation is unfamiliar. The TV stations are unfamiliar.

We are foreigners in a foreign land. 

Soon enough we’ll be settled in. Things will be familiar. We will be residents.

It has reminded me that I really am an alien. This world is a foreign land.

Heaven is my real home. I love the way N.T. Wright describes life after life after death. He says that when we get to our real home we’re not going to be sitting on a cloud playing a harp. A new heaven and a new earth will be created and we will live new lives, with new bodies, doing what it is we have been gifted to do best.

In the mean time, we are aliens. 

But our life here is not to be frittered away, wasted, or misused. It is to be lived like we are preparing for residence in the land that is to come.

That looks like this: 

  • Living for God
  • Living for others
  • Using the gifts we’ve been given to the best of our abilities

I am an alien. So are you. Live like it.

What do you think the life that is to come looks like?

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Farewell, Milwaukee

Dear Milwaukee:

Farewell. I’m going to miss you.

Farewell, Milwaukee:

  • City of my birth.
  • City of my elementary, high school, and college days.
  • City of many fine restaurants.
  • Underrated city.
  • City of the Third Ward and Summerfest.
  • City of freezing cold Januarys, and beautiful blue Junes.
  • City of Common Ground and caring neighbors.
  • Hard-working city.
  • City of Lake Michigan and the Calatrava.
  • City of our childrens’ years of growing up.
  • City of First Stage and Milwaukee Lutheran Red Knight Baseball.
  • Blue Collar city.
  • City of Miller Park and the Milwaukee Brewers.
  • City of Frozen Custard and Butter Burgers.
  • City of slight traffic.
  • Architectural gem.
  • City of great sports radio.
  • City of rabid Packers fans.
  • City of passionate talk radio.
  • Always my home town.
  • City of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.
  • City of my forever friends.
  • City of my loving, caring, generous parents.
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Farewell, Milwaukee. I will miss you.

Love, Tom.

If you were leaving your home town, what would you miss?

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An Anniversary Worth Noting

Today we are headed to Chicago. Our children are coming from Orlando and Nashville. Their cousins are coming from St. Louis. My sister and her family are coming from Cleveland. My other sister and her husband are coming from the far western suburbs.

These days it takes something pretty special and important, planned far in advance, to get us all together. I guess you could say the event that brings us together this weekend is pretty special and important.

My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday. More than fifty years ago two friends set them up on a blind date. Apparently they hit it off, and it led to something relatively rare in this day and age: a successful marriage.

There are many things I appreciate and love about my parents, but here are just a few:

  • They raised us kids in the faith and gave us a Christian education. That faith has been passed on to every single one of their grandchildren, as well.
  • They are always generous, welcoming, and hospitable.
  • My dad is creative, artistic, and a great teacher. I have had many, many people over the years tell me that he was one of the best teachers they ever had.
  • My mom is intelligent, well-read, and the nervous energy behind our entire family. She is the one who gives us all our drive, intensity, and passion.
  • They are both great sports fans. Especially the Packers and Brewers…of course.
  • They have taught us appreciation for culture…especially theatre.
  • They have both instilled in us the importance of education.
  • They love us unconditionally, and would do anything for us.
  • They have encouraged us to pursue our passions (and even more so their grandchildren).
  • They love to travel.

My dad is never seen without a book in his hand. 

One never has to wonder about my mom’s opinion.

There is a cartoon on their refrigerator that pretty much says it all. It’s a husband and wife sitting at the desk of a marriage counselor. The wife is saying: “It’s annoying that he always has to have the second-to-last word.”

I guess that’s why it has worked for fifty years.

Love you, Mom and Dad.

Happy 50th Anniversary!

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Mixing the Energy of Youth with the Wisdom of Age

I know it’s been said before, but if only those who had the energy of youth had the wisdom of age. This thought often occurs to me when speaking with my children and encouraging them to do this or that, move one way or another, or forge ahead into a certain endeavor. It’s difficult for them to see the urgency of getting things accomplished early on in life. Too often time is wasted doing things that may seem significant, but the wisdom of age knows are relatively insignificant.

The older I get the more I recognize how valuable time is. When I was young I wasted time like most anyone else. Now I know that being efficient and filling my time with things that matter, things that have meaning, things that move me toward a larger goal, is very important. Time is a precious commodity.

I wish I could convince my children (and others) that if you want to get somewhere tomorrow, you’ve got to get going “yesterday.” That means:

  • A vision for where you one day want to be
  • Setting goals that will get you there
  • Using time each day to accomplish those goals and move you closer to your vision

It sounds simple. It’s incredibly difficult.

The difficulty comes in remaining motivated and keeping the end vision always in front. To do that:

  • Distractions must be put aside
  • Ask others to hold you accountable
  • Start with small goals, then transition to the larger ones
  • Do something to move you toward the end vision every day without fail
  • Reward yourself when you accomplish certain goals
  • Evaluate weekly whether you have moved forward
  • Ask for help (people are much more willing to help than you think)
What vision have you allowed to go by the wayside? Is it time to resurrect it and move forward?
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3 Necessary Components of Intentional Sabbath

Recently given the chance, I have had the opportunity to sleep nine, ten, or even eleven hour nights. That’s extremely unusual for me. I find it difficult to sleep late anymore. But I guess my body has been telling me that it needs rest. It’s been a physically and emotionally exhausting couple of months.

We had the struggle of making a major life decision. We have packed our entire house, purged many of the contents, and put the rest of the contents in a POD. I carried out the emotional task of writing and sharing a final sermon with my beloved church family of the past fifteen years. We said goodbye to our house, our neighbors, and many friends. And now there’s the uncertainty of living in a new place, serving a different congregation, and trying to find a job for my wife, Tammy.

I’m tired.

Anticipating such a season, I intentionally planned some down time between finishing my ministry at Mt. Calvary, and starting a new ministry at Ascension Lutheran in Casselberry, Florida. I knew I would need it physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Sabbath is necessary. So necessary that the Lord Himself “rested” on the Seventh Day. The Eighth Day was the First Day of the New Creation.

As far as I’m concerned, “sabbath” isn’t just sitting around watching TV. Even sabbath has intentionality to it. My personal sabbath between ministries provides me a number of opportunities:

  1. To reflect on what has past. During these days I have spent some time thinking about all that was accomplished over the past fifteen years, failures, successes, false starts, and great triumphs. History is important. It informs the future.
  2. To enjoy the moment. During these days I am enjoying spending time with my parents, taking a short trip to northern Wisconsin with Tammy where her parents have a home and will be with us for a few days, catching up on some reading that I’ve wanted to do, doing a little writing, and trying to get back in shape by restarting my running habit.
  3. To anticipate what lies ahead. During these days I am trying to learn how to start a new pastorate. It’s been a long while since I’ve done so! I’m writing down thoughts and goals. I’m reading books that will help provide direction as Ascension and I start our journey together. I’m even trying to come up with a 100 day plan so that I can measure my goals as I begin in a new place.

I guess you could say this is sort of a “Seventh Day” rest for me. Pretty soon it will be the Eighth Day, the day of a “new creation” set before me and the people of Ascension. I plan to be rested and ready to go when July 8th arrives.

What does an “intentional sabbath” look like to you?

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Vision Over Visibility

You have the ability to see something that isn’t yet there. If you’ve ever set a goal and went out and achieved it, you saw something that didn’t yet exist. If you’ve ever started something new with a picture in your mind of the end result, you trusted in something that you couldn’t yet see. In the song, “Moment of Surrender,” U2 calls it “vision over visibility.”

That’s a pretty good description of faith.

As I look around, there’s plenty of that going on in my life and many of the people I know:

  • Two of my nieces graduate from high school this week. They have a college vision over visibility. On the horizon are new friends, experiences, and learning.
  • My parents are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. 50 years ago they had a marriage vision over visibility. Little did they know that fifty years later they would have three children and nine grandchildren, distinguished careers, and wonderful accomplishments.
  • A friend is about to move cross country and start a whole new life. He has career vision over visibility. This is an opportunity for him to paint a whole new picture of what the next chapter of his life will look like.
  • My wife, Tammy, and I are in the midst of transition from Milwaukee to Florida, from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School to Ascension Lutheran Church and ??? We have adventure vision over visibility. We are looking forward to creating a new life, new ministries, and new friendships that as of right now are only shadows on the wall. Soon they will be reality.

I have a picture that shows Walt Disney standing on the ground of what would one day be Disney World. Superimposed in the background is the famous Cinderella Castle that would one day grace the end of Main Street, U.S.A. Walt Disney had vision over visibility.

For those with faith and trust in Jesus, vision over visibility takes on an even greater and grander meaning. With the eyes of faith there is a vision of heavenly glory, obviously far greater than the Cinderella Castle, and bringing a deeper and more glorious joy.

You have the ability to see something that isn’t yet there. Go out and get it.

What is the vision over visibility to which you are reaching right now?