It was a cool winter morning as I made my way through the door of my favorite getaway. I was the first person to enter, carrying my computer bag packed full of books. The Jatema Coffee sign hadn’t even been turned on yet. The chill in my bones began to melt when I caught the scent of scones, bagels, and fresh-brewed coffee. In only a few seconds, I felt right at home, greeting my friend behind the counter and mentally preparing for another morning of serious writing at my favorite place. “What would you like today, Bryan?” Jason … [Read more...]
Why Gray Areas Can Be Good
It's obvious that Christianity and culture have never been "best friends." Actually, it's usually quite the opposite. The Christian community often finds itself in a war with culture that results in damaging consequences on both sides. Culture gets an inaccurate view of Christianity that's wrapped in anger and closed-mindedness, while Christians begin to make culture into their number one enemy, separating themselves from sometimes valuable content, conversations, and relationships. Such thinking can be especially damaging to young … [Read more...]
3 Easy Ways to Share the Gospel
If you're anything like me, witnessing comes super-easily. It seems I can winsomely turn every conversation I have back to the foundations of the gospel, have people laughing, nodding their head in agreement, crying, and saying, "Amen!" within just a few minutes. I quote a verse, and people cry out, "Please, more truth, Ben!" I sing a hymn while walking down the sidewalk, and people never look at me like I'm a freak … Nay, they begin singing along, raising their hands in worship. I just have to encourage them not to close their eyes … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Building Genuine Relationships
Making and keeping friends isn't always an easy task. Sometimes, you have to put a little work into it. If you're looking for some simple ways to build genuine relationships (and keep them), try these five tips: Show Up Simple, right? Get outside every once in a while and do something other than the same routine. Play a sport, go to a mixer, or join a club. Do whatever it takes to stay in touch with people. Work in Public Sometimes you need to put your head down in a quiet place and get things done. Other times, however, you can … [Read more...]
3 Things To Consider “As We Go”
Have you ever wondered how your dentist really learned how to fill a cavity? Or how about the guy that roofed your house last summer? How did he learn how to perfectly align the shingles so that your roof would not leak? Likely, these practitioners learned by watching someone. Sure, they took some classes, watched a video, and maybe took some tests, but the real learning came from watching a real-life practitioner do the job. They watched them do it perfectly. And they watched them mess up and start over again. It was on-the-job … [Read more...]
How To Help Young Adults Make Good Decisions
Decisions. During the course of a single day, we make decisions from the time we open our eyes in the morning until the time we go to sleep. We make all kinds of decisions--as insignificant as what color socks to wear to healthy lifestyle decisions like choosing between a chocolate cupcake or a banana to more significant decisions that affect the course of life such choosing to take the job or stay where you are. Some significant decisions are made during our young adult years that will substantially shape the direction and course … [Read more...]
3 Lessons Learned From Eavesdropping
I have a confession to make: I was eavesdropping on one of my recent flights. But let me explain… I situated myself in my aisle seat for a short hour and a half flight. I was prepared. I had some work tucked away in my backpack. I had some conversation with the businessman seated next to me. I also had a package of my favorite airline cookies to snack on. That’s when I heard three people break out into a loud laughter who were having a fun conversation. In the row behind me and across the aisle was a twenty-something with … [Read more...]
How To Help Someone Who’s Hurting
Years ago, I asked a college student friend of mine how she was doing and got this response: “My mom is a heroin addict, and I just want to kill myself. How do you think I’m doing?” That was a pivotal point in a journey I’d been on for a long time. All around me, fellow students were going through various trials and life difficulties. While some of my friends worked things out in a healthy manner, many others were unable to do so, experiencing feelings of isolation and desperation. Depression was also a constant reality. It was … [Read more...]
How To Distinguish Between Dating vs. Hanging Out
Something scares you. It’s not terrorism, economic recession, global warming, or gasoline prices that could hit 10 bucks per gallon by the time you’re done reading this. These things might worry you, but something else makes your palms sweat and your pulse hit triple digits: asking someone out on a date. That’s because asking someone out involves potential pain. If the object of your affection becomes aware of your intentions, he or she might not reciprocate, and that’s going to hurt. I don’t care if you’re the most self-confident, … [Read more...]
10 Ways To Maximize Your Single Years
Singleness is neither a disease that needs to be cured, nor is it a carpe diem season of life. From the proper perspective, singleness is very strategic in God's economy — whether for a season or for a lifetime. Here are 10 ways you can make the most of your single years: 1. Know that Christian singles are a gift to God's church. 2. Be content in the season of life God has placed you. 3. Know that the ultimate goal of life is devotion to the Lord — not marriage, career, or fill-in-the-blank. 4. Grow your affections for … [Read more...]
