Prolific thinker and author Ernest Hemingway once said that his six-word story was one of the best pieces of writing he had ever penned: Ever read it? For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn. Brilliant: Opening act. Climax. Denouement. Curtain. In six words. And nobody left the theater wondering what happened. Many have issues challenges to write a... Continue Reading →
Who are you listening to, who’s leading you?
Many of us seem to notice children when they're near, even if we're walking along a crowded sidewalk or getting on an elevator, at least I do. On rare occasions, these sightings are memorable, as was the case yesterday when I spotted a cherub surveying her surroundings over her Daddy's shoulder as her parents strolled down... Continue Reading →
Your greatest stressor: expectations
While in a meeting the other day, a high level executive mentioned that he has been chronicling some of the extremes that he’s experienced since moving to Chicago last year. Among them was this gem: Every day, a well-dressed woman arrives at his stately home, and for about a half-hour or 45-minutes, she stands on... Continue Reading →
Your greatest stressor: expectations
It's possible that every one of your experiences is a teachable one, a growth opportunity. Embrace that experience; focus on finding the lesson and the blessing in it. If you can't detect or even fathom a blessing in what you're going through right now, ask for it to be revealed to you. Then act as if you really want to know: listen. When the answer appears and you don't know what to do with it, ask for direction. Then listen.
Is Your Consciousness Ascending?
As I watched the sunrise this Easter morning, a question popped into my mind. Perhaps you have asked yourself the same thing, but were afraid to ask it of anyone else. It’s not a simple question, and maybe you’re not ready for it; but the Loud Mouth is here to help if you get stuck.... Continue Reading →
Is Your Consciousness Ascending?
Must Christians believe that God allowed Jesus to be brutally tortured and murdered three short years into his ministry, in lieu of satanically brutalizing the rest of us throughout all eternity?
Is prayer a "law?"
Most of us are quite confused when we try to understand how--or if--prayer works, especially when we're told that whatever we ask, in prayer, we will receive. Our experience tells us that this is not always true.For example, many of us received (and continue to receive) emails urging us to pray for the protection of... Continue Reading →
Is prayer a “law?”
I am always grateful when I receive comments indicating that you are beginning to give careful thought to what others have told you to believe. The question regarding last week's homily is a classic example. It reflects the confusion we all face when we try to understand how--or if--prayer works, especially when what we're told... Continue Reading →
Meanwhile, down there on the stage…
TV Guide documented Maiysha's week of activities at the Grammys. (Minus the part where she was roped into singing back-up for Bobby Brown. Some moments in our lives should simply be left on the cutting room floor.) Anyway, you only get to be a first-time Grammy nominee (or Mom and Dad) once. I hope you... Continue Reading →
Homage to Stevie and Melvin
"When you believe in things that you don't understand, you suffer."I received an email a few days ago--the third or fourth time I've received it in the past year. It was the transcript of Rick Warren's interview with Jim Dailey of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Decision magazine. This time, I printed it because I thought... Continue Reading →
Loud Mouth in the Balcony 