Family Archives - Page 2 of 16

Pouring Gas on the Fire

A few days ago I was talking with a friend who runs a large family foundation. They support a lot of causes but I was curious what motivated them to give to one organization over another. With all the good groups out there, and all the need in the world, how did they decide?

He used a phrase we’ve all heard often when he answered, “We love to pour gas on the fire when we see something is really working.”

Now this wasn’t an especially unique comment. I’ve heard it many times before. For that matter, I’ve said it many …

Advent and Angry Bulls

It’s April so you probably aren’t expecting a post about Advent. But in recent months I’ve begun brainstorming about a daily Advent devotional for later this year. And it began with a story about an angry bull.

Last year I found out that July 12 is National Cow Appreciation Day. And no, I don’t really know what that means either. Do we shout, “Hey, thanks for the milk in my cereal this morning!” when we see cows in a pasture?

Whatever, National Cow Appreciation Day reminded me of a story. The memory made me laugh. It seemed like others would …

The Context of Dirt

To understand generosity is to understand thankfulness. I’ll explain with a story about dirt.

What we now call Silicon Valley was once vast fruit orchards. I remember growing up in San Jose and walking through cherry orchards on my way to school, and I’m not even old enough for social security. Imagine what the old timers could tell us!

When I was four we moved to a home with a small area in the backyard meant for a garden, but at various times it was my play area. One time I wanted to dig a foxhole, probably something I had …

Crescent Wrench Generosity

Most of you who read this blog know how I worked at Goble Properties with my father, side by side, for 25-years. But of course I worked with my Dad long before starting my career. For instance, from the time I was old enough to read I was marking tires at the wrecking yard. One childhood experience with him taught me what I call Crescent Wrench Generosity.

I was young, probably 8-years old. For whatever reason Dad had brought home a tank of acetelyn and oxygen (used for cutting iron). The tanks were in the side yard standing against the …

Thankful for Twenty Things From 2020

This was a difficult year. Many have lost a loved one, or personally battled the virus, or been laid off. Some folks have worked long, exhausting hours to serve others. Small business owners have been hit incredibly hard.

My family dodged some of the pain, but not all. We knew people who were taken by Covid, and many friends/family have battled the virus. I know several people who simply can’t find work, including family members. Our business has seen a drop as our clients, almost all small businesses, have had to close. Some many never reopen.

During trying times I try …

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Several years ago I came across this prayer and have posted it every few years on Thanksgiving Day. It strikes me how this year of all years we need to think deeply about those things for which we are thankful. A prayer that opens our heart and doors to those in need seems timely and, somehow, reassuring.

Bless, O Lord,
this food we are about to eat;
and we pray you, O God,
that it may be good
for our body and soul;
and, if there is any poor creature
hungry or thirsty walking the road,
may God send them …

Someone asked what my next book might be and I flippantly answered, “Jesus the Standup Comic. It’s the words of Jesus redone for a modern comedy club setting.”

Everyone laughed and the conversation moved on. But I still wonder if such a book makes sense.

We often tend to see humor as mere entertainment or even a distraction, a break in the midst of the “real” world. We treat humor as having no real depth.

That’s too narrow a view of humor.

As a child I was nurtured on humor. My father was a master at puns, and …

Liars and Thieves

A few years ago I wrote this story, but it feels even more relevant today. Maybe because it’s an election year, or maybe because we have our own “alternative facts” to believe. Whatever the reason, it feels like we are hearing more lies than ever before.

One reality of this, as this story points out, is that someone who lies to you is just as likely to steal from you.

This story happened on a hot summer afternoon in the mid-1970’s. I was with my dad as he was negotiating a deal with a contractor. Let’s call the contractor John. …