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Random Thoughts

Generosity, Junkyard Wisdom Rebuilt, Random Thoughts,

John the Baptist on Instagram?

A recent email from a marketing guru hit my inbox just about the time I was reading Luke 3:7-14. I was struck by the contradiction – the marketing guy was basically encouraging me to be a nice person, to pay for influencers to say nice things about my books, and to create a nice, consistent, enticing message.

By contrast, John the Baptist begins in verse seven with, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?”

I had to laugh. There’s some junkyard in John: blunt, critical, not real concerned with your feelings. I don’t think …

Family, Random Thoughts,

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 …

Junkyard Wisdom Book, Random Thoughts,

Pigeons, Easter, and Hope

Pigeon Monday!

For years I’ve wanted the Monday after Palm Sunday to be called Pigeon Monday in honor of Jesus flipping tables in the Temple. Yes, I know it’s silly, and I realize Hallmark isn’t ready to jump on the bandwagon. But the story has always made me smile because Jesus clearly had it in for the traders who specialized in pigeons.

On the Monday after what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered the Temple grounds and unleashed some fury. It was always one of my favorite Bible stories when I was a kid. The vision of the Messiah …

Generosity, Philanthropy, Random Thoughts,

Generous Theology

It’s a truism that the older we get the less sure we are. But for me, at least, that’s been a blessing. Certainly there are some things I’m more sure of than ever. For many other things, well, let’s just say that with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom we begin to see how little we actually understand. Life becomes a little less clear, a little more blurry. Which, as I said, has been a blessing.

I’ve become comfortable not fully knowing something, which paradoxically has allowed me to relax. You might think just the opposite happens — that by …

Family, Goble Properties, Random Thoughts,

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 …

Goble Properties, Junkyard Management, Leadership, Random Thoughts,

The Morning Welcome

Each morning when I arrive at work I say hello to the folks who sweep the streets, maintain the landscaping, pick up the garbage, and touch up paint on the curbs. They do the overlooked but crucial jobs, allowing the rest of us the luxury of focusing on our jobs.

My office is on the second floor of a shopping center. The retail businesses are on ground level, offering such things as health foods, jewelry repair, cooking utensils, and pizza by the slice. Most of them open about 10 AM.

Typically I arrive at my office around 8 AM. So …

Junkyard Management, Leadership, Random Thoughts,

Community is Not Transactional

A few months ago I had a meeting with a young man with big dreams. It was a get to know each other conversation over bad coffee (do not EVER buy a Starbucks cappuccino … not going to make that mistake again). The guy across the table was an idealist. The good thing about idealists is they push all of us to be better. The bad thing is they are never truly satisfied with anything, like a grumpy perfectionist armed with moral arrogance. But then maybe the coffee was just souring my mood.

Our conversation meandered across a variety of …

Family, Random Thoughts,

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 …