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Westmont

The Crucibles That Shape Us

Full disclosure, I have not yet read The Crucibles That Shape Us, by Gayle Beebe. But I have lived it with the author, at least in part, so I know the lessons in this book are worth your time.

Gayle and I met nearly 20 years ago when I was on the committee that brought him to Westmont College. I’ve served on the Board of Trustees and worked with him that entire time. Actually, this past weekend marks my last meeting with the Trustees. Yes, I’m retiring from the board after 21-years.

But this isn’t about me, it’s …

Random Thoughts, Westmont,

Sometimes You Just Feel Stupid

Sometimes you just feel stupid when you realize who is in the room with you, and last Saturday at breakfast was just such an occasion. Well, maybe not stupid exactly, but it was quickly apparent I was on the shallow end of the intellectual gene pool.

It all started when D’Aun and I flew to New York City because a long time friend, Dave Dolan, was to be honored by the Explorers Club of America at their 114th Annual Banquet. In addition to the banquet, Dave invited several of his friends to join him and his wife Nancy for breakfast …

Westmont,

Westmont Impact Conference

Exciting to see my daughter will be speaking at the upcoming Westmont Impact Conference. Shane Claiborne is the best known speaker, but several other friends — Scott Sabin, Amy Low, Gayle Beebe, Telford Work, etc. — will be sharing as well.

So what is the Impact Conference? As the website says, you can hear from leaders in a variety of fields and industries and learn tangible ways to impact those around you. You can challenge yourself through conversations about things that matter. The day and a half event is designed to challenge, inspire and empower participants to make an …

Book Reviews, Westmont,

Say This Prayer Into the Past

When I think of my friend Paul Willis I think of a person with a gentle soul. But at the same time I think of a person with a wise soul, a man of depth and thoughtfulness. Unassuming, quiet, even a bit shy, Paul is the kind of person you want to have a private conversation with. If you ever do, you’ll be thankful.

Since most of my readers will never have the chance to meet Paul, I have the next best option. He has recently published Say This Prayer into the Past, a collection of short poems that …

Family, The SOLD Project, Westmont,

Young Alumni of the Year

I’m proud of my daughter. So proud I’m taking time out of my vacation to write this short update about her receiving the Young Alumni of the Year Award from Westmont College. D’Aun and I were thrilled to hear that she’s being honored this way. Rachel truly deserves the recognition for her great work in Thailand through The SOLD Project.

But it goes beyond her work. Rachel displays a joy in life that naturally draws others to her. Her deep faith is the foundation of her life and it generates a powerful passion for justice, hope and love. …

Apocryphal, Belize, Book Reviews, D'Oliva Olive Oil, Family, Goble Properties, Junkyard Management, PathLight, Random Thoughts, Sabbatical, The SOLD Project, Westmont, Wine Reviews,

Taking Stock

Junkyard Wisdom is 4-years old now. Topics have bounced from leadership ideas to wine reviews, from PathLight updates to family stories, and a wide range beyond all that. All of it has reflected my range of interests and ideas.

After four years of this, it’s time to again ask what you have enjoyed most. I can easily look at the data and see what posts were the most popular, but sometimes popularity isn’t the same as having an impact. A quick example: the most visited post of all time was a book review, but that’s mostly because the author promoted …

Westmont,

Westmont Alumnus of the Year

There’s an old adage that says you need a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in your life. The Paul in your life is somebody who teaches you. He or she pushes you to be a better person. The Barnabas in your life is somebody who encourages you. He or she loves on you. The Timothy in your life is somebody who you teach or encourage. You give back by being their Paul or Barnabas.

Rarely do I meet somebody who is all three. But there is one such person in my life. His name is Stan Gaede.

Whenever I …

Random Thoughts, Westmont,

Old Skool Cafe

For a long time I had heard about the incredible things a young woman and fellow Westmont alum, Teresa Goines, was doing in San Francisco to help at-risk kids. People would talk about a supper club called “Old Skool Cafe” as if I was suppose to know all about it. I didn’t. Which was my loss.

Then last year I was asked to speak at a Westmont event in Palo Alto. To my surprise and delight, Teresa Goines was also speaking at the event. And she was seated at my table. D’Aun and I loved getting to know …