Category Archives: Stress

Facing Those Who Disappoint (during the holidays)

The holiday season is almost upon us!  Again. Some of you are rejoicing!  Some are not. It is 100% certain that you will be dealing with people who have disappointed you during this holiday season.  When we are around people who have disappointed us in one way or the other, a myriad of emotions canContinue reading “Facing Those Who Disappoint (during the holidays)”

10 Game Changing Choices You Can Make

1. Choose to be happy That is right, happiness is a choice. It is not a natural disposition or a matter of favorable circumstances. Choosing to be happy has no down side. It makes things better for everyone…including you! 2. Choose to not be offended Make people work really hard to offend you this year.Continue reading “10 Game Changing Choices You Can Make”

Supporting Leaders (And Leading Supporters)

Can’t sleep tonight.  It happens.  Not very much but it happens. Praying for Christian leaders. My heart is heavy. Leadership circa 2020 is SO difficult. Pandemic. Churches closed. Cultural upheaval. Election cycle. Throw the devil (yes, I believe in such stuff) into the mix and the task can seem overwhelming. I know some great leadersContinue reading “Supporting Leaders (And Leading Supporters)”

Six Ways to “Turn Down” the Drama Level

The volume on the “drama” player has never been turned up higher. In fact, the sound can be deafening. When it comes to turning down the sound, many of us feel powerless. But I don’t think that is the case. We are not powerless. I think we each have a lot to say about theContinue reading “Six Ways to “Turn Down” the Drama Level”

You Can’t Avoid Leadership Stress (so manage it)

Some years ago (when I was still “young-ish” and in my early forties) my health was in a rapidly declining state.  Christ Church was moving from 400 in worship each weekend toward 750 and it was literally killing me.  Our staff was a dysfunctional mess, the congregation was kicking and screaming and I was doingContinue reading “You Can’t Avoid Leadership Stress (so manage it)”

Dealing with People who Disappoint (At Christmas)

Dealing with People who Disappoint  It is 100% certain that you will be dealing with people who have disappointed you during this Christmas season (even if you are spending it alone).  When we are around people who have disappointed us in one way or the other, a myriad of emotions threaten to overwhelm us.  Particularly ifContinue reading “Dealing with People who Disappoint (At Christmas)”

Rev. Shane’s Christmas Scheduling Hacks

As the Sr. Pastor of what sociologists call a megachurch, I cannot imagine many people who have a more aggressive December schedule than I do.  In December we do everything we do the other eleven months and then add ten to twelve additional worship services.  In addition, there are family commitments, Christmas parties and socialContinue reading “Rev. Shane’s Christmas Scheduling Hacks”

DIS (Drama Intolerance Syndrome)

I have DIS. It is a disease called “Drama Intolerance Syndrome” and it causes me plenty of dis-ease. I find that drama makes me irritable which, of course, only adds to the drama I so despise. I fully realize that in a fallen world populated with humans with internet access, that there is going toContinue reading “DIS (Drama Intolerance Syndrome)”

Forgetting to Remember (What Grandchildren Teach Us)

Forgetting to Remember (Fairview Heights, Illinois, circa 2009) I had a really bad day.  Nothing really went wrong but I couldn’t find the hours to accomplish what I needed to do.  As the day wore on and deadlines approached, my mood became worse and worse.  By late afternoon I had clearly deteriorated from affably ineffectiveContinue reading “Forgetting to Remember (What Grandchildren Teach Us)”