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# I'm Just Thinkin'

Always writing. Always learning.

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## Posts

- [Preservation of The Freshwater Lens on New Providence Island, The Bahamas](https://chrisvonada.com/preservation-of-the-freshwater-lens-on-new-providence-island-the-bahamas/) - The Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is located in the central part of New Providence Island and provides local and international air travel connections. LPIA is the busiest airport in The Bahamas and is undergoing an expansion. The airport expansion includes the addition of a new building that will handle passenger traffic traveling to and
- ['til their cup overflows (Part 3 of 3)](https://chrisvonada.com/til-their-cup-overflows-part-3-of-3/) - The first two parts of this article have focused on the pre-earthquake conditions in Haiti. How many of us really knew what the situation was like there related to their living conditions prior to the earthquake? Enter the earthquake into the situation: now their stressed environment is broken. And one might ask… why in the
- ['til their cup overflows (Part 2 of 3)](https://chrisvonada.com/til-their-cup-overflows-part-2-of-3/) - (Part 2 in a series about the water crisis in Haiti) … the water that goes into the cup… It’s helpful to understand a little more about the country of Haiti to put the water situation into perspective… According to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (US ACOE), Haiti has an average annual rainfall
- ['til their cup overflows...](https://chrisvonada.com/til-their-cup-overflows/) - (Part 1 in a series about the water crisis in Haiti) Living Water First the background, and the issue… Haiti is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and one of the poorest in the western hemisphere. Increased urbanization in recent years, shifting populations from more rural areas to major cities, like
- [The Enduring Value Of A Water Well](https://chrisvonada.com/the-enduring-value-of-a-water-well/) - This post is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, “The Wellspring Of Life.” You can read more about this book and my other titles by clicking this link. Value. Whenever I think of value, I think of something that is a good investment. Some of my friends poke fun at me for wearing clothes that
- [The River That Flows Backwards](https://chrisvonada.com/the-river-that-flows-backwards/) - Did you know the vast majority of rivers in the world flow from north to south? This is almost a freaky weird statistic, molding our distinction about north being on top of the world. King of the hill. For goodness sakes, even Santa lives up there! I think the misnomer about which way rivers are
- [The Wellspring Of Life: The After The Book Is Published Party](https://chrisvonada.com/wellspring-life-book-published-party/) - If you've ever been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans you may know at midnight on Fat Tuesday the police come through on horses, commanding "Mardi Gras is over, clear the streets!" On my two visits to NOLA for the event many years ago my casual observation was that everybody listened. The police seemed pretty
- [The Wellspring Of Life: The Last Chapter](https://chrisvonada.com/wellspring-last-chapter/) - I'm down to writing the last chapter of The Wellspring Of Life. That in and of itself is pretty exciting in my little world, but I'm finding it so fitting and meaningful at Christmas this year because this chapter is all about Jesus. The Man at the well handing out the living water, the place
- [God's Will: The Most Worthy Pursuit](https://chrisvonada.com/gods-will-the-most-worthy-pursuit/) - Â God's will has been on my mind quite a bit recently... I've been doing my best to seek God's will in making some pretty important decisions. Amidst all of this, I thought it would be a really good idea to explore and try to find out... what exactly is God's will? How do I
- [Honing In On Self-Actualization](https://chrisvonada.com/honing-in-on-self-actualization/) - Self-actualization - the need to be fully alive or achieve the full meaning of life. It's Abraham Maslow's final level of psychological development for an individual. I"m guessing some people achieve it without ever knowing what it's all about, while this place of nirvana eludes droves of intellectuals. I was fascinated to learn about it
- [You Never Know When A “Keeper” Will Happen](https://chrisvonada.com/never-know-keeper-will-happen/) - A “Keeper” - those moments in life that we cherish. Seeing your daughter take her first steps. An extra special holiday. It may even be an event from your childhood, like the first time you rode your bicycle without training wheels. We can’t plan these events. They just happen when we are experiencing life. Hopefully
- [Bridging The Gap With Trust](https://chrisvonada.com/bridging-gap-trust/) - Bridging the gap. It’s an idiom used to connect two things, making the difference between them smaller. Sometimes in life there is a gap. It may be the difference between something we learn and applying it. Or, it may have something to do with the future or uncertainty. There are many examples. For instance, when
- [Are We Alone In The Plot With An Eternal Result?: Part 1](https://chrisvonada.com/alone-plot-eternal-result/) - I was watching an Andy Andrews podcast recently, and he was talking about how we have to escape thinking through an incomplete thought. Incomplete thoughts are dangerous. Well, not like tornadoes or anything, but still. We want to think things through. Granted sometimes that can take time. Sometimes when I write here at I'm Just
- [Turning Thoughts Into Action](https://chrisvonada.com/turning-thoughts-action/) - Holy cow I haven’t written on here for a long time! God took me on a bit of a tangent for a while. That was great working at my church, and I learned a lot about people and ministry. Oh yeah, and a wee bit more about Information Technology. I felt God nudging me along
- [Are We Alone In The Plot With An Eternal Result?: Part 2](https://chrisvonada.com/alone-plot-eternal-result-part-2/) - This is Part 2 in a 2 part series. To read Part 1 please click here Is there intelligent life elsewhere? What does the Bible say about that? Did God create life on other planets? Well, here goes my take on it: An interesting concept of creation is that God created earth on the first
- [Inhale... Exhale... And Thank God For The Stromatolites!](https://chrisvonada.com/inhale-exhale-and-thank-god-for-the-stromatolites/) - Next time you take a breath of fresh air thank a Stromatolite. And God. Why? The cauliflower-looking "rocks" are responsible for the development of our atmosphere and bio-diversity. So are they rocks, or not? Well, yes. And no. Let me explain... these layered rocks are formed by cyanobacteria, also called the blue-green algae. The microscopic
- [Oh For The Acts Of God And An Orogeny Or Two](https://chrisvonada.com/oh-for-the-acts-of-god-and-an-orogeny-or-two/) - Acts of God. It's written into many contracts. I contemplated it recently... The burning bush was an act of God. As was the flood. The parting of the Red Sea? Yep. Would have loved to see that one! "It's funny Lieutenant Dan said that because right then, God showed up!" F.G. Did Forrest experience an
- [More Than We Could Have Imagined...](https://chrisvonada.com/more-than-we-could-have-imagined/) - I arrive back from 8 days on the mission field with a new and refreshed perspective. Amazed once again to see God working through and in the people we touched as well as within me and my teammates who made the trip, it is so hard to process and articulate completely what happened. The journey
- [The Evil Lure Of Being Busy](https://chrisvonada.com/the-evil-lure-of-being-busy/) - Here's the scenario: a friend asks how you are doing. "Busy," you reply. Busy. Great! What does that really say? We're all busy doing something, right? We all want to be busy doing good things. However, we miss the point of interaction when we say "I'm busy!" Next time you're tempted to say it consider
- [Turning Pain To Gain](https://chrisvonada.com/turning-pain-to-gain/) - When Jesus died on the cross, there was a lot of pain. We feel His pain when we go to church on Easter. Lots of people show up that don't normally attend church and we hear of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. When it's all said and done, we walk about feeling inspired but that
- [The Importance Of Our Relationships To God](https://chrisvonada.com/the-importance-of-our-relationships-to-god/) - Why are our relationships important to God? I think it's the most important activity here on earth. Think about the "one anothers" in the Bible: love one another, be at peace with each other, be devoted to each other, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, stop passing judgment on one another, accept
- [Going Places: The Glass Window Bridge](https://chrisvonada.com/going-places-the-glass-window-bridge/) - When I thought about writing at Going Places, The Glass Window Bridge kept coming up in my mind... though I wasn't sure what I was going to write. The more I thought and prayed about it, God kind of planted the seed - I followed and came up with this post... The Glass Window Bridge
- [The Only Decision In Making More...](https://chrisvonada.com/decision-making/) - Man I love to cook up good memories. I run into old friends occasionally. Two of them just last week that I haven't seen in many years. And so circumstance entices a decision: Should we make more memories? Should we spend more time catching up? Should we carry on... I'm finding the only limiting factor
- [Why Do We Have To Leave A Comfortable Place?](https://chrisvonada.com/leave-comfortable-place/) - Visiting a comfortable place is awesome. Like going to Grandma's house... maybe it's that familiar smell of something yummy on the griddle, the deer antlers on the wall, or Grandpa's reclining chair. Whatever that image brings to mind it is one that Man, my blog got really comfortable. Over a period of 5 years writing
- [The Big Deal With First Mentions](https://chrisvonada.com/big-deal-first-mentions/) - If you want to figure out the definition of a word you would check the dictionary, right? Ummm, usually that would be the correct answer. There may be a better way for some words... I figured this out when was enlightened with another reason the Old Testament is so important: First mentions lie within the
- [Is There Shelter In Unity?](https://chrisvonada.com/shelter-unity/) - MLK Day always seems to be a day of reflection for me. I get all sentimental and then up on my soap box. You can read some of what I feel is my best material, posted on this day the past few years, like "How To Win In The Endeavor For Peace" or "Religious Freedom:
- [Processing Influence](https://chrisvonada.com/processing-influence/) - John Maxwell wrote that we will each influence on average 10,000 people in our lifetime. That's a crazy big number. I can easily understand how someone like Maxwell could influence that number and even many more. However, the sociologists who shared the statistic say it's just the average Joe who has this type of swagger.
- [How Do You Say Christmas?](https://chrisvonada.com/say-christmas/) - Tis the season… for what? To go shopping… To be merry… To make Figgie pudding… Plus the standing rib roast... yes... The 12 Scents Of Christmas... How Do You Say Christmas? Another one to ponder that I have never written down. Well, today’s the day – here are my thoughts and Bible verses on how
- [A Time To Finish Strong...](https://chrisvonada.com/time-finish-strong/) - “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 It's the 4th quarter... It's time to finish strong... I have an awesome friend Carol Peterson who is a planner. I generally like to have a plan too but not quite like Carol. She makes a plan, fine tunes
- [How Do You Explain The Gospel?](https://chrisvonada.com/explain-gospel/) - How do you explain the Gospel? The question came up twice for me in the same week, and low and behold I've never articulated the thought in writing... so I thought I better have at it! Bilbo B. wasn't exactly gifted for an adventure... he simply went along with a game-changing calling. Here's my go
- [Just Another Drop In The Ocean?](https://chrisvonada.com/just-another-drop-ocean/) - Seven billion people in the world today. Holy wow, that is challenging to wrap my mind around. When I think about how enormous humanity has grown to I have to stop to think: Can one person really make a difference? I mean, sure Noah made a difference when he built the ark. And Abraham too
- [Why And When You Should Say What You Need To Say](https://chrisvonada.com/say-need-say/) - "Whew, glad I got that one off my chest!" Have you ever uttered these words? Or perhaps you have been nagged for eons by the wisdom you would like to share but just don't feel it is the right time or place. So today I thought I would lay out the why and when you
- [The Most Relevant Factor To Identifying Your Calling](https://chrisvonada.com/relevant-factor-identifying-calling/) - We often think of calling as a big-picture objective. That it is, indeed. We were all born for a reason, with an intended purpose. We all fit into the big picture of humanity. More people are getting in tune with the notion of discovering the life they were born to live. This is so exciting to
- ["With Faith Like Hers" Bible Study Series by Carol Peterson](https://chrisvonada.com/faith-like-bible-study-series-carol-peterson/) - One of my favorite blogger friends Carol Peterson is launching a new Bible study series, "With Faith Like Hers." She has completed 3 books in the series, "I Am Eve," "I Am Esther," and "I Am Ruth." There are 2 more in the works... Carol sent me a copy of "I Am Eve" - cool
- [Two Ways To Change History](https://chrisvonada.com/two-ways-change-history/) - The summer doldrums... do you know the feeling? I love the longer days of summer but the heat is a bit much here in Jacksonville, Fla. By the time Labor Day rolls around every year I am yearning for the season of change. Fall. As my mind wandered to change I got to thinking more
- [The Shower Of Babel And God's Final Word](https://chrisvonada.com/shower-babel-gods-final-word/) - Not too long after God flooded the world to start over with Noah, there was a little predicament... The tower of Babel was built out of man-made materials as a shrine or exhibit to the people who built it. It was an emblem of their greatness, a testimony to their self-worth and identity. They built
- [The Top 5 Magnetic Qualities Of Happy People](https://chrisvonada.com/top-5-magnetic-qualities-happy-people/) - I think everyone wants to be happy, but how many people do you know that you can say actually are happy? Like not just on Friday evening, or when they receive the annual bonus check - we're all pretty happy on these occasions. It is interesting that few of us are happy whatever the occasion
- [What Makes Chasing A Dream So Much Fun?](https://chrisvonada.com/makes-chasing-dream-much-fun/) - Have you ever thought about chasing a dream but decided it was too much work? Or maybe that it wasn't worth the effort? I know I have. Sometimes we lose out on chasing the dream because we're impatient. Something else comes along and we settle for less than what God had placed the passion for
- [The Power Of A Decided Heart](https://chrisvonada.com/power-decided-heart/) - I had lunch with an old friend recently who shared with me a heartbreaking story of how she had her heart broken. Apparently letting a man in close proximity to her before really getting to know him, she got burned. Pretty crazy, right? Not really, it happens quite often. I shared with her some of
- [Achieving Diversity Through Unity](https://chrisvonada.com/achieving-diversity-unity/) - Achieving diversity in any group requires us to "grow outside the box." We can get there by showing hospitality to visitors who want to join in. The Bible encourages us to do this, being receptive to all people, including non-believers, coming into the church. Should we allow sinners to participate? Absolutely. We're all sinners, right?
- [The Top Reason To Stop Making Excuses And Focus On The Most Relevant](https://chrisvonada.com/top-reason-stop-making-excuses-focus-relevant/) - Recently I got super busy. This is a good thing, but it leaves me feeling down in a way as I don't feel as close to the Lord. Whenever I get really busy I have to be more intentional about deciding how I'm going to spend my time. Sometimes, that makes me feel bad... like
- [How You Will Know When It's Time For A Change](https://chrisvonada.com/will-know-time-change/) - Life change can be super scary. I'm not going to kid you and try to convince you otherwise. I think that's why we're often so resistant to change, because it requires a leap of faith. It leaves us in an uncomfortable place called vulnerability. Change takes guts, sometimes just to recognize and then profess that
- [The Wound That Time Does Not Heal](https://chrisvonada.com/wound-time-heal/) - "Time heals all wounds." You've heard that one, right? Believable? Maybe. Did you know that time heals many wounds, but not all. Unfortunate as this statement may sound, it's true. "Time heals all wounds" is a misnomer. The funny thing is the Bible tells us to forgive instantly. Easier said than done, right? I think
- [Stuck In Hypothetical Paralysis?](https://chrisvonada.com/stuck-hypothetical-paralysis/) - Hypothetical paralysis... a Chris-ism for waiting around for something to happen, like a hypothetical. It's a bummer. Waiting is paralyzing like a transmission that's stuck in second gear. Low on fluid and out of get up and go. Further, hypotheticals are possibilities. Many are worth nurturing, just like chasing a dream. Being paralyzed by them
- [The Career Path Of A Prophet](https://chrisvonada.com/the-career-path-of-a-prophet/) - The prophets were messengers... they carried God's word to an audience, the people, encouraging them to live their lives according to the word. The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: "Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your
- [The Keys To The Greatest Heirloom](https://chrisvonada.com/the-keys-to-the-greatest-heirloom/) - The greatest heirloom that I can come up with that has been passed down from one generation to the next would be our heritage. I guess a trove or burgeoning treasure chest is full of trinkets that have value. However, the Kingdom of Heaven is priceless. It's enduring. Everlasting. It would seem to me that
- [Our Epic Entitlement](https://chrisvonada.com/epic-entitlement/) - Our entitlements... they're the things we often think of as personal belongings. We've worked long and hard for them and consider ownership over them; retirement benefits, a good job that pays well as a result of our completing certain educational requirements, or even the narcissistic belief that we have the right to demand reimbursement from
- [The Easiest Way To Harvest Wisdom](https://chrisvonada.com/easiest-way-harvest-wisdom/) - As I continue experiencing a fascination with people and their personalities, I'm enlightened with new insight on harvesting this gem we call wisdom. Just this week the quest became clearer... Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
- [On The Day ET Phoned Home...](https://chrisvonada.com/day-et-phoned-home/) - Remember ET? What a cute movie that blockbuster was! An acclaimed and timeless story of friendship, it takes the tenderness of children, the imagination of a genius, and the love of God and blends them in a memorable story that sets our souls ablaze. The story is pretty straightforward: a "foreigner" comes to a strange
- [The Journey Home](https://chrisvonada.com/the-journey-home/) -  One of the people who God used to sow the seed in my heart was a fellow University of Florida student, John Hall. As an undergraduate geology geek, summer field camp was a required course to graduate with a B.S. degree. We were loaded up in two heavy-duty maxi vans, or "rock wagons," as they're called
- [The Similarities Of All Of Our Faith Stories](https://chrisvonada.com/similarities-faith-stories/) - I love hearing other people talk about their spiritual journey and what brought them to know the Lord. If you listen to enough of these stories you will find there are similarities that offer clues to identifying our calling. These similarities seem to be universal. In researching this a bit I noticed some folks want
- [Is There A Jesus Hack?](https://chrisvonada.com/jesus-hack/) - So I got on this email list from a website called lifehack.org. They offer tips to short-circuit life change. Typically this wisdom comes in the trendy and appealing list form. Here's an example - "7 Habits Of Highly Effective Hobbits." Not all hobbits are eccentric you know... some also have (at least 7) healthy habits
- [The Happy Cup Of Bliss In Between Dreams](https://chrisvonada.com/happy-cup-of-bliss-dreams/) - Sometimes I'm so excited about tomorrow that I fail to enjoy today to its fullest. I know that must sound like a little kid on Christmas eve, but it's true. Bliss is a stage which is above any emotional state that is characterized as peace or happiness (feelings of enjoyment, pleasure, and satisfaction). - from
- [Tuning In To What If...](https://chrisvonada.com/tuning/) - The distinction between living out our "what if" and simply pondering over it is a defining moment in life. (Click To Tweet) It is a sacred romance with a nugget of a voice that speaks to us from within. It speaks to our heart, our mind, and also to our soul. It's the voice that
- [The Keen Skills Of An Influential Noticer](https://chrisvonada.com/keen-skills-influential-noticer/) - Andy Andrews describes a noticer as someone who picks up on little things. Andy says: "Many people ignore 'small stuff,' claiming to have an eye on the bigger picture, never understanding the bigger picture is composed entirely of small stuff." Andy is a noticer, as is the drifter, sage of a wise man named Jones,
- [The Scandalous Misadventures Of Bradley Cooper](https://chrisvonada.com/scandalous-misadventures-bradley-cooper/) - So I've got a bit of a man crush on Bradley. It's been going on for quite some time. Before you get any wild ideas be sure to read my thoughts on gay guys, guys hitting on each other and that sort of thing. So you know that I helped lead Jay Z to God.
- [Q and A with author TC Avey about her new book, "The Precipice"](https://chrisvonada.com/q-author-tc-avey-new-book-precipice/) - TC Avey is one of my favorite writer friends and is a Christian devoted to God, family and friends. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to live a life dedicated to Christ as well as helping them understand the importance of preserving our national freedoms through knowledge and love. She blogs at Wisdom of a
- [What Do We Find On The Other Side Of Fear?](https://chrisvonada.com/find-side-fear/) - When I first started writing it was super scary. Some good friends encouraged me to do it, saying they thought it was a spiritual gift. I thought they were joshing with me as I never was very good at writing growing up. Plus, my memory of writing as a student was not a good one
- [The Difficulty Of Staying True To The Path](https://chrisvonada.com/difficulty-staying-true-path/) - I was listening to an Andy Andrews podcast the other day, he was talking about how every choice that we make is a product of our thinking. So I got to thinking - what to do when challenges threaten to take us off the path? We all have challenges in our day-to-day lives. I'm no
- [The Forgiveness Prayer](https://chrisvonada.com/the-forgiveness-prayer/) - I few weeks ago I wrote “Having A Heart,” inspired after reading Andy Andrews “The Heart Mender.” The jist of it was to try and provide help forgiving someone after they have hurt you. Remember, forgiving is for YOU and doesn’t have anything to do with the person who offended you (unless you would like
- [The Big Picture Of Unity: Why The Deets Are Insignificant](https://chrisvonada.com/big-picture-unity-deets-insignificant/) - The more I learn about unity the more I realize it's a big picture type of concept. The drive of unity focuses us on what we have in common as opposed to our differences, which tend to separate us. (Click To Tweet) Abram and Lot shed the light of God on our idea back in
- [When It Rains It Pours (Gettin' Good And Salty With Gracedrops!)](https://chrisvonada.com/rains-pours-gettin-good-salty-gracedrops/) - "When it rains it pours." Know it? Yep, the Morton Salt weather idiom that says when things go wrong, it seems a lot of things go wrong at the same time. Yuk how it works out that way sometimes. Here's my positive silver lining spin for today on getting drenched: Jesus said, "Salt is good,
- [Paul If By Land. Jacques If By Sea.](https://chrisvonada.com/paul-land-jacques-sea/) - Our church has spent the past year and a half wading through the Book of Acts. Verse by verse, our pastors have taken us through the story of the birth, growth and expansion of the Christian church. Luke penned the story as a sequel to his Gospel. It follows Peter's establishment of the church, and
- [How To Reach The Calling Of Your Rock Star Life](https://chrisvonada.com/reach-calling-rock-star-life/) - So you know I'm a huge fan of Brene Brown. She writes this message about vulnerability, and how it's ok. She's spent a career focused on figuring out how this one word, vulnerability, will fix humanity. She found her calling and poured her heart out in a TED video. It went viral, and so did
- [Organizing Big Rocks And Variables](https://chrisvonada.com/organizing-big-rocks-variables/) - Time is the limiting factor for all of us at some point in determining how much we have the capacity to accomplish. I have a couple of sparky ideas that I'm tossing around in my head about big rocks and variables. Big rocks. Yep, those things we are declaring to be our top priorities.We have
- [The Most Important Behavior To Mastering Temptation](https://chrisvonada.com/the-most-important-behavior-to-mastering-temptation/) - Think your temptation may be OK? You may be right! Here's why... Temptations... we all have them... they're the stuff in life that we want or would enjoy in the short-term, but that we may regret later on... the forbidden fruit, if you will. Giving in to temptation is considered the inclination to sin, or missing
- [How Sound Feedback Connects Anonymity And Accountability](https://chrisvonada.com/sound-feedback-connects-anonymity-accountability/) - If you've ever read through the contents of a suggestion box you often find that frank and open feedback you may be looking for as a business owner or manager. They're popular at restaurants and in retail for that very reason. Suggestions may be collected via a call-in number or website query printed on a
- [Why We Should Be Excited To Carry Each Other's Burdens](https://chrisvonada.com/excited-carry-others-burdens/) - "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Just reading that verse doesn't sound like too much fun. It sounds like the pure physics of work combined with getting lost in the ink cloud of a squid. To bear? Like in carry, tote, lug or support. Yowie! It almost sounds
- [How To Win In The Endeavor For Peace?](https://chrisvonada.com/win-endeavor-peace/) - Since I've been writing this category, "Peace, Love and Unity," in my community, Jacksonville, Florida, to God's glory, I'm happy to say that I can see transformation and life change. That really inspires me, and speaks to the courage and strength of humanity. Peace is an active pursuit, one that we're called to as followers
- [How Does God Define And Measure Success?](https://chrisvonada.com/god-define-measure-success/) - At the first of the year we often focus on changes for the better, we call them resolutions. It's interesting how we establish milestones and goals in relation to our idea of success, or in hitting the mark - do you find yourself measuring success in a worldly way, or as God does? Did you
- [How To Hook Up With The Right People To Make Your Train Hum](https://chrisvonada.com/hook-right-people-make-train-hum/) - As a little boy we lived not too far from some train tracks in central Pennsylvania. The trains weaved their way through the valley much the same as the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that also ran through our community. The Susquehanna was somewhat of a lazy river, having notoriety as the longest river
- [Finishing Well](https://chrisvonada.com/finishing-well/) - The year of the selfie went on by like a bubble in a boiling pot.... Time for some Random Newness... whatever that may look like, dare I ask? If we could turn back time we could change everything, but we can't. Today is today and tomorrow is another just the same. I'm not sure my
- [How We're Thinking: From Parenting To Cultural Change](https://chrisvonada.com/the-perspective-of-how-were-thinking-from-parenting-to-cultural-change/) - I just finished this way cool book by Andy Andrews called "The Noticer Returns." Since I don't write book reviews here any more please feel free to follow this link over to Amazon.com where you can read my review and those by many other people who also love this book. I was pretty stoked when
- [The 12 Scents Of Christmas](https://chrisvonada.com/the-12-scents-of-christmas/) - The 12 Scents of Christmas... this took some thinking! These are the things that one might think of when it comes to Christmas and the season. - Frankincense and Myrrh. F&M. The standard when it comes to good Christmas scents. I can't say that I've ever even smelled these two, but I understand their scent
- [The Most Powerful Story You'll Ever Tell (And Why You Should Practice Telling It)](https://chrisvonada.com/the-most-powerful-story-youll-ever-tell-and-why-you-should-practice-telling-it/) - "The only thing you can take with you to heaven is some more people" Joby Martin The most important part of our journey here in this life may be summed up as: - Being in a growing relationship with Jesus. - Making disciples along the way. How do we do this? Well, being in a
- [The 4 Necessities To Leading A More Meaningful Life](https://chrisvonada.com/the-4-necessities-to-leading-a-more-meaningful-life/) - How do we lead a more meaningful life? A good question to ponder. If you haven't figured it out completely you're in good company. We've been working our way through the book of Acts in the Bible and talking a lot about goals and the journey itself in our Disciple Group. I shared my thoughts
- [What We Can Learn About Connectedness From The Digital Natives](https://chrisvonada.com/what-we-can-learn-about-connectedness-from-the-digital-natives/) - Does LOL mean that you're happy? Maybe when accompanied by a winky face. All caps means more than (lol) so I guess that gives us a clue to the tone. How about the body language of the chuckle? Sarcasm? Ummm, can't really tell. And perchance you're just trying to massage or persuade me? Ugh, now
- [Developing A Personal Mission Statement](https://chrisvonada.com/developing-a-personal-mission-statement/) - A personal mission statement. Do you have one for you, and/or for your family? I never did. It came up at church a couple of weeks ago. We were studying Acts Chapter 20, where Paul was on the move in an intentional way, he was moving and grooving on his way back to Jerusalem in
- [Learning To Be An Everyday Hero](https://chrisvonada.com/learning-to-be-an-everyday-hero/) - As I'm wading through my email last week and I ran across this one, from About.com, "The Psychology Of Heroism." I never realized that being a hero was all that complicated. Doesn't it usually go something like this: Clark Kent finds a telephone booth, pops the buttons off his broadcloth double Tattersall dress shirt, and
- [Ode To The Wishing Well](https://chrisvonada.com/ode-to-the-wishing-well/) - The wishing well... that fixture from folklore that people approach like a god. Water wells are commonly used to provide potable water for our consumption. The mythical type that we throw money into along with our requests? Yep they're still around too, typically they have a fountain and are located in the center of shopping
- [Throwing Down The God Card](https://chrisvonada.com/throwing-down-the-god-card/) - My grandparents taught me how to play cards. We played a game called rummy 500. My brother and I would play this and a few other games with them for hours. It was a bonding sort of experience, this card game was for us. I've played some other card games, like most people, but was
- [Cooling Your Jets In The Conflict Of Two Ages](https://chrisvonada.com/cooling-your-jets-in-the-conflict-of-two-ages/) - We had a revival at our church recently and one of the pastors who shared was Right Reverend Bishop Dr. Van Gayton. He's stopped by before, an amazing man who is gifted in his ability to share the gospel. You can tell he's also one of those people who is connected to the Holy Spirit.
- [When Words Sting by Jon Stolpe](https://chrisvonada.com/when-words-sting-by-jon-stolpe/) - Please join me in welcoming Jon Stolpe today. I don't read a whole lot of blogs now, but I do subscribe to Jons and look forward to reading it every morning. Jon is a very gifted writer who is passionate about small groups, missions, family, marriage, parenting, and Philadelphia sports. Jon is also a writer
- [Finding The Sweet Spot In Being Average](https://chrisvonada.com/finding-the-sweet-spot-in-being-average/) - Six months ago I changed churches and decided to strive to be another face in the crowd. I just wanted to be average. Why? Well, after standing at the front door and dashing across the stage for 4 years I was yearning for a place where I could just be an average Joe. If you
- [God, Politics, America and Morality: Why I Remain So Encouraged](https://chrisvonada.com/god-politics-america-and-morality-why-i-remain-so-encouraged/) - Last week I was interviewed by fellow blogger TC Avey. She asked some tough questions about God, politics, America and morality. Here's how I fielded them: Q: How do you think God views America and us today? I think God knows all and is omnipotent. He has a master plan for us and for the
- [The 3 Elements Of A Good Fire](https://chrisvonada.com/the-3-elements-of-a-good-fire/) - Fall means it's time to get fired up about revival around church. The masses return from summer break filled with a renewed interest in good, structured activities for the family. So what does a fire have to do with revival, or renewal? We generally think of a fire as a bad thing, unless we're in
- [Do New Christians Experience Church Shock?](https://chrisvonada.com/do-new-christians-experience-church-shock/) - Church Shock. Yep, kind of like culture shock. You know, culture shock: that feeling of disorientation from being emplaced in a foreign country for a period of time. Interestingly, culture shock is a fairly common phenomenon that occurs to people without ever leaving their home country. Many people experience a similar event when they transition
- [Time To Reconsider Our Relationship With Time?](https://chrisvonada.com/time-to-reconsider-our-relationship-with-time/) - I was reading an article recently about the value of time as it relates to stress and punctuality in our Western society. It seems the American tendency to be up tight about time is extreme in comparison to other cultures. Sometimes the day seems like people run around in what I call "ambulance mode" -
- [The Present by Carol Peterson](https://chrisvonada.com/the-present-by-carol-peterson/) - Today’s post, “The Present", is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith at her blog for kids, readers and writers as well. The first thing I do when I receive a gift is to hold it. I stroke the paper,
- [Life In The Meadows](https://chrisvonada.com/life-in-the-meadows/) - Think about it... we start off life in the meadows. Fields of green grass that are pristine, with Bighorn Sheep grazing in the park. These "parks" in the Rockies are meadows or mountain valleys. My image is of Estes Park, Colorado, the headquarters for the Rocky Mountain National Park. This land was once referred to
- [How The Next Gen Resembles The Last Gen And Breaking The Unchurched Pattern](https://chrisvonada.com/how-the-next-gen-resembles-the-last-gen-and-breaking-the-unchurched-pattern/) - Today I'm a guest at Joseph Lalonde's leadership and relationship blog, it's one of my favorite places to follow and visit. I've read many times about younger people - how they're different from previous generations. It reminds me of my generation and what the older folks thought then. Sort of the same thing. My thought
- [Lost In The Summer Of Fiction On An Island Of Leadership And Vulnerability](https://chrisvonada.com/lost-in-the-summer-of-fiction-on-an-island-of-leadership-and-vulnerability/) - "We're all in this together." - John Locke from Season 1 We've been watching the series Lost the past couple of months. Julia and I have really enjoyed watching it together as neither of us saw the series when it was originally broadcast. We're currently in Season 5. There are 6 seasons. Lost in the
- [The God-Honoring Courage And Calling Of Nehemiah](https://chrisvonada.com/the-god-honoring-courage-and-calling-of-nehemiah/) - Today I'm a guest at Carol Peterson's blog, From Carol's Quill. Nehemiah was a man of action. He was outstanding at organizing others and at inspiration. He held a prominent position in the government of Persia. However, that position wasn't his calling. This idea of "calling" is key in our society today and I believe
- [The Bigger Picture Of Hope](https://chrisvonada.com/the-bigger-picture-of-hope/) - Today I'm excited to be a guest at Eileen Knowles' blog, The Scenic Route. The Bigger Picture Of Hope? Today I'm writing about two opposite perspectives on religion, happiness and hope. I also share about an inspiring work trip to Northern Eleuthera in The Bahamas. On that trip several years ago I learned a life
- [Does 10 + 1 = 7 ? (It All Adds Up To Extraordinary Relationships)](https://chrisvonada.com/does-10-1-7-it-all-adds-up-to-extraordinary-relationships/) - Well, if you've followed the 10 + 1 series over the past year you may realize that I have reworked the material into The 7 Essentials Of Extraordinary Relationships, the subtitle of my new book that was released today, May 15th. There are, in fact, 11 chapters to the book, but only 7 of the
- [It Could Happen... (Why I Like Medium)](https://chrisvonada.com/it-could-happen-why-i-like-medium/) - "We now live in a world of infinite information. Most of our systems weren’t designed for this world. Even if you had the best recommendation system ever, and everyone stopped publishing interesting stuff tomorrow, you’d never get through all the content you’re interested in. You need a place to start. So our goal is to help people pay
- [The HA!! : The Secret Sauce To Reaching Home Plate](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-the-secret-sauce-to-reaching-home-plate/) - Time for “The HA!!” – This is my mini-series on life lessons I’ve gained through my humbling sports endeavors… I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I’m a “HA = Humbled Athlete.” Please check out the posts in this series by clicking this link. Baseball, like many sports, is a world of
- [If I Had Known Then What I Think I Know Now (Why I Wrote A Relationships Book)](https://chrisvonada.com/if-i-had-known-then-what-i-think-i-know-now-why-i-wrote-a-relationships-book/) - I'm really excited about my forthcoming book, "All Sorts And Conditions Of People: The 7 Essentials Of Extraordinary Relationships". It's scheduled for release next week, on May 15th (not to worry there will be a reminder :-) ). Why did I write a relationships book? And what makes me qualified to even write such a
- [On The Verge Of Publication...](https://chrisvonada.com/on-the-verge-of-publication/) - I'm so excited to be able to share with you today a glimpse of my next book, All Sorts And Conditions Of People: The 7 Essentials Of Extraordinary Relationships. While some relationships, like marriage, are more formal than others, they all share a few key components: Relationships are deliberate bonds between two people. Relationships are
- [Carol's Gems: May - The Emerald](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-may-the-emerald/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: May - The Emerald”, is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith at her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every month has a
- [Who's Running The Restaurant?](https://chrisvonada.com/whos-running-the-restaurant/) - When I was growing up and while I was in college I worked in a few restaurants. It was funny trying to figure out who really ran a restaurant. It was a lesson in perspective. It seemed to depended on what time of day it was... Early in the day, like in the morning, the owner
- [Late-Night TV And The Fall Of Man](https://chrisvonada.com/late-night-tv-and-the-fall-of-man/) - Late night TV has long been a place to unwind and laugh a little at the events of the day. One of my favorite all-time late nighters was Johnny Carson. He reigned for 30 years as the host of The Tonight Show. A very popular skit that Carson repeated was called "Carnac the Magnificent". Johnny played
- [How To Build Consensus In Everyday Life](https://chrisvonada.com/how-to-build-consensus-in-everyday-life/) - Consensus building is a "buzz word" in our work lives. Some of our leaders have a gift for doing this, gathering groups of people with conflicting opinions on complex issues and helping them reach agreement on a fair compromise to future direction. Working in the environmental field we got to see this process in action
- [Building Your Content: How Adventure Runs Through My Life](https://chrisvonada.com/building-your-content-how-007-runs-through-my-life/) - This week I was looking through my blog at some of the material that I've written over the past 3+ years. When you write about life in general, over time you come up with quite a variety. That's fun, in a lot of ways. I've learned quite a bit about God, life, and myself. Well,
- [What To Do With All Of Those Rocks?](https://chrisvonada.com/what-to-do-with-all-of-those-rocks/) - "Sometimes in life there just aren't enough rocks" - Forrest Gump Those were Forrest's words of wisdom upon reflection of Jenny's rage of anger at her past as they stumbled upon the old house were Jenny was raised. Jenny unloaded every stone in sight on the structure, busting out a window in the process before
- [Stretched To Transparency](https://chrisvonada.com/stretched-to-transparency/) - I'm on the road today, back to Pennsylvania, the state where I was born... in a manner of speaking, since I'm writing at Jon Stolpe's "Stretched" blog! Of course, rubber bands came to mind, as did being stretched for sharing the Gospel, all about Jesus with everyone who will listen. If you're not staying stretched
- [Caught In The Undertow](https://chrisvonada.com/caught-in-the-undertow/) - I love to swim and play in the ocean. I guess I must have  been born that way, like some dogs are called "water dogs". Having grown up in Vero Beach, Florida, my brother and I spent a lot of time at the beach. We would play in the waves for hours on end, riding
- [Carol's Gems: April Birthstone - The Diamond](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-april-birthstone-the-diamond/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: April Birthstone - The Diamond”, is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith at her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every month has
- [The 3 Keys To Overcoming A Brand Crisis](https://chrisvonada.com/the-3-keys-to-overcoming-a-brand-crisis/) - Corporate brands aren't all that different from people when it comes right down to a crisis. Just think about it... yesterday's corporate darling with a stellar reputation could turn into the red-headed stepchild in a hot second when disaster strikes or the urgent need for a recall pops up. While we can take some precautions,
- [From Suffering To Joy... Seeing In The Mind's Eye To It Is Finished](https://chrisvonada.com/from-suffering-to-joy-seeing-in-the-minds-eye-to-it-is-finished/) - Easter is a special kind of holiday for many. As we remember Jesus and what He did for us on the cross, we're reminded that we have an opportunity for a new beginning. He gave us hope. We remember that, without Jesus, we would be lost. There are no exceptions. God's finished work in Jesus'
- [What Brings You To The Cross?](https://chrisvonada.com/what-brings-you-to-the-cross/) - It's my pleasure and honor to welcome Lynn Mosher as a guest writer here at I'm Just Thinkin' today! Lynn lives with her hubby (since 1966) in their Kentucky nest, emptied of three chicklets and embraced three giggly grand-chicklets and an inherited dog. Lynn’s passion is to encourage others and glorify the Lord with her
- [Just Add Water](https://chrisvonada.com/just-add-water/) - Freeze drying food is a fairly simple but amazing process that we can use to preserve food by freezing it and then removing the moisture from the substance. This process leaves intact the flavor and nutritional value of the substance. Perishable foods, like Ice Cream, can be freeze-dried and sealed, then left at room temperature, without
- [The HA!! : Couples Golf And The Funk Of Having Mild-Mannered Spunk](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-golf-and-the-funk-of-having-mild-mannered-spunk/) - Time for "The HA!!" - This is my mini-series on life lessons I've gained through my humbling sports endeavors... I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I'm a "HA = Humbled Athlete." Please check out the other posts in this series at THE HA!! page. Moving on to golf now...
- [Why We Should Avoid Becoming Just Like Our Parents](https://chrisvonada.com/why-we-should-avoid-becoming-just-like-our-parents/) - How many generations have said it... I don't want to grow up to be just like my parents. What was it about our parents that we didn't like? They were old-fashioned. They didn't understand us. They couldn't relate. We don't want to be that way, but, unfortunately, many of us end up just that way in our
- [Shedding A Flood Of Light On The World](https://chrisvonada.com/shedding-a-flood-of-light-on-the-world/) - In Isaiah 45:7 the Lord says, "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." I guess the symbolism of the light of Jesus and the light on the world is pretty obvious then. We need it. I mean both. Today I'm excited to be
- [Carol's Gems: March Aquamarine](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-march-aquamarine/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: March Aquamarine”, is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every month has a birthstone. The
- [Living On The Edge Of Tomorrow](https://chrisvonada.com/living-on-the-edge-of-tomorrow/) - "The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious." Theodore Levitt The apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3, "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots
- [The HA!! : Appreciation](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-appreciation/) - Time for "The HA!!" - This is my mini-series on life lessons I've gained through my humbling sports endeavors... I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I'm a "HA = Humbled Athlete." Please check out the other posts in this series at THE HA!! page. Every time we compete there
- [Temperament Theory And Why Some People Naturally Shine Online](https://chrisvonada.com/the-mutation-from-temperament-theory-and-why-some-people-naturally-shine-online/) - I'm fascinated by people and personalities. So I borrowed this book, "Please Understand Me, Character & Temperament Types", written by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates. I discovered, among other things, there's a reason for my interest in people... I'm hot wired for it! Like the majority of authors, my personality is one of the NFs
- [The Low Down On Living Water](https://chrisvonada.com/the-low-down-on-living-water/) - I don't find water to be especially tasty. I know I need water to survive, but I wouldn't include drinking a glass of water as "bucket list" material. This all changes for me if I am very thirsty, like when I'm out for a long run. While I might opt for a refreshing frosty glass
- [Shakespeare : Saving The Best For Last... The Last Act](https://chrisvonada.com/shakespeare-saving-the-best-for-last-the-last-act/) - "All the world's a stage" - Shakespeare and The Plays... As a little kid I did a lot more playing than reading. I seldom read anything, being way more interested in most anything outdoors... climbing trees, riding my bike, playing GI Joe, acting goofy... I'm a fascinated newbie when it comes to Shakespeare. I started writing about his
- [Carol's Gems: Amethyst, Purple Is The Color Of Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-amethyst-purple-is-the-color-of-jesus/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: Amethyst, Purple Is The Color Of Jesus,” is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every
- [The HA!! : The Season Of Muddy Battle And Opportunity](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-the-season-of-muddy-battle-and-opportunity/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is Opportunity. Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. Time for “The HA!!” – This is my mini-series on life lessons I’ve gained through my humbling sports endeavors… I LOVE sports but genuinely suck
- [The When Of Class And Style](https://chrisvonada.com/the-when-of-class-and-style/) - When Jesus gave us mercy and grace He gave us an over the top example of how to do something with class and style. He didn't have to do it this way... but he did. Time and again he showed us turn the other cheek... I don't know about you but the class and style
- [The HA!! : The Perspective Of Schuss](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-the-perspective-of-schuss/) - Time for “The HA!!” – This is my mini-series on life lessons I’ve gained through my humbling sports endeavors… I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I’m a “HA = Humbled Athlete.” Please check out the other posts in this series at THE HA!! page. It's been said that a humble
- [Two Changes That Occurred When Our Portable Church Landed](https://chrisvonada.com/two-changes-that-occurred-when-our-portable-church-landed/) - Just over a year ago the church where I am connected found a home. We had been a "portable church" for 5 years (I've been there for 3.5 years now...). Being a portable church was a challenge. There was a small group of people who showed up to church very early on Sunday morning to
- [Interview With Author Carol Peterson](https://chrisvonada.com/interview-with-author-carol-peterson/) - Carol Peterson is a blogger friend that has helped me tremendously in learning how to write and through encouragement to complete my books and continue down the path to being an author. I was able to flag her down recently to answer a few questions about her writing, she's pretty busy as you will see
- [Religious Freedom: What Does Jesus Really Look Like These Days?](https://chrisvonada.com/religious-freedom-what-does-jesus-really-look-like-these-days/) - I was reading about Martin Luther King Jr. the other day. I wanted to learn more about this guy who has been credited with accomplishing more for our civil rights than possibly any other man in U.S. history. While I was cruising the internet in search of information about MLK Jr. I found something most
- [The HA!! : Acceptance](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-acceptance/) - Time for "The HA!!" - This is my mini-series on life lessons I've gained through my humbling sports endeavors... I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I'm a "HA = Humbled Athlete." Please check out the other posts in this series at THE HA!! page. My dose of humility in
- [A New Opportunity To Change The World](https://chrisvonada.com/a-new-opportunity-to-change-the-world/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is Forward. Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. So you want to change the world? What you do today will affect your future, and how you will be living tomorrow. When I think back
- [Book Release: "Believe... And You Say?"](https://chrisvonada.com/book-release-believe-and-you-say/) - My second book is available at Amazon today, it's FREE for Kindle for the next 5 days so please follow this link to swing on over and grab your copy! Here are the deets on this book... Science says we can look to a theory development process to ensure our beliefs are sound, and based
- [The HA!!: Anticipation](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha-anticipation/) - Time for "The HA!!" - This is my mini-series on life lessons I've gained through my humbling sports endeavors... I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I'm a "HA = Humbled Athlete." Please check out the other posts in this series at THE HA!! page. I think if one word
- [Carol's Gems: Garnets For Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-garnets-for-jesus/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: Garnets For Jesus,” is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every month has a birthstone.
- [Two Things I Will Always Remember From This Christmas Season](https://chrisvonada.com/two-things-i-will-always-remember-from-this-christmas-season/) - Tis the season... to stop blogging. I'm taking the next two weeks off from posting new material here at I'm Just Thinkin', to enjoy the holidays and spend extra time with my family and friends. I would encourage you to do the same. Be back on January 3rd. Until then, here are the two things
- [Life With The Tribes And The Rewiring Project](https://chrisvonada.com/life-with-the-tribes-and-the-rewiring-project/) - I was working on a project site recently and asked one of the guys working on the construction side of the project how the building was progressing. This major project consists of rebuilding an airport terminal. Part new construction, and part reworking an existing structure. He indicated it was going ok, new construction like a dream,
- [Finding Our Greatest Gift](https://chrisvonada.com/finding-our-greatest-gift/) - Our greatest gift... how do you zero in on that question? If I spend time thinking about it here is what I come up with: I believe the greatest gift we ever received was Jesus. He came here for one reason... we all fall short of God's glory, and the only way we can have
- [Carol's Gems: Blue Topaz And Tanzanite](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-blue-topaz-and-tanzanite/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: Blue Topaz and Tanzanite,” is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Each month has a
- [Book Release: Common Ground... Geology Happens!](https://chrisvonada.com/book-release-common-ground-geology-happens/) - My first book was published. Yay, I am so excited to be able to share this news with you! I was talking to one of my good friends at church yesterday about it, and he pointed out that it's a pretty big deal to publish a book. I tried to downplay it, but I guess
- [The #1 Reason To Be Thankful Today...](https://chrisvonada.com/the-1-reason-to-be-thankful-today/) - ... and so we're entering the season of giving. The season of Hope. The season of the Christmas tradition. Yep, it "officially" begins today. Black Friday. Time to get the tree up. Christmas parties and end of the year celebrations. I love this time of year, for all of the good memories, family traditions and
- [Shakespeare's #PlayOnWords](https://chrisvonada.com/shakespeares-playonwords/) - Hmmm, I wonder what he could have done with one of these #hashtag critters... If you follow my writing closely you know that I enjoy an occasional #playonwords. I've coined a few new words myself, some of which you can find at the Urban Dictionary. So I found out recently that Shakespeare originated over 1,700
- [Peace, Truth and Grace: The Battle Just Won](https://chrisvonada.com/peace-truth-and-grace-the-battle-just-won/) - Yesterday was Veteran's Day. I took the day off, enjoyed the parade in downtown Jacksonville. It was fun! Pretty cool that we spend a whole day every year in gratitude for the soldiers that fought for our country. Those who fought for a worthy cause... So I was thinking about peace since that is something
- [From Cultivating To Captivating: Saying More By Thinkin' Less?](https://chrisvonada.com/from-cultivating-to-captivating-saying-more-by-thinkin-less/) - Good advice I received from a few key folks early on in this writing journey: "Write - A lot!!" I did just that, and tried to nurture the ability with some much needed seasoning. Cultivating - The process of preparing... getting ready. A lot of people just spent a lot of time writing a lot
- [Carol's Gems: Topaz and Citrine - Harvesting Sunshine](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-topaz-and-citrine-harvesting-sunshine/) - Today’s post, “Carol’s Gems: Topaz and Citrine - Harvesting Sunshine,” is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books.
- [The French Chateau: Destinations, Dreams and Premonitions](https://chrisvonada.com/the-french-chateau-destinations-dreams-and-premonitions/) - Well, since it is Halloween... OK, this is pretty weird. I have this recurring dream about a place. Apparently it's not all that uncommon, but it still seems really strange to me. The place in my dreams is a house, I call it "The French Chateau." Well, because that's what it looks like, silly! Not
- [Always Wanting More](https://chrisvonada.com/always-wanting-more/) - Now and Laters - remember this candy from when we were younger? The makers of Now and Laters said you can have some now, AND save some for later. That sounded much better to me than the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This is one of those Chris-isms... "Always Wanting
- [The Wonder Of The Parable: What Disney Picked Up On From Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/the-wonder-of-the-parable-what-disney-picked-up-on-from-jesus/) - Walt Disney had an incredible imagination. An icon in the entertainment industry, He was an innovator in animation and theme park design. Walt co-founded Walt Disney Productions, one of the most prevalent motion picture producing companies in the world. We all know Walt and his films. Do you have a personal favorite Disney movie? My
- [Can we embrace obscurity and build a platform at the same time?](https://chrisvonada.com/can-we-embrace-obscurity-and-build-a-platform-at-the-same-time/) - "The duty of a faithful missionary is to concentrate on keeping his soul completely and continually open to the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. The men and women our Lord sends out on His endeavors are ordinary human people, but people who are controlled by their devotion to Him, which has been brought about
- [Our Active Role In Pursuing Peace](https://chrisvonada.com/our-active-role-in-pursuing-peace/) - Pursuing peace... a lot of times when I think of peace, I think of being overcome with this feeling. One that is calming, soothing and one that I wait for. Then I read this... Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips
- [Living A Life Of Discovery](https://chrisvonada.com/living-a-life-of-discovery/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Discovery.” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. Discovery... and Indiana Jones. Love Indy. He was the adventuring archaeology professor that "lived" on the big screen... so I like this adventure tale.
- [Immature... Pure... and the 3 States of Matter](https://chrisvonada.com/immature-pure-and-the-3-states-of-matter/) - So the Bible begins... appropriately... with these words... In the beginning... These three words that have the power to provide crystal clear answers to just about anything and everything. If we just knew some of the answers, true mysteries would be resolved forevermore... talk about discovery! However, maybe the elusive bewilderment is actually part of
- [Being Squeezed... Just Ripe!](https://chrisvonada.com/being-squeezed-just-ripe/) - Being Squeezed... Just Ripe! What? Yep, squeezie hugs feel good. There's something about one that makes us all warm inside. Squeezie hugs are energizing... and they're renewing. Submitting... I think in our world today it brings out a feeling of weakness. We're encouraged to want to be omnipotent in our own way, with the thought
- [Carol's Gems: Changing Colors](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-changing-colors/) - Today’s post, “Carol's Gems: Changing Colors,” is a monthly series on birthstones from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. There are
- [Looking For Ways To Say Yes... And When We Have To Say No](https://chrisvonada.com/looking-for-ways-to-say-yes-and-when-we-have-to-say-no/) - Are you a yes person? Do you have a hard time saying no to people when they ask you to help them, like maybe for a favor or for something that would require a commitment of your time? Maybe think of this decision as an investment, of sorts, in them (vs. you). I have a
- [Star-Crossed Lovers And The Certain-teed Outcome](https://chrisvonada.com/star-crossed-lovers-and-the-certain-teed-outcome/) - Star-Crossed Lovers... I googled it and got confused just reading about it at Wikipedia... so I thought I would muse about it... and the certain-teed outcome... There is something steamy brewing and since we've already been talking some Shakespeare here, I thought it would be cool to tack on some love and romance this week, because
- [The Living Water: Can We Be Too Wet?](https://chrisvonada.com/the-living-water-can-we-be-too-wet/) - The living water... life as we know it is supported by water. Our bodies... what we put in them for nourishment... the air that we breathe... and our surroundings are all based on the presence of water. It's a very basic building block. We can't live without it. Our existence and that of most everything else
- [Is The Garden Of Eden Still Somewhere Here On Earth?](https://chrisvonada.com/is-the-garden-of-eden-still-somewhere-here-on-earth/) - I never really put too much thought into this until SC came up with this question a few days ago... "Do you think the Garden of Eden is still somewhere here on earth?" It's a good question, certainly. So we got to talking about it and looked at the Bible verses together... After the fall
- [The 4 Human Endowments, Change And Our Most Omnipotent Choice](https://chrisvonada.com/the-4-human-endowments-change-and-our-most-omnipotent-choice/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Change.” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. "Every human has four endowments - self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... the power to choose,
- [The ExtraTerrestrial Event And The One Night Brostand](https://chrisvonada.com/the-extraterrestrial-event-and-the-one-night-brostand/) - Oh to be the little boy who shared his cookies and shacked up with the wayward space alien named ET... now THAT would be completely off the chains... AND the pages of the Sears Christmas Wish Book The ExtraTerrestrial Event And The One Night Brostand... Short-term friends... like a day or week in the life... do
- [The Power of Oomph!](https://chrisvonada.com/the-power-of-oomph/) - The power of Oomph... what's that? Maybe it's the ability to have influence beyond our concerns... yep, that's a Covey thing. It's having a positive impact on the people who are around me. This creative energy creates behavioral influence... and pizzazz! Whole heartedly using our spiritual gifts to connect our current opportunities to the next and
- [Doodling In The Dirt](https://chrisvonada.com/doodling-in-the-dirt/) - One of Jesus' lessons on judging others is from John Chapter 8... I call it "Doodling In The Dirt"... that's basically what He did while He let our conscience work on us... the story goes something like this... "The really smart people"... you know, that click we refer to as the Pharisees? For whatever reason,
- [The Holy Spirit And Shakespeare's Venerable Sonnets](https://chrisvonada.com/the-holy-spirit-and-shakespeares-venerable-sonnets/) - I can't imagine there will ever be a writer that could come along and replace William Shakespeare. Much like Beethoven and Mozart, the two great composers of music, the written word just seemed to flow from this Bard fellow... I never really put much thought into this until recently. Sure, I waded through Theatre Appreciation
- [Carol's Gems: September's Sapphire](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-septembers-sapphire/) - Today’s post, “September's Sapphire,” is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. Every month has a birthstone. The birthstone for September is the
- [Listening To What A Heart Is Really Saying](https://chrisvonada.com/listening-to-what-a-heart-is-really-saying/) - Have you ever noticed that when you get to know someone really well you can almost "hear right through them" and into their heart? It's as if you can tell the minutiae from the meat and potatoes when they speak. I can hide a lot of stuff in my heart... from you, me and everybody
- [How To Avoid The Paradox To Wisdom, Age And Spiritual Maturity](https://chrisvonada.com/how-to-avoid-the-paradox-to-wisdom-age-and-spiritual-maturity/) - As we age, most of us tend to realize that we really don't have it all figured out... that there is so much that we really don't know... at the same time, we generally also associate wisdom with age... is this a paradox? I'm not so sure... I believe this realization that we come to,  the
- [The Positive Attitude Found Through A Negative Experience](https://chrisvonada.com/the-positive-attitude-found-through-a-negative-experience/) - A negative experience... the most memorable quote that I've ever heard is this one... "Experience is that thing we get when we didn't get what we wanted." - Unknown. Wow, that's inspiriting, right? Well, not really. This quote makes the statement that we learned a tough lesson when we didn't get what we wanted... and
- [The Connection Between Our Memories And Everlasting](https://chrisvonada.com/the-connection-between-our-memories-and-everlasting/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Memory.” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. I believe there is a connection between our memories and everlasting. Our memory is one of the fascinating abilities of the human mind. The
- [The One Thing We Must Do When God Says Wait](https://chrisvonada.com/the-one-thing-we-must-do-when-god-says-wait/) - If you're like me you don't like sitting around waiting. I'm the sort of guy who wants to bust a move on every day and make something happen. Often when I have to go to the doctor's office or another appointment and I know that I may be waiting for a period of time I
- [Checkmate! The Battle Between Good And Evil...](https://chrisvonada.com/checkmate-the-battle-between-good-and-evil/) - If you think about it, the continual battle between good and evil takes place every day in our world... in our daily lives. Everyone is a player in this game of spiritual warfare, in one way or another... and, yes, we can ALL be caught on either side of this table. The ONLY man who
- [Peace and the Holy Spirit](https://chrisvonada.com/peace-and-the-holy-spirit/) - I love Francis Chan. It's been a long time since I wrote about him... I shared a funny story about my encounter with "Chan" at a gas station one day... heehee "Hey look, it's CHAN!!! Peace and the Holy Spirit... I'm bringing up Francis today as he wrote a book about the Holy Sprit. The book
- [Embracing The Journey: Living What Your Heart Is Saying](https://chrisvonada.com/embracing-the-journey-living-what-your-heart-is-saying/) - When I started out on my own as a Geologist it was really scary. I had been working in the consulting field for about 10 years, and self-employment was something that I always wanted to do. I asked several people (much wiser, older guys) that worked with me and in our field about the idea
- [Carol's Gems: Peridot — The Foundation Of Heaven](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-peridot-the-foundation-of-heaven/) - Today’s post, “Peridot - The Foundation Of Heaven,” is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. CAROL’S GEMS: PERIDOT—THE FOUNDATION OF HEAVEN Every
- [Appreciation for the Community here at I'm Just Thinkin' for July 2012](https://chrisvonada.com/appreciation-for-the-community-here-at-im-just-thinkin-july-2012/) - That time again... I really enjoy being able to do this every month, showing appreciation for everyone who stops by here to read and share. It has a dynamic all it's own... and one that I learn and grow from every day! July 2012 was typical of most summer months here... things slow down a
- [What King Louie Really Needed (and a little more about Mowgli)](https://chrisvonada.com/what-king-louie-really-needed-and-a-little-more-about-mowgli/) - [vsw id="c9cWkUhZ8n4" source="youtube" width="425" height="344" autoplay="no"] You may remember King Louie was the orangutan in the movie The Jungle Book. King Louie had it all... everything, that is, that a monkey could ask for. He had fame and fortune... now I don't know exactly how many monkeys there were in the jungle, but I'm guessing
- [Think Before We Speak: 5 Suggestions](https://chrisvonada.com/think-before-we-speak-5-suggestions/)
- [Clearing The Deck... Mashup Love... And The Sexy F-Word](https://chrisvonada.com/clearing-the-deck-mashup-love-and-the-sexy-f-word/) - There's something brewing and I have been struggling with how to resolve it... I wanted to share my thought process... It involves conscience... morality... honesty... hatred... jealousy... and God. I know, that's a pretty big list... and unfortunately, I can't really share more deets. I can tell you that there are people who are very
- [Finding Boldness Before God... Love In Truth And Action.](https://chrisvonada.com/finding-boldness-before-god-love-in-truth-and-action/) - Boldness is one of those words/concepts that I've been stuck on lately. I pray boldly, asking God to bless me bigtime! Something pretty strange happened to me just a few days ago... maybe you remember a while ago I wrote about "the ahhh haaa moment?" This was something really crazy that happened to me a
- [The Celebration Of Coming Full Circle](https://chrisvonada.com/the-celebration-of-coming-full-circle/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Celebration.” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. Coming full circle... I don't know about you, but in life whenever there is a loose end it tends to make me wonder. I
- [Carol's Gems: Rubies for Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-rubies-for-jesus/) - Today’s post, "Rubies For Jesus," is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. CAROL’S GEMS: RUBIES FOR JESUS Every month has a birthstone.
- [Motivation: Cherish Yesterday... Thankful For Today... Excited About Tomorrow](https://chrisvonada.com/motivation-cherish-yesterday-thankful-for-today-excited-about-tomorrow/) - Cherish Yesterday... Thankful For Today... Excited About Tomorrow I got to thinkin' about this as it came up while talking with the HB just the other day... What motivates me? What is "my motive?" Have you ever thought about that question? For me... like most of us... it's buried in my personality... it's a part
- [Finding Synergy Through An Online Community](https://chrisvonada.com/finding-synergy-through-an-online-community/) - Synergy... dictionary.com says it's "the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc." I've been writing here at I'm Just Thinkin' for over 2 years now. One of the things I've picked up on is the very cool trend of how
- [How To Make A Perfect Memory](https://chrisvonada.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-memory/) - Are you one of those sappy, sentimental people who lives for making beautiful memories? I know I am! To me, good memories are the lifeblood of living in the positive... they provide vitality to everyday events... events that we may take for granted or completely miss if we don't know how to be ready for them.
- [Two Easy Ways To Be A Great Storyteller](https://chrisvonada.com/two-easy-ways-to-be-a-great-storyteller/) - Having a vivid imagination is a pretty awesome blessing. One of my all-time favorite creatives of all time is Gary Larson. Gary wrote The Far Side... I could relate... usually. I guess the fact that much of his humor was surreal appealed to me... that, and I guess I'm a little bit off on the
- [... The Filter Theory Takes Root...](https://chrisvonada.com/the-filter-theory-takes-root/) - God did a mighty good thing when He blessed us with the capacity to hear sounds... I can hear the birds chirping and singing in the early morning... my sweet granddaughter Emma laughing... and the joyful, reverberating echo of an "I Love You" as it rattles across my eardrums... just to name a few... A
- [Continually Seeking Wisdom...](https://chrisvonada.com/continually-seeking-wisdom/) - Continually Seeking Wisdom... "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for
- [A New Twist On Love And Trust...](https://chrisvonada.com/a-new-twist-on-love-and-trust/) - Several weeks ago I was just days away from sending out my first book proposal. I was pretty happy with what I had put together, and I thought it was ready. Then, suddenly, everything changed. It seems my book project, The Wellspring Of Life, was incomplete. What? I thought I had nailed it down.... but,
- [Believe... And The Whole Shebang](https://chrisvonada.com/believe-and-the-whole-shebang/) - Believe... A personal goal for 2012 is to focus on the word believe. Why? It’s one of the most important words in the Bible… “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Last month I shared with you
- [Carol's Gems: Pearls Of Great Value](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-pearls-of-great-value/) - Today’s post is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning exciting in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. This begins a year-long series on birthstones and how they remind me of
- [Geology LITE: The Gold Rush](https://chrisvonada.com/geology-lite-the-gold-rush/) - "Because, you know, resilience - if you think of it in terms of the Gold Rush, then you'd be pretty depressed right now because the last nugget of gold would be gone. But the good thing is, with innovation, there isn't a last nugget. Every new thing creates two new questions and two new opportunities."
- [3 Reasons We Should Be Thankful Whenever Adversity Shows Up](https://chrisvonada.com/3-reasons-we-should-be-thankful-whenever-adversity-shows-up/) - Adversity... it comes as that ugly issue that pops up on the radar screen just when life is good. I mean really good. Then... sure enough... here it comes... out of nowhere adversity strikes... and you're left to try to pick up the pieces. What's up with that? I mean, if things were really great
- [Carol's Gems: Treasure Hunting](https://chrisvonada.com/carols-gems-treasure-hunting/) - Today's post is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith on her blog From Carol’s Quill and making learning fun in Fun with Finance and other teacher resource books. “Carol’s Gems” is a glitter-loving gal’s way to find a place
- [The 2 Curses Of Attraction](https://chrisvonada.com/the-2-curses-of-attraction/) - Looks, as we all well know, are skin deep. The skin is thin... 2 to 3 millimeters... that's 0.1 inches. Sure, there are other features involved in forming our impression, but the first glance is enormous in determining attraction in the world we live in. Some of you may be wondering what in the tarnation
- [Leadership: The Moses - Joshua Connection](https://chrisvonada.com/leadership-the-moses-joshua-connection/) - Today I'm writing at Allen Madding's blog... it's a piece called "Leadership: the Moses - Joshua Connection." I believe this may be the most inspiring lesson in the history of mankind regarding leadership. Please follow this link to read today's post! Allen is a follower of Jesus and writes about his passions at Harley In
- [The 10 + 1 Building Blocks Of Relationships](https://chrisvonada.com/the-10-1-building-blocks-of-relationships/) - Today I'm honored to be a guest at Carol Peterson's blog, I hope you'll follow the link here to Carol's blog to my new series, The 10 + 1 Building Blocks Of Relationships. Today's post is an introduction to the series that will be running monthly over the next year. Carol Peterson is a writer
- [What I Learned About Unconditional Love From My Man Gump](https://chrisvonada.com/what-i-learned-about-unconditional-love-from-my-man-gump/) - I love Forrest yes I do. Yep, unconditionally too. I've written about him before (just a couple of times). Now Forrest was not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he knew a few things... most importantly, Forrest knew unconditional love. God's perfect example of unconditional love was Jesus... he came for us and lived
- [4 Steps To Bringing Out The Best In Others](https://chrisvonada.com/4-steps-to-bringing-out-the-best-in-others/) - Whenever I think about the people who are close to me I want to not only try to surround myself with good people, I also strive to bring out the best in others. This, to me, seems to go right along with love your neighbor as yourself. How do I go about doing this? Here
- [Cloud Storage: The Newest Trend?](https://chrisvonada.com/cloud-storage-the-newest-trend/) - "The cloud is the future of all data storage." It's the mantra on the street these days. It just makes sense, right? I mean, we can store all of our stuff in one place, and then be able to access it from wherever... from our various gadgets, without having to overwrite redundant copies... they say
- [Joy... And An Awesome Surfer Dream?](https://chrisvonada.com/joy-and-an-awesome-surfer-dream/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Joy” Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. Joy… uncontrollable… unannounced… attributable only to purity… a sign of inner peace. It feels good. My example? I've woken up from a dream
- [Discretion: 5 steps to making good choices](https://chrisvonada.com/discretion-5-steps-to-making-good-choices/) - I'm very thankful today to have the opportunity to be a guest at Dan Black's blog. I love reading about leadership and inspiration and Dan does both with grace and style. Being a part of his community is truly an honor. Dan's blog focuses on leadership, personal development, strengths, and success. Â He accomplishes this with
- [Focus: How This One Simple Adjustment Changed My Whole World](https://chrisvonada.com/focus-how-this-one-simple-adjustment-changed-my-whole-world/) - In some ways, we're very simple... yet, very complex. Most of life is just that way too. I was reading a Michael Hyatt post from a couple of days ago... Â bad habits and how to "Just Stop It"... Bob Newhart handed this advice out for next to nothing... freely... this advice seems pretty simple really...
- [Holy Week... What's Next? (The Other 51...)](https://chrisvonada.com/holy-week-whats-next-the-other-51/) - Holy Week 2012 was amazing. It left me feeling really warm inside. "Best Ever" sounds redundant when I say it every holiday. My family is growing... there is love... yep, just love... I think of the impact from Holy Week and the event that we celebrate as Easter... the significance and gift of the resurrection...
- [The 2 Forces That Bring Us Down To Earth](https://chrisvonada.com/the-2-forces-that-bring-us-down-to-earth/) - "Down to Earth" ... a catchy adage about someone who is simple... unobtrusive... tasteful... LITE (heehee)... or maybe just downright humble... If someone told me that I'm down to earth I would take that to be a huge compliment. Earth tones are tony. Clean. I am drawn to that appearance... but being down to earth
- [Believe: Looking In... Looking Up... And Then Look Around.](https://chrisvonada.com/believe-looking-in-looking-up-and-then-look-around/) - A personal goal for 2012 is to focus on the word believe. Why? It’s one of the most important words in the Bible… “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 I've been doing some research... Our journey
- [Creativity, Your Environment and Adapting to Change](https://chrisvonada.com/creativity-your-environment-and-adapting-to-change/) - I believe that everyone is a creative. Often when we think of creatives we think of artists and writers... however, we all use creativity in a unique way when we apply our gifts. For instance, if your gift is to serve, you might think outside the box and commit a random act of kindness... show
- [Having The Eyes To See](https://chrisvonada.com/having-the-eyes-to-see/) - Easter is just around the corner and lots of folks are figuring out how they're going to spend the day... and thinking more and more about what happened on that day... what Jesus did for us... It's a pretty amazing story... with lots of witnesses... easy to see... for anyone willing to open their eyes...
- [Springing Forward...](https://chrisvonada.com/springing-forward/) - I know, I know... the time change was last weekend! I'm springing forward to March 26th, taking a week off from posting new material here at I'm Just Thinkin' to focus on two very important blessings in my world... it's Love and Life... Until then... I'm thankful... Â (and you may still find me on twitter
- [Jesus' Prayer For Us: Unity](https://chrisvonada.com/jesus-prayer-for-us-unity/) - Near the very end of Jesus' life here on earth He said a prayer... one that provides valuable insight on the theme of Peace, Love and Unity... this prayer for future believers (that would be us) immediately follows a prayer for himself, and for his disciples... "My prayer is not for them alone, I pray
- [Valor... Courage In Defense Of A Noble Cause](https://chrisvonada.com/valor-courage-in-defense-of-a-noble-cause/) - Courage in defense of a noble cause... that would be Valor. I read more definitions of Valor... boldness in facing great danger was a memorable one... boldness... for a good, worthy cause... So I saw the movie Act of Valor this weekend. I really liked it. Near the end of the movie an inspiring quotation
- [Living In The Wrinkled Look: My First Video Post](https://chrisvonada.com/living-in-the-wrinkled-look-my-first-video-post/) - I had a friend a few years ago who always showed up wearing wrinkled. He looked like he simply took his clothes right out of the dryer every day and went his merry way. He wore the look and wore it well. Living in the wrinkled look... I wear it on occasion so I thought I
- [The Hurdles To Believe](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hurdles-to-believe/) - A personal goal for 2012 is to focus on the word believe. Why? It's one of the most important words in the Bible... "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Our walk to believe is like
- [Morphing the word Savor](https://chrisvonada.com/morphing-the-word-savor/) - I'm writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is "savor." Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you're a Christian writer or author. Savor... to taste and enjoy completely... Do you enjoy food? Most of us would answer yes. I'm a bit of a foodie... I love
- [The Quintessential Christian](https://chrisvonada.com/the-quintessential-christian/) - Quintessential - representing the perfect example of a class or quality. Example: "Everybody thinks of him as the quintessential church boy?" I would hope the quintessential christian would be a draw... someone who is real... human... a dude who is a magnet, drawing others into the church and close to Jesus. What does he (or
- [Expectations & The Feeling Of Peace](https://chrisvonada.com/expectations-the-feeling-of-peace/) - Several years ago while working on a project site we had a really bad day. I remember it well... a number of relatively minor mishaps (these were frequent while working in the field, and actually part of the day-to-day challenges that one must be able to take on to thrive in our work environment)... were
- [Book Review: "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" by Andy Andrews](https://chrisvonada.com/book-review-how-do-you-kill-11-million-people-by-andy-andrews/) - "Why the truth matters more than you think." Andy takes us on an educational journey of how a leader misleads a whole bunch of folks into the gas chamber. Pretty sick thought. But true story. Then he takes this logic a step further... and encourages us to make wise choices when we select our leaders...
- [A Quite Different Point Of View](https://chrisvonada.com/a-quite-different-point-of-view/) - It was one year ago today that the door was opened... I learned a lot about people... I learned a lot about life... I learned a lot about God... I learned a lot about a lot of stuff that at times I wish I never learned a lot about... and yet, when it's all said
- [The Lion And The Lamb](https://chrisvonada.com/the-lion-and-the-lamb/) - I watched The Chronicles Of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe for the first time last week. ... it inspired me to write about how Jesus was both the Lion and the Lamb. Narnia portrayed Jesus as the Lion. Strong and bold. Jesus gave it all for us. We needed that. We
- [Friends For A Season, A Reason, Or A Lifetime...](https://chrisvonada.com/friends-for-a-season-a-reason-or-a-lifetime/) - Friends are said to come into our lives for a season, reason or for a lifetime... I wanted to share with you today a poem that I ran across about the people who we cross paths with... very cool... Reason, Season, or Lifetime People come into your life for a reason, a season or a
- [Exegesis, Eisegesis & Use Of The Word](https://chrisvonada.com/exegesis-eisegesis-use-of-the-word/) - This is big boy church lingo that many people have never heard. I hadn't, and as someone who is not a theologian I'm not sure I ever would have except for reading it in Chan's Forgotten God. It's the two ways or schools of thought on applying material from the Bible... Exegesis - Seek first
- [The Biblical Characters of Gilligan's Island](https://chrisvonada.com/the-biblical-characters-of-gilligans-island/) - Andy Andrews got me started on this train of thought... wondering which Biblical personality each character from Gilligan's Island most resembled. I woke up last night and... shazam!!... I finally nailed these matches down: Gilligan is Jonah - Yes, "Little Buddy" is the one most likely to be swallowed by the whale. Additionally, he is
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart: Focus and Runoff](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart-focus-and-runoff/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart.Please check out the other posts in this series here… Focus and runoff... What is my focus? We can think of focusing in the right direction as mind over matter. If you manage your
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart: Groundwater/Storage](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart-groundwaterstorage/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart.Please check out the other posts in this series here… It's one thing to just let something or another into your heart... and quite another to store it in there. The word "storage"
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart: Ker-thump!](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart-ker-thump/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart.Please check out the other posts in this series here… Did you know that... kerplunk + pitter patter = ker-thump ? makes sense, right? I thought so... Lord help us if you are
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart: Gracedrops](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart-gracedrops/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart.Please check out the other posts in this series here… Filling the clouds makes them drippy and when the clouds get full the forecast says showers of precipitation are on the horizon... Rain
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart: Going Up](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart-going-up/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart. Please check out the other posts in this series here... There are two "Going Up" processes in the hydrologic cycle: Evaporation - Vaporization of a liquid from the surface of the liquid
- [The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hydrologic-cycle-and-your-heart/) - The Hydrologic Cycle And Your Heart is a 6-post series about some of the choices we make and how they affect our heart. Water is everywhere in our world... we breathe it, drink it, swim in it, snowboard on it, you can hear it go whooosh, splash, crash, and kerplunk. It is essential, forming the
- [Geology LITE: Rocks On The Go... Vroom Vroom!!](https://chrisvonada.com/geology-lite-rocks-on-the-go-vroom-vroom/) - We all know the earth moves, but these rocks defy logic. The rocks of Racetrack Playa. These rocks have legs. They've got some get up and go. How exactly do they get around? Here's the low down: Racetrack Playa is located in Death Valley National Park in California. The Playa is an extremely flat lakebed
- [After The Flood And The Stillness Of Winter](https://chrisvonada.com/after-the-flood-and-the-stillness-of-winter/) - After the flood God said to Noah... "I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you - the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you - every living creature on earth.
- [Talent, The Grove & The Down Side Of Being Exceptionally Good At It](https://chrisvonada.com/talent-the-grove-the-down-side-of-being-exceptionally-good-at-it/) - Talent. We are all exceptionally good at something. For each of us, it may be something very different from the next person. We all have some sort of talent. I'm not really thinking about our spiritual gifts here... you may remember I wrote about Our Greatest Gift recently. This talent that we're exceptionally good at...
- [Believe](https://chrisvonada.com/believe/) - Believe. It's one word that defines our faith. It's the biggest word in possibly the most important verse in all of the Gospel... "For God so loved that world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. Believe. I think it's
- [#52: Thankful It's A Keeper](https://chrisvonada.com/52-thankful-its-a-keeper/) - All I can say is wow, what a year! Everyone writes inspiration this time of year, a time of reflection. I try to come up with inspiration once a week. As I thought about what inspiration to write this week I came up with just one thought: Thankful. Today I'm thankful for my readers. The
- [The Downhill Slide](https://chrisvonada.com/the-downhill-slide/) - The downhill slide looks like lots of fun! I'm taking a brief break here at I'm Just Thinkin' to spend more time with my family, get caught up on some other commitments and refresh. I'll be back next week with more of God's goodness. Until then... The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you
- [Up From The Deep: From The Inside Out](https://chrisvonada.com/up-from-the-deep-from-the-inside-out/) - "Up From The Deep: From The Inside Out" is a post within the short series called The Wave. Please check out The Wave post page and the other posts in this series. Ok, so this intimacy that you're talking about Chris... I'm not really sure if I have experienced it to the level you're suggesting is
- [True Intimacy: Just Being Me Consistently](https://chrisvonada.com/true-intimacy-just-being-me-consistently/) - "True Intimacy: Just Being Me Consistently" is a post within the short series called The Wave. Please check out The Wave post page and the other posts in this series. Ok, so you're ready to dive right into The Wave of Identity, Character and Intimacy. Sweet! Experiencing true intimacy is easier than you think... In fact
- [The Tsunami: For Fear Of Intimacy](https://chrisvonada.com/the-tsunami-for-fear-of-intimacy/) - "The Tsunami: For Fear Of Intimacy" is a post within the short series called The Wave. Please check out The Wave post page and the other posts in this series. The wave of our presence and a harmonious ripple ... it is easier than you might think... there is one huge barrier... a wall of water
- [The Ripple Effect: Identity, Character and Intimacy](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ripple-effect-identity-character-and-intimacy/) - Ripples are a series of waves... capillary waves that form on the surface of water. They are disturbances that transfer energy. Throw a small stone in a body of water and with a kerplunk waves resonate out from the point of impact. Quiescence is replaced with rhythmic waves of turbulent flow in the purest, soft and sensual
- [Processing Our Thoughts Through Our Heart](https://chrisvonada.com/processing-our-thoughts-through-our-heart/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is "Gifts Of The Heart" Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. Processing our thoughts through our heart. Is this possible? I wrote about  The Link Between The Heart, Mind And
- [The flame alive within single church guys today](https://chrisvonada.com/the-flame-alive-within-single-church-guys-today/) - Is there a flame alive within single church guys today? This seems to be a question mark hanging over any single guy who is a follower of Jesus... He can talk the talk... but does he walk the walk? When we consider these creatures, there are a few options... a) is he a flaming hypocrite?
- [A Half-Day Of Reflection](https://chrisvonada.com/a-half-day-of-reflection/) - I took a 1/2 off from my usual routine yesterday and reflected... I reflected on the past year. It has been very different to say the least. To be quite frank, since I was baptized at the same time as my daughter Rachael, life has been very exciting and different. That was 12 years ago.
- [Top Commenters for November 2011](https://chrisvonada.com/top-commenters-for-november-2011/) - The top monthly commenters here at I'm Just Thinkin' for the month of November were... Carol Peterson (14) Arny Sanchez (10) Joe Lalonde (9) Michael Galloway (6) Christine Niles (4) Adam (2) Chris Henderson (2) Loren Pinilis (2) Traci B (2) Andrew Z (1) Please click on the links to enjoy their blogs too, they
- [The Wave And Our Presence](https://chrisvonada.com/the-wave-and-our-presence/) - The Wave is a Post Series on Identity, Character and Intimacy... The Wave And Our Presence... A lot of times when I catch up with family or friends our get-together will resemble a wave in the ocean... One person will initiate contact with an e-mail or phone call, or maybe we run into each other
- [Joseph's Sweetest Dream And What They Really Mean](https://chrisvonada.com/josephs-sweetest-dream-and-what-they-really-mean/) - Do you dream a lot? It seems to me like I have lots of dreams... not just the daydreams silly... I'm writing today about the ones that come at night. Lately I've been on a string of really awesome dreams. That's sweet! However, one night recently I had a bad one... really random and out
- [What Pings Your Creative Juice?](https://chrisvonada.com/what-pings-your-creative-juice/) - What Pings Your Creative Juice? Mine flows with a sparkling image... positive vibrant melodies... brilliant colors... aromatic sweetness... a sensual cathedral... variety. words like magnanimity... a friendly smile... the laugh of jiggly jello... a spontaneous soft touch... rumbling clouds... golden quaking aspen... when I open my eyes what do I see? is it energetic and
- [The Beauty Of True Freedom](https://chrisvonada.com/the-beauty-of-true-freedom/) - God was interested in unconditional love when he created man. To get that he gave us something special... freedom, or what we refer to as free will. It's the power to choose. This turned out to be a very painful journey for God and for us too... but necessary to have the purest and truest
- [just being me @ chrisvonada.info](https://chrisvonada.com/just-being-me-chrisvonada-info/) - I added a new front, or branding page that is... well... just me! It's pretty plain and simple. Sometimes in life I need to remind myself to just be me. I am so very thankful that God accepts me just the way I am... that leaves me wanting... no... yearning to please Him... and wanting
- [All Ears...](https://chrisvonada.com/all-ears/) - Holy Yowza I looked and the last time I took a breather from blogging for a week was back in July. It's time again to Just Listen... to God's voice... and focus on some other commitments. I hope you'll enjoy reading some favorites that I'll provide links to on my Twitter and Facebook accounts. Be
- [Overcoming The Neins with some lower-case o's](https://chrisvonada.com/overcoming-the-neins-with-some-lower-case-os/) - Our Christian Writers topic for this month... "The 9's" ... guess where my mind went... "The Neins" ... which in German means "not." (the cardinal number 9 is actually "neun" in German). I tried to put serious thought into the use of not... Why Not :) Absorbed in the train of thought - To Nein...
- [The Big Play: Going Deep with a Capital T](https://chrisvonada.com/the-big-play-going-deep-with-a-capital-t/) - Going Deep in football requires Teamwork with a capital T. Other plays require teamwork for sure... The hand off... the short pass ... even the field goal required a team effort. Going Deep is different.. Something more... More significant... More glory... More God. Think about the greatest play you can remember in a football game...
- [Twitter: How Far To Reach For Influence?](https://chrisvonada.com/twitter-how-far-to-reach-for-influence/) - I'm on "learn as you go" mode with Twitter. It's been a while since I've written about Twitter, and since I've made some changes on how I manage my Twitter account I thought I would write about it again. first a random thought... - it seems like there has been an influx of new people
- [Celebrating the Gift of Friendship: What is Your Favorite Blog to Read?](https://chrisvonada.com/celebrating-the-gift-of-friendship-what-is-your-favorite-blog-to-read/) - I think for most of us that write and/or read blogs the difficult part is going to be to pick just one... there are sososoooo many good ones today! If you had to pick a favorite blog to read... what would it be? (please include a link if you can so we can all head
- [pop culture goodness in the church today](https://chrisvonada.com/pop-culture-goodness-in-the-church-today/) - So much of what I write about popular culture is basically ripping on it in general, and me extensively, as I have my fair share of pop culture indulgences. I don't think the world today is all bad. Since I'm a total optimist I wanted to share a thought on how popular culture is being
- [Top Commenters for October 2011](https://chrisvonada.com/top-commenters-for-october-2011/) - Here's a list of the top commenters for last month... Carol Peterson (15) Denise (6) Cindee Snyder Ree (4) Sheila Hollinghead (3) Lynn Mosher (2) Michael Galloway (2) Seth Caddell (2) Traci B (2) Andrew Z (1) Bryan Allain (1) Please click on the listed people to enjoy their blogs, these include some of my
- [Guy Post... Girl Blog](https://chrisvonada.com/guy-post-girl-blog/) - Girl blogs are cool. I like them because they share about really sappy sweet topics that you don't find when you frequent guy blogs. To me, guy blogs can be funny, but girl blogs tend to speak to my heart. In some ways I sort of write a girl blog. Maybe you don't read a
- [Further Insulating A Strong Bond](https://chrisvonada.com/further-insulating-a-strong-bond/) - My daughter Allie was married on Saturday. It was a very emotional event for our family, drawing everyone closer together. I wanted to share with you today a portion of the speech that I gave at the ceremony, after the formal announcement of Allie and Ben's marriage... While we gather here today to celebrate I
- [Shamelessly pitch your blog/artistic endeavor here today!](https://chrisvonada.com/shamelessly-pitch-your-blogartistic-endeavor-here-today/) - Recap: Last week we started sharing the love here at I'm Just Thinkin'. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the goofy nicknames... a girl named "sport"? ... J.K. Rowling was a popular good read, and finding peace... Also, it was the second busiest traffic day for the blog ever! This week, I'm Thinkin' it would be fun
- [Reaching Out To Feed The Baby](https://chrisvonada.com/reaching-out-to-feed-the-baby/) - Baby Emma was born just a few months ago. At the time of her delivery, our family was lined up wall to wall waiting in anticipation, Â and when she was born we all wanted at first a glimpse and then to hold her and love on her. That was 3 months ago... and now I
- [Recharge and The Happy Camper](https://chrisvonada.com/recharge-and-the-happy-camper/) - Last week was a busy one... two sick grandchildren, my daughter Allie's wedding is this coming Saturday, and a backlog of work, on the tippy top of the normal day-to-day. I've found myself overwhelmed at the moment with too many commitments. Following my own advice I went back and reviewed my post "Simplify Life With
- [Sharing The Love And Thanking God For You (3 fun youfacts)](https://chrisvonada.com/sharing-the-love-and-thanking-god-for-you-3-fun-youfacts/) - Guess what? Friday's are now all about you! I'm making Friday posts here a place where you, the readers and community, can share. I'm very thankful for you. On Friday, it's All About You! if you dare to share here is the place on Fridays... Today: Please join us for sharing the love and answer
- [The Best Sex I've Ever Had (a.k.a. The TMI Post)](https://chrisvonada.com/the-best-sex-ive-ever-had-a-k-a-the-tmi-post/) - There are a number of deets that I will not be able to share with you in my writing here at I'm Just Thinkin', or in my books. You know, stuff like The Best Sex I've Ever Had. That would obviously be Too Much Information (TMI). I'm reluctant to start a TMI list here but
- [This Is A Love Story](https://chrisvonada.com/this-is-a-love-story/) - This Is A Love Story, one of a joyful harvest. Blossoming to a beautiful tree from a tiny seed... This Is A Love Story... of how God relentlessly pursued one man. As with any good love story, this one is filled with drama... romance... suspense... good and evil... betrayal... deception... it is also filled with
- [The Best Advice For Finding True Wisdom: Reverence For God](https://chrisvonada.com/the-best-advice-for-finding-true-wisdom-reverence-for-god/) - Wisdom ... knowledge... insight... wisdom is something that will give me understanding, a sense of direction, or guide me to taking a specific (and positive :) ) action. I've prayed many times for God to lead me in making decisions, asking Him to give me knowledge... basically, for wisdom. He will always answer prayers, although
- [do i really want to smell like The Old Spice Guy ?](https://chrisvonada.com/do-i-really-want-to-smell-like-the-old-spice-guy/) - The Old Spice Guy... we all know him from the commercials at the movie theatre... he is entertaining... and we all know what he smells like, right? well, maybe not... does Old Spice Guy smell like a possum... or is his odor awesome? I'm not really sure... his attraction must be more than just a
- [The connection between Harmony and Morality](https://chrisvonada.com/the-connection-between-harmony-and-morality/) - "Morality, then, seems to be concerned with three things. Firstly, with fair play and harmony between individuals. Secondly, with what might be called tidying up or harmonising the things inside each individual. Thirdly, with the general purpose of human life as a whole: what man was made for: what course the whole fleet ought to
- [what to do if a gay guy hits on you](https://chrisvonada.com/what-to-do-if-a-gay-guy-hits-on-you/) - here's the scenario... I'm at the grocery store last week and notice a guy giving me "the look" ... then he wants to make small talk (noteworthy: we were not amongst the fruits and vegetables)... my intial reaction is to be uncomfortable... next, I want to scream at the top of my lungs "HEY, EVERYBODY,
- [Leaving The Door Open](https://chrisvonada.com/leaving-the-door-open/) - Leaving The Door Open is having an open and receptive heart to hearing and following God's lead. God looks at our hearts as well as our deeds... that which is seen and unseen... and He works in wonderful ways... we never know what the next miracle is that God will work in our world. The
- [Book Review: Better Together: What On Earth Are We Here For by Rick Warren](https://chrisvonada.com/book-review-better-together-what-on-earth-are-we-here-for-by-rick-warren/) - This is the 40 days of community devotional book that gives meaning to following Jesus by participating in the bigger picture beyond just me... it's focused on getting your circle on and living together as a community with other believers. The book emphasizes togetherness... learned in the context of the small group. Better Together calls
- [The Filter Theory: You say ping-pong, I think ??](https://chrisvonada.com/the-filter-theory-you-say-ping-pong-i-think/) - I've got this theory that each of us has a series of filters in our brain (please humor me here if you think I'm just giving an old idea to posterity). These filters, as I call them, are basically a sum of our past experiences combined with our heart. The filters determine how we interpret
- [In Whom Are You Investing?](https://chrisvonada.com/in-whom-are-you-investing/) - The greatest investment we make in life is how we use our time. How we plan, share and use our time tells a story about who we are, what our priorities are, what we are investing our life in... and what story our life will ultimately tell. The greatest investment of our time is in
- [Share A Prayer](https://chrisvonada.com/share-a-prayer/) - Do you have a favorite prayer? I wanted to share favorite prayers today... Here's one of mine... The Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there
- [Coming Home: Linking the Heart, Mind and Soul](https://chrisvonada.com/coming-home-linking-the-heart-mind-and-soul/) - I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is Coming Home. Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author. I wanted to share with you today my thoughts on the link between the Heart, Mind and Soul. I used to think of
- [The Vision To See How The World Could Be](https://chrisvonada.com/the-vision-to-see-how-the-world-could-be/) - Reading through Hebrews Chapters 10 through 12 helped me put my arms around "The Vision To See How The World Could Be" ... and why there is always hope and love blossoming and thriving in our imperfect world. Striving for perfection, or the ideal... knowing good and well that I will never make it in
- [The 3 Keys To Being Humble](https://chrisvonada.com/the-3-keys-to-being-humble/) - Humility... the quality or virtue of being modest and respectful. Been thinking a lot about this one... how to stay humble... and came up with the following 3 Keys To Being Humble: I need to think of myself only in comparison to Jesus... and continually strive to be more and more like Him. I need
- [Making Myself Replaceable](https://chrisvonada.com/making-myself-replaceable/) - Our production team leader at church got married recently. It was a beautiful wedding. Then came the honeymoon - what are we going to do without Kevin leading production for 2 Sundays in a row? At church we hang our hat on "Making Myself Replaceable." We're a growing organization where thinking on your feet and
- [Burning Daylight](https://chrisvonada.com/burning-daylight/) - This is a John Wayne-ism... "... let's go, we're Burning Daylight!" He coined the phrase in one of his old western movies, The Cowboys, released in 1972. We had a professor in the Geology Department that grabbed hold of it. It also fit him to a T. This saying is offered as encouragement to keep
- [A Fruity Week to Remember!](https://chrisvonada.com/a-fruity-week-to-remember/) - It's Friday and time to look back and reflect on the week that was: For me, all I can say is... Oh My Peanut Butter! It has been a week to remember, and one that I will cherish for a very long time. Here's what He asked of me this week: L-O-V-E, P-E-A-C-E, P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E, K-I-N-D-N-E-S-S,
- [Effectively Communicating A Message To A Broad Audience](https://chrisvonada.com/effectively-communicating-a-message-to-a-broad-audience/) - Did you ever attend church and leave thinking "gee, it seemed like the pastor was communicating directly to me today. His message really spoke to my heart!" I know I have! That is a huge compliment to a pastor, who has a difficult job of coming up with a message once a week that is
- [Showering God with Glory, Gracedrops and the Puddles of Blessings](https://chrisvonada.com/showering-god-with-glory-gracedrops-and-the-puddles-of-blessings/) - prayers go up, blessings come down... prayers go up, blessings come down... prayers go up, blessings come down... I know, sounds like a rain dance. ask, seek, knock... ask, seek, knock... ask, seek, knock... it's really all just that easy... prayers are being answered everywhere and that's exciting!! Some days the sky just seems to
- [Oh My Gullibility](https://chrisvonada.com/oh-my-gullibility/) - The very first time I worked in the Bahamas was several years ago at Atlantis during the construction of The Cove, the associated water park and an expansion of the Convention Center on the property. I was the hydrogeologist on the project, helping with the water supply needs for this significant expansion. It was an
- [Bert's Season Of Change](https://chrisvonada.com/berts-season-of-change/) - “Winds from the east... Mist comin' in... Like something's a brewin', about to begin... Can't put me finger on what lies in store... But I feel what's to 'appen, all 'appened before...!” Those were Bert’s infamous words when his friend Mary Poppins blew in to London and landed in front of No. 17 Cherry Tree
- [Judging Tiger's Handicap](https://chrisvonada.com/judging-tigers-handicap/) - Tiger is working with a handicap these days. It is a pretty big one. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship a couple of weeks ago. His game is off, so to say... having some health issues... This comes at the heels of one of the largest careers in sports history. The turning point?
- [The Way Back To School](https://chrisvonada.com/the-way-back-to-school/) - Back to school can be a very exciting and yet difficult time for kids. One of the most difficult times for our growing youth is the fall in middle school, as they find themselves in a new environment, new classes, friends... and the inevitable "frenemie." Our youth and children today need to know and feel
- [Unity, Chan and Paul's Change of Plans](https://chrisvonada.com/unity-chan-and-pauls-change-of-plans/) - In 2 Corinthians we find an inspiring story of how Paul changes his plans... reroutes around his planned second visit to Corinth... Paul knew the Corinthians were not ready for him to stop back by, and that if he did it would only cause further strife... so he changed his plans. Paul was concerned over
- [Go Commando: Where It All Began](https://chrisvonada.com/go-commando-where-it-all-began/) - Do you know who the original Go Commandos were? This one is a slam dunk, no brainer... Adam & Eve, of course! We can add them to the list... in addition to Jesus and The 12 that I've written about previously, Adam & Eve also knew how to Go Commando. Going back to the beginning...
- [Defining Loyalty And Situating My Personal Agenda](https://chrisvonada.com/defining-loyalty-and-situating-my-personal-agenda/) - My own personal agenda is pretty tiny in comparison to the big picture of humanity. Just think about it... if I am a player in God's kingdom, His agenda is way more important than mine. I may have many goals and dreams, and I may also need to consciously strive to keep my agenda in
- [The Grand Canyon: A Majestic Walk Through Time](https://chrisvonada.com/the-grand-canyon-a-majestic-walk-through-time/) - I'm writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for the month of August is Majestic. Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you're a Christian writer or author. Walking from rim to river to rim at the Grand Canyon is a bucket list kind of experience. As a geology student
- [I Love Your Church When...](https://chrisvonada.com/i-love-your-church-when/) - If you're like me, you rally around the flag when you go to church on Sunday. I feel good just hopping into the car when I'm heading to church... and I'm full of good puffy pride when I leave the parking lot. That's awesome if you feel that way too! But that's not really "getting
- [A Luminary For Life](https://chrisvonada.com/a-luminary-for-life/) - My daughter Allie had a baby just over a week ago. Sweet little Emma is a tremendous blessing to our family and a luminary for life. The very first thing Emma learned was to breathe deeply. Next up was a new way of eating. There will be many more baby steps to her journey. I
- [Why winning an argument is absolutely meaningless](https://chrisvonada.com/why-winning-an-argument-is-absolutely-meaningless/) - Whenever I'm engaged in a conversation that seems to be headed towards a disagreement... I need to take the time to consider what's at stake, and how it may have a long-term effect on my relationship with the other person. While we think at times our point of view may be valid, significant, justified, and
- [Putting Oil In The Lamp](https://chrisvonada.com/putting-oil-in-the-lamp/) - "If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it."Â - Mother Teresa Two weeks ago I took a week off from writing. I didn't vacation, though I called it a blog-cation... my idea was to just
- [Simplify Life With 6 Fun Mathematical Expressions](https://chrisvonada.com/simplify-life-with-6-fun-mathematical-expressions/) - Sometimes life seems to get stressful and we need to simplify. Too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. I am feeling this way right now as I have been overwhelmed with commitments. The ole To-Do / Priority list helps... but whenever it gets busy life can tend to sway
- ["Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy"](https://chrisvonada.com/live-love-learn-leave-a-legacy/) - Do you have a favorite quote? "Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy" is mine. It's by Stephen R. Covey. To me, it's about following my passions and living a meaningful, fulfilling and well balanced life. Please share here whatever your favorite quote is, and what it means to you.
- ["It Happened Again"](https://chrisvonada.com/it-happened-again/) - Ok, so I saw Hangover II. I personally thought it was kind of lame. The first one was way funnier. I felt they could have been more creative in coming up with a new plot. You may remember I used Bradley Cooper('s pic) in my post How God's Using My Booty To Keep My Ego
- [Unity begins with...](https://chrisvonada.com/unity-begins-with/) - Unity begins with... Capital U... (or me too)! I ran across the following verse and when I started to think about it I felt it speaks directly to what I think Unity is all about... "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." 1
- [Focusing On Having A Winning Everyday](https://chrisvonada.com/focusing-on-having-a-winning-everyday/) - Sometimes we have to be intentional to focus, or point ourself in the right direction. I wrote about The Elusive Buried Treasure in a previous post... emphasizing the importance of our focus on God and our everyday blessings... and how honestly evaluating what makes you happy (i.e., where is your "buried treasure") and adjusting your
- [The 4 Circles and The Great Beyond](https://chrisvonada.com/the-4-circles-and-the-great-beyond/) - Whenever I think about the people around me my general rule of thumb has always been to try and surround myself with good people and influences. This is very true of the core folks that I do life with. However, I'm now also trying to focus on another important concept – having influence with outsiders. And when
- [Late for Life](https://chrisvonada.com/late-for-life/) - I used to be really good at being on time but somehow I’ve gotten into the bad habit of being late. This really bugs me. I don’t like to let people down. Or to be disrespectful. Not just fashionably late for social functions. I’m GOOD at that. And it seems to be acceptable. Somehow I
- [What If ?](https://chrisvonada.com/what-if/) - "'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..." "I don't know how your story ended. But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love - then it's
- [A Little Extra and The Big Oven](https://chrisvonada.com/a-little-extra-and-the-big-oven/) - Two million people have already downloaded it. It’s an app. Useful. Friendly. Fun. Innovative. I just found it. Grrrr…. :-) The Big Oven is a iPhone app and website with over 170,000 recipes. That’s a lot of food. One could be cooking for a lifetime with just this one site. My pots and pans are
- [The Children of God](https://chrisvonada.com/the-children-of-god/) - "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God" Â Matthew 5:9 I believe that He also wants to see us treating one another in a way that shows the power of the gospel in each of our lives. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict,
- [The Love Fest](https://chrisvonada.com/the-love-fest/) - Maybe you’ve noticed that I use this word a lot… Love.  Why? My heart feels full of love. Filled to the brim and overflowing. Not just any love, but His love. The Sacred Romance, by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, is the book we’re going through with my small group at the moment. This likely
- [ESPN](https://chrisvonada.com/espn/) - This picture is a video link to a movie of my grandson Nolan, his middle name is Espn... I guess goofiness runs in the family. He's really busy and gets a little distracted with the drawer latch on the desk. I started this song and dance with my daughters when they were little. "A friend
- [Puppy Love](https://chrisvonada.com/puppy-love/) - You just knew I’d still be oh so stuck on that 4-letter word… L-O-V-E… and not just as a noun but an action verb, shouting it from the treetops, ALFRESCO, like blowing a vuvuzela that can be heard round the world. All for the love of the one and only Him-ness. The love of our
- [Find Me at 1 Peter 2:Nine10 today...](https://chrisvonada.com/find-me-at-1-peter-2nine10-today/) - Please head on over to 1 Peter 2:Nine 10 today to check out "Can You See Me Now?", my guest post on my friend Nathan McMillen's blog. Nathan is a pretty cool dude (if you know my lingo you know it doesn't get much better than this!), he's a terrific husband, and dad to two
- [The Church Grudge](https://chrisvonada.com/the-church-grudge/) - “God loves other Churches almost as much as He loves yours.” Donald Miller Have you ever had this feeling? It's the "my Church is way more awesome than your Church" feeling. If you’ve found a Church that you love, Hallelujah to that!! I’ve been to a few different Churches, and have nothing bad to say of
- [There's Good News On The Road](https://chrisvonada.com/theres-good-news-on-the-road/) - Are you feeling lonely on your journey through life? There's a good story about traveling on the road in the Book of Luke in The Bible (see Luke 24:13-35). it goes something like this... the two dudes are walking down the road... and talking... they were disillusioned... maybe mislead by the master of manipulation? indeed, many
- [Rally Around The Flag](https://chrisvonada.com/rally-around-the-flag/) - Strengthen Me Oh Lord To Always Love Others In The Way That You Love Me... Strengthen Me Oh Lord To Always Love Others In The Way That You Love... Strengthen Me Oh Lord To Always Love Others In The Way That You... Strengthen Me Oh Lord To Always Love Others In The Way That...
- [Time to Start a Fire](https://chrisvonada.com/time-to-start-a-fire/) - I'm stuck on Peace, Love and ... Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!” I found this one recently and it really grabbed hold of me with a burning desire to write today about a warm, comforting fire, a good fire, like the one
- [to know Him is to love Him](https://chrisvonada.com/to-know-him-is-to-love-him/) - redemption  I'm trying to understand exactly what that means... ok, so God gave us Jesus, so that whoever might believe in Him could have forgiveness for their sins and eternal life. He redeemed us. why believe ??? I guess I kind of understand this one now... IF I believe our Heavenly Father is going to do
- [The Peace-O-Meter](https://chrisvonada.com/the-peace-o-meter/) - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 The prayer group that I participate in by e-mail has about 15 people involved. The most common prayer request in our group is concerning a loved one who is having health problems. To
- [Class Act](https://chrisvonada.com/class-act/) - Our 1979-1980 High School Cross-Country Team persevered through many trials to finish with the best season of our era. It brings back memories of 70-mile weeks for endurance and brutal sessions of 16 70-second quarters for, as Coach Clark Ale describes it, “to build character.” We won our District, finished second in Regionals and fourth
- [The Full Moon](https://chrisvonada.com/the-full-moon/) - Heartwarming memories last forever. This one blows my mind. The Full Moon brings back some of the most treasured memories that I have. Somehow it just keeps coming up… in photographs where it wasn’t noticed until after-the-fact and unrelated conversations that send my mind back to The Full Moon. Most of us have something in
- [Go Commando](https://chrisvonada.com/go-commando/) - Jesus went Commando. I’m certain that when He went into the desert for 40 days, fasted, and did battle with the devil, that Jesus went Commando. God sent Him there just after telling Him “this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 Immediately thereafter, the Spirit lead Him into the
- [Perseverance](https://chrisvonada.com/perseverance/) - A homeless gentleman was taking a shower at a public beach a couple of days ago and I struck up a conversation with him. I think it somewhat surprised him, as I’m sure he has few people that actually take the time to initiate a convo. He was middle-aged and showering with his shorts on
- [Mind Over Matter](https://chrisvonada.com/mind-over-matter/) - This is a Coach Ale-ism, being able to persevere through the pain when running a race, when your body is telling you to stop but you must press on to accomplish your goal. It’s Mind Over Matter. Sometimes it happens when training as well. And in life, many times we're challenged with chaos, turmoil and
- [Walking around with Paul](https://chrisvonada.com/walking-around-with-paul/) - “Let’s take a walk”… If the apostle Paul said this to you, you had better put on your good walking shoes. I’ve been reading through the second half of the Book of Acts and it’s mainly about the apostle Paul’s mission trips. He went on three of them. Logging some 13,000 miles over land and
- [Growing Better by Wandering Around](https://chrisvonada.com/growing-better-by-wandering-around/) - Â Â Sometimes it seems like God lets go of me and I simply wander around. Whether I wander off, or if God lets me explore the wilderness on my own, I have figured one thing out: I need this time to grow. Sometimes I learn the same lesson that I should have already
- [Thoughts on being "Outdoorsy Metro"](https://chrisvonada.com/thoughts-on-being-outdoorsy-metro/) - "Hey, are you gay?" A question that I've fielded several times... though I have to say upfront that it doesn't really bother me to be asked this one. Partly because I'm extremely comfortable with my sexuality. I've been told that I'm a slight bit "metro-boy" at times. Maybe just a bit for Jacksonville's standards. I
- [Going Places: The Series](https://chrisvonada.com/going-places-the-series/) - Going Places is the post series here at I'm Just Thinkin' that includes material related to anywhere God is leading me. Or you too, as I started this gig with the notion that it may become a guest blogging locale. Going Places may include travel or destinations, though not necessarily required. Here are the posts
- [Driving In The Fog](https://chrisvonada.com/driving-in-the-fog/) - We often confuse or project our comfort in the present with a sense of certainty or confidence in the future. Looking out toward the future is sometimes like driving in the fog. I used to snow ski a lot. My favorite destination was Colorado, but I learned on the icy slopes of North Carolina. I love
- [King David's Fresh Air](https://chrisvonada.com/king-davids-fresh-air-2/) - A young Shepard boy is the Old Testament hero in the 2 Books of Samuel and 1 Kings. The story of King David is one of the most profound in the Bible... right up there with those of Jesus and Moses. What do you remember about King David? Most of us would agree that he
- [Going Places: The Water In A Hurry](https://chrisvonada.com/going-places-the-water-in-a-hurry/) - A mountain stream passed the house that we visited in rural Kentucky. This is the homestead of Grammy Ann's family. I think it's actually older than the hills. A very cool place. Rachael and Allie, my "little girls," love going there. It's one of those special places where you can feel the heritage when you
- [Fertile Soil and Finding Happiness](https://chrisvonada.com/fertile-soil-and-finding-happiness/) - For some people, happiness seems to be automatic, while for others it's elusive and never really seems to appear. When we read about the apostle Paul in the Bible one may think... how can this dude always be so happy? Picking up at Philippians 4:4, Paul writes... "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say
- [Sprouting Unity](https://chrisvonada.com/sprouting-unity/) - Something exciting happened yesterday... a glimpse of God at work right here at I'm Just Thinkin'! For starters, I whipped out a post about growing happiness and joy in our life. The post looked good to me so I let it fly. Two fellow blogger friends stopped by and shared their thoughts... and after reviewing
- [Weather Forecast... This Too Shall Pass](https://chrisvonada.com/weather-forecast-this-too-shall-pass/) - Current Conditions: mostly stifling temperatures... hot hotter and hottest wind... nonexistent humidity... yes heat index... off the charts UV index...don't ask chance of rain...fat chance! visibility... smoky haze That's the way it's been here in Jacksonville recently. It's been going on for quite a while now. There is rain in the forecast, so maybe some
- [Just Listening](https://chrisvonada.com/just-listening/) - I'm taking a blog break next week. One of my plans over the blog-cation is to just listen... sometimes I need to be more intentional about listening... I'm hoping to learn more about the Spirit... I'm hoping to learn more about love... and I'm hoping to learn more about life... I'll be grateful for whatever
- [working the right angle](https://chrisvonada.com/working-the-right-angle/) - Jesus had a way of working the right angle. The story of Jesus' life is literally weaved together with seemingly endless challenges. He inspires me because He always... provided the right answer... responded with the appropriate approach... offered a kind word or healing touch. Sometimes we hear what we want to hear because we're not
- [Getting to know the people in your life](https://chrisvonada.com/getting-to-know-the-people-in-your-life/) - My younger daughter Allie is growing up... way to quickly in my opinion... but, just the same, she is quickly maturing into a beautiful woman right before my very eyes. Her life and our relationship over the past several years have been turbulent to say the least. Sparing you the zany details... we have grown
- [All Things Gump](https://chrisvonada.com/all-things-gump/) - Forrest is my hero, right behind Jesus. He was positively full of optimism. Here’s what I love about Forrest: Forrest knew how to run: He could run all day long. He ran like the wind blows. When he went for the long run, he ran for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, 16 hours before
- [A Recipe for Happiness](https://chrisvonada.com/a-recipe-for-happiness/) - Someone asked recently: How is it that you just so happen to be in a good mood every day? When I see you coming, there’s a certain pep in your step. It’s kind of like continually eating a good dose of comfort food… the keys to this recipe for me, finding happiness whatever the circumstances,
- [Sometimes All a Person Needs is a Little Perspective](https://chrisvonada.com/sometimes-all-a-person-needs-is-a-little-perspective/) - The Noticer is Andy Andrews book centered on the journey of a man named Jones (no Mr… just Jones) who shares wisdom on how proper perspective can get you through life’s challenges. This story takes place over the period of decades, and Jones, the sage-of-a-guy, always appears the same. “A unique soul with angelic-like qualities,”
- [Humble Pie](https://chrisvonada.com/humble-pie/) - 2 months into this blog-o-sphere and thought I would try to reflect on it for a moment… Is it still fun? Yep, very much so. It’s flowing from God and it is fun and still effortless. Think of me as just a messenger, trying to carry out His work and help build up His community.
- [The Holy Romans: Chariots on Fire for Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/the-holy-romans-chariots-on-fire-for-jesus/) - The Book of Romans. It was Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome to prepare them for his arrival. It’s kind of like a good submarine sandwich… complete with everything from your protein to your veggies. Romans is divided into two parts: what to believe, and how to behave. It’s found in the Bible following
- [Having a Heart](https://chrisvonada.com/having-a-heart/) - Just blazed through Andy Andrews’ new book, The Heart Mender. In less than a day during my spare time. I’ve never been one to do this, but this one is truly a masterpiece that I couldn’t put down. The subtitle, a story of second chances, shines the light on this true story of war, faith…
- [Shortcuts](https://chrisvonada.com/shortcuts/) - Just finished up the 4th part of Andy Stanley’s Pause sermon series on the podcast, catch it here. Andy sez… Getting caught up in it. All of us have some of this inside. Ambition. Being a perfectionist. Continually demanding forward motion. Driven by the burning desire to succeed. If you’re wired that way you’re set
- [An Enigma Wrapped up in a Riddle](https://chrisvonada.com/an-enigma-wrapped-up-in-a-riddle/) - Women are the source of great mystery to us guys – they’re a puzzle that’s difficult to solve. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out everything changes. The original quote is from Winston Churchill. This idea was fed to me by JR (he likes sending me stuff to write about, and
- [The Hokie Pokie](https://chrisvonada.com/the-hokie-pokie/) - My dear long-time friend The Tall Guy posted to my Facebook wall… " Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. At night I use to stare into the darken sky and wonder about it all and think to myself "What if the Hokey Pokey is
- [The Sacred Romance](https://chrisvonada.com/the-sacred-romance/) - I finally finished this book and must say that it’s very well written. Started it with our small group from Church and have missed our gatherings the past couple of weeks so I blazed ahead on my own. The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge and Brent Curtis.  A journey of the heart. And how we
- [That’s What I Don’t Know](https://chrisvonada.com/that’s-what-i-don’t-know/) - Children are born with Holy Curiosity. They ask a lot of questions. Lots of silly Why questions… like why does it rain? And why does the grass grow? And even if you have the answers they still have more questions. Somewhere along the way we stop asking questions and start making assumptions. But it seems
- [Loving Without Any Agenda](https://chrisvonada.com/loving-without-any-agenda/) - The Shack, By Wm. Paul Young, begs the question: Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? It’s fiction, although the forward clearly states it is based upon the lead character’s account of what actually happened… It is a sad story about Missy. However, I did find it leaving me wanting to
- [By Your Hand… The Lost Choice?](https://chrisvonada.com/by-your-hand…-the-lost-choice/) - Another thought-provoking book by Andy Andrews, I just finished The Lost Choice. I have one more to go to be caught up with Andy’s collection of inspiring works. The book centers on the history of an ancient relict, and how it has inspired the great achievements of many admired people through time – including Joan
- [Mowgli and the Mack Truck](https://chrisvonada.com/mowgli-and-the-mack-truck/) - I got plowed by a Mack Truck when I was a little boy. At the tender age of 5, while cautiously walking Running a couple of short blocks from school, I carelessly ran right in front of a Mack Truck. Fortunately, the truck driver saw me, slammed on his breaks, and came to a screeching
- [Daily Devotionals for Kids](https://chrisvonada.com/daily-devotionals-for-kids/) - Daily devotionals are an excellent way to learn about God, Faith and Life. Our children also eat this stuff up! CBH Ministeries is one of my favorites for little ones, they're just for kids and include relevant lessons, thought-provoking questions and Bible verses. so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be
- ["A Feather on the Breath of God"](https://chrisvonada.com/a-feather-on-the-breath-of-god/) - "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:8 I ran across this verse while reading through the Gospel in the Bible and it really sunk deep into me.
- [The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss (and other books that I don't review)](https://chrisvonada.com/the-foot-book-by-dr-seuss-and-other-books-that-i-dont-review/) - I was looking the other day at my Post Series page and realized that I'm slacking on book reviews lately... it's not that I'm not reading, but I would say that I have wandered off from the norm. I also realized that I don't write reviews for all of the books I read. Why? It's
- [Life Through a Child’s Eyes](https://chrisvonada.com/life-through-a-child’s-eyes/) - Worrying about something I can’t change… Continually waiting for that one thing that’s going to change everything, and when it arrives there’s always just one more thing to wait for… Regretting something from the past… … or the worst for me, the dreaded INDECISION… Skepticism? Experience? Or, as John Eldredge says “that which we mistakenly
- [Guest Post: When "Dude, Just Eat Something" Doesn't Work](https://chrisvonada.com/guest-post-when-dude-just-eat-something-doesnt-work/) - This is a guest post by Michelle Myers, who writes about Faith, Family & Fitness and has an excellent story to share about God's plan and work in her life. I hope that you'll check out her book and blog, I'm incredibly inspired by and admire her work! "When life is so much more complicated than just uttering the
- [Praying For Something I've Already Got](https://chrisvonada.com/praying-for-something-ive-already-got/) - I prayed to God, asking Him to bless me with something to write about... something that came from Him... something that He wanted me to write today. So check this out... the very first thing that pops into my mind is... I'm praying for something I've already got. Have you ever come to this realization?
- [Why Stepping Out In Faith Is Like Herding Cats](https://chrisvonada.com/why-stepping-out-in-faith-is-like-herding-cats/) - Francis Chan is someone who inspires me. I wrote about two of Chan's books in the post "Hey Look, It's CHAN." His accomplishments included founding Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California and the Eternity Bible College. He also sits on the board of directors of Children’s Hunger Fund and World Impact. Chan's writing remains
- [The Second Half: A Time To Recap And Regroup](https://chrisvonada.com/the-second-half-a-time-to-recap-and-regroup/) - Halftime in a football game is a time when the team can think on their game plan, reflect on what happened in the first half, and make adjustments as necessary to achieve their goal. Do you remember your new year’s resolution? As we’re half way through the year it’s a great time to reflect on
- [Geology LITE: The Series](https://chrisvonada.com/geology-lite-the-series/) - Geology LITE is a post series here at I'm Just Thinkin'. It's a light-hearted view of just about anything related to the earth. As an Earth Scientist I enjoy learning and sharing about the wonderful creation that God has given us to enjoy during our life here. Here are the posts to date in the series:
- [The More I Learn The Less I Know](https://chrisvonada.com/the-more-i-learn-the-less-i-know/) - If you follow I'm Just Thinkin' you know that I write a lot about being like a little kid. This whole train of thought comes from a message stuck in my heart, from Matthew 18:1-5, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He
- [The Anthropocene: Where Science Meets Christianity](https://chrisvonada.com/the-anthropocene-where-science-meets-christianity/) - Geologists have this time scale that breaks down the history of the earth into defined eons, eras, periods, epochs and so on... and while I was glancing through The Economist I came across an article related to a time period labeled "The Anthropocene," or The Time Of Man. The thought is that we are now
- [When A Dream Is Just A Dream](https://chrisvonada.com/when-a-dream-is-just-a-dream/) - Do you like to dream? When I was younger I wanted to be an astronaut. It was a big dream, and one that I was convinced was a part of my destiny. Being an astronaut (so far) hasn't been a reality. I am still fascinated with outer space... and think of exploring God's creation
- [My Greatest Sin](https://chrisvonada.com/my-greatest-sin/) - Writing down what our sins are may not always be something we're comfortable with. However, if you keep a personal journal it may be helpful to jot them down as writing can help you reflect on them. I recently tried to think about mine, keeping in mind to make sure I've: confessed my sins to
- [Living In One Big Box](https://chrisvonada.com/living-in-one-big-box/) - Men, to generalize, are a persona of boxes... we like to compartmentalize, as psychologists say. For instance, many of us have the fishing box, the football box, the Playstation box, the family box, the work box, and, yes, eeeeks... even God goes into a box. This helps us stay on point, generate solutions, maximize efficiency,
- [What exactly does "A Win" look like?](https://chrisvonada.com/what-exactly-does-a-win-look-like/) - Earlier this week I posted "Looking Up." It was about giving God the glory for the good things that are happening every day, all around us. I wasn't really thinkin' but the day I wrote this there was a lot of drama news centered on the Mayoral election, a close race that wasn't decided until
- [Looking Up](https://chrisvonada.com/looking-up/) - There's a whole lot to be thankful for in our world today... and this is an incredibly exciting time to be in Jacksonville, Florida! God is working miracles right before our very eyes... both glambitiously large and nano-signficantly small... remember, some of the biggest WINS are sprouted from tiny seedlings! and it's... edge-of-your-seat hold-onto-the-railing you-won't-want-to-miss-a-beat
- [How God's using my Booty to keep my Ego in check](https://chrisvonada.com/how-gods-using-my-booty-to-keep-my-ego-in-check/) - My booty is extremely... underwhelming. It has apparently been that way since birth. My booty ego was first deflated in college. After exchanging smiles with a cute girl at Rickey's, I later noticed her and her friends looking... pointing... and laughing... at my booty. It's ok, really. No biggie. If I could only move some of
- [The Fruity 1](https://chrisvonada.com/the-fruity-1/) - The second season of Survivor I nearly applied. The application was printed out, my video for the submittal was in the making, and the deadline was on the radar screen. I was hooked on the TV show and thought it would be fun to participate. Now I'm not so sure about Survivor. Though I would
- [Keep On Keeping On](https://chrisvonada.com/keep-on-keeping-on/) - My first job out of college was with an international engineering firm, Law Engineering, Inc. Law was as old as dirt - they had several sages within the company that were seasoned professionals and pioneers in geotechnical engineering. Based in Atlanta, the firm specialized in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and added to it "environmental" as this
- [Book Review: Living By The Book, by Dr. Howard G. and William D. Hendricks](https://chrisvonada.com/book-review-living-by-the-book-by-dr-howard-g-and-william-d-hendricks/) - Have you ever read the Bible and really didn't get it? When I first started reading the Bible it was like a foreign language... difficult to understand and interpret (and I'm not even referring to Jesus' parables!). As I started to read more and more some of it started to make sense... or so I
- [The Burgess Shale](https://chrisvonada.com/the-burgess-shale/) - This stratigraphic unit found within the Stephen Formation is loaded with fossils, and is one of the most significant and famous fossil beds in the world. Named by Charles Doolittle Walcott in 1911, The Burgess Shale is typically black in color and contains fossilized impressions that include soft body parts, a feature rarely found in
- [Opportunity's Roaring !!!](https://chrisvonada.com/opportunitys-roaring/) - “What if the life you really want, and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worst failure… your greatest fear?” Mark Batterson says our obstacles are our greatest opportunities to shine and encourages confronting them in his book “In a pit with a lion on a snowy
- [B.T.B.D.](https://chrisvonada.com/b-t-b-d/) - My daughters came up with this one a few years back… their theory is: All of dad’s relationships end with a big trip. It’s the Big Trip Big Dump, or B.T.B.D. for short. They can rattle off the list of women and the corresponding trips. The list isn’t THAT long, but I’m not going there…
- [Haiti Water: 6 Months Later…](https://chrisvonada.com/haiti-water-6-months-later…/) - When I first started I’m Just Thinkin’ I wrote about the water crisis in Haiti in a 3-part series. I thought I would re-visit this 6 months after the devastating earthquake that shook their world… Prior to the earthquake Haiti had water supply problems. And the earthquake only added to the issue. I hope that
- [Midnight Train Through Georgia](https://chrisvonada.com/midnight-train-through-georgia/) - I needed to catch a one way to destinations north and tried the train. Here's the low down: On-time, even with an unscheduled stop in Folkston, Georgia, where the conductor handed a troublemaker over to the local authorities. The train stopped at a crossing and two sheriffs hauled him away. Not exactly sure what that
- [Jesus' instructions to the 12 Apostles: Go... (you know!)](https://chrisvonada.com/jesus-instructions-to-the-12-apostles-go-you-know/) - It's a well established fact that Jesus went commando when He did battle with the devil for 40 days in the desert. Relentlessly pestered by the odious, evil one, Jesus casually and repeatedly stiff-armed the devil's futile advances... for Jesus had this going for Him: If God is with us, who can be against us!
- [Where Ya Bean?](https://chrisvonada.com/where-ya-bean/) - Six months ago I wrote about two topics, authentic friends and being accountable, and the importance of letting go of grudges. At the time I wrote these, I had no clue what was about to happen. I did know that I was going through a storm and vividly recall a conversation I had with a
- [Lady Gaga: The Modern Madonna or just Bad Romance](https://chrisvonada.com/lady-gaga-the-modern-madonna-or-just-bad-romance/) - I’m sort of on a different plane… tangent… or parallel… than main-stream pop culture. I don’t really watch a lot of TV, and not into “the scene”… I’m a little quirky or weird – aren’t we all, in our own way! Not that I think that all of pop culture is bad… like all of
- [Jazzed – Front to Back](https://chrisvonada.com/jazzed-–-front-to-back/) - First day on the job was yesterday… I started serving at Church in a new capacity, as the Stage Manager. On the first Sunday of each month I have a new list of stuff to do… it seems to be mainly helping the producer from across the auditorium, preparing for and to make sure that
- [Let's Wait... by Lady Gaga???](https://chrisvonada.com/lets-wait-by-lady-gaga/) - Let me start by saying that I promised not to write about Lady Gaga again for a while. I was doing good with my commitment… until “dhugs” decides to send me an e-mail late Wednesday evening… a startling revelation… LADY GAGA IS THE SPOKESWOMAN FOR ABSTINENCE. Whoa Nillie, Whoa… rein in your pack animal and
- [Clouds In My Coffee](https://chrisvonada.com/clouds-in-my-coffee/) - Andie: Unattached? Ben: Currently. Andie: Likewise. Ben: Surprising. Andie: Psycho? Ben: Rarely, Interested? Andie: Perhaps. Ben: Hungry? Andie: Starving. Ben: Leaving? Andie: Now? How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s the 2003 movie about Andie and her Bennie boo boo… boo boo boo. And is full of quick-witted humor. Romantic Comedy. If your
- [Hungry for More of You](https://chrisvonada.com/hungry-for-more-of-you/) - I had the pleasure of having the guys from my small group over to my Man Cave this week. So I whipped up one of my favorite recipes, Shrimp Creole. I add turkey bacon to the recipe but otherwise this recipe is basically the same as the version that I’ve been making for a decade.
- [A Quite Different Happy Monday](https://chrisvonada.com/a-quite-different-happy-monday/) - Happy Monday to everyone! I'm less enthused today than most of the time as I had a very busy weekend and find myself today whooped. Usually when Happy Monday rolls around I'm ready to go and fired up to get a good start on the week. I guess now I can better appreciate how Monday
- [Book Review: "The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews](https://chrisvonada.com/book-review-the-final-summit-by-andy-andrews/) - Yep, another Andy Andrews book... out for release TODAY. Just when you think they can't get any better, Andy does it again!! An absolute masterpiece. This book continues the story of David Ponder, the time traveler from Andy's "The Traveler's Gift." Please read my previous review on The Traveler's Gift. This time, Ponder is commissioned
- ["Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped for and Not Yet Seen"](https://chrisvonada.com/faith-is-the-substance-of-things-hoped-for-and-not-yet-seen/) - Defining Faith: If I had to do it off the top it would be tough… without this Bible verse. I happen to have fell in love with this one and memorized it quite a while ago. But what does Faith really mean? Andy Stanley has once again amazed me with this message, and explained faith to
- [How's It Going?? A Double-Fist Pump Kind Of Day](https://chrisvonada.com/hows-it-going-a-double-fist-pump-kind-of-day/) - It was just over a year ago that I won a free copy of Standard Theme, responding to a prompt on a guest post written by John Saddington at Michael Hyatt's blog. I'm very thankful to John and Michael. That was a double-fist pump kind of day!! I guess I must have said something right
- [Theories on Being Naked and Surviving in a Lifeboat](https://chrisvonada.com/theories-on-being-naked-and-surviving-in-a-lifeboat/) - Any dude who is writing about his daydream of watching TV with a space alien and the naked Adam and Eve is OK by me. Donald Miller’s book is actually titled “Searching For God Knows What”. I enjoy his writing style – witty, poignant and articulate. Most of all, he confidently is willing to expose
- [The Salt Life](https://chrisvonada.com/the-salt-life/) - How salty are you? A strange question posed in the notes of my New International Version (NIV) Bible. Taken out of context one might wonder if they would actually want to be salty. Perhaps because of the flavor of food that's too salty, or what salt can do to our health. When I think about
- [Jesus' Love Language??](https://chrisvonada.com/jesus-love-language/) - Author Gary Chapman came up with 5 possible love languages – Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch and Acts of Service. He says we all have one or possibly a couple of the languages that speak to our heart, and that knowing the language of the people in your life is important to
- [Old Bible Words](https://chrisvonada.com/old-bible-words/) - Just a brief random thought today... The King James Version of the Bible has been around for a while, since 1611... it's old, but in a good way. I've been reading it more lately, but when I first picked it up it was just a bunch of goobly-gock to me. The King James Version was the
- [Straight from the Heart](https://chrisvonada.com/straight-from-the-heart/) - God puts passions in our heart, and finding our spiritual gifts and putting them to work defines who we are. I’ve spent 20 years working as a geologist, in consulting. Several of the key people who drew me closer to God were introduced to me during my career and directly through work. If you think about
- ["Greater Things"](https://chrisvonada.com/greater-things/) - I'm a guest blogger at Kevin Martineau's Shooting the Breeze today, please check out "Greater Things" over there!!  Kevin is a pretty awesome guy and the Pastor at Port Hardy Baptist Church on Northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Some of his favourite things to do are: golfing, hot dog roasts at the beach with my family, walking, reading, blogging and
- ["Whoever wants to Be Great must become a servant" Mark 10:43](https://chrisvonada.com/whoever-wants-to-be-great-must-become-a-servant-mark-1043/) - Being Great is just being like Jesus... readily available to faithfully and humbly serve others in whatever way needed. Jesus said "your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life." Matthew 20:28 I'm thinkin' Being Great is unselfishly serving
- [The Precious and Perfect You](https://chrisvonada.com/the-precious-and-perfect-you/) - I ran across this poem and thought I would share it here today... "You are who you are for a reason, you're part of an intricate plan. You're a precious and perfect unique design, called God's special woman or man. You  look like you look for a reason, our God made no mistake. He knit
- [Bad Boy Done Good](https://chrisvonada.com/bad-boy-done-good/) - Delighted in God, by Roger Steer, is the life story of George Muller, and is a powerful testiment to and perfect example of faith in God at work. In 1837 Charles Dickens drew the British public's attention to the plight of orphans in the book Oliver Twist. Nearly 10 years prior, the seed for the
- [Authentic Connections](https://chrisvonada.com/authentic-connections/) - My friends have been absolutely amazing this week. I'm so thankful for their loving support, encouragement, and keeping me grounded and accountable. Even the one I asked to take me out back and beat me with a baseball bat for the feelings that I have in my heart came through... nope, I'm not black and blue...
- [When God Says... Ye Shall Twitter!](https://chrisvonada.com/when-god-says-ye-shall-twitter/) - Twitter... I never thought I would be there but on the good advice of Michael Hyatt I've added a Twitter account. You can find me here... Why? Well, it seems that I can't repost my material on I'm Just Thinkin' the way I thought I could. At least not without getting penalized by Google. So
- [Change in the Weather](https://chrisvonada.com/change-in-the-weather/) - When we truly believe someone has our best interest in mind, we’re wide open to their influence… and that’s the basis of Christianity. The foundation of our entire life experience is the key. Not just Follow and Believe. Or simply Obey. First Follow, then Believe, and THEN Obey. All the time. At the end of
- [The Chicken Dance: how old does He want me to be?](https://chrisvonada.com/the-chicken-dance-how-old-does-he-want-me-to-be/) - The Bible says… I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus speaking to the disciples, from Matthew Chapter 18. So I’ve been thinkin’… just how childlike does He want me to be? Obviously I need to be responsible, productive and learn
- [Water Use Changes in Northeast Florida](https://chrisvonada.com/water-use-changes-in-northeast-florida/) - The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is proposing regulatory changes to the current Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) and Consumptive Use Permitting (CUP) programs that could have significant impact on businesses in Northeast Florida. The changes are being implemented to assist in water conservation, and due to a concern that continued development will put
- [carpe diem](https://chrisvonada.com/carpe-diem/) - ... or Seize the Day. That’s what I feel like on Monday mornings. The sun comes up and I’m full of life and energy. Ready to have at it. A man with a plan, though most days for me don’t turn out as I planned. I go with the flow, no longer getting hung up
- [   "..."](https://chrisvonada.com/216/) - what does it really mean to you? To me it usually means that I’m trying to communicate a thought but either I may be leaving it up to your imagination for you to fill in the blanks… or that I’m using it for the sake of brevity (I can be a tad verbose at times…).

## Pages

- [Hello](https://chrisvonada.com/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://chrisvonada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0620.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Hi, I’m Chris Vonada and this is where I write about my faith journey! You can check out my writing at the blog, and if you enjoy reading my content be sure to check
- [The HA!!](https://chrisvonada.com/the-ha/) - Time for “The HA!!” – This is my mini-series on life lessons I’ve gained through my humbling sports endeavors… I LOVE sports but genuinely suck at most of them, and, therefore, I’m a “HA = Humbled Athlete.” Please check out the posts in this series by clicking on the links below... The HA!! : Anticipation The HA!!
- [Comment Policy](https://chrisvonada.com/comment-policy/) - This site provides the opportunity for visitors to communicate in the public domain through visitor-submitted, published comments. The nature inherent in online dialog raises significant questions in the areas of privacy, responsibility, and ownership of data related to these published conversations. It is our belief that you deserve to know your rights and responsibilities as
- [Books](https://chrisvonada.com/books/) - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 OK, I believe that writing books is a part of God’s plan for me, and would humbly add that while I’m not thinking that I’m really good at
- [The Wellspring Of Life](https://chrisvonada.com/books/the-wellspring-of-life/) - The wellspring of life is one of my books about the heart, its condition, and how we should guard it. I find so many parallels between our heart and water flow in our environment... Water Flow in Our World A flowing artesian well, or wellspring, is relatively uncommon in nature. It is a situation where
- [About](https://chrisvonada.com/about-1/) - Welcome to I'm Just Thinkin' and thank you for stopping by! “Chris, why in the world,” you may be wondering, “would you want to do this blog thing?” Great question! And the answer is… Somewhere along the journey God got me fired up about writing, and the Spirit moved me to start sharing here at I'm Just
- [Blog](https://chrisvonada.com/blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Page Title Section” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_color_gradient_direction=”115deg” background_image=”https://chrisvonada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-04-at-1.14.27-PM.jpg” custom_padding=”150px||0px|” hover_enabled=”0″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”0″ _address=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_color=”#383e59″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”||6px|6px|” border_width_right=”30px” border_color_right=”#bdada0″ max_width=”960px” custom_margin=”|||0px” custom_padding=”27px|40px||10%” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”960px” locked=”off” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”|||10%” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” padding_tablet=”|||10%” padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_font_size=”70px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet”
- [Blog](https://chrisvonada.com/blog-2/)
- [Media/Resources](https://chrisvonada.com/mediaresources/) - Â Resources For Everyone And Information For The Press And Media "Be strong and courageous... go forth and prosper!" - CV [wpdm_file id=1 title="true" ] [wpdm_file id=2 title="true" ] "I've sat with kings and dined with poets, eavesdropped on history's most significant conversations and danced with ideas that forever changed me --
- [Privacy Policy](https://chrisvonada.com/privacy-policy/) - The simple act of visiting a website leaves a trail of information, a "digital footprint," about visitors like you. Sometimes this footprint is vague and preserves your anonymity and other times it is tied specifically to you and your real life identity. If all you do is click around and read pages, the data captured
- [Contact](https://chrisvonada.com/contact/) - [si-contact-form form='1']

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://chrisvonada.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Odds & Ends](https://chrisvonada.com/category/odds-and-ends/)
- [Geology](https://chrisvonada.com/category/geology/)
- [Soul Food](https://chrisvonada.com/category/inspiration/)
- [Breathing Deep](https://chrisvonada.com/category/breathing-life/)
- [Peace Love & Unity](https://chrisvonada.com/category/peace-love-and-unity/)

## Tags

- [Faith](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/faith/)
- [Water Resources](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/water-resources/)
- [Andy Andrews](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/andy-andrews/)
- [Earthquake](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/earthquake/)
- [Glory](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/glory/)
- [God](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/god/)
- [Haiti](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/haiti/)
- [Happiness](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/happiness/)
- [Holy Spirit](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/holy-spirit/)
- [Hope](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/hope/)
- [Hydrogeology](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/hydrogeology/)
- [Living Water](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/living-water/)
- [Music](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/music/)
- [Perseverance](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/perseverance/)
- [Perspective](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/perspective/)
- [Purpose](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/purpose/)
- [Romans 8:28](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/romans-828/)
- [Running](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/running/)
- [The Traveler's Gift](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-travelers-gift/)
- [Wastewater](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/wastewater/)
- [Water Supply](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/water-supply/)
- [Wisdom](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/wisdom/)
- [Travel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/travel/)
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- [Change](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/change/)
- [Forrest Gump](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/forrest-gump/)
- [Whimsical](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/whimsical/)
- [Francis Chan](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/francis-chan/)
- [Bible](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/bible/)
- [Proverbs](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/proverbs/)
- [Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/jesus/)
- [Resurrection](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/resurrection/)
- [Love](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/love/)
- [Humble](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/humble/)
- [Lynden Pindling International Airport](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/lynden-pindling-international-airport/)
- [New Providence Island](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/new-providence-island/)
- [Freshwater Lens](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/freshwater-lens/)
- [Mark Batterson](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mark-batterson/)
- [In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/in-a-pit-with-a-lion-on-a-snowy-day/)
- [Lady Gaga](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/lady-gaga/)
- [Pop Culture](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/pop-culture/)
- [French Lentil Soup](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/french-lentil-soup/)
- [The Noticer](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-noticer/)
- [The Heart Mender](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-heart-mender/)
- [Children](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/children/)
- [Hebrews](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/hebrews/)
- [Andy Stanley](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/andy-stanley/)
- [Ellipsis](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/ellipsis/)
- [...](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/111/)
- [Access Church](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/access-church/)
- [Serving God](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/serving-god/)
- [Jazzed](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/jazzed/)
- [Michael Hyatt](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/michael-hyatt/)
- [Man Cave](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/man-cave/)
- [popular culture](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/popular-culture/)
- [Living Water International](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/living-water-international/)
- [Grand Canyon](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/grand-canyon/)
- [the Sacred Romance](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-sacred-romance/)
- [John Eldredge](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/john-eldredge/)
- [The Big Oven](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-big-oven/)
- [Leftovers](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/leftovers/)
- [Extra](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/extra/)
- [iPhone](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/iphone/)
- [Justin Biebler](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/justin-biebler/)
- [Abstinence](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/abstinence/)
- [Celibacy](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/celibacy/)
- [pheromones](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/pheromones/)
- [Daily Mail](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/daily-mail/)
- [Nolan](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/nolan/)
- [Vanity](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/vanity/)
- [Forgiveness](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/forgiveness/)
- [Kate Hudson](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/kate-hudson/)
- [Matthew McConaughey](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/matthew-mcconaughey/)
- [How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/how-to-loose-a-guy-in-10-days/)
- [Philippians](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/philippians/)
- [Acts](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/acts/)
- [The Gospel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-gospel/)
- [Indecision](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/indecision/)
- [Experience](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/experience/)
- [Matthew 18:4](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/matthew-184/)
- [Vero Beach High School](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/vero-beach-high-school/)
- [Cross Country](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/cross-country/)
- [carpe diem](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/carpe-diem/)
- [sieze the day](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/sieze-the-day/)
- [Monday](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/monday/)
- [The Full Moon](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-full-moon/)
- [Psalm](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/psalm/)
- [Being Late](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/being-late/)
- [Shrimp Creole](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/shrimp-creole/)
- [We Are Hungry](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/we-are-hungry/)
- [Steve Fee](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/steve-fee/)
- [Liberty](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/liberty/)
- [What If?](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/what-if/)
- [Letters to Juliet](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/letters-to-juliet/)
- [Go Commando](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/go-commando/)
- [Matthew](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/matthew/)
- [The Inner Circle](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-inner-circle/)
- [The Great Beyond](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-great-beyond/)
- [Loyalty](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/loyalty/)
- [Homeless](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/homeless/)
- [Mind Over Matter](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mind-over-matter/)
- [Isaiah](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/isaiah/)
- [Peace](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/peace/)
- [Shortcut](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/shortcut/)
- [Geology LITE](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/geology-lite/)
- [Prayer](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/prayer/)
- [Ephesians](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/ephesians/)
- [Winston Churchill](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/winston-churchill/)
- [Respect](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/respect/)
- [Hokie Pokie](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/hokie-pokie/)
- [Christians](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/christians/)
- [Devotionals](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/devotionals/)
- [The Shack](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-shack/)
- [Sports Nutrition](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/sports-nutrition/)
- [The Lost Choice](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-lost-choice/)
- [SJRWMD](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/sjrwmd/)
- [Mission](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mission/)
- [Paul](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/paul/)
- [Trust](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/trust/)
- [Consumptive Use Permit](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/consumptive-use-permit/)
- [relationships](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/relationships/)
- [Mack Truck](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mack-truck/)
- [Blue Like Jazz](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/blue-like-jazz/)
- [Donald Miller](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/donald-miller/)
- [Running of the Bulls](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/running-of-the-bulls/)
- [International Action](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/international-action/)
- [Chets Creek Churck](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/chets-creek-churck/)
- [CBH Ministries](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/cbh-ministries/)
- [Friends](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/friends/)
- [Twitter](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/twitter/)
- [Church](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/church/)
- [Bride of Jesus](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/bride-of-jesus/)
- [Body of Believers](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/body-of-believers/)
- [George Muller](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/george-muller/)
- [Halle University](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/halle-university/)
- [The Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-martin-luther-university-of-halle-wittenberg/)
- [Delighted in God](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/delighted-in-god/)
- [Roger Steer](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/roger-steer/)
- [Charles Dickens](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/charles-dickens/)
- [England Orphans](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/england-orphans/)
- [Russell Kelfer](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/russell-kelfer/)
- [Happy Monday](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/happy-monday/)
- [The Peacemaker](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-peacemaker/)
- [Ken Sande](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/ken-sande/)
- [Train Travel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/train-travel/)
- [Mere Christianity](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mere-christianity/)
- [Puppy Love](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/puppy-love/)
- [Moses](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/moses/)
- [Rick Warren](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/rick-warren/)
- [Searching for God Knows What](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/searching-for-god-knows-what/)
- [being naked](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/being-naked/)
- [Adam and Eve](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/adam-and-eve/)
- [Muster Drill](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/muster-drill/)
- [Be Great](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/be-great/)
- [spiritual growth](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/spiritual-growth/)
- [spiritual maturity](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/spiritual-maturity/)
- [apostles](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/apostles/)
- [Greater Things](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/greater-things/)
- [Kevin Martineau](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/kevin-martineau/)
- [Shooting The Breeze](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/shooting-the-breeze/)
- [Gary Chapman](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/gary-chapman/)
- [5 Love Languages](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/5-love-languages/)
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- [jon acuff](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/jon-acuff/)
- [the conflict of two ages](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-conflict-of-two-ages/)
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- [butterfly effect](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/butterfly-effect/)
- [Seth Godin](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/seth-godin/)
- [the wellspring of life](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-wellspring-of-life/)
- [finishing well](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/finishing-well/)
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- [Stephen Covey](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/stephen-covey/)
- [fitness](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/fitness/)
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- [Millennials](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/millennials/)
- [Generation Y](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/generation-y/)
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- [gracedrops](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/gracedrops/)
- [salt](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/salt/)
- [goodwill](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/goodwill/)
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- [selling books](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/selling-books/)
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- [the path](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-path/)
- [fear](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/fear/)
- [brick wall](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/brick-wall/)
- [tc avey](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/tc-avey/)
- [the precipice](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/the-precipice/)
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- [life lessons](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/life-lessons/)
- [cup of bliss](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/cup-of-bliss/)
- [satisfaction](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/satisfaction/)
- [Life Hack](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/life-hack/)
- [faith stories](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/faith-stories/)
- [ET](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/et/)
- [entitlement](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/entitlement/)
- [choice](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/choice/)
- [hypothetical paralysis](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/hypothetical-paralysis/)
- [action](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/action/)
- [diversity](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/diversity/)
- [Gospel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/gospel/)
- [Revelation](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/revelation/)
- [self-actualization](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/self-actualization/)
- [Maslow](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/maslow/)
- [esteem](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/esteem/)
- [grief](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/grief/)
- [decided heart](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/decided-heart/)
- [chasing a dream](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/chasing-a-dream/)
- [happy people](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/happy-people/)
- [God's final word](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/gods-final-word/)
- [babel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/babel/)
- [spread the gospel](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/spread-the-gospel/)
- [change history](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/change-history/)
- [with faith like hers](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/with-faith-like-hers/)
- [I Am Eve](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/i-am-eve/)
- [I Am Esther](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/i-am-esther/)
- [I Am Ruth](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/i-am-ruth/)
- [admonishment](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/admonishment/)
- [free will](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/free-will/)
- [first mentions](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/first-mentions/)
- [Planning](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/planning/)
- [shelter in unity](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/shelter-in-unity/)
- [breathing deep](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/breathing-deep/)
- [Joby Martin](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/joby-martin/)
- [pain to gain](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/pain-to-gain/)
- [Michael Jordan](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/michael-jordan/)
- [fully alive](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/fully-alive/)
- [being busy](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/being-busy/)
- [Mission trip](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/mission-trip/)
- [Panama](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/panama/)
- [FSM](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/fsm/)
- [Geology](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/geology/)
- [Soul Food](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [stromatolites](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/stromatolites/)
- [Cyanobacteria](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/cyanobacteria/)
- [Acts of God](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/acts-of-god/)
- [Orogeny](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/orogeny/)
- [eternal result](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/eternal-result/)
- [artificial intelligence](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/)
- [bridging the gap](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/bridging-the-gap/)
- [keeper](https://chrisvonada.com/tag/keeper/)