There is currently in our world a longing for love and companionship. It is everywhere. People will try anything to find some form of companion or happiness.  But far too often it ends up in more pain.

When we are lonely, when we are broken, there is an answer? That answer is with Immanuel. 

Have you ever been alone? I haven't in many years, being married and with three children does not allow me much alone time. But that is ok with me. Sometimes I do need a peaceful moment to think, reflect or to spend time with God. But even then I know that I am not alone.

In our world, there is a huge amount of people using social media to find and build friendships. We are living in a social age, yet many still feel alone. It is interesting that many people in our world, and maybe even you struggle with loneliness. It is quite common to feel lonely. 

In a new survey of more than 2,000 Americans conducted by the Harris Poll, showed that 72 percent of Americans experience loneliness.  

Lame joke, whats the best kind of tent? Content. 

There is nothing better than being content in whatever situation you have. This is something that I struggle with. For years we have been told we always need this, that or the newest... But in reality a year old phone is more than enough. 

So many people struggle with being happy with what they have.

​A couple of days ago, I got up at 5:15 AM to meet a buddy at the hotel gym. It was a pretty nice hotel gym, with several treadmills, some ellipticals, bikes, and machines. Many hotel gyms have just a few cardio machines, but this place was well stocked, it even had an extensive arrangement of free weights. Dumbell and barbells. 

My good friend and I set up a bench to work out our chests and arms. It seems like no matter how many times I work out chest, I still feel like a bit of a softy. No, I am not pushing three or even two plates. 

Today was an interesting day. I was challenged in more than one way. Physically I push almost as far as I could. I am not sure I could have done much more. Mentally, and Spiritually I was also pushed.  

The good news is that when you are pushed you usually only fall over if you aren't ready for the push. 

Today, I was ready for both. 

​In life, change comes over time. This is a real thing, whether in work, in exercise, in marriages, in parenting or in your relationship with God. You have got to FOCUS your intensity over TIME. To succeed takes diligence. Nothing good is easy. We must make ourselves, intentional, consistent and persistent. 

My last run was not long but it was at some pretty intense pacing. I did 5 - 1-minute intervals at a 6:45 pace.  (For me it was intense.) My wife reminded me how when I started running I struggled...

Today we drove, for what seemed like forever. Arrived at a hotel, settled in and then I attended the first meeting of a conference, meant to equip and train pastors for the future of ministry in our area. For the next four days, we will refresh, learn and be fed. 

All of us need to be nourished spiritually. We all need to be fed. Sometimes people ask me, "who feeds you?" As a pastor, we are always expected to bring messages of love, leadership, faith, and growth to our churches. But some may then wonder who feeds a pastor. The reality is that all of us need to be fed. 

​Matt Stutzman, knows how to hit his goals. In 2015 he became the world record holder for the farthest accurate shot in archery. He shot an arrow on target from 903 ft away. I can barely hit a target 6o ft away. That is impressive. 

But what is more impressive is that ...

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In my mind success is somewhat determined by the view of the one succeeding. 

I heard a story of a man, who had bowled two perfect games in 2004. In 2005 he was inducted into the Kalamazoo metro bowling association hall of fame. In 2006 he bowled another perfect game and died of a heart attack. 

His bowling partner described... 

​Ups and downs. Ups and downs. I like to eat, I would also like to be healthier. I am torn by this. I eat too much, I eat food that I shouldn't. Then I eat foods that I should, I feel better. I feel good.  

So why then is it, that when I see the bad, I eat it because it looks and so good? Why do I eat, what makes me weak? 

Food is a struggle for me.