Shiny Rocks

Stephan Tchividjian
8 Jun 2023
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A 1986 movie entitled, “The Mission” tells a story of violence, tragedy, sin, penance, forgiveness, conversion and restoration. In one iconic scene the character, mercenary and slaver Rodrigo Mendoza, played by Robert De Niro, must carry a large bag filled with weighted items wherever he went, to signify his sin and his punishment. The burden was excruciating, especially as they journeyed through the harsh rainforest and up the side of a slippery and ferocious waterfall. The climactic scene of the story is when Mendoza is released of his burdens and forgiven for his murderous behavior in view of his enemies by […]

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Gary

Stephan Tchividjian
3 May 2023
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There is a statement in the Bible that describes God as a guide who’s like a lamp or light on a darkened path.  The visual is powerful if you’ve ever found yourself in unfamiliar territory and needing to be guided.     Our guide Gary was our guide with 25 years of experience. He knew the path and how to safely lead us there. He hadn’t always been the guide, but had started as the guides helper, did that for five years, he reminds us.  Gary became our guide as we embarked on our river adventure.  Gary showed us to our raft, […]

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Put Me in Coach

Stephan Tchividjian
10 Apr 2023
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Have you ever coached a sport? Do you want to coach a sport? Has anyone ever coached you? Have you coached the coach (ouch)? Coaching is an interesting responsibility and carries with it some unique risks and rewards. Today you can find all kinds of coaches, such as business coaches, health coaches, life coaches, sports coaches, etc. A coach usually has the role of helping the one being coached to see or do things they may not be able to do on their own. We have all witnessed the local neighborhood sporting league. Imagine for a moment that you are […]

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Hopelossnot

Stephan Tchividjian
6 Mar 2023
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One of the most uncomfortable, disruptive and fearful experiences we may have is when we experience loss. One can experience loss in a variety of ways. For example, you may experience a sense of loss when you actually lose something that you need, your car keys, wallet or purse. However, these usually are temporary losses and solutions do exist, though they are often time consuming and expensive. Perhaps you have experienced loss in a more egregious manner, such as the loss of a friendship, a job you loved, an opportunity you nurtured, the death of a loved one or a […]

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Hero Maker

Stephan Tchividjian
10 Jan 2023
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Recently I overheard someone say, “you are not a hero maker.” The comment immediately got my attention for many reasons. I was curious what a hero maker was and what it took to make one? I was also intrigued by what standards one was measured by to determine if he/she was a hero maker? I sensed there was something worthwhile hidden within the comment, perhaps a secret prize of some sort.   We all love heroes, and they do, indeed, come in all shapes and sizes. The most notorious heroes are those men and women that stand up for the […]

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hero maker

I love you Bono

Stephan Tchividjian
13 Dec 2022
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bono

I was introduced to the music of U2 back in high school, and I have remained a fan ever since. Bono, the lead singer has been open about his faith in Christ, and though unconventional in his expression, I don’t doubt it. Recently I had the opportunity, with Lisa, to see his one-person presentation entitled, “Stories of Surrender,” a two-hour depiction of his life story based on his recently published book by the same name. The experience was exceptional and profound. I was drawn into the experience and noted how he used emotion, intellect, cadence, art, movement, music and silence […]

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The Mission and The Storm

Stephan Tchividjian
6 Oct 2022
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storm

I was falling asleep the other evening and thinking about all the “storms” we have been facing over the past few years. Many of the storms have caught national and international attention. Some of the storms are personal and private. However, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and depressed…. perhaps a bit exhausted with the relentless waves of heavy and painful stories. I ,once again, like to reflect on a very familiar story that has been with me all my life (I originally published this a few years ago…..so, I guess it’s as relevant today as it was then). Jesus […]

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Grateforgetfulness

Stephan Tchividjian
21 Sep 2022
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Imagine with me that you are experiencing some type of chronic pain.  The pain is excruciating and without cure. The pain has affected every aspect of your life. You are no longer able to work, except in some very limited capacity and your dream job is gone. The pain has affected every relationship you have, including your marriage and family. You are unable to embrace your loved ones and feel their touch. Loneliness has become your constant companion. Your loved ones and best friends make every effort to live up to the expectations you have of them, but they have become weary […]

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grateforget