alex hoffer in office

Last Post of 2019: This is the Way

December 19, 2019

An early episode of the new Disney + series, The Mandalorian, features a scene where the main protagonist (aptly called the Mandalorian or “Mando”) is reunited underground with other mandalorians (bounty hunters). During their interaction, it becomes clear that one of the founding sayings of the group is: “this is the way.” This got me […]

woman holding pink coffee mug that says do it anyway

Leader Thoughts

December 16, 2019

November 27, 2019: 3:45 p.m. My shirt has a little bit of what appears to be a grease stain from shaking hands with people in the tool room this afternoon. I hope the stain does not come out. I hope it reminds me to get out on the floor, look people in the eyes, and […]

closeup of fly on branch

Mid Week Perspective: The Fly Problem

December 11, 2019

Sarah had our pest control agent to the house the other day. Our house passed its monthly checkup, although there had been a small problem with flies in the boys’ shared bathroom back in September and October. Thanks to cold Chicago temperatures, the problem is resolved for now, but we are still curious how 2-3 […]

man holding lantern to illuminate blue field

A Dream That Led to Reflection

December 9, 2019

One of my goals with this blog is to be real. I don’t have a ghost writer, so what follows is something that actually happened. It is also something I don’t want to share because it is not flattering. But the uncomfortable stories are the ones worth sharing because there is much to learn from […]

young person touching a globe

Mid-Week Perspective: Mindset

December 4, 2019

The Mid-Week Perspective post is an “almost weekly” post that comments on the world and all that is in it. All opinions are my own. This past weekend, our church wrapped up a fascinating series on how Biblical Christianity and Science are not at odds with one another. The series, entitled “All Creation Sings” can […]

Closeup of young man pointing finger

Excuseville

December 2, 2019

Welcome to excuseville. Everyone is welcome, all you need is an excuse. Welcome to all the washed-up former high school athletes. We agree that if it wasn’t for that one coach, or that terrible injury, you would have made the big leagues. We will be happy to keep sulking with you because that is what […]

an informal thank you video screen capture

Thank You To BIB Subscribers

November 27, 2019
alex at football game

#34 on Vulnerability

November 25, 2019

The sports world, and all of Chicago, were shocked when Walter Payton announced that he had a rare liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis in February, 1999. “To the people that really care about me, just continue praying,” a courageous, but noticeably emotional, Payton told the world that day. I grew up watching Walter […]

three people in conference room

Can’t You Just Video Conference?

November 15, 2019

Of course, you can video conference. But, so can everyone else. Not everyone can do face to face. Not everyone can connect. Not everyone can look someone in the eyes. Not everyone can leave their family and go. Not everyone can set aside every other distraction and commit to the person in front of them. […]

old books on shelf

Book Club Tuesday – The Ride of A Lifetime

November 12, 2019

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process. Book: The Ride of A Lifetime Author: Robert Iger Length: 272 pages / 8 hours and 45 minutes via Audible Why I chose to read it: Growing up in […]