News & Updates

I’ve got an Olympic hangover this morning. I am sleep deprived. Why does Michael Phelps swim ONLY late at night? In TV reality, isn’t this taped? Hasn’t Phelps REALLY swam hours before? Why do I have to stay up so late to see him own the pool? Arrgghhh. But the stories are worth it. Did you happen to catch David Boudia and Steele Johnson winning silver in the Men’s synchronized 10m platform diving? They both claimed their identity in Christ is…

We serve a living Jesus who fills.  “And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”  (Ephesians 1:23) I am full. Each year, Cumberland blesses my family and me with a summer study break.  The purpose is to be filled.  I anticipate this great time each year.  And when it’s over, I’m full.  Perhaps better language is: “Ready to explode!” Sunday is Firehose Sunday.  I’m asking God to…

Another year has passed and another Argyle Back to School FIA is here. YEA!!!! First of all, thanks to all the team leaders that have put this event together for 2016. It would not happen otherwise. Thank you to all who have signed up to serve and all of you that will show up Sunday to serve. When I think of all that happens at an FIA Sunday, I am reminded of the following passage: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 (J.B. Phillips…

  The most vivid memories during my grade school years often involved recess. Between jump rope competitions, kickball tournaments, and swings that went so high they are likely illegal now, the blacktop behind Edison Elementary provided a forum for a bunch of rambunctious kids to run wild, form alliances, and establish pecking orders. Only two things ever ruined it for our class – inclement weather or a mischievous boy named Greg Fulk. Greg was well-liked by his peers, but was…

I’ve been visiting my dad this week in Ohio. He lives in the same hometown I grew up in. I’ve been driving by houses and libraries and post offices and old stores and schools and baseball fields and playgrounds to induce a wonderful flood of memories and stories going back some fifty plus years. This morning as I sit in my dad’s kitchen, I’m the only one here. Windows and screens doors are open as a cool breeze makes coffee…

I like better things. My iphone is better than my old flip phone. My TV is better than the one Sherry and I had when we were first married. My current diet is better than a few years back. My new pillow is better. The new toothbrush Sherry just bought me is better than my old one. I like better…. Not butter. Most prefer better over butter. Butter is bad for you, better is not. Unless better consumes you. I…

Most Sundays I have great anticipation for our gatherings. Then there are Sundays like the one coming. I have an even greater sense of anticipation. We’ve all been through an incredible week. Weirdly, so much centered around Orlando. Singer Christina Grimmie was killed. An alligator took the life of a toddler at Disney World, and 50 died in our nations bloodiest shooting. The horrors coming out of Florida, along with our own “stuff,” makes for a very taxing week. It…

We drove last night to North Georgia Christian Camp. It’s fast becoming one of my family’s favorite places on planet earth. The closing session of worship and teaching last night featured Kurt Petersheim. Kurt is the Student Ministries Pastor from Eastridge Community Church in Covington, GA. He did a great job laying out a straightforward, passionate Gospel challenge to some 60+ highschoolers and 35 adults. It was a moving gathering. By the end, Kurt challenged the engaged teens to stop…

I absolutely love this photo from a recent wedding I performed. I love Taylor Walker’s face as he sees his bride for the very first time. His visceral reaction is classic. I also noticed that at the exact time Taylor’s face was blowing up, I took a subversive, lustful look over at my smokin’ hot wife of twenty-nine years. I want to never lose what Taylor has, and I want Taylor to gain what I hold onto dearly. Two very…