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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…
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Last night I performed a beach, wedding vow renewal ceremony for good friends. The groom of twenty-five years worked hard on making this all a surprise. He lied like an old dog at a breeding kennel. He sneaked and snuck to buy a cake, a new wedding band, and secure all the necessary components. He corralled the likes of a pastor, a celebratory restaurant, photographer, and his original and hand-written vows. The once-again bride had no clue of the effort…
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Oswald Chambers wrote, “The preacher is there as the representative of God — “… as though God were pleading through us…” (II Corinthians 5:20_. He is there to present the Gospel of God. If it is only because of preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ.” On Sunday morning, I caved. The kids wanted to stay in a stream a live church service. I wanted to go to a “real” church. I…
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I settled into my pre-sunrise beach post. My toes were exploring the white sand. Nothing but ocean, sky, and coastline stood before God and me. With eternal gratitude, I took a deep sip from my coffee mug. Coffee mug is such a deceptive term. There was absolutely no coffee in my mug. I’m drinking fake coffee. The label says “a coffee beverage.” More deception. There’s nothing coffee about this coffee beverage. But real coffee doesn’t seem to like me these…
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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…
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Growing up, I listened to WVUD out of Dayton, Ohio. It was an album rock radio station. Without commercial interruption, WVUD played whole albums. Listening to an album rock station is where I learned to appreciate the song “Gnat Attack” by Kansas. It was a part of “Magnum Opus” on Kansas’ Leftoverture” classic. Many would recognize “Carry On My Wayward Son” or “What’s On My Mind.” But, would you recognize “Release The Beavers?” This song was another great movement in…
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It’s hard NOT to process things through Baton Rouge, Minnesota, and Dallas. Chaos abounds. Most would assume that all chaos is dangerous. Does the chaos tell us anything about the Church in the West? We live in the chaos of a post-modern culture. This is not merely going back to a pagan, pre-Christian life. This is post-Christian. Many are seeking the benefits of religion (community, values, elevated lifestyles) without the rigors of commitment, obedience, and the authority of one God. …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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