The administrator at church got in the habit of clearing my calendar and marking me out during the second week of January. The first time it happened I asked her about it. She was smart enough to observe that I put so much into and ran so fast during the Advent season, that once the... Continue Reading →
Our Better Nature
By now, you’ve seen either the video or the picture of Bob Dole standing up from his wheelchair to give President George H.W. Bush one final salute. If the scene doesn’t stir something inside you, I suspect nothing will. I realized that those are the first two people that I didn’t vote for in terms... Continue Reading →
Airports and Advent
I’ve spent more time in airports during the last year and a half than I have in the previous ten years combined. For a dedicate people watcher, an airport is a fascinating, if not tiring, place. One common thread I’ve picked up on is that we are busy…busy doing things we feel like we must... Continue Reading →
The Music is Always Louder Than the Crying
Advent is my favorite liturgical season. I love the anticipation and expectation that a new hope will soon be born into the world. Lord knows, the world needs something. Long ago, the majority of those living under the rule of the Roman Empire was waiting on a long-awaited Messiah to bring light to their darkness.... Continue Reading →
5 Things for Which I Am Thankful for at Thanksgiving
2018 has been giving 2017 a run for its money when it comes to civil dysfunction. Let’s be honest; things aren’t exactly getting better in our political and civil discourse. As a Jesus follower, my predisposition is towards hope, but that’s not exactly an easy path on some days. As we slow down and prepare... Continue Reading →
5 Simple Ways to Create a Better Church Experience
Monday morning. The moment when I was able to properly reflect upon what happened at church the day before. The thing about being a pastor is the next Sunday is always right around the corner. You need to find time to reflect upon what happened the previous Sunday so that you, your staff, and your... Continue Reading →
Serena and the Double Standard
Serena Williams is not just a tennis player, but one of the most accomplished athletes of all time. The official during the US Open women’s final believed that she was cheating, receiving coaching from the stands. He called her character into question. When she stood up for herself, he further penalized her, citing “verbal abuse.”... Continue Reading →
Not Again- The Cost of Gun Violence
Sunday afternoon. I preached in the morning and following lunch with family and friends was sitting on the back patio, making my way to the coveted Sunday afternoon preacher’s nap. The news alert came on my phone. Not Again. Another shooting, this time at the Landing in Jacksonville. I’ve been to the Landing. People I... Continue Reading →
A Back to School Prayer
God of Love, A new school year begins, students, teachers, and staff filled with anticipation and with trepidation Anticipation for what will be learned, for growth that will take place, for friendships that will be developed and for lives that will be transformed Trepidation for tough assignments, acceptance by others, days that don’t go our... Continue Reading →
