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Author: John Knox

Granbury Tornado Chronicles Part I: Would You Like to See My House?

Granbury Tornado Chronicles Part I: Would You Like to See My House?

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I have had several friends that have built new homes over the years.  As the construction proceeded, they proudly showed me pictures of the progress. When the house was finally completed, they eagerly shared photos of the finished project. It is a natural thing to share the joy of a new home with friends. Today we served hundreds of people who lost their homes in Granbury’s tornado Wednesday evening.  They patiently waited in line for hours to secure a permit…

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Pizza Should Never Be Eaten Alone: Thursdays with Ira Part III

Pizza Should Never Be Eaten Alone: Thursdays with Ira Part III

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Last Thursday I enjoyed my weekly breakfast tradition with Ira.  His youngest daughter is my age, so he could be my father. Our weekly discussions over The Firehouse Breakfast Special give me material to think about for weeks.  His depth of character and understanding of Scripture stretches me intellectually and spiritually. Last week he told me that since his wife’s death he has become very attuned to people around him in a restaurant eating alone.  A couple of weeks ago…

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Police Dispatcher Appreciation Week

Police Dispatcher Appreciation Week

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I was not the chaplain on call that cool night in March of 1994.  But as chaplain commander that particular year, I was on call in the event of a major event that required more than one person to respond.  When my pager went off at 1:30 in the morning, I knew it was not good news.  Back in the pre-cell phone days, we had to call our dispatcher in order to receive details about the needs of the moment….

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Turn off the Charm and Turn on the Authenticity!

Turn off the Charm and Turn on the Authenticity!

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I love the character of Eddie Haskell on the classic show, Leave it to Beaver. Eddie’s syrupy if not disgusting compliments directed to June Cleaver make me laugh. His obvious duplicity is equally amusing.  Eddie can tell Mrs. Cleaver how nice she looks in one moment and totally ridicule poor Beaver as soon as the opportunity presents itself.  But in real life, the Eddie Haskell’s among us are just not amusing. People need authentic compliments. Our friends need genuine affirmation…

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Thursdays with Ira: Part II

Thursdays with Ira: Part II

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Thursdays with Ira have become an important tradition. I think I could write a book about the conversations that we have had over the past several months and it would be well worth the read.  Ira is 81 years old.  He has been a widower for less than a year.  His insights on life take me days to process after we depart from our Thursday morning breakfast meetings.  Today’s topic of discussion was rather unique. Ira decided on a whim…

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You Will ALWAYS be My Daughter….

You Will ALWAYS be My Daughter….

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I have edited key details and names in this story to protect the privacy of everyone involved.  What place does a 15 year old girl have in a Dallas bar that attracts more than its share of unsavory characters?   But that is where 15 year old Morgan found herself on most weeknights.  In fact, she had to find a place to lay her head, and get some rest.  Her mother’s shift as a bartender did not end until 2:00 a.m….

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The Invisible Homeless Among Us

The Invisible Homeless Among Us

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I am not an expert when it comes to serving our homeless population. But I am very aware of some of the hurdles that we face as we strive to actively express compassion to such individuals. Drug addiction and severe mental illness are among the list of difficulties. In recent months, it has become very clear to me that there is another kind of homeless population. There are the invisible homeless. It seems like a day does not go by…

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You Blew It!! I am Going to Slice and Dice You…

You Blew It!! I am Going to Slice and Dice You…

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Yesterday I judged at a UIL Lincoln Douglas Debate Competition in rural Brock, Texas. I thought my debate coaching and judging days were over after Daniel graduated from high school, but that is not to be the case apparently.  Yesterday there were several matches where an experienced high school debater was paired with a student that possessed little or no experience in a tournament setting. It could have been the equivalent of me going up against Tiger Woods in match…

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What? You Too! I Thought I was the Only One!

What? You Too! I Thought I was the Only One!

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When each of our boys started sleeping all the way through the night, it was a big deal.  Feedings in the wee hours of the morning soon ceased. Walking the floor with a baby suffering from colic lasted only a matter of weeks even though it seemed like months at the time!  Time marched on and they soon reached a point of seemingly staying up all night and sleeping during the day during school breaks. It never occurred to me…

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Six Year Old’s Do NOT Get Married…or Do They?

Six Year Old’s Do NOT Get Married…or Do They?

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I received a message from a bride to be this week.  She asked me if I would officiate at her wedding.  My immediate reaction was to laugh.  In my mind, this precious little girl is still in the first grade at Dillman Elementary School. She needs to go and play on the swing set adjacent to the church building instead of sending messages about weddings. It is ridiculous. Six year old’s don’t get married. Fortunately I was jarred out of…

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