Browsed by
Author: John Knox

Lead by Example

Lead by Example

I was privileged this afternoon to watch Jeff Jeffries receive special recognition from the Hood County Child Welfare Board for his work with abused and neglected children.   Jeffries has been a driving force behind the Granbury Royal Family Kids Camp.  RFKC camps around the world exist exclusively for the purpose of providing a Christian camping experience for abused children that have been removed from their homes by state agencies such as Child Protective Services in Texas.  This year we are…

Read More Read More

An Unusual Necklace…

An Unusual Necklace…

One day last week I had a morning chalked full of hospital visits in Ft. Worth.  By the time I started heading back to Granbury, it was already 2:00 in the afternoon.  I decided to stop at the Sonic Drive-In Cresson to get a low calorie chick wrap.  I could not help but tease the girl waiting on me about the roller blades she was wearing to work in as a car hop.  After a few moments she emerged from…

Read More Read More

Searching for Real Love

Searching for Real Love

I have always liked the Doobie Brothers.  I am a child of the ‘70’s what can I say?  Their hit Real Love hit the charts when I was a freshman at Texas Tech in 1980.   I recall liking the tune when the song was released, but I never really paid close attention to the lyrics.  I was a little surprised today when I listened closely to them probably for the first time. The singer is addressing a woman in his…

Read More Read More

A Tribute to All Those Who Answer 911 Everyday…

A Tribute to All Those Who Answer 911 Everyday…

I posted this blog in February of 2010.  I am sharing it again as a tribute to my dispatchers here in Hood County.  This week is: National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.  I recently heard an audio recording of a little 5 year old girl who called 911, because her father was experiencing shortness of breath and other tell-tale signs of a heart attack. The conversation the dispatcher had with the little girl is priceless. She was very responsible and did…

Read More Read More

The Biggest Loser Separates from the Oreos…

The Biggest Loser Separates from the Oreos…

As I navigated my way through the typical Saturday afternoon Walmart mayhem, I went straight to the cooler with the low-fat milk.  I passed by the oreos as if they did not even exist.  I could hear them faintly calling my name as I made way to the next aisle, but I was determined not to respond.  I don’t like to hurt feelings, and I know the oreos were feeling the rejection. As I stocked my cart with a variety…

Read More Read More

The Goodbye Mom…

The Goodbye Mom…

In approximately 6 weeks, another school year will be behind us.  My youngest will have completed his first year of high school.  Three more academic years and then we will proceed to become empty nesters.  (At least in theory)  I had an experience at the high school last week that reminded me that the empty nest will never become a complete reality for us. I was visiting with one of the teachers after school when one of her students popped by…

Read More Read More

Romace or Love: Take Your Choice…

Romace or Love: Take Your Choice…

Romance and real love…. Take your choice. What do you prefer? I think I will take some of both. Now I really don’t like sappy chick flicks. They are all too predictable on one level and totally unrealistic on another level. I prefer classic movies like The Dirty Dozen, where something gets blown up. But that does not mean that I am not a romantic at heart. Today I witnessed a little bit of both in a place that you…

Read More Read More

Cancer Changes People

Cancer Changes People

Phil Mickelson’s final putt to win the Master’s last year in Augusta as his wife was looking on in the gallery moved even the most hardened golf fans to tears. Amy Mickelson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Last year’s Master’s was the first tournament she had attended since her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It was a great moment whether you are a golf fan or not. I will never forget the look on her face as the ball…

Read More Read More

When Stress is Overwhelming

When Stress is Overwhelming

Stress is a part of life. There is no escaping it. Several months ago I told someone that my life would soon be back to normal, and they laughed. The laughter was followed by the question: what is normal? I stumbled over myself and ultimately failed to provide a plausible answer. Yesterday a close friend and colleague in ministry called. As a result of events going on in the church he serves that are totally beyond his control, he is…

Read More Read More

I Didn’t Go to Church Today…. (And I am the Preaching Minister!)

I Didn’t Go to Church Today…. (And I am the Preaching Minister!)

I didn’t go to church today, but I did see “church” today. Allow me to explain… Less than two weeks ago a sweet 92 year old lady, who is a longtime member of the church I serve, lost her 60 year old daughter very suddenly. She passed away in her sleep. It was an unexpected event for the entire family. The daughter lived with her mother, so that makes the sudden loss even more difficult. This morning before worship I…

Read More Read More