It has been a long time since I was in the 7th grade. I do mean a long time. 1974 to be more precise. I was an awkward 7th grader with very little self confidence. I remember giving a speech in English class that year. I was an avid golfer, so I did a demonstration speech on the game of golf. Apparently my English teacher was not impressed with my speaking abilities, or my knowledge of golf. I received a…
Is it possible for the Holy Spirit to work overtime in a person’s heart? That sounds like very strange theology. I am fearful that my theology professors are going to cringe at such a suggestion. I am sure they will get over it. They have always known I am a bit crazy. I remain convinced the Holy Spirit is working overtime in my life right now. There are too many things taking place to chalk it off to a strange…
I am sure everyone has memorable holidays that were spent with extended family members. Jan fondly recalls going to New Year’s Eve parties at her Aunt Nora’s, when she was growing up. July 4th was spent at her Aunt Julia’s house, where her granddad would strategically place firecrackers that were intended to give some unsuspecting soul a surprise jolt. Christmas was more of the same. First and second cousins only lived a few miles away. They all shared the closeness…
Ravaged is a good word….Yes I do believe that is the most descriptive word I can find to describe my recent experience. I rode out with one of the supervisors with the Granbury Police Department last night. As a law enforcement chaplain, my most effective ministry takes place riding in the front seat of a patrol car. In fact I have a lecture that I deliver for police training events entitled: “Everything I ever needed to know I learned in…
My dentist tells me I am a grinder…. This was a rather stunning revelation initially. What does grinding entail? Is it contagious? What are the implications of being a grinder? Will I get to see my family again? She gently explained that it means I grind my teeth at night while I am experiencing what I always thought were pleasant dreams. My inlination toward such unitentional dental destruction has of course led to me spending some time in a chair…
I am discovering that I have very little tolerance for small talk… At the present time, I have a close friend who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have several members of my own family dealing with significant life transitions. I often think of my friends, Benny and Niki Nowell, as they minister to homeless children and teenagers in Colorado. They were thrilled this week to receive a contribution from a church that will fund gift cards to purchase…
The song Cat’s in the Cradle flashed through my mind yesterday when my son rolled in from college to spend what will probably be his last summer at home with mom and dad. His sophomore year is now history. The rest of his time as an undergraduate student will no doubt fly by even faster. His brothers have grown taller and look more like men since he left for school last August. It is Mother’s Day today, and Harry Chapin…
My boys will soon receive the annual Mother’s Day Lecture. It is a lesson that is never forgone around the Knox household. It generally includes the same key points: wear nice clothes to church, sit with your mother in the worship assembly, be home for lunch, no crude discussion at the table, and above all….be on your best behavior for the day. They always take it well, and generally go above the call of duty to honor their mother. This…
Someday I intend to write a book. Jan has been after me for years to journal ministry experiences and encounters out in the field as a law enforcement chaplain. She is fearful that the details will fade, as the years march on. She of course is right. I am going to title this yet to be written book: Called to the Moment. I firmly believe that God has called me to each key moment of life that I have experienced….