Do you remember Fran Tarkenten? He was the standout quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings for
Overtime for the Holy Spirit
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…
The Accused…
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…
What will it Take to Get Our Attention?
I was really looking forward to following Phil Mickelson in the gallery at the Colonial professional golf tournament next week in Ft. Worth. He is the defending champion of that PGA event, and the #2 golfer in the world. Phil won’t be there this year. And he is not playing in the Byron Nelson this weekend either. Phil cancelled all of his professional golf commitments until further notice, because of his wife, Amy’s health concerns. She was recently diagnosed with…
Save Your Tears…
There was record heat in Wichita Falls, TX on July 16th, 1989. I am really not that interested in weather trends, but I distinctly remember bringing my baby boy home that day. It was so hot that I ran the air conditioner in the car for a few minutes before I would let him and Jan leave the comfort of the hospital. When we got home, I checked on him, as he slept in his baby bed, every ten minutes….
I am Grinding My Life Away
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…
Small Talk Anyone?
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…
Nostalgia
I am feeling rather nostalgic today. General Motors announced last week a plan to discontinue the Pontiac line. I did not think much about it at first, and then I read an article about America’s romance with the Pontiac muscle cars. I guess I am no exception. I too have always been enamored by the classic GTO’s, Firebirds, and Trans-Ams. My second grade teacher had an awesome 1968 Pontiac Firebird. It placed her a notch higher in the eyes of…
Called to a Moment of Grace
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….
You Like People Who……
You like people who like your kids… Someone much wiser than me shared that thought when all three of my children were very young. Is it true? Do we like people who like our kids? I think I am hard pressed to find fault with people who truly care about my children! Sandy Paddack watched Randall when he was only a few weeks old in Wichita Falls. We grew to love Sandy in a special way. Heather and Amy Hooten…