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Category: Ministry

Don’t Be Intimidated!

Don’t Be Intimidated!

I was playing a round of golf by myself the other day when I caught up to a threesome playing just ahead of me. I noticed as I approached the hole that they were off in the trees searching for their balls. The course where I play is very tight. There is little room for forgiveness, when it comes to errant tee shots. The frustrated players motioned for me to go on and hit. I really don’t like to do…

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Just Minding My Own Business…

Just Minding My Own Business…

 Andrew is my new hero. While visiting a neighbor, five-year-old Andrew pulled out his kindergarten class picture and immediately began describing each classmate. “This is Robert; he hits everyone. This is Stephen. He never listens to the teacher. This is Mark. He chases us and is very noisy.” Pointing to his picture, Andrew commented, “And this is me. I’m just sitting here minding my own business.” I like this kid. He represents the all too human tendency we posses to…

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Accidents DO Happen…

Accidents DO Happen…

 Accidents do happen. And we have had two in a row here at the Knox Manor. Of course the drivers in my house were at fault. I can’t say anything, because I was one of the drivers this particular go around. Thankfully no one was injured in either mishap. I received a letter today from the underwriting department at my insurance company. It seems they are none too happy with me. I am a big boy and I take bad…

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Making it Look Like An Accident…

Making it Look Like An Accident…

One of the more recent quotes floating around on facebook these days is: If you hurt my daughter, I will make your death look like an accident. I am fully aware of the fact that my humor is warped, but I love that quote! It reflects the degree of loyalty that we feel toward our children. We can’t help but love people who love our kids. That is an important principle of life! And the opposite is true as well….

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Growing Up Unchurched

Growing Up Unchurched

  My friend and ministry colleague Dan Bouchelle recently wrote an essay on his blogspot reflecting on his sentiments of being a minister who grew up in a preacher’s home. It was very enlightening to me, because not only did I not grow up as a preacher’s kid, but I can count on one hand the number of times we went to church during my childhood. His background has made his professional experience much different than mine. What has ministry…

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Speaking at Baccalaureate: No Pressure!

Speaking at Baccalaureate: No Pressure!

 Last week I received an invitation to be the speaker at the annual baccalaureate service that Granbury’s Ministerial Alliance hosts at the high school each year the Sunday prior to graduation. I was touched to be asked. It was a nice gesture for my colleagues to consider me, since I have a son graduating this year. Reality soon hit all too hard. It soon occurred to that I have about 10 days to come up with something that will resonate…

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Do You REALLY Enjoy Kicking Someone When They Are Down?

Do You REALLY Enjoy Kicking Someone When They Are Down?

I find no pleasure in kicking people when they are down. In fact, I perceive such inclinations as sadistic, self-righteous, and downright mean spirited. If we stumbled upon an injured person, would we give them a good shove instead of rendering aid? We would be horrified if we read something like that in the news. I am so thankful that I am above such hostile and uncaring attitudes. Perhaps I should think again… Let me begin by confessing that I…

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Are YOUR Heart Skills Functioning at Grade Level?

Are YOUR Heart Skills Functioning at Grade Level?

 I have a lot of irons in the fire. In fact, I have too many commitments at the present time. Some of them will end soon. I do see some light at the end of the tunnel. And it is just a busy time of year. Next school year I plan to cut a few things out of my schedule out of necessity. But there is one effort that will actually become a more significant priority. I have volunteered as…

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This is NOT New York City…I don’t think..

This is NOT New York City…I don’t think..

 Would it happen in Granbury, America? I certainly hope not. A 31 year old Guatemalan immigrant in New York City recently intervened to assist a woman being attacked on a street in Queens. When he intervened to help the woman, he was stabbed several times. Video surveillance cameras from nearby apartment buildings revealed at least 7 people walking by the man as he lay in the street bleeding. Some turned their heads to look. Others stopped to gawk, but nobody…

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Watching My Own Blind Side

Watching My Own Blind Side

  I finally got to watch The Blind Side for the first time last night. I liked the movie. But I think I liked it for very different reasons. I am sure most people were inspired by the success of a young, homeless kid who ultimately played pro football. And that is an inspiring story! But there was another theme in the movie that stood out to me. We live in a very segregated world. We don’t like to admit…

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