All you need is love. That sounds like the lyrics of a song from the ‘60’s. All you need is love… I am a “Two” on the Enneagram. Those of us that are “Two’s are sometimes referred to as the helpers. Two’s are empathetic and kind. They are personable and self-sacrificing. They often choose to love under any and all circumstances. What beautiful traits. But, underneath the beauty of such a caring spirit, are some false assumptions. As a Two,…
When I think of anger, I think intensity. A person is boiling mad! They are fired up! Voices are raised, and blood pressure levels are elevated. Doors are slammed and hateful words are spoken. I grew up with a father who was known to have fits of rage periodically. He was never physically abusive, but he showed several of the above mentioned outward expressions of anger. Those are not fond childhood memories. A good friend of mine is married to…
The real treasures in your life are often hidden behind the curtain of a quiet spirit. That is true of every group, and even church is no exception. Churches have treasures that remain undiscovered until they surface unexpectedly. My family moved to Granbury in July of 2004. We chose to paint the interior of our new home before the chaos of having three young boys in a new house ensued. And there were other menial chores around the house that…
Valentine’s Day is quite profitable for those who market candy, or sell flowers. I wonder about the gross sales of Valentines related items. Oh well…most of us dropped a few dollars today. As the day winds down, I am thinking of people who do not have anyone to buy them a box of candy or a dozen roses. I am thinking of people who are alone. I made preparations today to officiate at a funeral that will be held next…
I think I grew up in a pretty normal family. My mother was a stay-at-home mom like so many women were in the 1960’s and 1970’s. My father worked for two corporations during his entire married life. He was very steady and dependable in that regard. My parents were frugal like you can’t imagine, but we never went without food or clothes. But, my family of origin was also proficient at secret keeping. There was a history of mental illness…
I have been asked to speak to a group of high school students this Sunday evening about depression. It’s not an easy topic to delve into by any means, but it is relevant. Unfortunately, suicide ideation among teens is far too common. And, depression is by no means uncommon among students. Where do I begin? I have a strong hunch that some students are of a mind that being sad is unacceptable. If they feel sad, then they conclude something…
We have a “Dale” at camp this week, and the truth is every child that has been abused or neglected needs one. I saw Dale for the first time Monday night when I went out the camp with a group of men to relieve the male counselors for a couple of hours. We show up in the evening, so they can get a break to shower and relax after a full day of serving a special group of children. As…
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…
My big mouth has always gotten me in trouble. Sunday was no exception. I preached on the subject of “mercy” yesterday. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy was my assigned passage. I defined “mercy” during the course of the sermon. Mercy is compassion or sympathy in action. It is taking positive action when someone is in trouble. It is not mere idle sentiment or vain words. That is good stuff. And so far so good on…
I am not writing from a prison cell tonight, but it is not like that would be beyond the scope of possibility. I graduated from high school with very average grades, made below average grades my first two years of college, and miraculously got with the program and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1984. I went on to earn both masters and doctoral level degrees. That is sure proof that miracles do not cease. How did that happen? Why…