What is wrong with the world today? Why are people so stressed? Why are we seeing so many emotional meltdowns around us? I have the answer. It is really quite simple. None of us are getting enough back porch time. When life is overwelming, I like to head to the back porch. I watch the squirrels in the back yard. I listen the birds. I write in my journal. I read a good book. I even write my best hand…
Do you remember Fran Tarkenten? He was the standout quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings for
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…
Camp is on my mind right now. In less than a month, I will assume my annual responsibilty of being the Head Men’s Counselor at Camp Zenith hosted on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. Our youth minister, Chris Robey, asked me a couple of years ago if I would be interested in filling that role. I actually thought it was time for me to retire from church camps, and draw my camp pension. In a moment of weakness in…
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…
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…
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….
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…