Melanie’s father is awesome.  He’s 96 years old and just bought a new full-size, four-wheel drive, pickup truck.When Melanie told me this, knowing her father’s mobility issues, I asked how he was able to climb into such a tall truck.She said, “Pastor Tom, I don’t get it.  He’s 96 years old.  We had to have a stool made so … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 30, 2023 →

Because of Shannon’s hip replacement surgery, many in our church have been very gracious in offering assistance.  I don’t know if it is because they are afraid I am not a good nurse, they just want to help, or they have a completely different agenda.  Carol is a good example of a completely different agenda. This is … Continue reading Daily Devotional March 29, 2023 →

One of the worst moments of my life was standing over the little casket of a child.  There’s something about seeing a miniature coffin and knowing there’s a little one in it that goes against the natural order of things.  It’s not supposed to be that way.  Older people who have experienced a long full life are supposed … Continue reading Daily Devotional March 28, 2023 →

By the standards of normal people, Shannon and I eat a very strange diet.  We are whole-food, plant-based, which is code for, “If it tastes good, you can’t eat it.”  Eating this way means being very intentional and a lot of prior planning.  Fortunately for me, Shannon is an excellent cook and I eat well. Last Thursday, Shannon … Continue reading Daily Devotional March 27, 2023 →

When someone in our church does something above and beyond, I give them a free funeral (pastor part only). After being here so long, I’ve given away a lot of funerals.Larry volunteers to drive one of the vans that bring children from the different school districts to our Wednesday afternoon programs.  He’s a saint so yesterday, I … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 23, 2023 →

A few nights ago, Shannon jokingly said that even though our wedding anniversary isn’t until June, it will be our silver anniversary and I better start working her gift.I explained she is getting a new hip tomorrow and that counted.  She said, “The hip is made of titanium, not silver.”  So, now I am back to square one.It … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 22, 2023 →

Shannon is an excellent animal trainer.  She has trained our horses and dogs.  This is good because I don’t have the time, patience, or expertise to train our animals.Effective training results in desired behavior and Shannon is very effective.  With the exception of a yippy, creepy, hairless dog, that looks like an underinflated football with feet, our horses … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 21, 2023 →

Rerun of Daily Devotional March 18, 2021 Some of my favorite people in the church serve as our volunteer receptionists.  I call them the babysitters because they have to deal with the staff and me.  The name accurately fits the job.  And while I realize working with me is everyone’s dream come true, the rest of … Continue reading Daily Devotional March 20, 2023 →

Yesterday, I taught a Bible study for the Dorcus Circle Methodist Women’s Group.  The subject was humility.As I sat there talking to these women, who are some of the finest people I have ever met, I began by asking, “Who in this room has ever thought you were somebody important?”Much to my surprise, Carol and I … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 16, 2023 →

I lease a 50-acre field from a friend.  Half of it I used for hay production.  The other half was covered in mesquite trees.I don’t like mesquite trees.  No one likes mesquite trees.  Not even God likes mesquite trees.  In fact, the only time mesquite trees are any good is when someone is using the wood for a barbeque.Last week, … Continue reading Daily Devotional for March 15, 2023 →