One of the never-ending challenges for our pastures is weed control.  That's because weeds compete with the grass for nutrients and water.  A healthy pasture has very few weeds. Earlier this year, I sprayed some of the pastures for weeds.  The product did a great job and the those pastures are full of thick, green … Continue reading Daily Devotional June 21, 2021 →

Don is a member of our church.  He’s really, REALLY smart. On more than one occasion, I’ve asked Don to explain his research to me.  Sadly, he always has to stop when I start crying because he’s using words I’ve never heard before.  I don’t understand what he’s talking about.Recently, Don sent me an article on … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 17, 2021 →

From my limited perspective, it seems as if the world is becoming more and more polarized.  And if someone doesn’t agree with absolutely everything you believe, it is okay to paint them as the enemy.One example is the political spectrum.  It is rapidly dividing into two opposite camps.On one extreme are the left wing, police … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 16, 2021 →

While our main church campus is four city blocks that have been consolidated into one, we also own additional property across the street.  It is a large garage with eight huge bays, an office, and storage area.  In addition, we have two other buildings on this property.  For the last few months, it has become … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 15, 2021 →

Mike sent the following story.  Believe it or not, there's a lot of truth in it. A pastor assured his congregation he was their servant and that they should feel free to call him anytime they had a problem.That night the pastor's phone rang at 3 a.m. On the other end was a dear elderly … Continue reading Daily Devotional June 14, 2021 →

Tuesday, I wrote a devotional about the deep shame I felt for some of our church staff because they did not carry pocketknives.  Later that day, in order to redeem them from their shame, I bought each of them a multitool so that they could say they carried pocketknives on steroids which is even better … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 10, 2021 →

Yesterday, I got a call from a good friend who has faithfully served his congregation for many years. He told me about a woman in his church who had been diagnosed with Tinnitus.  The ringing noise was so loud, she described it like listening to a large jet engine that never stopped. Sadly, the doctor … Continue reading Daily Devotional June 9, 2021 →

Our church staff has deep, theological discussions on a regular basis.  Usually, these happen in the break room during lunch.  Yesterday was one of the deepest.As Kay ate her instant noodles, Brian ate his hamburger, Breana stared at her phone, Melissa unpacked her lunch, I ate the lunch Shannon had packed, Pete munched on whatever … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 8, 2021 →

This month, I begin my sixteenth year of ministry at FUMC Temple.  It has been quite a ride. Because of my extended time at the church, I have been able to witness what few Methodist pastors get to see.  Things have changed. The children I visited with during the children's time, are now in college.  … Continue reading Daily Devotional June 7, 2021 →

Carl and Becky are two of my all-time favorite people.  That’s because they both have a sense of humor as bad as mine.Yesterday, they had come to the church office because Carl needed to give Melissa some information for the organ music being played on Sunday and Becky was the volunteer staff babysitter.When I walked … Continue reading Daily Devotional for June 3, 2021 →