Yesterday afternoon, our dogs went nuts, barking at something they saw through the back windows. When Shannon stepped outside to see what the problem was, she saw a large dog running across our pasture. It had a collar with a long rope trailing behind. Shannon, being Shannon, immediately felt sorry for the dog and called … Continue reading January 27, 2020 →

Yesterday, Cherri tagged my Facebook page and said, “This would never happen in our church.” Curious as to what she was talking about, I read the article and watched the attached video. My heart broke. The video showed a pastor, who in the middle of his sermon, asked the ushers to escort a young mother … Continue reading January 24, 2020 →

The door to my office is usually open. That allows the staff members quick access, which helps facilitate decisions they have to make for ministry. It’s a good thing. Yesterday, as Amanda was talking to me about a summer intern, Grace walked in with a camera and started taking pictures as I sat at my … Continue reading January 23, 2020 →

A few years ago, Shannon made pizza for dinner. As soon as I tasted the pizza, I knew something was wrong. But I didn't want to disappoint her after all the hard work that went into making pizza, so I ate it with a smile on my face. After dinner, Shannon said, "What did you … Continue reading January 22, 2020 →

Saturday, our newest grandchild, Will, came into the world earlier than expected. Yesterday, Shannon and I made the trek to McKinney to see him for the first time. As I sat there in the hospital rocking chair, holding this little miracle, it was obvious to everyone who walked into the room that Will was devastatingly … Continue reading January 21, 2020 →

Way back at the beginning of time, when I completed the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, I received orders for the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Derrick received the same orders. We decided to drive from Kentucky to Georgia in Derrick's beautiful Corvette. … Continue reading January 20, 2020 →

Rerun from Daily Devotional January 6, 2017 I am a great preacher. If you don’t believe me, just ask me. That’s why I really resent when members of the church miss on Sunday mornings. Sermons this good don’t come around too often. But there is an exception. Don has suffered what many would consider a … Continue reading January 17, 2020 →

Yesterday, I had to see Bob. He’s my dentist. And while I love Bob, I hate going to the dentist. As I sat in the exam chair with Bob probing teeth, he started lecturing me on the fact that I cancelled my last appointment. That’s when I explained in very pastoral tones that while he … Continue reading January 16, 2020 →

One of the weird things about being a pastor is that even though I work for FUMC Temple, and am considered an employee of the Central Texas Conference of the UMC, for tax purposes, I am self-employed. I didn't make these crazy rules but I have to live with them. I don't mind paying taxes. … Continue reading January 15, 2020 →

From time to time, I get complaints about the quality of the sound system in the sanctuary. This is especially true for those who sit under the balcony. And since I always refuse to take responsibility for anything that goes wrong, I immediately blame the sound techs. But truth be known, the sound techs do … Continue reading January 14, 2020 →