Every Christmas, Merlene and Anton give Shannon and me a beautiful potted poinsettia. These stunning flowers always add even more magic to the Christmas decorating that Shannon does in our house. Yesterday, Merlene brought the poinsettia to the church. As usual, it was a breathtaking specimen. As everyone in the office began to comment on … Continue reading December 3, 2019 →

The church campus has some absolutely beautiful pecan trees that have produced a beautiful crop. Yesterday, before the first worship service, as I walked across the back of the sanctuary, Gary said, "I just picked up two big pecans on the way in and if your sermon is bad, I will stay awake by eating … Continue reading December 2, 2019 →

Shannon has been ill for over a week. In fact, I didn’t know her voice could drop that many octaves. It’s like sleeping next to Darth Vader. Every night I expect to hear a deep voice out of the darkness, “Luke, I am your father.” It’s not only her voice, but her breathing also sounds … Continue reading November 27, 2019 →

Two months ago, my doctor explained the statin drug I was taking had caused myopathy in my legs. But in order to get off high cholesterol medication, I would have to change my eating habits. He convinced me to try a plant-based diet. While karma is both a Hindu and Buddhist concept, I have to … Continue reading November, 26, 2019 →

Yesterday, Brian was scheduled to preach in all the worship services. I prayed for him because that is a lot. When I walked into the sanctuary prior to the first worship service, I saw people reading their bulletins. When everyone realized Brian was preaching, the atmosphere turned from reverent to giddy. There were tears of … Continue reading November 25, 2019 →

Rerun Daily Devotional November 29, 2016 Last week, Shannon decided to go through the long process of making homemade chicken tamales. I decided it was my job to supervise. It didn’t go well. And even after a few days, I am still not exactly sure what the problem was. I told her how to cook … Continue reading November 22, 2019 →

Earlier this week, I told Shannon I needed to get a haircut. She agreed and said I was beginning to look like Opie. So yesterday morning, I quickly made my way to the barber shop so I wouldn’t look like Ron Howard’s twin anymore. As soon as I left the barber shop, I began to … Continue reading November 21, 2019 →

Dr. Carl Bradley is our church organist. He’s one of the most gifted musicians I have ever seen. What makes him especially fun to work with is that even though he is a phenomenal musician, Carl does not suffer from an artistic temperament. It’s not about him, it’s about God. He’s the sort of organist … Continue reading November 20, 2019 →

Yesterday, the first thing I did when I got to church was make a pot of coffee. It has to be me because everyone else who tries to make the coffee messes it up. In fact, the last time Brian made the coffee I actually chipped a tooth. Also, it’s about the only thing I … Continue reading November 19, 2019 →

Country music singer Eric Church tucked his son into bed for the night. But his son needed the lights in the bathroom on so that he would be safe. His father adjusted the light and his son was able to fall asleep assured that the light would protect him. As Eric thought about that experience, … Continue reading November 18, 2019 →