Category: Personal
Gravel Roads Get You There, Too
My Dad was born and raised in the little, country town of Mendenhall, Mississippi. When I was growing up, we spent nearly every Saturday down there visiting my grandparents, along with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins who were scattered along highway 13. Most of my memories include either walking or riding down all the…
In the Magnolia State of Uncertainty: Waiting to See What God Does
I made it back to Mississippi yesterday. I had waffled on when I was coming, trying to figure out timing so that I could be here when it’s most crucial for the family to be together. Not knowing which way this is going and when while living 400 miles away, timing is important. I don’t…
Whiplash From Life’s Hairpin Turns
As I write this, my Dad lay in ICU at Baptist Hospital in Jackson with a very slim chance of recovery, medically speaking. On Wednesday he was set to go home today (Friday) but took a terrible turn sometime during that night. In an instant, everything changed. That’s the way life is, isn’t it? Instantaneous…
It’s Saturday. Start something
…and so is a plan without goals. Both are necessary ingredients. Basic steps to making change: Determine what needs to be changed (and how badly you want it changed–this is a great place for prayer!). Develop a plan of action. Set reasonable, measureable goals. Count the cost (what do you have to add/subtract in your…
Things that make you scratch your head
I walked into McDonald’s a few minutes ago and ordered a sausage and egg and told the lady that I have Celiac Disease and so my food cannot touch anything that has touched food with gluten. The lady behind the counter said, “Oh, ok. I know about that. I will make sure they change gloves…
Demonic Distraction
I’m not likely to elicit the services of a prostitute. I’m not likely to get a bottle of scotch and polish it off in a sitting. I’m not likely to hunt down someone I dislike and take them out with one, ridiculously accurate shot between the eyes. There are probably a thousand different things I…
Grand Jury Duty
…and so it begins.
This picture looks familiar. Almost identical to the one two years ago when I first had the surgery on my shoulder. Had a good night though. Since I just noticed what shirt I have on, it’s a good time to encourage you to help out with Feed My Starving Children if you can.
A Stitch in Time
Today is the day. At 2:45, I go into surgery for the second time to get this left shoulder fixed. I appreciate all of you who have said you will pray for me. Also, pray for my surgeon, Dr. Dorizas, a godly man I’ll “introduce” you to later, if I get the chance. I’m going…
Shoulder Surgery, Part Deux
I’m not sure what the Lord is teaching me, exactly, but after nearly two years since my initial shoulder surgery, I found out today that I have to go under the knife again…as soon as possible. It turns out that one of the anchors that was put into my shoulder to secure the repair has…
A Liberated Mess
Last week, I took a couple of days for a personal retreat. I had a lot of things unresolved in my own mind and heart and they were starting to take a toll on me (physically, spiritually and emotionally). Karen suggested I take some time to get away, alone with God, and try and work…
Taking Heart
“Take heart.” Since I preached on this Sunday at The Gathering, I’v been thinking about what this means, and what this means to me. One is objective and the second is more subjective…how it changes me. Last night, I posted a quote from the message Sunday on Twitter and Facebook. It was the part where…
A Super Saturday
Great morning leading a discussion in one of our Institute classes. It’s such a privilege for me to participate, much more lead a group like that. I love seeing the growth that’s happening as a result. Late this afternoon, Jacob and I went for a run together at the campground at Chester Frost Park. Actually…
That’s What I Love About Sundays (said…or sung…in my best southern drawl)
I love Sundays. It’s really nice to be able to say that now because there was a time not so long ago that I absolutely dreaded them. Times were hard and people weren’t very nice. Not all, of course, but some…enough. I remember some Sunday mornings that I would stand at the window of my…
A New Approach: Welcome to my Travelogue
For sometime, I’ve been talking to people about the importance of keeping a journal. I even encourage it during some of my Sunday morning messages, as well, because I think it’s a way for us to record what we’re going through and be able to look back and see how we’ve grown, what God has…
A Simple Day Off
10:35 A.M. Today started with an incredible Fall morning. The sun is bright. The temperature is cool and it’s my day off! I spent the early morning enjoying the sunshine and reading. Not that I don’t read quite a bit throughout the week, but Fridays are specifically just for me. Reading for fun. Over the…
When Despair Creeps In
If I am being completely honest and transparent with you, I’m struggling. I’m wrestling with the mental affects of chronic pain. Now, chronic pain can be labeled in different ways and is usually reserved for pain that has no real end in sight. Hopefully, that is not the definition for me. I have been dealing…
What Four Things Describe You?
If you had to put four things in a bag that describe you, what would they be? That was an interesting question posed to the radio audience on a station I was listening to this morning. An interesting question. One that I think is often harder to answer than we might think. Most people can…
5 Reasons You Should Keep A Journal
For more than twenty years, I have kept a journal…on and off. Yeah, probably more off than on, but I have journaled and think you should, too. As a matter of fact, I have just recently purchased a new journal (my favorite is a Moleskine sketchbook, but use whatever works for you) and have enjoyed…