OUT TO PASTOR: Another Christmas tree in the bag

It’s hard to believe, but another Christmas has come and gone. It comes so slow but leaves so fast. I guess I’ll never understand that. When I was young, I remember those first Christmases; they were so slow in getting here.

Leaders who care

James Dobson tells the story of a university student who hanged himself in the basement of his dormitory. Tragic news indeed. To make it worse, no one missed the student until a search began... five days later.

HOPE FOR TODAY: The miracle of the virgin birth

The center piece of the Christmas season is the birth of Jesus. Popular Christmas songs, various figurine displays and holiday sermons all make it prominent. But what about Jesus’ birth specifically, makes Christmas, Christmas? His virgin birth.

OUT TO PASTOR: Tell Santa I tried to be nice

It’s that time of the year when the conversation around the dinner table in the Parsonage has to do with naughty or nice. I must admit it's not my favorite conversation because what is naughty, and what is nice? That all depends on who you’re talking to.

HOPE FOR TODAY: Christmas and the pursuit of truth

“Passion for truth.” That is what I wrote down in my Bible some years ago after reading Luke 1:1-4. This is the beginning section of a detailed account of the life of Jesus Christ, starting with an historical record of the Christmas story.

OUT TO PASTOR: Christmas is more than jingle, jingle

Down through the years, I have celebrated more Christmases than I want to let on. It’s not that I’m old; I just haven’t died yet. The thing about Christmas was all the stuff I was getting. The first Christmas I remember, I got a bunch of presents under the tree.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: On staying positive (when you really don’t feel like it)

Welcome to the “front porch.” This past week a couple of friends wrote and asked if we could write some on ‘positivity and purpose.’ In their cases, they have been going through the recent loss of their dad.

OUT TO PASTOR: It was a Shoofly Pie moment

During holiday seasons, I enjoy indulging in special food. My favorite during this time of year is the Shoofly Pie. Nothing hits the spot quite like this. I don’t remember when I had my first shoofly pie, I only focus on my next piece.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Every day was Thanksgiving at Grandma’s

Good week to all. Welcome to the “front porch.”   – November 2011 – We’ve all eaten enough turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce and pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies to last us ‘til Christmas.

OUT TO PASTOR: It’s all over but the lying

The one thing I don’t like is when somebody deliberately lies to me. Trust me; this has happened quite a few times in my life. Sometimes, by accident, they say something that isn’t true; they just got their facts mixed up. Other times, it’s a ploy to deceive me and get something from me.