FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: The 8-cow woman

  Welcome to the “Front-Porch.” I was going through some of my old columns that began in August 1997 and paused at one in May of ’98. It was the first “graduation” column I ever wrote. I just realized it’s been 29 years since then. Hard to believe.

OUT TO PASTOR: Keeping up is hard to do at my age

  There was a time in my life when keeping up was part of my daily routine. I started each day with a specific objective, and by the end of the day, I had completed it. I took pride in completing my work on time. The secret was to plan carefully.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Stretch toward the mark! (part 2)

  Welcome to the “Front Porch.” Last week, we turned to the third chapter of Philippians, where Paul announces that he was “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Our discussion led us to this question: What exactly was the “mark” he was referring to?

OUT TO PASTOR: I found another button to push

  Life has its many experiences. I’m about to hit number 75 this month, a big experience for me. I’m not sure how to celebrate my 75th birthday, especially since I’ve done just about everything, so no 75 candles on my cake.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Stretch toward the mark! (part 1)

  Welcome to the “Front Porch.” It is in Philippians 3. Paul pulls back the curtain to show readers for generations to come something truly amazing. It is not the only time Paul gives the readers amazing, unparalleled views of life and eternity.

OUT TO PASTOR: After all, a penny is a penny

  As I was leaving the post office, I hurried across the parking lot to get to my vehicle. As I usually do, I kept my eyes focused on the ground as I walked to my vehicle. Then, I saw it. There it was in all of its stunning beauty.

SPEAKING TRUTH: How 500 years ago, the story of America began

  THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT: “Having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith... a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia.” History teaches that America’s roots were grounded in Christian principles.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: ‘Where could I go?’

  Welcome to the “Front Porch.” In the sixth chapter of John’s gospel, the apostle takes us to a scene where the disciples come face to face with one of the Lord’s most piercing questions. How they answer this question will be a defining moment in their lives.

OUT TO PASTOR: Is crazy contagious?

  Getting into trouble seems to be an ongoing habit of mine. It doesn’t matter what the trouble is at the time; it somehow associates itself with me. Whenever I think I’m perfect and everything is going fine, I’m set up for something to go horribly wrong. Believe me, it happens to me all the time.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Raccoon John Smith

  The best lessons come from the most unusual sources, and they come when you least expect them. Usually, they don’t show up politely in a limousine. More likely, they’ll crash land in your front yard unannounced. But who ever heard of learning a valuable lesson from a log?