Recently an old post (from 2010) called “Top Ten Mistakes Christian Parents of Teens Make” started making the rounds on Facebook again. While I don’t know much about the author, I’m deeply interested in the subject matter. Encouraging parents as they raise faithful children is a passion, and I wrote the book on it. (Ok, a book. […]
Ten Things Parents of Teens are Doing Right Read More »
Three words were the heart of today’s sermon. Each word is a word that is not easily rendered back in to English with just one word. Today’s sermon felt very personal to me and I shared a lot of thoughts in a different way than I normally do. Hope you enjoy reflecting on these three
Sankofa, 눈 웃음, and Ubuntu Read More »
The Sunday after Christmas is a Sunday I used to call “Associate Pastor Appreciation Sunday” when I was an associate pastor. It’s a Sunday when many, many associates are preaching. There’s all kinds of beauty on Christmas Eve… a sanctuary full of folks singing carols and lighting candles. There’s music and joy and shiny patent
Sometimes Pastors Want to Go Back to Sleep, too… Read More »
I’ve not been much in to Christmas music this year. I don’t know why. It’s been a busy season, so maybe that’s it. I’m also adjusting to San Antonio Christmas. San Antonio has its own beautiful traditions that happen around Christmastime including the lights on the Riverwalk and tamales on Christmas Eve, but I’ve lived
As you may know, I’m a Presbyterian pastor. Every other year Presbyterians get together at a huge homecoming called the General Assembly where we vote on important issues, get together with one another socially and have a big ole Presbyterian Part-ay! (Except, well, maybe it’s not just a party, maybe it’s a serious, serious gathering
When a Dog in a Pink Sweater isn’t Just a Dog in a Pink Sweater… #GaDog Read More »
I just got an ad in my inbox from a large Christian Book Distributor/Publisher. The headline? “Beautiful Christian Silks Make Meaningful Gifts.” The inside of the email assures me that the scarves are based on some of the world’s best “Christian Art” and that the scarves would be great gifts for my (and I
On Christian Art, Music, and Plumbing Services… Read More »
As I wrote about a few weeks ago, our smartphones can often deprive us of the ability to live in the present moment. If we want to capture every moment, we’re not able to experience the moment as it unfolds for just us, the audience of one. I think the opposite is also true, as
Smart Phone Spirituality Read More »
Here we are, in the season of advent. See, right there, you know I’m a pastor nerd. For most people, this is “the Holidays” or “the Christmas Season.” For pastors, it’s advent. What’s the difference? Well, advent is a time of waiting and longing for the coming of Christ. It’s actually kind of somber and
I have a friend who said recently something to the effect of “I’m pretty sure one of the only things we need to know to live a spiritual life is how to be thankful.” She’s right, I think. So much flows from gratitude: kindness, respect, love. If we start, first with gratitude, many other things
The Spiritual Practice of Gratitude Read More »
My older son, Clayton, loves to play “Ring Around the Rosie.” It’s the “all fall down” part he loves (of course!) In recent days, I’ve distracted him from many-a-meltdown by saying “Want to play ring around the Rosie?” The answer is always a resounding YES! Today, while I was folding laundry on the other side
Ring Around the Rosie in Real Time… Read More »
