Friends and neighbors in my state, Our Governor, who promised early in his campaigning to not support a lottery and has until recently opposed gambling in our state, has turned coat on his constituency. He wants to establish an advisory council to study gambling and specifically the efficacy of a lottery in Alabama. This change … Continue reading An Open Letter to Christians in Alabama
Going Home
I made a few extra trips home this summer because of Charles' battle with a malignant brain tumor, his death, and funeral. We wanted to spend as much time with family and at home as we could. We hoped for more time and were planning our next big family get together when Charles took his final … Continue reading Going Home
We Need to Talk
Anytime I hear these words I panic a little. My heart rate increases, my blood pressure elevates, my forehead and palms start perspiring some, I have to loosen my collar, and take a deep breathe then release a sigh. The words, "we need to talk" almost always mean bad news. Am I in trouble? Have … Continue reading We Need to Talk
That was Close
"That was close, a little too close." Those were my thoughts that afternoon. What if they had chosen me? The summers of my teen years a number of congregations in the Pensacola area helped sponsor the annual Southeastern Soul Saving Workshop on the campus of the University of West Florida. The part of the workshop specifically for … Continue reading That was Close
A Midweek Prayer
Dear Father, Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, You are greater to me than I deserve. You provide blessings immeasurable. My words fail to express my gratitude. Thank You for Grace. Thank You for the Grace that sent Christ to this world to die for my sin. Thank You too for access to forgiveness that His blood provides. … Continue reading A Midweek Prayer
Let Me Tell You A Story
I love stories. One of my favorite memories as a child is my parents' reading me bedtime stories. Some of my favorites were "Sam and the Firefly," "The Firecat," "Green Eggs and Ham," and "The Bike Lesson." I can hear my mom's soft voice and my dad trying to do voices. If you are not … Continue reading Let Me Tell You A Story
Thank You
I am not convinced that these two words are enough, but Thank You. Thank you for your comments over the last weeks and months. Thank you for your concern for Charles. Thank you for asking about his family, his wife and his girls. Thank you for asking about my parents. Thank you for the food. … Continue reading Thank You
This is for Charles
This is a very personal post. This is for Charles. Charles loved to sing. I loved when we could worship together and harmonize. His tenor / baritone and my bass voice blending together on old and new songs, hymns, and spiritual songs is one thing I will truly miss. One of the last times we talked … Continue reading This is for Charles
What Happened to Peace
This post is cathartic. Who am I kidding? Much of what I write is to help me think through and work through my emotions and to improve my walk with God. Sometimes, life hits hard. My brother's diagnosis of cancer and his passing last week are a major blow. I know he has relief from … Continue reading What Happened to Peace
Alone, Lonely, or Choice
I met him one fall day. I sat watching him more than the game on the field. He came in alone with two soft drinks and two small popcorns. He sat one drink on the seat beside him and began eating and drinking the other. I watched as the other popcorn and drink sat through the first … Continue reading Alone, Lonely, or Choice
