I Am Willing

I Am Willing

A couple of weeks ago my dear friend and dentist, Dr. Chitwood, invited me into his office for a Sinus Elevation party. I accepted the invitation, not completely sure what a Sinus Elevation was, but always eager to celebrate. Who knew? The sinuses they sought to raise to a new level were mine, and that… Continue Reading

Conflict

Conflict

So, here’s the story. It was raining and dreary last Wednesday night. I was speaking at our church for the mid-week service and Doris was playing the piano. Just like old times. She said, “Why don’t we ride together. I have to stay after for music practice so I will get a ride home.” (We… Continue Reading

On Calling Cows

On Calling Cows

I don’t like to brag but I have discovered a secret talent that I did not know I had. I can call cows. I know, I know. It’s hard for me to fathom as well but I am, deep down inside, a remarkably gifted cow caller. Doris and I went with our friends, Robert and… Continue Reading

Following and Fishing

Following and Fishing

My friend Sarah had a fishing show. It was called, catchy enough, Hooked On Jesus. I was her pastor so it seemed right that she would invite me to be a guest on her show. We went out early one Thursday morning to Percy Priest Lake, two boats, Sarah, her husband Chris, and me in… Continue Reading

What About The Rules?

What About The Rules?

There are two groups. There are keepers and challengers. There are those who want to know exactly where the boundaries are so that they can not only remain safely in them but also protect them against the renegade, do-it-your-own-way, people who cannot spell boundary. The rule warriors that stand up for the law and the… Continue Reading

What Did Jesus Say?

What Did Jesus Say?

Irma has blasted its way across the Caribbean and halfway up the Florida coast. While the destruction is not as severe as once predicted it is still devastating for many, life altering for most, and frightening for all. Right on her heels is Jose, following a similar track but just as unpredictable. And of course… Continue Reading

Roll On!

Roll On!

Jakson prayed on Easter Sunday. He looked his very Easter Sunday best, pink pants, long sleeve blue shirt, hair slicked back, fresh out of the deep theological experience of 6-year-old kids church. The whole family was gathered. We held hands in anticipation of deviled eggs (What! On Easter), chicken casserole, and sweet potato pie. Josh,… Continue Reading

Backwards Land

Reading today Psalm 95 and John 18:24-40 Jon-Mical and Jakson are our grandsons. They are 9 and 6, with birthdays in January and February. For a couple of years now we have been sharing an ongoing story when they come over to spend the night. We all squeeze in the same bed together, Mimi, Jon-Mical,… Continue Reading

And Peter

Reading for today: Psalm 94 and John 18:15-27 Wow, this got long but it is my favorite topic. Sorry. Read it in three settings. Just kidding.   I like John. Apparently, John liked John. He often referred to himself as “the disciple that Jesus loved.” When all the disciples were choosing nicknames he said, “Call… Continue Reading

The Safe Place

Reading for today: Psalm 91 and John 18:1-14 My wife’s mother was terrified of storms. Under the little farm house where they lived (and my father-in-law still lives) was a rough-cut cellar, unfinished and dug out of the Tennessee limestone. It was dusty and dank and dark. They used it to spread out potatoes from… Continue Reading