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My (In)famous Church Camp Director’s Cap
For a number of years, I served as the director of one session of a church camp in southeast Missouri (Bootheel Youth Camp). Every once in a while, I’d break out my “official church camp director’s cap.” It was a different color than the one in the picture above, but it contained the same message (“I’m their leader; which way did they go?”). I usually didn’t wear the cap long. I just wore it long enough to get about all of the laughs I thought I could get and then “retired it” until another session of camp. I was very happy when it came time for the “retirement” because I do not like wearing…
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Livestream is a Great Option, But Not “Option A”
We were so thankful for Central livestreaming its worship services this past Sunday. Let me give you the quick backstory. I preached at Central Sunday morning and then our family took off on a trip. Our elders were gracious in giving me a few days off to travel to Texas to meet our new nephew, who was born last week. Our plan was to drive about half-way, go to worship somewhere locally, and then finish our trip Monday morning. However, our “timing” was off in one place to stop for worship (partially because many congregations in that area have not restarted Sunday evening services yet) and, as we continued down…
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When Seeing Red Is A Good Thing
The phrase “seeing red” usually has a negative connotation. If somebody tells you that they are seeing red, it would probably be a good idea to avoid them for a while until they can (to use another well-worn phrase) “cool down.” I would like to suggest that there are some ways to “see red” that might be helpful. They may be helpful as we relate to others and as we consider the most important relationship we need to have. I am writing these words during a time when our country is very divided. I’m old enough to remember other times we were divided by political ideologies, racial tensions, our nation’s involvement in various…
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It’s Always Planting Season
It’s that time of year, isn’t it? It’s Spring! That means it’s planting season. As soon as the weather warms up, we all want to get outside and put some seeds in the ground. Since our vegetable gardening days are over, I want to go to a nursery and pick out some beautiful flowering plants and put them in our yard so as they grow, they become a focal point in our landscape. Now we all know that for plants to thrive, the conditions have to be just right. The temperature has to be warm, the sun has to be shining, the soil has to be prepared, and the seeds or plants have to…
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A Tell-Tale Sign of Marriage Problems
Since I am a preacher, it will not surprise you that, from time-to-time, couples come to me asking for some help. In my experience, it is usually more “informal,” where we just talk about something in a casual conversation. There are times, though, when a couple wants to meet for “counseling” (I use quotation marks because I am not a formal, licensed counselor). I am always nervous about these meetings, but glad to try to help where I can. Typically, I do a whole lot more listening than talking. It is in this listening that one clear sign of marital problems often emerges. In fact, as I’m writing this, I…
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Golden Rights of Senior Americans
Those of us of“a certain age” remember Art Linkletter. He is best known for his humor. He was really good at getting young children to say funny things. I read a book years ago written by Mr. Linkletter that contained a lot of very serious material regarding senior citizens. While the title sounds a little humorous, much of the material is not. One of the things I’ve kept in my files for years is what he called “Golden Rights of Senior Americans.” I’ve decided to share his thoughts here for your consideration. *** “Golden Rights of Senior Americans” from OLD AGE IS NOT FOR SISSIES by Art Linkletter Irrespective of individual status or achievement, Senior…
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Episode 150: Blessings of the Family Table [Podcast]
https://media.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/content.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/Legacy_Podcast_150.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS (Player not displaying or working? Click here to listen.) So many good things happen when families sit down around their own table and enjoy a meal together. On this week’s podcast, Adam and Leah discuss some of those blessings and encourage you to try eating together at your table this week! Find our podcast on… Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Radio RSS
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I’m Still Standin’
Folks, let’s face it … it has been a year! Our entire world has dealt with a pandemic virus that has changed our way of life, potentially forever in some ways. I’ve heard more than one person comment that when they were watching a television show, they wondered why the characters weren’t wearing masks! I think some of the technology that became “necessary” for things to function over this last year might be here to stay. On top of that, some have faced challenges in their jobs due to the virus, if they were fortunate enough to be able to keep working. Still others have been challenged due to preexisting…
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“Fear Always Works”
That line, from near the end of the movie Zootopia, comes to my mind often. When people talk about being fearful or scared of certain things, that line–and a Bible verse I’ll mention in a moment–jump to my mind and cause me to do some thinking. Here are some examples: Fear can work in keeping parents from parenting. They fear that, if they discipline their children (especially in ways that are hard or that the world says are harsh), their children might hate them or not “be friends” with them. Never mind that God has laid our standards for parents that includes harder punishment. We live in fear and, so,…
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Was Crelow A Prophet?
Those of us “of a certain age” probably remember a very funny comedian by the name of Clerow Wilson, Jr. Actually, we probably know him better by his nickname, “Flip.” For some reason, I’ve been thinking recently about one of the routines he did on a fairly regular basis. In that routine, Flip Wilson portrayed a character by the name of “Reverend Leroy.” Supposedly, Leroy was the preacher for The Church of What’s Happening Now. The information on one source I checked lined up pretty well with my memory of Mr. Wilson’s portrayal. According to it, “Flip Wilson portrays a fast talking preacher who tells the truth, lies, and cons you at the same time.” I…
