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Great Theology and a Blog Update
Two things today for our readers. ———————— First, I wanted to share some great theology from a two-year-old. This morning, Turner was singing (what else is new) as I was reading my Bible. He likes to see what words he can fit into certain songs, whether they make sense or not. Sometimes, they make far more sense than he knows. This morning, he was singing “Deep and Wide,” then he started to add in some lyrics. One of them made me stop and think. He sang: Deep and wide, deep and wide There’s a fountain flowing, and I want it. It may not rhyme, and it may not be actual…
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College Football Preview 2009
So, I know you’ve been sitting around, just wondering who’s going to be good and bad in college football this year. Well, wait no longer! Here is my conference breakdown, then the other stuff to see. ACC Champ: Virginia Tech over Florida State in the title game. Disappointment: Clemson. Again. Big East Champ: Rutgers, if it really matters. This conference should be called “Land of the 7-5 Teams.” Disappointment: Cincinnati. Some have the Bearcats winning. I think they finish in the middle of the muddle. Big 10/11 Champ: Ohio State. Penn State has a one-game schedule…and they lose it. Disappointment: Michigan State. Possible up-and-coming year ends up in usual 7-5…
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Friday Links Roundup: Bible Drills Edition
We try to teach Mary Carol and Turner some Bible facts. Of course, we’re starting with some of the accounts in the Bible that most children hear, and we want them to know the basic story (just have Mary Carol tell you about Jonah!). We sing the books of the New Testament and talk about Noah’s Ark and the walls of Jericho. Just basic Bible stuff. We may be pushing it a bit too hard, though. Monday night, we had a great family over for supper. The Clays have two little boys: Peyton and Matthew. When I got home from visiting, Turner was waking up from his nap. I went…
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It Can't Compare
Several years ago, we had a class at a youth rally at 9th Avenue taught by my friend Larry Davenport. His topic was “Can the Bible Compare with Hollywood?” As always, Larry did a great job, but it was the way he started the class that will forever hold a place in my mind. Larry started by retelling some of the awesome accounts in the Bible (the parting of the Red Sea, creation, Noah’s ark, etc.). He then reminded these young people that all these were real events, not done with trick photography or computer technology. After that brief introduction, Larry renamed the class: “Why Hollywood Can’t Compare with the…
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iPreach Request
This Friday, Lord willing, iPreach will deal with a very specific topic. Because we will be focused on such a narrow subject, we need input! Dale Jenkins and I will be discussing the program Evernote, and how it can be used by preachers and churches. I use it for several purposes, and am growing more and more fond of it all the time. Here is where we need help. If you use this program, you can help us in one of two ways: 1. We could use you as a guest if you are willing and able. We plan to record around 10AM Central on Friday. We would love to…
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We Need More ______ Folks
If you are a member of the church, you can fill in the blank, can’t you. Nearly every congregation has heard someone say, “We need more young folks.” Usually, that person then lists one (or more) of the following “reasons” why more young folks are needed: They provide a needed energy to the congregation. They show a strength for future leadership. They often have children, which helps strengthen the future even more. They are creative. They will, then, reach out to more young folks. First, let me say that none of these things is wrong in itself. Those statements are usually true, and the desire for more young folks in a…
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Hunt or Haunt?
We often use the word “love.” In fact, we probably overuse it. We love our family. We love ice cream (mmmm….ice cream). We love football. We love God. We love time alone. On and on it goes. We love everything. Most of the time, though, we are able to distinguish which we love more. We don’t love ice cream as much as our family. We don’t love our car as much as our friends. Though we use the same word to express our feelings, we know where our priorities are and what is “higher” on our list. Do we love the lost? Where do those who have not obeyed the…
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Friday Links Roundup: Pass Along Edition
We’re excited about this weekend. We are headed to Lawrenceburg this afternoon for our niece’s 2nd birthday party (and she asked for brownies…she must be related to me!!!). On Saturday morning, I have my first (of 3) fantasy football draft. Wish me luck. I’ve spent about 20 minutes preparing. As long as I don’t draft Donte Stallworth, I’ll be okay. We’re calling this the “pass along” edition, because we are making an appeal to our readers to pass along the word about our blog. If you get the updates via email, will you send one or two of your friends a link to our blog? If you get them via Twitter,…
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Not the Exact Reference…
But it was close enough for me! We were driving last night to Woodbury, Tennessee, and enjoying some pretty countryside views. As we topped a hill, there was a little drizzle falling and, soon, we saw a faint rainbow. We made sure the kids saw it. Mary Carol piped up and said, “Daddy, I never see a rainbow before.” (We’re working on grammar!) After the initial excitement of seeing this beautiful wonder wore off, I asked her, “Mary Carol, what does a rainbow mean?” Her answer may not be the exact reasoning from Genesis, but it is close enough (and very true). “It means God loves us!” That’s close enough…
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15 Things You Can Do to Encourage
We love encouragement. In fact, we crave it. Encouragement is one of those things that can pick you up and get you through your day. Some, however, don’t see themselves as encouraging. “I just won’t know what to say” or “What if they are offended by me trying to pick them up” are phrases you might hear someone say. Here is a quick list of things you CAN do to encourage someone else. 1. Send a non-forwarded email. Take a minute to type out a favorite verse or quote and send it to someone who enjoys getting email. 2. Write a letter. Remember pens and paper? Getting mail is a…
