Don’t get me wrong. I think first impressions are important. That’s why I try to teach my children (including my own, my Lads to Leaders girls, and my school kids) that manners and an opening smile are important! However, those first impressions are just that … impressions. They are based on perception and could be flawed for any number of reasons. The “impressed” could have a skewed view based on timing, mood, or what they expect. The “impresser” could be trying to give off a certain vibe that makes that gives a false negative or positive. Recently, I have experienced first impressions that were not a full view of the…

Jim and I were sitting and discussing some things one morning and the statement was made, “I don’t know why we would ever have a pity party.” You know what that is, don’t you? A session (party) in which you feel sorry for yourself. It usually involves whining and a facial expression that is either sad or mad. Maybe you didn’t get the trophy you wanted, the raise you thought you deserved, the grade you worked hard for, the family you wish you had, or the recognition you should have had. Maybe it’s your health that isn’t great and you forget about all the good days you have had. They…

At the recent Lads to Leaders convention, it was a joy to hear so many good speeches. Each was challenging and engaging in their own way, and I feel encouraged by the things I heard. During the Sunday morning worship, one of the young men was speaking and had been asked to extend the Lord’s invitation at the conclusion of his lesson. As he did, he said something that stuck out to me and has caused me to do some reflection. He reminded us of the plan of salvation (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized) and of the opportunity to respond as a Christian if we were in need of…

I did a Ladies’ Day in Elk City Oklahoma a few days ago. It was a great day and the ladies did an excellent job with the decorations, lunch, and other activities. One of my favorite parts of the day was a poem that was written by one of their ladies, Pam Hagerman. It was so moving as she presented it and I asked her permission to share it with all of you. It did not have a title on the sheets she gave me, so I present it here to you in its entirety. In guilt and fear Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.…