Biblical writers often used sports metaphors to help us better understand the Christian’s walk with God. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:24, the Apostle Paul writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” Paul explains that the … Continue reading The Imperishable Prize →

There is nothing that I can do, say, or think, that will make Jesus love me any less or more. He loves me unconditionally. This is the gospel. The Bible is a source of wisdom and instruction, but more wisdom than instruction. I take every word seriously as the collective guidance of people throughout history who … Continue reading Empty hands and palms turned upward. Affirmations for a New Year. →

As an educator, coach of rhetoric and debate, and full-time van driver for my debate team, I’m honored to listen and learn from young people as they mature into leaders and influencers. On occasion, there are students who emerge as exceptional leaders and for the past three years I’ve been honored to be associated with … Continue reading A Plus Sized Gospel →

Like millions of Americans, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the latest instalment of The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. In my estimation, with just a few exceptions, the movie was near perfect in its storytelling, performances, and plot execution. It also provides great content for deeper contemplation, but if you (for some strange reason) haven’t … Continue reading A more forgettable version of me. Lessons from Spider Man: No Way Home. →

One hundred eighty-seven minutes. This is how long former President Trump remained publicly silent, while at the other end of Pennsylvania avenue his supporters were attacking our Nation’s Capitol. Reports are now emerging that then President Trump ignored pleas from his staff, family, and even some Fox News pundits, to stop the riot. He refused … Continue reading 187 minutes…Will Evangelicals remain silent on Trump? →

Perhaps Alfred Lord Tennyson was thinking about the hubristic optimism that often precedes human tragedy when he wrote, “Our little systems have their day;  They have their day and cease to be:  They are but broken lights of thee,  And thou, O Lord, art more than they.” This stanza from In Memoriam A.H.H. came to mind after … Continue reading The Sky is(n’t) falling. Thoughts after watching Netflix’s “Don’t Look Up.” →

At the center of the Christmas story is a woman. Mary the mother of Jesus is often overlooked as a mere means of delivering the Christ child, but I believe we do ourselves a disservice when we reduce the role of Mary in the Nativity scene to this minor, albeit important role. We do this … Continue reading Mary(‘s)Christmas →

The last time I saw you You embraced me in love We were both grieving  I was comforted Held tight by your hug   The last time I saw you Neither of us knew  This grasp would be our last  But sadly, blessedly, none of us can ever know  until those moments are passed  Blessedly, because … Continue reading For April… →

Linda Higgs first appears in my memory when I was a child. Among those first vivid memories is that of her sharing a testimony at our small rural Pentecostal church. Testimonies were short reports of God’s goodness, blessing, or faithfulness designed to encourage others, and they were a staple of the Pentecostal worship service. Congregants … Continue reading Remembering Linda… →

Our beloved River has passed. His fifteen years on this earth and in our lives were marked by joy and unconditional love that can only be shared between humans and dogs. River came to our home during a difficult season for our family.  Candy and I were separated and at the time and it was … Continue reading Grieving River… →