One of my daughters told me the other day that our vacations are some of her happiest memories. Our family vacations are very happy memories for me as well. These were good times that we spent together. These good memories did not happen because we spent a lot of money on our vacations. Nor, did… Continue reading Building Important Moments Through Family Vacations
Category: My Family
Now This is Different — Poem 1
Now this is different. At the bottom of this post is Poem 1. My first poem. I have wanted to try this for quite sometime. What better time to start since April is National Poetry Month. I wrote this with the patient encouragement of L. L. Barkat (Author of Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard… Continue reading Now This is Different — Poem 1
Arkansas Pines and Family Roots
We drove across the southeastern part of Arkansas last week on Highway 278. Our guardians were the pine trees on both sides of the road, standing tall and majestic. My uncle died and my mom and I were traveling to Monticello, Arkansas for the funeral. I love this part of Arkansas. It is a beautiful… Continue reading Arkansas Pines and Family Roots
My Story: Life at the First Church
My early years as a minister took place in a small church in middle Tennessee. The church was in Pulaski, about an hour from Nashville. The little church met in a storefront on the highway that led to Minor Hill. Yes, it was a storefront. Used to be a convenience store. Just across the street… Continue reading My Story: Life at the First Church
Marriage 101 — A Basic You Don’t Want to Miss
My wedding ring used to be gold. Now it is silver. It looks just like the ring in this picture. The gold band? Well, that somehow disappeared on a softball field years ago. We looked and looked for it. I think the earth swallowed it. Anyway, this is a ring like the one I wear… Continue reading Marriage 101 — A Basic You Don’t Want to Miss
What I Love About People in Their 20s
I have two children and one son-in-law. All are in their 20s. I like each one of them a lot! In some ways, they represent what I love about so many in their 20s. I know that I am about to generalize, but there are some qualities that I have seen in many who are… Continue reading What I Love About People in Their 20s
An Interview With Lynn Anderson (Part 2 of 2)
The following is the second part of an interview with Lynn Anderson, director of MentorNetwork. Lynn is an author, long time minister, and an encourager/mentor to many. This interview is simply a sample of his ministry as he reflects on staying fresh for the long haul. (You can find Part 1 here.) Next Monday, I… Continue reading An Interview With Lynn Anderson (Part 2 of 2)
My Story — School Years
From kindergarten through high school, I went to a Christian school in Dallas. My parents, along with a number of other parents, helped begin this school just before I entered kindergarten. I have only a few, vague memories of kindergarten. I can remember Mrs. Rich, my teacher, who was a warm and lively person. For… Continue reading My Story — School Years
Four Critical Keys to Being a Parent (or Minister)
There are times when I know that my daughters are reading this blog. There are other times that they probably aren’t. (Do they really want to hear their dad talk more?) Regardless, I have to admit that I often write these words thinking about their reaction. Sometimes having them in mind seems to help me… Continue reading Four Critical Keys to Being a Parent (or Minister)
Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 4)
(You can read part one here, part two here, and part three here.) Just a few weeks ago, we were at Mitchell’s Fish Market in Sandestin, Florida, celebrating our thirtieth anniversary. Now did I ever enjoy that! Celebrations are that way, aren’t they? You just enjoy them. I do continue to think about what I… Continue reading Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 4)