Thinking while on vacation

I know, I know….real bad idea.  But I couldn’t help it.  We went to an antique store in Mountain View, AR today.  There was a sign for a bed and breakfast (or something like that) that read, “3 miles ahead, and 50 years behind”.  The thought they were trying to convey was obvious……in a world that insists on forging ahead, we’ve decided to try to hang on to something from the past.

But too many churches have employed this logic…to their peril.  May God help us all cling ever and only to the timeless message of The Gospel.  And may we be similiarly committed to using the freshest and most innovative ways to get that timeless message across.

Vacation plans

Where will you be vacationing this summer?  Anyone doing anything “out of the box”?

Do share!

Darwin Award nominee

Read all about it here.  I’m speechless.

A man requested to be tasered in his most intimate of areas.  That’s not a typo….”requested”.

Wow.

Iraq war question

Is it possible to support the troops and not support the cause?

Discuss.  But keep it civil.

I love my kids…and I’m very proud of them

Pastor’s kids are usually the target of unfair scrutiny (and too many sermon illustrations).  I want to take a moment to brag on my wonderful children.

Our oldest, Paul (17), is preparing for his senior year of high school this fall.  He’s getting the usual daily stack of college flyers and propaganda.  He just took the ACT test and got a score of 25.  He’s presently carrying a 4.0 GPA and has plans to work this summer with a local veterinarian.  Paul is an active member of our local church’s audio / visual servant team.

Alex (soon to be 15), is completing his freshman year of high school.  He’s currently tied for the top spot in his class academically.  He’s in the band, on the math team, and is a member of the outdoor club and honor society.

Hannah is growing to become a very godly young lady.  She will be in the 8th grade this fall (13 years old now).  She makes outstanding grades, participates on the girls basketball and track teams, and is in the marching band.

Every time you pick up a newspaper there’s something written that’s negative about the “state of our youth in this country.”  Just thought it might be encouraging for you to hear something positive about some of this country’s youth.  It may be kind of cheesy (and embarrassing for them when I say such things), but I really love my kids and I’m very proud of them.

St. Louis Cardinals ‘07 – First Quarter report card

With the MLB season now 25% in the books, it’s time to give our beloved Redbirds a once-over.  There’s only one team in all of baseball that has fewer wins.  The starting pitching is icky on a good day.  Last season’s wunderkind Anthony Reyes is now 0-7 with an ERA approaching 6.  Timely hitting is….just……not.  This team is aging, injured, undone, lacks chemistry, and just plain can’t get it figured out.

If you’re in the Cardinals’ front office, how do you approach the trade deadline?  If you’re TLR, how would you shake things up in the club house?

Neighborly advice

My next-door neighbor is the pastor of a “full-gospel” style church.  He’s a great guy and a wonderful neighbor.  A week or so after Easter, he walked over and we began talking.  He informed me that his brother had attended one of our Easter morning worship services and was blessed.  That’s always nice to hear.

We also talked about pulpit ministry.  I believe I will NEVER forget his words to me.  I heartily encourage all you preacher-types to take heed.  He said to me, “Tony, when I listen to others who break The Bread of life, there are two types of preachers that really inspire me to do my best in the pulpit:  those who can and those who can’t.”

May those of us entrusted with this most wonderful privilege always strive to be counted among the former.

Man blows life savings thinking he’s dying……NOT!

Yikes.  Can you spell L-A-W-S-U-I-T?  Just believing that you’re terminally ill and having that weigh on your every thought would be tougher than running out of cash, wouldn’t it?  Anywho….here’s the story.

Finish the joke – part deaux

Last week’s trial-run at this was fun.  Here’s another one…..

A man who was notorious for falling asleep during the pastor’s sermon was up to his usual behavior.  About 20 minutes into this week’s exegesis (which happened to be on the subject of “hell”), the pastor got particularly “fired” up and loud.  He pounded the pulpit and exclaimed “…..and if you’re not prepared, YOU could find yourself in torment for eternity!”  Within nano-seconds of this exclamation, the sleeping gentleman awoke, jumped to his feet, and shouted for the entire congregation to hear……..

Give us you best punch-line!

Girl takes Iraq-bound dad to her senior prom

Realizing that he will miss her graduation and her moving off to college, this young lady invited her father to accompany her to her senior prom.  Story here.

 I think that this is VERY cool!