Archive for June, 2008

The Moss On My Tree.

Monday, June 30th, 2008

I was sitting on my porch the other day and I noticed some moss on my tree. This tree, a large older tree in the north side of my property has this green streak. What is its purpose? Where did it come from? In the eternity ...

Time to Contemplate.

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

It was a weekend like no other.  I was pushed to the extremes emotionally and spiritually.  So far, in my ministry I have not experienced anything like the past 4 days.  On Thursday night, I had a wedding rehearsal for a young woman who I confirmed about 7 years ago.  ...

Spiritual Effects of Internet Community.

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Ebbs and Flows of community are more interesting these days because of the internet.  The ability to connect with people at great distances that you haven't seen or heard from in many years is possible now through searches.  I am a member of the Facebook community (I have a MySpace ...

Sinner in need.

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

I have been thinking a lot recently about a lot of deep stuff.  One is sin.  I find that because I am a Christian and even more so a pastor, there is often a perception within the church and community that I am less flawed or more righteous. I am not ...

Spiritual Disciplines: Works of Piety

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

John Wesley believed that Jesus is God's means of grace. For him, the "means of grace" were also "works of piety" (spiritual disciplines) and "works of mercy" (doing good to others). He said that means of grace are: "...outward signs, words, or actions, ordained of God, and appointed for this ...

The Aquarium: A Journey Of Faith.

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Recently, I bought an aquarium. But let me start about a year ago, when we saved three “feeder” goldfish. One for each of my kids. Soon, my daughter’s goldfish was the only survivor. Her name is Allie. After the pastor performed funerals for the two deceased fish. The fish died days ...

Saddened By The News.

Sunday, June 15th, 2008

My Uncle Eric lost his battle against cancer and passed away last night. His and my Aunt's wedding anniversary was yesterday and of course today is Father's Day, which adds to the sorrow. Please keep them in prayer for peace and strength in this tragic time.

WSJ article from June 13, 2008

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

Check out this article called Inspired By Startbucks: Charismatic Pastors Grow New Flocks Overseas, Using Satellites, DVds and Franchise Marketing To Spread Their Own Brand of Religion. What do you think about the direction of this type of church?  Do you think it is "the" new emination or a fade/trend that will ...

Small Local Church - Simply The Best Solution Ever.

Friday, June 13th, 2008

What am I raving about... Pastors, church membership recorders, finance committees - I'd like to introduce you to ChurchInfo. ChurchInfo is a free church database program to help churches track members, families, groups, pledges and payments. Our feature set is comparable to expensive church management software packages. Our ...

ESP - You Thought You Knew

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

ESP has been traditionally know in my circles as Extra-Sensory Perception. I loved studying about this in graduate school as part on my parapsychology studies. But recently, ESP has taken on a different meaning, Equally Shared Parenting. "Teammates through life," the husband in the NY Times video says, yet ...