Family Musings

I am approaching my one year anniversary of youth ministry at Chisholm Trail, and well, I’m loving it. Now granted the last year hasn’t been a walk in the park, but it’s been educational, and pregnant with oppurtunities that I didn’t have in Ohio. On this side of year in a new place, it sure [...]

What I am reading

I just finished a book titled, Toxic Faith. Written by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton, it brings the reader into the world of religious addiction. I had never considered religion to be an addiction. Sure I knew of cults, and cultish practices, but what Arterburn and Felton do is they allow you to see some [...]

Mow your grass!

I try to keep my lawn mowed. Due to a busy youth ministry and the hectic summer traveling schedule, my lawn at times was wild. However, I have a neighbor whose yard looks like the Amazon jungle. If I let my daughter crawl outside, she would get lost. I am even afraid to park my truck [...]

Politics

I have debated whether or not blogs are the right place for political debate. It seems with some of the blogs I have purposefully read, and others by accident, that the blogosphere is used to rant and rave about anything.
I have had an interest in politcs since I was in Junior High. As I [...]

What’s it mean to be spiritual?

Why I don’t have all the answers to above question, I have observed some spiritual people and some not so spiritual people? Maybe the better question is what’s it mean to be a Christian. Unfortunately, 2000 years of using the “c” word has dramatically altared it’s meaning. You mention Christian at let’s say at the Democratic National [...]

Mission Trip ‘04

My youth group and I just returned from our first mission trip together. I don’t know how one defines success on a mission trip. But, if your group of kids is supposed to gel, if the chaperones are supposed to help lead kids closer to Christ, if the devotional times are moving, then I would [...]

Vacation Bible School

By it’s very name it leaves me wondering, “who is on vacation?” I wish I knew, for the director of our church’s VBS (your’s truly), preparation for this event is no vacation. The last few days have been rather hectic, and stressful. I know of several occasions where my helpers are grumbling about this and [...]

Good-byes aren’t easy…

Good-byes aren’t easy. I still get a little choked up when it’s time to say good-bye to my folks and brother after a week together. I know that I will see them in a couple of weeks, as we come to Ohio for our mission trip, but the 900 miles plus that separates us is [...]

Ephesians, a letter for those with low-spiritual self-esteem

I have always liked the letter to the Ephesians. I like it even more. Chisholm Trail is using material from Tim Woodroof this new quarter in our Bible classes on Ephesians. I have only finished studying the background material and part of the first lesson, and wow! Not only is brother Woodroof a gifted Bible [...]

Family time…

My folks, and brother are in from Ohio. I haven’t seen them since March, so you can imagine I am thrilled to see them. They are here to celebrate my daughter’s first birthday on July 3. One year ago today, I was working as an Associate minister in Middletown, Ohio with a very pregnant wife [...]