the countdown begins: 3 days until we leave for NCYM

Yesterday I wrote briefly about why we are going to NCYM. Two reasons, 1. to be recharged and 2., to hear from God. While we are there amongst our colleagues and friends in youth ministry we feel like family. If there is a word to describe just how NCYM compares to other major youth ministry [...]

the countdown begins: 4 days

I know Christmas is behind us. I am counting down the days until my wife load our van and head to Atlanta for NCYM, the National Conference on Youth Ministries. We attended our first conference back in January of 2004. I had been in youth ministry all of four months, and our church let us [...]

Christmas reflection: # 6 the day after Christmas

Now that the presents have been unwrapped and gift paper thrown away, and preparations are underway to begin taking down all the holiday decorations, now is the time to celebrate. See, it’s great that we move enthusiastically towards Christmas day with great expectations, but Christmas begins today and the days that follow. We rejoice, along [...]

Christmas reflection # 5: Christmas trees

Trees are mentioned  throughout the Bible. As a matter of fact, as the story of redemptions begins to unfold, there are two prominent trees in Genesis. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knolwedge of Good and Evil. We know already know how this plays out. How Adam and Eve are instructed to [...]

Christmas reflection # 4

I don’t like the way to story unfolds. I just don’t. I wouldn’t have written it that way. In Luke 2, the Emperor calls a census and heads of households have to relocate to their hometowns to register with the government. John makes a big deal about the pre-existence of Jesus. Mark begins his gospel [...]

Phil. 4:1-3:an outline from last Sunday

I got to preach last Sunday, and my text was Philippians 4:1-3. Here is my outline and a story, I shared to add some humor:
You will probably recognize this fictional story that has been circulating around the world by way of e-mail:
I was walking across a bridge recently. I spied this fellow who looked like [...]

Christmas Lights: Christmas reflection # 3

I love Christmas lights. My little girls do too. There is a park in Chickasha, Ok that has hundred and hundreds of lights. My little girls love it. I guess, with out a doubt, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the music, cookies, trees, decorations, and of course presents. But, the lights have always [...]

the attack of the black hole

From the Washington Post:
A black hole attacks a neighboring galaxy in space. Read the story here:

Christmas reflection: genealogy

I was reading the beginning of Matthew this morning, and was reminded of the rich history of the Biblical narrative has Matthew recounts the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. From Abraham onward, the story of Israel progresses, through the wilderness in the exodus, to the Promised Land and the time of the kings and [...]

shameless plug

Last night NBC debuted a new show, Clash of the Choirs. Normally, I wouldn’t bother mentioning reality television, except, I know one of the choir members in Blake Shelton’s choir. One of the choir members, is married to one of the girls that used to be in my youth group. So, if you watch tv, [...]