Sweet Ana

Next Monday will mark two years to the day Ana Rush Chapel stopped breathing. Unlike others who die so early in life, we do not have to imagine what she would look like today. We know that she would be a chubby little beauty with brown hair and dimples. She would look [...]

Singing

We had a great night at UCC tonight. Our praise team and others sang new songs to us for about an hour. It was very, very encouraging. Our praise team usually sits on the front row on Sunday mornings. Only about six or eight of them sing each week. But [...]

I Blame Emma

I saw a little kid with a nice summer buzz-cut today – and it made me think of Caleb. One day when Caleb was almost two I decided he needed a short haircut for the summer. Crystal was out somewhere that evening. So I plopped him up on the bathroom counter and [...]

Friend of God

This morning in my prayer time, I was reminded of the loneliness of sin. When we come face to face with our sin, even though we know others have sinned, we may feel alone. Our shame and the consequences of even the smallest of our sins leave us a mess. Friends and [...]

Sweet Jesus

I’ve mentioned that I’m coaching Caleb’s baseball team this year. We’re in the 7 and 8 year old, machine pitch league. I didn’t think we’d win one game. But I was wrong. We won our first game last night in the last inning! This may be the last time all [...]

Fully Present

Here’s my encouragement to you for this week: Be fully present in the moment. Even in the darkest day, God is among us. He has work to share with you today. He has blessings to share with you today. Wouldn’t it be a shame if you missed His whispers today because [...]

Golf with Dad

I recently read “The Way of a Pilgrim.” It’s a classic on Russian spirituality centered on the life of a pilgrim who wants to learn how to pray without ceasing. A spiritual guide leads him to the practice of the “Jesus Prayer” (Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner). [...]

Called

For the past few years God has been actively sending gifted people to the University Church of Christ. There’s no other explanation. We’ve received all kinds of individuals and families that were desperately needed. One of those people is Seth Simmons. Seth (2 is a military guy who has done [...]

Loaded Question

We had a great retreat this weekend. Thanks to those of you who prayed. Jackie Halstead was our teacher. She’s the Director of Marriage and Family Therapy at ACU. She did a great job. I know God used her to make deep impacts on some lives this weekend.
Since most of [...]

We’re Finally Getting Crystal Some Help!

Crystal and I will be taking part in a marriage retreat this weekend. I am personally devoting my entire weekend to working on some of Crystal’s weaknesses. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Wow. What a good husband.” Please don’t call me a hero. I’m just doing what [...]