“Some things are bigger than sports,” correctly opined David Suggs in sportingnews.com.
We were reminded of this fact (again) as a dramatic, and scary scene unfolded in the first inning during a Little League regional tournament game in Waco, Texas, Tuesday.
With 2 on and 2 out, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton lost grip of a fastball and hit Oklahoma batter, Isaiah Jarvis, on the helmet. Jarvin fell to the ground, clutching his head, as concerned coaches rushed to his aid. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Relationships
Nancy Kennedy, religious writer for our local Citrus County Chronicle recently wrote a column entitled “Red Door Churches” that caught my eye.
Kennedy relates touring a new meeting house of a church that had red doors. She learned that traditionally and historically, dating back to the medieval day that churches had red doors.
While the red door was symbolic of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, thus reminding us of salvation in Christ, it also had a cultural significance. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Church, Discipleship, Relationships
According to a recent poll by Lifeway Research of 1,000 Protestant Pastors, 44% said their “people’s political views” were difficult to deal with.
Additionally, 48% of the respondents expressed concern regarding, “people’s strong opinions about nonessentials.”
“Congregations are filled with many opinions,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
Conflict.
It seems to have escalated in recent years.
Conflict between “Trumpers” and “Never Trumpers.”
Conflict in Congress.
Conflict between Republicans and Democrats.
Conflict between liberals and conservatives.
Conflict between mask wearers and non-mask wearers. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
Did you know that today, June 29th is the national “Hug Holiday”?
Well, according to the national holiday calendar of unusual, weird, or wacky holidays, “this very special day was created by the “Hugs for Health Foundation.”
While I haven’t been able to locate the foundation or the source or creator of this holiday, there is medical documentation that giving and receiving hugs has physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In a paper “For the Heart,” by St. Luke’s hospital, Dr. James O’Keefe, discussed the importance of good relationships to our physical and mental health. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
My Mom always said, “Kenny, If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
I suppose many growing up in the 1950s and early 60’s heard similar instructions from their mothers as well. That same, solid, sound advice could use a revival in today’s polarized culture with its toxic rhetoric.
Today, June 1st is a good day to begin because it’s “National Say Something Nice Day” according to the holiday calendar of unusual, weird, and wacky holidays. Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Relationships
Last week Norma Jean and I attended the “Golden Grads” luncheon during the Florida College Lectures.
It’s a reunion of FC classes spanning the years from 1947-1971. This is the third year we’ve attended. You do the math. If you think you’re not getting older, this is a good reminder.
But it’s an enjoyable time to reconnect and catch up with those in your graduating class, as well as previous and subsequent classes now scattered around the country. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
As our regular readers know for the past 33 months, Norma Jean and I have been homeless. Sorta.
When we decided to step back from working full time with a local church and travel, engaging in an itinerant ministry, we gave up a house we called home, got rid of a lot of stuff, packed up what we wanted to keep, and put it in a storage unit in Florida. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
By now I suppose everyone has heard about the “fake noose” report involving NASCAR driver, Bubba Wallace.
The alleged hate crime was page 1 news when it was reported that a hanging noose was discovered inside Wallace’s garage at Talladega. Almost every media outlet along with NASCAR, Wallace himself, and a number of outspoken celebrities decrying racism condemned it in the strongest possible terms. Disturbing. Disguising. And reprehensible. Continue reading
Filed under Relationships
Charles Dickens’s depiction of 19th century Europe in his classic “Tale of Two Cities,” seems in some ways to describe the incredible times in which we live.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…”
Our country enjoys unequaled prosperity, incredible opportunities, and according to a recent Gallup Poll, 90% of Americans are satisfied with their personal life. Yet, it seems more than ever, we are polarized politically socially, religiously, and morally. Continue reading
Filed under America, Love, Relationships
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