Because it is what my dad chose… And I knew he could do whatever he wanted. Choose what he wanted. And that is what he chose. His choices were limitless (from a child’s perspective), so, naturally what he chose must be the best. To this day, if I were offered many choices of candy bars,…Continue reading The Power of Fathers – Part II
Category: Personal
Thanks for Remembering the Fans…
My regular computer is in the E.R. with a dying Hard Drive, so I will have to take a short break in the articles I have been writing. The timing was perfect, though, because I went to a movie today that I wanted to comment on: The Muppets Ok, periodically, I am going to try…Continue reading Thanks for Remembering the Fans…
Speaking Update
I will be preaching at the FBC South Campus (9am) and DownTown Campus (10:45) December 11th. I will be covering the topic “Everlasting Father” in the midst of the Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace series Pike is teaching. I am pumped about that topic! Also, thanks to everyone who attended the “Gospel…Continue reading Speaking Update
Examining the Temptation of Pornography Part I
The Thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Christ. For years I have talked to mostly men, and a few women, about issues connected to the temptations particular to pornography. Since the incidents of women engaging in pornography is apparently on the…Continue reading Examining the Temptation of Pornography Part I
Each of us have a ministry (and update on the FBC campus pastor role)
When I locate the website where it is hosted, I will link here to the teaching from this morning at FBC South Campus… but it was/is about the biblical truth, from Ephesians 4 and other passages, that we all have ministry… and more importantly, that we all are ministers! Further, that the people we often…Continue reading Each of us have a ministry (and update on the FBC campus pastor role)
Preaching October 16th at FBC Tyler's South Campus "in view of a call"
Ok, so maybe you arent sure what the phrase “in view of a call” means, ( I know that it sounds kind of like the name of a James Bond movie- thanks to Jon Jenz for pointing that out) so here we go: Historically, I cannot find anything yet to explain when the phrase came…Continue reading Preaching October 16th at FBC Tyler's South Campus "in view of a call"
Experiencing (and being) a Disappointment
After the articles on the Powers and Dangers of expectations I was asked by a good friend to follow it up with a conversation on the topic of: Disappointment. And I hate to let him down… Budda bum bum bum. This one is for you, Chad. I realized that it was a good idea since…Continue reading Experiencing (and being) a Disappointment
The Dangers of Expectations – Part II
The way expectations can be even worse on a relationship is the way that they greatly limit the giving of free gifts. It is virtually impossible for someone to “meet an expectation” and give something freely at the same time. As I mentioned before, if my wife expects me to brush her hair three time…Continue reading The Dangers of Expectations – Part II
Most influential speaker… I found his archive!
Tony Campolo has been one of the most influential speakers on me as a speaker, but also as a Christian and just as a human seeking to live life abundantly and passionately. His sermons are hopeful and yet convicting as very few others are. One of my goals is to live stories like he tells……Continue reading Most influential speaker… I found his archive!
The Dangers of Expectations – Part I
I hear and read about people who lionize the role of expectations… a lot. Marriage counselors talk about how spouses should be clear in their expectations. Business leaders tell us to communicate our expectations clearly. Relationship experts even tell us that we should be clear about our sexual expectations – frequency, style, etc. Parents are strongly…Continue reading The Dangers of Expectations – Part I
Grief and Grieving – Part V Just Grieve
So, to wrap up this conversation on grief and grieving… I hope that is has been helpful. If nothing else, I hope you can see and know that you/we aren’t in this alone. We are in this together. The things here will not be as organized… I am kind of finishing up various thoughts –…Continue reading Grief and Grieving – Part V Just Grieve
Grief and Grieving… Words of Experience
A spiritual brother of mine faced the grief of his precious baby girl’s death a little over a year ago. His concept of the “new normal” has been an encouragement to many of my clients who are grieving. In this blog entry, he offers some godly wisdom filled with power and intimacy for anyone else…Continue reading Grief and Grieving… Words of Experience
Grief and Grieving – Part IV "what does grief look like?"
Before diving into other areas of consideration tonight, I want to comment on other common psychological reactions to grief… many of these are connected to Post Traumatic Stress – which I think is likely an extreme grief reaction. I am not saying that these events are any more or less real than our own psyche,…Continue reading Grief and Grieving – Part IV "what does grief look like?"
Grief and Grieving – Part III "Am I normal?"
So, if grief is not gotten over, but instead, gotten used to, what are some ideas for grieving well? I am glad you asked. I don’t really have a format so much as thoughts to consider. As I mentioned, though there may be value to format thinking, it can also be dangerous. Too often, when…Continue reading Grief and Grieving – Part III "Am I normal?"
What is the role of "uncomfortable"
Today , since I am on vacation, I have invited a Guest author: Drew Anderson of Flower Mound, TX. e-mail: drew.anderson@gsmortgage.com I will finish the conversation on Grieving asap… but Drew’s comments fit very nicely in with what we have been talking about so far! August 8, 2011 Uncomfortable. This is a word that perhaps…Continue reading What is the role of "uncomfortable"
Grief and Grieving – Part II – what is grief? what is grieving?
It is part of the human condition, at least while here on Earth, to live with grief. Like big balls of double-sided tape, rolling through the medium we call “time,” collecting every regret, lament, remorse, etc. we rotate across. Sometimes the older ones eventually can seem to get buried under the new ones. For years…Continue reading Grief and Grieving – Part II – what is grief? what is grieving?
Grief and Grieving
I am starting this on May 10th, and it is my best friend’s birthday… however, he died a few years ago. In fact, I am now older than he ever was. His birthday (and the fact that I talked about grief and stress on TV this morning and with clients today) has brought to my…Continue reading Grief and Grieving
A Parable of Redemption – you want to watch this.
Hair-on-back-of-neck-moment. Nobody really seems to understand redemption anymore… but this explains it http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/amazing-grace-just-the-black-notes/ Slave master x slave chords x slaves = free… truly free.
Marriage and Family Counseling in Tyler, Texas
I tend to think that most of us need, or could at least really be helped by, counseling at some point. And though I imagine that it did not exist in just the same form as we think of it now, the most common “counsel” that wise King Solomon gave was actually to seek counsel! …Continue reading Marriage and Family Counseling in Tyler, Texas
The Lonely Dragon – Part II
Living in the cave seemed a little safer. But it wasn’t really as safe as she thought. Over the next few years, she had suitors, knights, kings, and princes, come find her in her cave. Though she was intrigued by some of them, she also didn’t understand them and something in her didn’t believe any…Continue reading The Lonely Dragon – Part II