clear expectations
Growing up I knew exactly what my parents expected from me. Although these expectations were made clear … often times they needed to be reinforced on my back-side. As a high school, college and seminary student life was a little easier when precise curriculum guidelines were in place. Although these expectations were made clear … at times I failed to meet them. As an average to below average high school and college athlete I experienced coaches who defined my strengths and weaknesses … and I usually appreciated their advice. With all this said … How about GOD … What is …
Dog? God?
When I was 12, my parents bought me a cocker spaniel. His name was Bucky. I had begged for months to get a dog and finally they broke under the intense pressure of an unrelenting 12 year old boy. After the initial fun of the first few weeks of having a dog wore off, my mom and dad had to constantly remind me to feed Bucky, give him fresh water, give him baths and…pick up piles. Fun times. My dad finally got tired of having to remind me so he sat me down. He said “Eric, you’re the closest thing …
My Worst Fear is a Movie
You may not know this, but my worst fear is a movie. I get to heaven and God sits me on a couch. He gives me a Coke and some popcorn and says “Watch this”. The movie I watch lasts for four hours, but it seems like it only lasts 15 minutes. There’s action and adventure, romance and comedy, and ethical dilemmas all wrapped up into the best movie I’ve ever seen. The leading man is making all the right decisions and all the right choices. Its the best of every movie I’ve ever seen in my life all wrapped …
H.E.B.
I have a horrible story to tell you. Its about me and I am ashamed. It was the first semester of my first year of law school at Baylor University. I was 21 years old and one of the youngest students in my class. Law schools are known for being rough on you mentally and emotionally. One day I was “chewed out” in class for not knowing the answer to a legal issue and I was feeling especially low. My self-esteem had taken a beating and I needed some time away. So I went shopping. Grocery shopping, that is. I …
Lord, you go first
This morning I got up at 4 am … got dressed … stretched … and hit the streets running by 4:30. I have this special secrete 3 mile route and I love running in a fresh light snow. Makes me feel like an explorer going where no none else has gone. However, this morning I quickly discovered another set of foot prints running my exact route. My private route. I had to settle for second every step of the way. After mile two I noticed ahead of me the person who’s footprints I had been following had slipped on a …
do you know His voice ?
Jack Green, an 80 year old man who lived most of his life in Arkansas and Missouri, died this week. He left behind his wife, son, grandchildren, and many joy-filled memories. Most of my contact with Jack was in the 1950′s and 60′s as a kid and teenager. I remember him being a “master jokester” who enjoyed fun and teasing us kids to the maximum of our limits. But Jack was also an All-American handy-man, and could fix things everyone else thought unfixable. While talking on the phone to Jack’s wife and son … I found it interesting that they …
Adversity: Our Days in Adullam
One of the areas that myself and I know many others struggle with is dealing with adversity. I have read and been told numerous times that the difference between significance in life and mediocrity is how we deal with adversity and setbacks. Adversity comes in two forms: Self Imposed and Unexpected Adversity. Self imposed is simply adversity that comes from the decisions or lack thereof that we choose in our lives. If you choose to cheat on your spouse or steal from your job, obviously you created this situation and you ultimately must take the blame. It takes a certain …
God works in all things
On October 21st … just 4 weeks ago … I was back stage at our church waiting to give an announcement to our congregation. It was Baptism Sunday and I listened as Paige, 11 years old, and Taylor, 10 years old, both gave their personal testimonies about how they made a commitment to believe and trust in Jesus as their Savior. Both girls were smiling and excited to proclaim their faith through their obedience to scriptural believer’s baptism. This past week we conducted funerals for Paige and Taylor … both girls lost long and difficult battles with cancer. Parents, family, …
be still with the master
I live and work in the midst of a Chicago west suburb. Every town and city over-lap each other in an endless display of new housing projects and road construction. Life, especially for the kids here, is hectic and full of opportunities. Baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, dance, karate, swimming, volleyball, music, art, and education… this is only the beginning of the list. Countless ways kids and teens can grow their mind and their competitive skills … so they can live in this race called life. If I could turn back time and teach my children one value. Just …
letter from death row
I read a letter from a man on death row. He knew his time was running out and he had something to say. Now you would expect this man to be full of anger, bitterness, and revenge … but that wasn’t the case. Facing death he wrote about eternity, the only true God, protection for those who have trusted God, unity among future believers, the truth found in God’s word, and sharing in the glory of heaven. You see this death row message was written by a man named Jesus and it is the greatest love letter I’ve ever encountered. …
