A Joyful Juxtaposition of Hope: Christmas, the New Year, and them Dawgs!
In this beautiful juxtaposition, we see the parallel threads of rebirth and renewal woven into the fabric of both holidays. The ancient story of Christ's birth aligns seamlessly with the modern ritual of ushering in a new year, both symbolizing the limitless potential for transformation and growth…hope for a preferred future.
Rediscovering Advent: A Cure for Christmas Chaos
In a world that often turns Christmas into a glittery transaction, Advent is our call to arms. It's a counter-cultural declaration that our deepest longings aren't found in the chaos of a shopping mall but in the humble manger.
Confessions of a Biblically Illiterate Pastor
A friend suggested I try cemetery. I mean…seminary. No offense, but I thought seminary was where good-hearted pastors went to die, only to be resurrected in cap & gown as self-righteous “know-it-alls” whose job it was to grow their congregation’s knowledge but not their grace. I thought the smart Christians were all about education and no action. I assumed that if your brain grew larger then your heart grew smaller.
The Grass is NOT Greener on the Other Side: A Word for Local Graduates
The grass is NOT greener on the other side; the grass is greener where there’s chicken manure. In other words, your crop yield is based on your effort and ingenuity. Breaking up the earth is time-consuming difficult work. Spreading fertilizer is messy and it stinks! Keeping natural obstacles like animals and weeds out of the field takes diligence and careful attention. And a little favor from God always helps. You don’t have to go looking for a greener pasture somewhere distant from your hometown. If you want a green pasture: work the soil; plant the seeds; spread the manure; pull the weeds; and pray for rain.
Something Has to Change: A Response to the Nashville Covenant Tragedy
I realize we will never legislate morality. I realize we cannot eradicate all the evil of the world. I realize the topic of mass shootings and gun reform are sticky and knotted issues where emotions run high…
Skepticism and the Asbury Revival
I believe today’s teens and twenty-somethings are looking for a break from their phones and the fake plastic stories on social media. I believe they are looking to get out of the mindless swiping and insta-gratification of scrolling and experience an ancient faith that is solid, robust, and sturdy. I believe they want to be a part of an in-person movement of real people that is bigger than the “friends” they have on their tiny iPhone screens. The revival at Asbury is revealing a return to a religious experience that is truly counter to the current American culture.
Do “Politicians” Really Care?
Public servants must listen to the citizens, and then continue honest, constructive leadership conversations that draw us together to work toward an agreed vision for Newton County. Boards and councils cannot make decisions in a vacuum or in a silo. Every individual decision from every board and commission impacts the whole. Newton County is interconnected. As leaders, public servants, we need to be more connected.