Devotions

On Work and Working David Cole is an artist and he’s been one of my best friends since the day we met in 1961.  We’re both Dry Creek boys who’ve never veered far from our roots. David is a talented saddle maker.  With his hands, he creates works of beauty that are enjoyed by folks across America. In many ways, …

Sara and Terry Iles are expecting their first child in October.  This is a lineup of this baby’s grandfathers.  Do you see any hope?  

The words of an encouraging friend are like ice water on a hot July afternoon.       Wed. March 21                 Where seldom is heard a discouraging word . . .  Recently I shared a Denver taxi ride with a fellow writer.  Her speciality was using social media and blogs to impact …

March 17, 2012 St. Patrick’s Day   I’d never linked two of my heroes until today. Joseph Jacobson (Joseph of the Old Testament in Genesis 37-50) and Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. Notice I did not call him St. Patrick of Ireland.  Patrick was British.  He was kidnapped as a young teen from his family’s estate and brought to …

Brennan Manning is a great speaker and writer.  The Ragmuffin Gospel   Abba’s Child     I heard him relate the following story about fifteen years ago. I’ve never forgotten it: Brennan Manning’s best quote: The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their …

  One of the best parts of following Jesus is His faithfulness in the midst of trials. We are not exempted from trouble and tragedy.  Our comfort is simply knowing that He stands with us.  My travels to eastern Congo have taught me so much.  It’s a war-torn region rife with poverty, violence, and daily difficulties on having water, food, …

Le Petit Baton Rouge When you step out of your vehicle at Avery Island, a sharp pungent odor burns your nostrils.   It is the smell of hot red peppers in the drifting in the air.  You’re at the home of Tabasco Hot Sauce.   A few years ago while touring the Tabasco plant, I first saw the red stick shown …

  A Perfect  night . . .   Bible study around a roaring campfire With friends and neighbors. Watched over by a fingernail slice Of waxing moon above the western horizon. Shining through the pines. The moon is holding hands With Jupiter (above) and bright Venus (below.) They’re all three safely in the care Of Orion the Hunter (to the …

Powerful Thoughts on prayer If you are not praying, then you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent are all you need in life. You’ll always be a little too tired, a little too busy. But if, like Jesus, you realize you can’t do life on your own, then no matter how busy, no matter how tired you are, …

“If it’s in your head, it’s simply a dream; when you write it down, it becomes a goal.”  -Emmitt Smith        Ten Pins:   Life Plan for 2012   1. The Foundation Life verse: Life statement: Jesus’ Life statement:   6 Words for 2012:  Focused/Balanced/Prayer/Hospitality/Missional/Commitment   2.   My wife DeDe   3. Taking care of _________.    “I must take …

The true birth of Dry Creek Baptist Church   Most ‘Dry Creekers’ agree that this spot is Morrow Bridge.  I do know our church and the camp also baptized toward Three Bridges. I’m not sure if the date on the photo is May 22, 23, or May 29.  What do you think? The lady on the far left is Lou …

“What you think of me is none of my business.” Think about this thought.  What does it really mean? We spend much of our lives worried about what others think of us.  We lose much joy creating storms in our minds over others and their perceived values of us. 3 simple thoughts on this: 1. The only value that matters …

Hunger, Commitment and more. Wednesday, January 25, 2012.                       On Wednesday’s I’m trying to write about my Life Plan.  I’ve discovered that I need this written plan to keep me focused and on task. I hope you enjoy and are challenged by my thoughts on this. I’d love to hear …

“To bring glory to God…” “We exist to bring glory to God by making disciples who treasure Christ &carry His name to the ends of the earth.” This is our church (Dry Creek Baptist) Life Statement. A life statement is simply a declaration of what you’re about… where you stand… why you exist. It says,  “I’ve driven a stake in …