On my mind today

(Hat Tip to Wendy Bristow for pointing this article out.) The Darwinistas are at once more (led by the so-called Texas Freedom Network). For fear that their death-grip on the ideology of school children across Texas, they have pressured the State Board of Education (the group that decides approved school text books) to remove the 20 yr old clarification that evolution is a THEORY (an unproven and unprovable theory I might add.). Whearas for the last 20 yrs, the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of evolution were presented along with the theory itself, that caveat has been discarded on the basis of "pure science." The clear implication is that Christianity has something to hide or fear from Darwinism. Furthermore, only a true simpleton would regard anything but Darwinistic evolution as a possibility. REAL scientists believe in evolution. REAL academics know that's the only plausible explanation. REAL smart people wouldn't dare consider Intelligent Design as ...

In 2006, I joined Facebook. I was there to make sure my college students weren't saying mean things about me (originally, you had to be a college student (or at least use a college email address) to qualify to use Facebook). If you're not familiar with it, it's basically an online reunion site (social networking is the "hip" term). In Facebook, you can find numerous old friends and reconnect with lost friends from days gone by and, in many cases, make new ones. It's like going to a high school reunion, only you don't have to drink crummy punch or listen to people who annoyed you then and still annoy you now! But I digress. One of the best features of Facebook is the relationship building aspects to it. That's why we've formed an FBC Frankston portion to Facebook. If you search for us on Facebook, you'll find us there. If you're not a member of Facebook, it's free to join. Go to Facebook.com and signup.

I've spent the last 30 minutes talking with Mr. Johnston, a fine man, representing Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. I met with him last week as well when he came to interview me for the purpose of putting together a life insurance proposal for us to consider. He did a great job presenting the information and even brought it in a snappy leatherette portfolio. But in talking with him, I thought to myself "I hope Julie never needs to talk to you - on a professional level." I've always been told insurance is the one thing you buy hoping you'll never need. It makes me feel queasy to answer the question "What happens to Julie if you die?" On the other hand, reality says I've spent my whole life preparing for eternity. Not only that, I've spent my life getting OTHERS ready for eternity. After death, then life really begins - the kind you don't need life insurance to protect.

CALLING ALL MEN OF FBC! We've got a wonderful opportunity for YOU! We're founding a new men's ministry and we're meeting this Sunday morning to get it rolling! Join us this Sunday, January 25, at 8:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast and a discussion about how we're going to try to reach the men of 75763. Remember, our goal is to share the Gospel with every person who lives in our zip code by Easter 2010 - that's a short 15 months away! Make plans to share this powerful time with us as we get this ministry off the ground!

Powerful living God, My prayer for our new president is for wisdom, justice and integrity guided by compassion. Grant him wise counselors but more than that grant him knowledge that only You can give. Grant to him compassion for those who are suffering and strength of character to act on that compassion. May he be liberated from the idea that tolerance for others trumps acceptance by you. May he have the wisdom to spend time with you daily and to make that time a priority. May he take your example of leadership and guide our nation through a difficult season. In the Powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen I wrote this prayer today for our new President. Not because I voted for him or because I didn't but because no matter how I voted, God has allowed his election. You or I may disagree with the Lord's direction there, but it has transpired nonetheless. Therefore, my calling, according to Romans 13, is to pray for him faithfully, just like I did for President Bush, Pres...

You know how sometimes you'll stroll down memory lane and think about where you've been? I've done a little of that today. Courtesy of a friend of mine, here it is - a picture of my first laptop. My parents bought it for me in 1986 when I was a freshman at Dallas Baptist University. If it looks crummy, looks are deceiving. This was high-tech in the mid-80's. We were seriously cutting edge! Even Bill Gates was a part of putting this on the market. I used this laptop all the way through college and even into grad school. It had 32K of memory so it was only good for a few programs. The word processor would max out the memory at about 11 pages of text so you had to be to the point. Of course, now, my beloved iPhone has more than 100x's the memory, speed and computing power of this machine but it was a nice reminder of where I've been.

Growing up, there were two men I thought hung the moon: Coach Tom Landry and Quarterback Roger Staubach. Their example of Christian sportsmanship and character-driven passion for the game made an indelible impression that continues to this day. Yesterday, the modern-day version of Coach Landry's legacy retired: Indy Colts Coach Tony Dungy. A man of passion, preparation and love for Christ. While his successful exploits as head coach will make him an NFL Hall of Famer, it's his character and passion for strengthening lives that will have the most lasting effect. We'll miss you, Coach Dungy, far more than you'll miss us. BTW, if you haven't taken the time to read his memoirs Quiet Strength , come see me - I'll loan you my well-loved copy.

With friends like these . . . . flipping Funny

Full disclosure statement: I have always had a deep and abiding distaste for OU - hereafter to be referred to as o-who? I watched the game last night with a great deal of delight for two reasons. (1) I really dislike o-who. In no wise did they deserve to play in that game. The politics of college football are nauseating and Coach Stoops, regardless of how fine a man he is, knows how to work the system. (2) Tim Tebow is a fine example of what every parent ought to hope their son grows up to be. A solid Christian example who stands for what he believes in and isn't afraid of others opinions. He plays hard, with passion and leads his teammates in a character-driven way. Thanks, Tim, for your exceptional example and for helping us see not all college athletes are punks and dopes. May your tribe increase. In closing, just one more thing - Hook 'em Horns!

If you're reading this, you're probably one of the people I'm looking for. We need some help with our technology here at the church. Do you have any interest in learning how to do video? Have we got a job for YOU! Do you have experience or interest in helping run a website? We're ready for you! Drop me a note back through this site or call the church office (903-876-2411) and let's talk. The sooner the better!

My sister, Karen, was named as the Most Promising Young Educator at her institution, Oklahoma Baptist University, in Shawnee, OK. I told you about that quite awhile ago in a previous post. Why bring it up again? Because part of her award was to give the commencement address at this December's graduation exercises. There's a great article and picture of her speech on the OBU website. I'm quite proud of her work and her accomplishments - read the article and see the picture here .

On this cold and wet Monday morning, I'm reflecting on our busy day yesterday and saying "Praise the Lord for it!" But first, a prayer request that needs your utmost attention. - Yesterday afternoon, Duane NeSmith's mother was involved in an accident. While she is physically fine, the other lady was tragically killed. I've given Duane as much time as he needs to take care of his family so most likely he won't be here this week. Please take some time right now to pray for Duane, his family and the family of the lady killed in this tragic accident. Many times, I've asked the Lord why he doesn't stop things like this from happening. I have yet to get an answer to that question - if you get one, call me immediately - but my trust and faith in the wisdom and power of the Living God is such that answers aren't always necessary. In fact, many times, answers are actually counterproductive, leading me away from faith and toward trusting my own in...