Despite all of Batman's strength, he still struggled to do what was right sexually when it came to Vicki Vale and other women in his life. Superman & Spiderman, despite all their power, couldn't resist the sexual temptations of Lois Lane and Mary Jane. - 4.2 million pornographic websites (12% of total websites)
- 372 million pornographic pages
- 25% of daily search engine requests are people searching for pornography.
- 1.5 million people a day will visit a pornographic website
- He refused (Genesis 39:8). He did not sit down and discuss it with her. He simply said, "No!"
- He removed the temptation (Genesis 39:10). He didn't go around her and wouldn't spend any time with the woman who was tempting him sexually.
- He ran (Genesis 39:12). When she grabbed him by the coat and said, "Come to bed with me," he didn't stick around even long enough to be polite. He simply ran out of the house.
posted at 
Forgive us. Forgive us for the embarrassing things we have done in the name of God.
The other night I headed into downtown Philly for a stroll with some friends from out of town. We walked down to Penn's Landing along the river, where there are street performers, artists, musicians. We passed a great magician who did some pretty sweet tricks like pour change out of his iPhone, and then there was a preacher. He wasn't quite as captivating as the magician. He stood on a box, yelling into a microphone, and beside him was a coffin with a fake dead body inside. He talked about how we are all going to die and go to hell if we don't know Jesus.
Some folks snickered. Some told him to shut the hell up. A couple of teenagers tried to steal the dead body in the coffin. All I could do was think to myself, I want to jump up on a box beside him and yell at the top of my lungs, "God is not a monster." Maybe next time I will.
The more I have read the Bible and studied the life of Jesus, the more I have become convinced that Christianity spreads best not through force but through fascination. But over the past few decades our Christianity, at least here in the United States, has become less and less fascinating. We have given the atheists less and less to disbelieve. And the sort of Christianity many of us have seen on TV and heard on the radio looks less and less like Jesus.
At one point Gandhi was asked if he was a Christian, and he said, essentially, "I sure love Jesus, but the Christians seem so unlike their Christ." A recent study showed that the top three perceptions of Christians in the U. S. among young non-Christians are that Christians are 1) antigay, 2) judgmental, and 3) hypocritical. So what we have here is a bit of an image crisis, and much of that reputation is well deserved. That's the ugly stuff. And that's why I begin by saying that I'm sorry.
Now for the good news.
I want to invite you to consider that maybe the televangelists and street preachers are wrong — and that God really is love. Maybe the fruits of the Spirit really are beautiful things like peace, patience, kindness, joy, love, goodness, and not the ugly things that have come to characterize religion, or politics, for that matter. (If there is anything I have learned from liberals and conservatives, it's that you can have great answers and still be mean... and that just as important as being right is being nice.)
The Bible that I read says that God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it... it was because "God so loved the world." That is the God I know, and I long for others to know. I did not choose to devote my life to Jesus because I was scared to death of hell or because I wanted crowns in heaven... but because he is good. For those of you who are on a sincere spiritual journey, I hope that you do not reject Christ because of Christians. We have always been a messed-up bunch, and somehow God has survived the embarrassing things we do in His name. At the core of our "Gospel" is the message that Jesus came "not [for] the healthy... but the sick." And if you choose Jesus, may it not be simply because of a fear of hell or hope for mansions in heaven.
Don't get me wrong, I still believe in the afterlife, but too often all the church has done is promise the world that there is life after death and use it as a ticket to ignore the hells around us. I am convinced that the Christian Gospel has as much to do with this life as the next, and that the message of that Gospel is not just about going up when we die but about bringing God's Kingdom down. It was Jesus who taught us to pray that God's will be done "on earth as it is in heaven." On earth.
One of Jesus' most scandalous stories is the story of the Good Samaritan. As sentimental as we may have made it, the original story was about a man who gets beat up and left on the side of the road. A priest passes by. A Levite, the quintessential religious guy, also passes by on the other side (perhaps late for a meeting at church). And then comes the Samaritan... you can almost imagine a snicker in the Jewish crowd. Jews did not talk to Samaritans, or even walk through Samaria. But the Samaritan stops and takes care of the guy in the ditch and is lifted up as the hero of the story. I'm sure some of the listeners were ticked. According to the religious elite, Samaritans did not keep the right rules, and they did not have sound doctrine... but Jesus shows that true faith has to work itself out in a way that is Good News to the most bruised and broken person lying in the ditch.
It is so simple, but the pious forget this lesson constantly. God may indeed be evident in a priest, but God is just as likely to be at work through a Samaritan or a prostitute. In fact the Scripture is brimful of God using folks like a lying prostitute named Rahab, an adulterous king named David... at one point God even speaks to a guy named Balaam through his donkey. Some say God spoke to Balaam through his ass and has been speaking through asses ever since. So if God should choose to use us, then we should be grateful but not think too highly of ourselves. And if upon meeting someone we think God could never use, we should think again.
After all, Jesus says to the religious elite who looked down on everybody else: "The tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom ahead of you." And we wonder what got him killed?
I have a friend in the UK who talks about "dirty theology" — that we have a God who is always using dirt to bring life and healing and redemption, a God who shows up in the most unlikely and scandalous ways. After all, the whole story begins with God reaching down from heaven, picking up some dirt, and breathing life into it. At one point, Jesus takes some mud, spits in it, and wipes it on a blind man's eyes to heal him. (The priests and producers of anointing oil were not happy that day.)
In fact, the entire story of Jesus is about a God who did not just want to stay "out there" but who moves into the neighborhood, a neighborhood where folks said, "Nothing good could come." It is this Jesus who was accused of being a glutton and drunkard and rabble-rouser for hanging out with all of society's rejects, and who died on the imperial cross of Rome reserved for bandits and failed messiahs. This is why the triumph over the cross was a triumph over everything ugly we do to ourselves and to others. It is the final promise that love wins.
It is this Jesus who was born in a stank manger in the middle of a genocide. That is the God that we are just as likely to find in the streets as in the sanctuary, who can redeem revolutionaries and tax collectors, the oppressed and the oppressors... a God who is saving some of us from the ghettos of poverty, and some of us from the ghettos of wealth.
In closing, to those who have closed the door on religion — I was recently asked by a non-Christian friend if I thought he was going to hell. I said, "I hope not. It will be hard to enjoy heaven without you." If those of us who believe in God do not believe God's grace is big enough to save the whole world... well, we should at least pray that it is.
Shane
Find this article at: http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2009/shane-claiborne-1209
Labels: Faith
They brought the little boy to us first. He will be 2 in February. He is so little. It was a long time before we saw even a hint of a smile. He has bronchitis and has to be kept warm. Marc & I took him and loved on him. His name is Jose Manuel. We will call him Manuel as there are already two Joses here.
Then they brought his sister in to us. Her name is Ester Naomi. She let it be known she preferred Naomi. She is either four or five, but no one is sure because she has no birth certificate. She was, and still is, scared to death.
Marc took her first. He picked her up to hug her. She had on underwear that was so small they tore when Marc picked her up.
When we walked to the car with the children, the only belongings they had were the clothes they were wearing. We did not know if Naomi would cry or not. She did not. We put her in the back seat, while little Manuel slept.
When we got back to the Casa de Esparanza everyone rushed for little Maunel. Little Naomi began to cry. She was so scared. We took her to the new cottage and showed her her room. She then got a much-needed shower. Her shoes smelled so bad. We got clean clothes on her and new shoes and underwear that fit. After a quick look through little Naomi’s hair, we realized there were lice everywhere. She will have to be de-liced. We gathered up several sets of clothes and told her they were all for her.
Naomi is starving for love. Every time I walk by, she reaches up for me to pick her up. And so far, I have not disappointed her. She is missing several teeth. They were rotten bad teeth and they have been pulled. Thankfully, they are baby teeth, not permanent teeth. She will be near toothless for about three years. One thing I have noticed is that Naomi doesn't hold her fork like a four or five year old should, but she sure manages to eat. She gets a lot of food off of the plate. And when she finishes, she picks up the plate and licks it clean. She plays by herself a lot. I'm sure she will learn to start playing with the other girls. She is starting to adjust.
The two precious little ones have come from a life of extreme poverty, where their mother was unable to supply the most basic of needs. Pray for them.”
Two thoughts...
1 - There are many more children in this world that need rescued just like Noami and Manuel. They don't need our pity, but they do need us to share our love, our prayers, our money and our kindness.
2 - Today is a good day to thank God that you have been blessed the way you have.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." ~James 1:27
Labels: Honduras
The Detwilers said...I have a few questions!
1. If you had to pick one food group (Chinese, Mexican, American) to eat the rest of your life, what would it be?
2. Lea - what is the hardest thing being the only female in an all male house?
ANSWERS: 1. Hands down it would be American, there's more variety. 2. Lea said, she's learned to adapt, but cleaning boy's bathrooms is no fun. :)
Taylor said...Who is your most favorite son?
ANSWER: Taylor, you are my oldest son. Thankfully I have four coats of many colors to give to each son. :)
said...Did you know anyone that had gone through the same cancer you did. Next how did you handle it as a couple and then as a family.
ANSWER: I did not know anyone who had the same kind of cancer as I did, but after doing some asking around I found a couple of people I could ask questions about it. It was nice to talk to someone who could explain what was going to happen. The thing that I found interesting was the day after I found out, I went to visit a woman who was struggling with breast cancer. I just needed to talk to someone else who had heard the words, "You have cancer." She was a great inspiration to me and I found some wonderful words of wisdom from her. It wasn't so much finding someone who had the same kind of cancer as me, as much as it was just finding someone who shared my fear. By the way, about three years later I did that Christian woman's funeral. She became a close friend.
As for family. we shared with the boys what was going on, but kept it very upbeat. The boys were all much younger at that time. Lea was amazing. I remember when I had a second BIG surgery, telling her she needed to take care of the boys first and then when she could come be with me at the hospital. I'll never forget her response, "I'm your wife, I will be here the whole time and will not leave your side. I will have someone take care of the boys." She kept that promise.
Royce Ogle said...Name 3 top persons who have influenced you for good. (not Bible characters)
Great post and idea. Love you bro' royce
ANSWER: Royce, Without a doubt, first on that list would be my wife. She did some straightening things out in my life when I was a young man. I honestly don't think I would have ever been a minister if it wasn't for her. It's obvious to me now, God knew what he was doing when he put her in my life. Second would be my mother. She's always been an amazing influence on me. Her whole life she has modeled her Christian values. She has always been such a strong influence in my life. Third, there are many who pushed me in the right direction. People that God placed perfectly in my life at a time when I needed a push. One was a man by the name of Harley Fewell, I'd like to write about him this week in a post.
erik said...1. When did you know that you wanted to be a preacher?
2. What was the longest trip you took with your travel trailer?
ANSWERS: 1. At about age 8, my Uncle Roy was a preacher and he was always telling me, "Kid, you need to be a preacher. You only have to work one day a week." From that day on I thought preaching just might be for me. What I didn't know was that preachers lie, and they DO work more than one day a week. :) But it's still a great recruiting tool for ministry. 2. I took a trip to Fun Valley, Colorado in my trailer. It was before gas prices went through the roof. It was a great trip.
Brittainy said...I for one am blessed each time I read your blog or article in the paper. With that being said, and I do know that the power of prayer guides you in your ministry, but ...
1. How do you decide on a topic to minister on? Because each is so profound and hits home for a lot of people.
2. How did you get involved with the program in Honduras?
ANSWERS: Brittainy - Thanks for your kind words about the blog. I'm honored that you'd take the time to stop by. 1. The topic you decide to preach on or blog about may be the toughest part. Trying to come up with something relevant is essential. I'm not sure I have a great answer, but I pray that my sermons, blogs and everything else stays relevant to people. 2. I read a young missionary girl's newsletter. She was there working in Honduras for about a year. She had this little story about feeding people at a dump. I was floored when I read that and couldn't believe that there were actually people living in a dump who where digging for food. I started contacting the missionaries in Honduras with lots of questions and soon fell in love with that work. Long story short, God has REALLY touched my heart with this ministry.
Alex Nagy said...You had cancer? What type and how long ago? I myself am a cancer survivor (~15 years in remission) of synovial sarcoma.
ANSWER: Alex, I've had cancer twice, melanoma (20 years ago) and testicular cancer (6 years ago). Congratulations on your continued battle. Stay strong.
Stoogelover said...Okay, let's get down to a question that actually has some life-changing potential: Which of the Three Stooges do you find to be the funniest?
ANSWER: Greg, I have to go with Curly just because of his facial expressions.
Joyce said...What made you choose to become a preacher?( I think you do an awesome job by the way)
ANSWER: Joyce, I'm not sure I have a definite answer of what, but I think God did about 95% of it. Thanks for the sweet words.
Brian said...why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
what do you believe about the Holy Spirit?
What was your last sermon that came almost totally from the OT?
ANSWER: 1. As for birds ... I keep my vehicles really clean, so birds are always after them. 2. I believe He is awesome and does incredibly more than I could even ask for or imagine. 3. This year we went through the entire bible as a congregation. Each week in our bible classes and sermons we read and studied a different book of the bible. Therefore, I preached many OT sermons this year, the last being this summer.
Amanda Sanders said...
Question 1:When did you know for sure Amanda Sanders is,in fact a genius?
Question 2: What do you think makes a great blog?
ANSWERS: 1. I knew after reading your blog (AmandaSanders.net) for the first time, you were in fact an incredible writer and when you started Red Hot Momma (which I still miss terribly), you were in fact a genius. 2. Great question, I don't think page views or page hits make a great blog. Google and other search engines sending searchers my way are nice, but I think regular readership is the most important thing. I also think it helps when you post regularly and use material you've written that is relevant. All this, of course, is only my opinion.
said...Trey: Did you put your Christmas Tree up yet?
Trey: If ever I needed a dads help would you help me?
Lea: If you had a daughter what would you name it? Let me guess Carol!
ANSWER: 1. Lights on the house, yes, but no tree yet. 2. I would always help you if I could, Brandon. 3. The name for a daughter we had picked out was Torrie Lea.
said...I know you have been following the Christian Chronicle. Why do you think the numbers of CoC are dropping?
If you could only teach your kids one thing about Christianity, what would it be? ... ie.. what is the most important message of the Bible we need/most instill in our children.
What do you do when a child/sibling/parent falls away from the Lord? (in their words, "organized religion") What is the best way to bring them back?
ANSWERS: Great questions... 1. I do follow the Christian Chronicle. I love the job they do reporting the news from the churches of Christ. I'm not really sure, because honestly, I don't spend a lot of time looking at what's going on "out there." I don't have time to focus on others and do what I need to do here in Childress. I've got a few simple opinions, but no real concrete answers. I will say, thankfully our numbers here in Childress have done the opposite. We've grown. 2. Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Everything else will fall into place. 3. Another great question. I think every situation is different and must be handled differently. But at the top of my list would be let them know that God still loves them and that you still love them. Always keep the door open for them to return.
said...1. Have you ever been mad at God?
2. How did you train yourself to pray on a regular basis?
3. How do your religious beliefs reflect in your political beliefs?
4. Does Lea ever feel jealous that you spend so much time on your "job"?
ANSWERS: 1. I'm not sure I've ever been mad, but I have done lots of questioning. Many times I've prayed, "Why?" prayers and been frustrated with things. Psalms tells us to pour our hearts out to God and I've done that many times. 2. Like anything, prayer and daily bible reading have to become a habit and a priority. If I'm not making time for prayer, then I honestly believe, it's not a priority in my life. We always make time to do the things we really want to do, so if I really want to pray and study my bible, I'll make time to do it. 3. That is a great question. I stand for what I believe the bible teaches, even in the way I vote. But I'll be honest with you, I'm not big into mixing politics into religion. I wish I could explain more, but I have issues with a lot of things "Christians" do in the name of religion, that involve politics. I may try and explain more in a post. 4. (From Lea) No. I used to, but Trey has learned over time to do a good job balancing ministry and family.
Terry said...1. What would you do for an occupation if you were not a preacher?
ANSWER: Terry, I have NO clue. I have been a paramedic in the past, but if possible, I'd probably go back to school and be a nurse. I like helping people.
said...1. If you could go to any nascar race in 2010, which one?
2. If while attending above mentioned race you had a chance to witness to Dale Jr. would you?
ANSWERS: (You knot-head). 1. Talladega 2. Of course.
said...Apart from the Bible, what book most influenced you personally and also for your ministry?
How would you distinguish the theology of CofC and most Southern Baptists?
Lea, what advice would you give to pastors' wives?
ANSWERS: 1. I'm a big fan of Steve Farrar. His book, "Finishing Strong," was a powerful book in my life. 2. I'm not going to be able to do a very good job on this one, because honestly, I don't know a lot about Southern Baptists. I would take a guess at maybe, pre-destination and baptism, but without learning a little more about SB, I'm not sure. I need to put that on my "to do" list :) 3. (From Lea) Be flexible, because with ministry your plans can change in a heartbeat. Also, be patient with the congregation you are working with.
Dr. Roger D. Butner said...Trey, I have come to respect you very highly as I have had the opportunity to glimpse into your heart and ministry via your blog in recent months. As such, I would love to hear your answer to this pair of questions:
1. What is your greatest delight regarding the brotherhood of faith known as Churches of Christ?
2. What is your greatest concern regarding the brotherhood of faith known as Churches of Christ?
These are questions that remain very important to me as my spiritual journey continues, now in a non-denominational Bible church, and I would really love to hear your thoughts.
Your brother in Christ,
Roger
ANSWERS: Roger, thanks for your kind words. I too have enjoyed watching your ministry to families and your relationship with your children. 1. I love the fact that Churches of Christ have been known for their dedication to God's word, making their goal simple: follow God's word as closely as possible. 2. My greatest concern comes from my greatest delight ... in making it our goal to follow God's word as closely as possible, sometimes we have been too judgmental of others. We've too often chose to divide over differences instead of seeking to be unified, and agreeing to disagree. I will say, I love the direction that the churches of Christ are going and I'm excited about the church my children and grandchildren will be a part of. Thanks for your questions.
said...Trey, are you always optimistic?
Lea, what is the most difficult thing about raising boys? Do you have any siblings? What do you and your friends do for fun?
Trey and Lea - Who is a person in your life, (other than a parent or spouse), that you have truly looked up to, admired, and would always respect his/her advice. Why?
What's the biggest mistake you've ever made?
Do you have any unusual hobbies or interests?
What are some of the most important things you hope your children understand when they leave your house and go out on their own?
ANSWERS: 1. Pretty much so. It's something I choose to be and much more fun that the alternative :) 2. (From Lea) As mentioned above, I'm not a big fan of cleaning their bathrooms. :) I've had to adapt to the way boys think and do things as opposed to girls. I have two sisters and a brother. A group of ladies and I love to sneak out of town for an occasional shopping trip. I also love going to baseball games, taking trips as a couple, as a family and with friends. 3. We both have many close friends that we can call at the drop of a hat, that would listen if we needed to talk or needed support. We can't imagine not having close relationships and friendships. They are vital to who we are and what we do in ministry together. 4. My biggest mistake has been not getting the whole story before I jump to conclusions. More than once in my ministry I have heard once side of the story and believed it before learning later there was another side of the story. I've also been guilty in the past of putting my ministry in front of my family. 5. Hobbies and interests ... none that are unusual. Most of the things we like to do, we like to do together. Lea loves interior decorating and I love it when she gives me a job and says, "Here paint this." :) 5. I want my children to know when they leave home, that they still have a mother and father that love them and that our home will always be their home. I want them to know that whatever they decide to be, occupation wise, I'm going to be proud of them. And most of all, continue their relationship with God.
fraizerbaz said...Who is the first person you will look for when you get to Heaven?
ANSWER: My first dad I never got to know. I have a lot of questions for him.
Angie said...Have your personal beliefs ever conflicted with your employers' beliefs (man not God) and if so, how did you remain true to yourself?
ANSWER: Sure they have, but never to the point that I violated my conscience or what I felt like was right. As I said earlier, you have to choose to agree to disagree sometimes. Too many times we ignore the bible verses on unity, and focus on what we can divide over.
- On Monday I kicked off the week with a post called "10 Bad Christmas Gifts for Men." There were many women readers who said what they really needed was a list of what guys REALLY liked, not disliked. That being said, my friend Scott jumped in there and did an excellent post on "10 Great Gifts for Men." I thought it was an excellent list.
- I thought Sarah StirMan's story on "Sunday's best is now casual dress," was excellent. It deals with how we dress on Sundays to go to worship. I've been wanting to do a post on this subject in the future, just because I'm interested in your opinion.
- Bobby Ross has asked the question, "When you're eating out in public: Do you pray or not?" Great question.
- My son, Taylor, updated his blog with news from his mission work in Miami.
- "Walking in Daddy's Shoes" is a new blog I've stumbled upon that has really touched my heart. Maggie Beth is a young lady who tells about the difficulties of growing up without a daddy. Her father chose to walk out on her when she was a baby. If you stop by here, be ready to see the importance of a dad in the life of his children and be ready to have your heart broken.
Labels: Links
Labels: Marriage
It's going around, and I've avoided it as long as I can. Not the flu, but the "Ask Me Anything" post. I've seen a bunch of blogs lately doing a "Ask Me Anything" post so that people can get to know the writer better. I've even asked questions on two (Charla & Will) of the "Ask Me" posts. I thought it was fun to find out some things I wanted to know about them personally. - It must be a legit question.
- It cannot be mean spirited.
- Questions that cross-the-line will be deleted or ignored.
Labels: Morgan Family
Here is a conversation between my son Cooper (2nd Grade) and I, on the way to school this morning...
With some of you starting your Christmas shopping early this year, I thought I'd help you out on some of your "man gifts." Men are pretty easy to buy for, but at the same time, nothing is easier that screwing up a gift for the dad, husband or man in your life. Trust me, here is a list of 10 things your man doesn't want for Christmas this year...- A SWEATER - Nothing screams "lame" like a sweater, or worse, a sweater vest.
- A CELINE DION CD - I've said it before, and I'll say it again...You may think that Celine Dion is an angel sent by God to the earth to bless us with her voice, but her music is just not the kind you will find in a man’s iPod play list. (If you do find a Celine Dion song in your man's iPod, then you better start asking questions).
- A SNUGGIE - Nothing will kill the manhood of a man faster than him having to pretend to love the Snuggie you've just bought him for Christmas. It's like buying him women's pajamas.
- THE MANGROOMER - There is only one way to remove your back hair without enlisting the help of another person. It is called the Mangroomer, a strange invention and horrible gift idea. If your man needs a mangroomer due to his manliness, just buy him a Snuggie, that'll take care of the manliness.
- SCRAP-BOOKING STUFF - I don't need to explain.
- ANYTHING PINK - Please avoid the pink clothes.... shirts, ties, sweaters, etc.
- A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A PEDICURE: While I know your man may need a pedicure, this is not going to be something on his Christmas list.
- SOCKS - Nothing says, "I was too lazy to find you a good gift," like a 6 pack of Dickies work socks.
- ANYTHING FROM BATH & BODY WORKS - Unlike women, men never want to get their hopes up opening a present, only to find lotion or body-wash inside.
- FRUITCAKE - There is no Christmas gift more frightening, more dreaded, and more prolific than the Fruitcake. It has been said that there is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other because no one wants it. Unless you are a fantastic fruitcake cook, get him something else, or you are only going to make your man LIE THROUGH HIS TEETH when he says, "Yum, this is SO good."
Labels: Honduras
It was about an hour before the funeral was supposed to start, and the room was packed with the family. I was doing the service for the family, but Lea was there to visit some friends that were part of the family that she hadn't seen in a long time. We walked around visiting in different circles, but my mind was really on the service and making sure I had all my thoughts together. Since I had already visited with the family, I had pretty much resigned to simply follow Lea around the room as she talked and hugged the necks of old friends. Labels: Humor
From the way I heard it, the sweet little curly headed girl couldn't have been more than 8 years old. She hadn't grown up going to bible class or church, but now that her parents were going to church, she was loving it. 
One of my most favorite family activities is supper time. We try every day to sit down and have supper together as a family. Some of our best family time is spent around the table laughing and talking about things that happened during the day. - If at all possible, we don't start until everyone is home. There have been times when all of us but one have sat down and just waited on the last person to get home.
- Someone is going to say or do something that is going to make everyone laugh. Bonus points if you say something so funny that it makes milk comes out someone's nose.
- Cell phones are off limits. You can't answer cellular phones or text during supper.
- If the phone rings, we let the answering machine get it.
- If it's Sunday, we talk about what we learned in bible class or what the sermon was about. During the week we talk about what's happening at school, in sports or in the world. Anything to communicate together.
- We pray together, thanking God for the food and our family.
- Everyone has their official place or chair where they sit.
- We tell Lea/mom, "Thanks for supper, it was good."
Labels: Family, Morgan Family
- Celine Dion - I'm a man, don't make me explain.
- Stevie Ray Vaughn - Not a big fan of the bluesy rock.
- Country Music - Sorry, just can't do it.
- Nickleback - Sounds like the lead singer needs to clear his throat.
- Bluegrass - When the boys are arguing in the back of the car, I punish them by turning it to the bluegrass radio station. With in seconds they change their attitude. :)
- Lots of Rock (Classic & Modern) - Steve Miller Band, Boston, Journey, Creed, Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, etc
- The 3 J's - Jack Johnson, James Taylor & John Mayer
- A little Black Eyed Peas
- Cold Play - probably my favorite band right now.
- Lots of 70's music
Labels: General
10.25.09 – “Jesus will Wreck your Life.”
11.1.09 – “Too Comfortable to get Out of the Boat.”
11.8.09 – “Being UnChristian”
11.15.09 – “Dirty handed Christianity”
11.22.09 – “Do a Greater Miracles than Jesus.”
11.29.09 – “Dangerous Christianity”
Labels: Sermon Link
I absolutely LOVE to hear my wife pray. About a year ago I wrote this about how husbands and wives should be praying together. I still believe that prayer with your spouse can be as special and intimate as your sexual relationship with them. Labels: His Needs Her Needs, Prayer, Sexuality
Labels: Running
- On a road trip, the one with the strongest bladder, not the weakest, determines the pit stops.
- No man shall EVER wear an article of women's clothing unless they are the loser of a bet.
- Grilling, no matter the weather, is always the first choice of cooking.
- Under no circumstance do two men share an umbrella.
- Men can watch chick-flicks on occasion, BUT they are never to be watched without the presence of a girlfriend or wife. And you should NEVER be seen crying.
- When it comes to bathrooms, there are MANY man-laws to follow. First and foremost, men must follow the rule of the "buffer-zone." That means where there are more than two urinals, there must always be one urinal of separation between you and the next man. You NEVER sidle-up to another man when there's an empty urinal down the line. If you need help with this rule, here is a game you can play to teach you. This law is void when there are dividers between the urinals.
- Another public restroom man-law that I saw broken recently was, if you are first in the bathroom and there are only three urinals, you must not take the middle urinal. If you encounter this, just do what I did, clear your throat and say, "Dude!" Generally they'll realize their error and move down one, obeying the law of the urinal buffer zone.
- One final restroom man-law, being chatty in the bathroom is inappropriate, a simple head-nod is all the conversation that is needed.
- Crying is okay when your team has just won the big game or a heroic dog dies saving his master from death.
- There is NO reason for a man to EVER watch ice skating or men's gymnastics.
- All serious arguments can be settled with a game of rock, paper, scissors.
- While walking with a group to the car, a soon-to-be occupant may reserve the front passenger seat by calling out "Shotgun." All passengers must honor and respect the calling of shotgun. On those occasions where there is a tie while calling shotgun, a race to the car decides who gets the front.
- Men can comment on how much they enjoy manly smells of things like a baseball glove, a new set of tires, the smell of gunpowder, campfire, sawdust and bar-b-que grills.
- Man-law states that short-shorts on men have officially been banned. Throw them all out.
- When greeting another man who is walking past you, no words are needed, a head not is acceptable.
- No man shall ever watch a soap opera ever! Period! (That's for you Matt.)
- A man is allowed to scream ONLY when he is caught off guard and bitten by a large deadly snake.
- The official start date of the male shopping season is December 23rd, as compared to the female season, which opens on the day following Thanksgiving.
- Under no circumstances shall a man EVER defer control of the television remote to a female.
- A real man loves his wife and is faithful to her sexually, emotionally and mentally.
- A real man prays with his wife.
- A real man is involved in his children's lives.
- A real man puts his family before his job, hobbies and buddies.
- A real man is the spiritual leader in his home.
- A real man isn't ashamed of his faith and puts God first in his life.
- I'm learning that ministry is not a job, but a lifestyle. It's who you are, not something you do. When I start seeing my ministry as a job, I need to get out of it and start doing something different.
- I'm learning that rest is important to ministry. It's okay to rest, relax and sometimes run away and hide. Jesus did it.
- I'm learning that I can't please everyone all the time. So I'm not going to sweat it.
- I'm learning that ministry is about people and when you're not involved in people's lives, you're not involved in ministry. Also, in order to be around people, I must get out of the office.
- I'm learning that some of my most valuable relationships are those with people who are really different than me, and some down-right strange. They're the ones that keep life interesting and they're the ones Jesus would have been spending all his time with.
- I'm learning that far more important than my ministry, and only second to God, is my family. God did not give me a family to place on the back-burner of my life. Never neglect or sacrifice your family. They are your MOST important ministry.
- I'm still reminding myself to avoid with all my might the three "G's", gold, girls and glory. Nothing will kill your ministry or witness quicker than one of these three things.
- Never stop learning. Most jobs require CE's (continuing education) because it's necessary for us to continue to learn as we go.
- Practice what you preach, even when no one is looking. That's called character.
- Don't beat people up spiritually, build them up.
Labels: Ministry, Top Ten List
I'm excited about the next six weeks of lessons I'll be doing. The series is called "Comfortable." Jesus never called his followers to be comfortable or to take up their easy chair, but to take up their cross. Like it or not, crosses are not comfortable and their purpose is for dying.
If you're in the Childress area, I hope you'll come and catch the first lesson this Sunday called, "Jesus will Wreck your Life." Our worship starts at 10:15 a.m. For more information on the church and a map, visit our website...
Labels: Sermon Link
- This coming year 40% of the children born in our country will be born in a home where there is no father.
- The average church attendance breaks down 61% female and 39% male.
- Every Sunday 25% of Christian women go to church without their husband by their side.
- Read to your children.
- Keep your promises.
- Go for walks together.
- Let your children help with household projects.
- Spend time one-on-one with each child.
- Tell your children about your childhood.
- Go to the zoo, museums, ball games as a family.
- Set a good example.
- Help your children with their homework.
- Show your children lots of warmth and affection.
- Set clear, consistent limits.
- Consider how your decisions will affect your children.
- Listen to your children.
- Know your children's friends.
- Take your children to work.
- Open a savings account for your children.
- Resolve conflict quickly.
- Take your children to a place of worship.
- Make a kite together.
- Fly a kite together.
It takes more than sperm to be a dad, it takes a man to be a dad.
Labels: Lea, Marriage, Morgan Family
Can you imagine if Jesus would have had a Twitter or Facebook account? His status updates would have been THE best. Maybe they would have looked something like this...- Didn't tell my parents I'd be hanging at the temple for about 3 days. Mom and Dad just found me. Wow, Mom looks mad.
- Totally freaked out my disciples with that miracle. Wish you could have seen the look on Peter's face. Priceless!
- Just pulled the boat up at a cemetery. A screaming naked demon possessed guy came running up. Apostles are refusing to get out of the boat.
- Just sent a bunch of demons into a heard of pigs. I call it swine flu.
- Sleep evaded us all last night. Andrew snores like a three-humped camel with asthma.
- The Pharisees are mad at me again. Honestly, is there ANYTHING I can do on the Sabbath without getting into trouble?
- Just changed water to wine for the wedding feast. Let's see the preachers try to explain this one in 2000 years. :)
- Poor misguided Pharisees, when will they ever catch on?
Labels: Jesus
Labels: Church
I'm really bothered by people who focus only on the negative side of their faith. There are some that are SO engrossed in the rules, keeping the rules and on others keeping their rules that they miss what the gospel is really all about. For example, a bulletin article from a church I won't name, rolled across my desk last week. The title of the article was, "5 Reasons We Should Study the Bible." Here were their five reasons to study the bible...- So we can increase our knowledge to fight against false teaching.
- So we can stand against false doctrine.
- So we can tell our lost friends the truth about the bible that they don't want to hear.
- So we can defend the truth against new teachings.
- So we can be uncompromising in our fight against unscriptural teaching.
- Study to learn God's will for your life.
- Study to learn how to be more like Christ.
- Study to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.
- Study to learn about what Jesus did for you.
- Study to learn about forgiveness, salvation and love.
- Study to learn to share the gospel with others.
- Study to learn to show kindness, mercy and grace to others.
- And on and on...
Labels: Bible
Labels: Morgan Family
I know it's hard sometimes when you still have children at home, but it's healthy and essential for your marriage to spend time with just your mate. That's why you and your spouse should go on a date once a week and go for an overnight date once a month. It's also been said you and your spouse should get away for a weekend trip twice a year. - How well do you (or did you) do at the once a week date and once a month trip thing?
- Do you (or did you) struggle with leaving your children?
Labels: His Needs Her Needs, Marriage
Meet Fernando, Doris, Katty and Monica. These are four siblings that Casa de Esperanza, the children's home just outside of Tegucigalpa Honduras, has rescued. Many of the kids that are at Casa are there because they've been physically abused, sexually abused or found on the street. These four were taken out of severe poverty. This is their home below. Can you imagine living in a home like this?
These pictures remind me to do 2 things:- Thank God for blessing me the way that He has.
- Share what I have.
Labels: Honduras
It was a good year for the Rangers. They did better than anyone expected, but still came up a little short in the end. I'm thinking the Rangers should have bought the Morgan family season tickets, because they didn't lose a single game that we attended. They could have gone undefeated for the season! :)- Angels over the Red Sox - Angels just have too many weapons.
- Yankees over the Twins - Yankees have too many weapons, because they buy them.
- Cardinals over the Dodgers (sorry Tiff) - Pujols + Halliday + good pitching = series win.
- Phillies over the Rockies - As much as I'd love for the Phillies to loose, I just don't see it happening.
- Yankees over the Angels - Again, the Yankees win because of the players they've bought.
- Cardinals over the Phillies - The Cards pitching makes the difference in this one.
- Cardinals over the Yankees - Once again proving to the world that underdogs can still pull it out. Oh, and their pitching is better than the Yankees.
Labels: Baseball
I'm phasing out my running blog and moving my running posts over here. So from time to time you can expect something on running... sorry :) Labels: Running
Labels: Video
When I was in high school, my friend James and I would clip the "buy a dozen donuts and get a dozen free" coupons from the local paper. During our afternoon class we'd make a flying trip to Duncan Donuts, split the cost of the first dozen and get the second dozen free. By the time we were pulling back into the high school parking lot, I'd be polishing off the last of my dozen donuts, and James would be doing the same to his dozen. I could easily eat a dozen donuts in about 10 minutes. Boy, those were the good old days. In fact, I think I could still polish off a dozen today.
- It would probably surprise you, but I'd like to see "this" movie. It has peaked my interest.
- One of my weaknesses is "this," and I ordered "this" one on Monday. I can't wait for it to get here. How do I justify buying a few of these? When I die I want to make sure all my kids and grand-kids get one. Sounds pretty good to me. :)
- I'm still laughing at "this" video.
- Call me sick and deranged if you must, but I'm SO ready for "this." In fact I had "this" going yesterday and got "the look" from my family. I so hate "the look."
- I'm so excited that next weekend we'll be doing "this." It has been TOO long since the last time.
- I got "this" in the mail from an 81 year-old retired school teacher. The best part was the "shaky" hand written note that said, "Please use this to help children in Honduras." I couldn't help but think of "this."
Labels: "This"
I love church potlucks, but someone needs to lay down some official "potluck rules." I think there have been times in the past that I've jeopardized my soul by lying during church potlucks. How do you lie at church potlucks you ask? When women look at my plate and ask, "Why didn't you get any of my beets today?" And I have no choice but to answer something along the lines of, "Oh, I didn't see them," or "My plate was too full and I didn't have any room for them." You can't hurt a woman's feelings and tell her that you'd rather poke yourself in the eye with a stick, than eat a nasty beet that she's fixed. :) Labels: Humor
- Did you know there are over 2000 verses of scripture that call upon the people of God to respond to the need of the poor?
- Is it just me or does it seem that Hollywood talks more about feeding the hungry of the world than churches do?
- Churches are focused on a lot of good things ... but are we still focused on the right things?
- What are some things your church is doing to feed the hungry and help the needy?
Labels: Honduras
Labels: Top Ten List
It really bothers me when I see the poor or hungry in my community holding a "Need food (or gas)" sign. What bothers me even more is when I see us drive by that needy person in our $40,000 vehicles without even stopping or thinking, "I've got a few dollars in my wallet I can share." 
1. My Favorite Movie: (Uh…there are a few…)
- Comedy: Dumb & Dumber
- Action: Troy
- Drama: Castaway
- Series: Star Wars
- Fun Movie: Nacho Libre'
- Chick Flick: Umm, what's a chick flick? :)
2. My Favorite Restaurant:
- Mexican Food - Tacos Garcia (Mexican food so authentic that you can't drink the water)
- Of All Time - Fogo De Chao (The most "manly" restaurant ever created).
- Italian - Johnny Carino's
- Fast Food - Qdoba's and Chipotle
3. Bands/People/Shows I Have Seen Live In Concert:
- Huey Lewis and The News (He was awesome)
- Kenny Rogers (Yea ... take my man-card now!!!)
- The Nutcracker Ballet (If Lea's wearing her little black dress...I'd follow her anywhere ... even to a ballet)
- Mel Tillis (DON'T EVEN ASK)
4. Preachers That Are Currently Mentoring Me Through Podcasts:
5. The Coolest Places I've Ever Been:
- Alaska
- Honduras
- Bristol Motor Speedway
- Mexico City
- Las Vegas
- Yosemite National Park
- On a date with Lea
6. Some Places I Want To Visit One Day:
- Australia
- The Grand Canyon
- Miami again to hang out with Taylor
- The Bible lands
- The Daytona 500
7. Some Things I Want To Do One Day:
- Go salmon fishing in Alaska (Actually I've done this but want to go back).
- See James Taylor in concert.
- Spend a week hiking & camping in the wilderness of just about any forest.
- Stand on the sidelines during a Dallas Cowboy football game, hob-nobbing with Tony Romo.
- See my sons marry good Christian girls.
8. Things I LOVE To Do Now:
- See my children laugh.
- Play Wiffleball in the backyard with my boys & their friends.
- Sit by a warm fire on a cold winter day with a good cup of coffee.
- Run
- Have quiet time with Lea in the mornings.
- Beat my boys in Wii golf.
- Preach
- Date Night
9. Some Things I Want To See Before I Die:
- I want to see churches unite and work together instead of fighting against one another.
- I want to see every single member of the church bring one friend with them to worship.
- I want to see ANYONE who wants to do mission work have the financial support to do it, without having to beg for it.
- I want to see the church be as merciful and forgiving as God is.
- I want to see Christians stop griping about what they don't like and start focusing on what needs to be done.
- I want to see Christians act like Christians should in their community & relationships.
10. Some People I Would Love To Hang Out with for a Day:
- Lance Armstrong (So we can swap cancer stories).
- George W. Bush
- Baarak Obama
- Joel Osteen (I want to tell him, "Wipe that smile off your face ... please").
- Erik Kirkpatrick (Childress High School principal).
11. Some Things That Keep Me In Awe:
- That God loves me in spite of my faults! (Romans 5:8)
- That God forgives me in spite of my stupid mistakes! (Luke 15:11-23)
- That God is patient with me when I act like a fool! (Luke 15:25-31)
- I met Lea, on accident. I was 4 years older than her, and she asked me if I could help her out by pretending to be her boyfriend. There was another boy chasing her that she didn't like, and she thought if she pretended to go out with a bigger and older guy, he'd leave her alone. I told her I'd be a nice guy and pretend as long as she needed me to. Now, after 4 years of dating, twenty-one years of marriage and four children later, it just hit me that I may need to go ask Lea, "We're not still pretending, are we?"
Do you remember when Jesus said this in Luke 14:12-13? "When you give a dinner or a banquet, don't invite your friends and family and relatives and rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return, and you will be paid back. When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind."I'm excited that I'm going back to Honduras the second week in December for what is being called "The Jesus Banquet." On December 9th, at the dump in Tegucigalpa Honduras, something very special is going to happen. People are going to be fed, but it will be different than the regular once-a-week feeding that is taking place. This time, instead of the dump people lining up at the back of a pickup to get a bowl of beans and rice, we are having a sit down banquet where they will be served. Having tables, chairs, silverware, napkins, a place to wash up and a bible as a gift are some of the plans for this banquet. Also instead of one small bowl of food, this time they will hear, "Would you like to have seconds... or thirds?" The plan is to show the people of the dump the same kind of OUTRAGEOUS love that God has shown us.
Someone recently asked, "Why go all out for people living in a dump?" The answer is simple ... we offer our best to them because God offered His best to us ... His son.
Wanna go with me?
Labels: Honduras
And the award for the most "unChrist-like stunt of the year" goes to...
"A Phoenix-area pastor delivered a sermon titled, "Why I Hate Barack Obama," and told his parishioners that he prays for President Obama's death.
Pastor Steven Anderson stood by his sermon in an interview with MyFOXPhoenix, which reports that the pastor continues to encourage his parishioners to join him in praying for the president's death.
"I hope that God strikes Barack Obama with brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy and I hope it happens today," he told MyFOXPhoenix on Sunday. He called his message "spiritual warfare" and said he does not condone killing." Read the rest of the story here!
I would just like to go on record as saying ... "ARE YOU NUTS?" The only message you're going to convey to people of the world, by stupid stunt like this, is a message of hate and disgust for Christianity. And we wonder why we are hated by the unbelieving world.
Labels: Christian Living, Preachers, Preaching
- Do you hide purchases of things you bought from your spouse? (... you shouldn't)
- Do you allow your spouse to read all your email messages? (... you should if they asked to)
- Do you share your passwords to email addresses or facebook accounts with your spouse? (... you should)
- Would you allow your spouse to read your text messages on your cell phone if she asked? (... you should)
- Do you hide friendships with people of the opposite sex from your spouse? (... you shouldn't)
- Do you immediately delete all your messages you get by email, text and facebook?
- Always keep it just a friendship.
- Make sure your spouse has no problems or issues with it.
- Never keep a secret or hide anything about this friendship from your spouse.
I've never been a big fan of country music, but I do enjoy their song titles. Here are some actual country music titles...
- Her teeth was stained, but her heart was pure.
- Get your tongue outta my mouth, cause I'm kissing you good-bye.
- You're the reason our kids are SO ugly.
- My wife ran off with my best friend, and I sure miss him.
Here are some country songs I'd like to write and sing to Lea ...
- Nobody is look'n, so scoot over here and let's snuggle on the church pew.
- She thinks my preaching is sexy!
- You're so pretty, I even like to look at you in the dark.
- Honey, please don't let your negligee turn into a flannel nightgown. (a sad song)
- You must be a park'n ticket, because you got FINE written all over you.
- Wake me up when there's a wreck (A NASCAR Ballad).
- Jesus, take the wheel, 'cause there's an ANGRY deacon on my tail.
- If you leave me, please don't take my NIV.
- If a fat man puts you in a bag one night, it's okay, I told Santa I wanted you for Xmas.
- I hope you have a library card, cause I am sure checking you out.
Labels: Christian Living, Church
Labels: Cartoon
