Thursday, July 09, 2009
HOW PREACHERS DECIDE WHAT TO PREACH
posted at 
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
9 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE HEALTHY
CNN had a great article on marriage last month. They said, "When it comes to marriage, each decade will have its own drama, be it child-rearing, layoffs, second careers, and middle-aged angst, along with a big helping of the in-sickness-and-in-health stuff." Then they finish the article with 9 really good points to making your marriage last. Here they are in a nutshell...
- WATCH YOUR WAISTLINE: Now that you're married, you can finally relax and skip the gym, right? Wrong. Wedded couples tend to have fatter waistlines, which can spell trouble in terms of sexual attraction and general health.
- HAVE A FINANCIAL PLAN: Nearly 40 percent of married people admit to lying to their spouse about a purchase, according to a 2004 poll, and money woes can quickly send your marriage south. In fact, money is the number-one reason couples fight, and relationships tend to suffer during poor economies. You should discuss and agree upon some hard financial ground rules, preferably before you tie the knot.
- FIGURE OUT YOUR FAMILY RULES: Couples spend the first 5 to 10 years of their marriage butting heads over how their family should work. You can end up fighting over something as trivial as how you should hang your toilet paper, but those little issues can add up to big problems, particularly if children enter the picture.
- MAKE SEX A PRIORITY, BUT NOT A CHORE - It doesn't matter whether you're having sex five times a week or five times a year -- as long as both of you are happy, says Dr. Goldstein. In fact, a 2008 study found that couples who reported any kind of marital intimacy -- everything from holding hands to sex -- exhibited lower levels of a hormone produced by stress.
- BE FLEXIBLE - Whatever financial and household arrangements you agreed to in your 20s or 30s, chances are they're going to change at some point in your marriage.
- STAY ACTIVE AS YOU AGE - A 1995 study found that couples who work out together are more likely to stick with an exercise program. And some experts suggest that couples who exercise more frequently tend to have better sex lives.
- HAVE A FRIEND TO SHARE WITH - It's often helpful to couple friends when these big issues come up," says Dr. Robbins. "Many couples live very privately and discuss these issues with the shades down, but relationship issues like this can often benefit from hearing how people that you trust dealt with a similar situation. But, clearly it's never a good idea to say anything -- even to a close friend -- that you wouldn't want repeated back to your spouse in five years," warns Dr. Goldstein.
- REDISCOVER ONE ANOTHER WHEN THE KIDS ARE GONE - Use this new found freedom to bend the rules a bit and rediscover what you love about each other.
- BE A GOOD CAREGIVER - In the event of a serious illness, spouses who assume the role of caregiver often develop a sense of "caregiver burden" and may become ill themselves. So it's vital that both spouses ask for help when they need it. Getting out to see friends and socialize is particularly important for caregivers. And realize that you both have limitations.
Also, if you're looking for more on marriage today, Red Hot Momma has a great post on "Flirting with your Husband." What man doesn't love his wife flirting with him (and vice-versa). Also, Patrick Mead has a great article on what people might be looking for that will produce great changes in their lives. All of his points are excellent, especially the first.
Labels: Marriage
Monday, July 06, 2009
10 THINGS I'M LEARNING ABOUT PRAYER
- If you want to get God's attention in prayer, it's not by being eloquent or using big words, but by being honest.
- Don't play it safe, pray some dangerous prayers.
- Prayer is not about poetry or posture, but about passion and heart.
- When it comes to the "power of prayer," the power is not in the person doing the praying, but in the One who hears the prayer.
- God's not moved by the length of a prayer, but by your humility.
- Engaging my heart makes all the difference.
- There is no secret formula, no special phrases and no exact patterns you must follow to get God to hear you, just ask in Jesus' name.
- Praying with my wife is incredible. It lets me see into the special places of her heart.
- I should never be too busy to pray. Just as much as I love to hear from my children, God loves to hear from me.
- There will be times when I don't have service on my cell phone and times when I can't get my laptop connected to the internet, BUT I will always be connected to God through prayer... any time and any place.
What have you learned about prayer?
Labels: Prayer
Friday, July 03, 2009
SUMMER FUN
We've had a great week of hanging out in the mountains. It was nice to see a lot of friends at the Red River Family Encampment that we haven't seen in a while. We spent the week just relaxing, laughing, hiking, fishing, playing games and playing baseball.
Our VBS starts this Sunday night, so I've got some last minute details to finish up. Last year it was a little crazy when we had over 400 for VBS, and I'm honestly hoping we're down a little on those numbers this year :) (Childress folks, bring me your kids this Sunday - Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Besides VBS, over the next few weeks we'll do a week of camp at QMCC, a little more vacationing (would love to catch a couple more Ranger's games) and take a trip to Honduras.
I hope in the next day or so to post a few pictures of our trip to the mountains.
I'd love to know ...
- What have you been doing this summer?
- What's on your schedule for the rest of the summer?
Labels: Morgan Family
Sunday, June 28, 2009
CLOSED
About this time of year, every year, I close my blog for a week and go hide in the mountains of New Mexico. I'm excite about this year's trip.
- I'll be staying in one of these.
- They won't have one of these or these where we are staying, and I'm okay with that.
- I plan on doing a lot of this, this and this.
- I'm really going to miss this person this year.
- It's supposed to be this in Childress and be this in the mountains. Ha!
- We are going to be attending this.
See you in a week ...... maybe :)
Friday, June 26, 2009
A PROUD DADDY
I'm first up every morning in the Morgan house. I find that it's the best time for things like quiet-time, coffee and SportsCenter. Not too far behind me is Cooper, who is usually the first up to greet me. He came dragging into the room yesterday, still half asleep and climbed up in the chair next to me. "Morning Coop," I said. "Would you like me to turn it to a cartoon for you?" That's usually one of his first requests.
"No, it's okay, just leave it here," he said. "I want to watch SportsCenter for a while."
My chest swelled, and I might have even had a tear in my eye. I'm sure proud of that boy!
Labels: Morgan Family
Thursday, June 25, 2009
BABY NOAH
I got to hold baby Noah last night during church. Usually there's a line of people waiting to hold him, but I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I goosed him during one of the songs and he got tickled and started laughing out loud. When he giggled, it was infectious and I couldn't help but laugh out loud too. As I sat there trying to control myself, worrying a little about who was watching me laughing during church, I couldn't help but picture God laughing with Noah too. I love little Noah and think he is absolutely beautiful. But my love doesn't even compare with how much Noah's parents love him. And no one, absolutely no one, loves Noah as much as God. He is absolutely precious in God's sight.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
IT'S OFFICIAL, I'M LEAVING ...
I'm leaving on a jet plane and flying to .....
If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I have fallen in love with the Honduras work and ministry of Marc & Terri Tindall. Marc and Terri are the ones who help head up the dump ministry that feeds hundreds of poor people who live and eat the scraps of garbage at the dump.
This morning I booked airline tickets to fly there this August and spend a week helping Mark & Terri with this ministry. There are 5 of us going. I'm taking two of my boys, Parker & Connor, who will get a chance to grow in some amazing ways. Also going is a former AIM student who worked in Honduras (he'll know his way around) and one of my closest friends.
I can't begin to imagine how I will be affected by this ministry, but here are a couple of comments by people who have been there, "It's a place so poor that people live in shelters made of sticks and garbage bags at the city dump so they can find scraps of food to eat. I gotta tell you that I wasn't prepared for this experience. The smell was what you would expect only stronger." Another said, "These people were filthy and smelly. Some of their hands had so much black filth on them that I cannot imagine them ever being clean again, no matter how much scrubbing was done. Small boys, about 8 - 11 years old, were there alone with no family."
Pictures from the dump...
If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I have fallen in love with the Honduras work and ministry of Marc & Terri Tindall. Marc and Terri are the ones who help head up the dump ministry that feeds hundreds of poor people who live and eat the scraps of garbage at the dump.
This morning I booked airline tickets to fly there this August and spend a week helping Mark & Terri with this ministry. There are 5 of us going. I'm taking two of my boys, Parker & Connor, who will get a chance to grow in some amazing ways. Also going is a former AIM student who worked in Honduras (he'll know his way around) and one of my closest friends.
I can't begin to imagine how I will be affected by this ministry, but here are a couple of comments by people who have been there, "It's a place so poor that people live in shelters made of sticks and garbage bags at the city dump so they can find scraps of food to eat. I gotta tell you that I wasn't prepared for this experience. The smell was what you would expect only stronger." Another said, "These people were filthy and smelly. Some of their hands had so much black filth on them that I cannot imagine them ever being clean again, no matter how much scrubbing was done. Small boys, about 8 - 11 years old, were there alone with no family."
Pictures from the dump...
People searching for food along with birds who are fighting for the same thing.
Thankfully people come and feed... Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...?" And when the people asked, "Jesus when did we see you hungry..." Jesus said, "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me."
This past May you helped raise $11,500 to help feed the dump people and I can't wait to see your money at work when we take food to them. Thank you again for the financial support you've given to feed hungry people through the Dump Ministry.
Labels: Honduras
Saturday, June 20, 2009
THE CHEESE LADY
Movies and television are okay, but if you really want entertainment, just look around at the people that we rub shoulders with everyday. Life itself is the greatest entertainment there is. But you'll miss a lot of life and people if you're never willing to take some risks. Some of the best memories in my life are when I was willing to take a risk with people (like here, here, and here). If you'll open your eyes, and take some risks, you might meet some amazing people .... like the cheese lady ... Last week while flying back from Miami, I sat next to a lady on the plane who during the flight grabbed her huge purse and pulled out a big block of cheese wrapped in clear saran wrap. Yea, cheese! I tried hard to watch her without her knowing that I was. Questions immediately started rushing through my mind like... "Who carries a block of cheese in their purse ... on a plane. What is she going to do with this cheese? And, isn't cheese supposed to be refrigerated? How long has this been in her purse?" No sooner than I had finished asking myself these questions, she looked at me and said, "Would you like some cheese?"
I was totally caught off guard. I looked at her and said what I figured anyone else would say, "Sure, I'd love some cheese." I guess since there is a no-knife-rule on planes, she broke me off a hunk with her hands and said, "Here you go." Then she broke off a piece of cheese for herself and started to eat t00. We smiled at one another while eating our cheese. I finally broke the silence by saying, "Tastes a little like mozzarella." She shook her head and simply said, "Yea, I guess it does."
She then grabbed her huge purse again and excitedly said, "Would you like to read my magazine?" I smiled again between bites of cheese and said, "Sure. Thanks." I was curious to see what kind of magazine a woman who carries cheese in her purse would have. She handed me her TIME magazine to go with my cheese.
There I sat 30,000 feet above the ground, eating cheese with a total stranger. We chit-chatted for the rest of the flight and in no time we were landing in Dallas. Before we exited, I thanked her for sharing her cheese and magazine. She smiled and said, "Anytime."
Silly me ... I had worried all morning about what I was going to do to entertain myself during a two-and-a-half hour flight. Had I only known I was going to sit next to a kind lady with a purse full of cheese, I wouldn't have worried a bit. That, my friends, was pure entertainment.
Friday, June 19, 2009
THE CHURCH IS FULL OF HYPOCRITES
If you've been avoiding church because you think the church is full of hypocrites, you are 100% right. A hypocrite is someone that doesn't consistently live out what he believes, and yes, every church is full of them. I'm going to have to admit that I'm a hypocrite too, because I don't always live out what I believe.
What you are going to find in any church is that they are very full of imperfect people. There was only one perfect man (Jesus). I'm not him, and you're not either. So if you're saying you don't go to church because there are too many hypocrites there, I say don't let that stop you ... we certainly have room for one more. :)
Labels: Church, Hypocrites
Thursday, June 18, 2009
THE MOST AMAZING MAN ALIVE
"He once counted to infinity ... twice."
"He can watch 60 minutes ... in 20 minutes."
"He was turned down for the lead in Cool Hand Luke ... because he was too cool."
Who is he? The Most Amazing Man Alive...
I thought this was GREAT!
Labels: Video
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
THREE IS A CROWD IN BED
Lea and I have always slept on a king size bed. We think it's absolutely the perfect size. You can easily find each other in a king size bed when you want, and you can sneak off to your own side and not be bothered when it's time to sleep. While it's the perfect sized bed for two adults, I'm learning that if you throw in a long legged 7-year-old son, who's all of a sudden too spooked to sleep in his own bed, then you have huge complications. For the last couple of weeks Cooper has found his way to our bed sometime during the middle of each night. Often times I don't even know when he shows up. I just roll over and all of a sudden I'm thinking, "Where did he come from."
What I'm learning is that my seven year old son has some interesting sleeping habits. I've found out that while he sleeps he's a wiggler, a snuggler, a toucher and even an arm flailer. And while all of those things may be okay for some people ... it's not for us. We're finding it a little hard to sleep.
He has other amazing sleeping skills too. For example when he gets hot, he can rip the entire king size sheet and blankets off of the bed with one "shoosh" of his foot. Now keep in mind, he doesn't ask us if we are hot, he just figures that we are and "helps us out." One minute your sleeping great, all snuggled up in a ball, and the next minute someone has ripped all your covers off leaving you feeling cold, naked and really angry.
Lea and I have always joked that, "Kids are the biggest intimacy killers in marriage." We've also realized that kids are the biggest sleep killers too.
Oh, the joys of being a parent.
Honestly, we wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.
Labels: Parenting
Sunday, June 14, 2009
HOW YOU KNOW YOUR KIDS ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON THE ICE CREAM MAN...
While walking around the block I looked up and noticed the ice cream man go from a normal speed to a slow crawl when he drove in front of my house. I thought it might just be a coincidence until I saw him drive to the next corner, make a U-turn and the come back by my house a second time at the same speed.
Oh the joys of summer time...
Labels: Morgan Family
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
MIAMI VICE
It was a long, but fun drive to Miami. Taylor and I enjoyed visiting and seeing lots of new things. When we arrived we met a lot of the people the Miami AIM team will be working with. I learned that they will actually be working more in the Homestead area.
I fly out in the morning. After a stop on Charlotte NC, I'll head to Dallas where Lea and the boys will pick me up at the airport.
Since we're already going to be in the area, we'll have to catch a Rangers game before heading home to Childress. Prayers for safe travels would be appreciated.
Now, I must get off this beach and go look for Crockett and Tubbs. They were by far the coolest Miami people ever.
Blessings,
Sunday, June 07, 2009
THE SAD SUNDAY
This morning was Taylor's last Sunday at church before leaving for Miami. We had a special prayer for him and the other AIMers leaving for their mission fields.
I knew Lea was going to be sad, so I did my best all morning to shield her from all the well meaning people who I thought might give her that, "Oh, you poor momma, you must be so sad?" line.
I did well protecting her, even jumping in the middle of a couple of conversations just to change the subject. Everything had gone well until the end of the service when just about everyone had left. I had just let my guard down when somehow one sneaky sister snuck past me. When I caught sight of her, she'd already mumbled those dreaded words to Lea, "Oh, you've got to be so sad and just want to cry." I knew she meant well, but I really had to fight the urge to keep myself from taking my finger and poking her in her right eye. You probably never thought a preacher could think of such violence, especially right after preaching on loving others, but to protect my sweet wife sometimes a man's got to do what a man's got to do.
We made it home from church, and both Lea and I survived a Sunday that was a little on the blue side. Although we were a little sad that our oldest was leaving home today, we know he's going off to do God's work and that excites us. And as I write this, I'm reminding myself that if God can send a Son off, then so can we.
Oh, and by the way, no, I did not poke anyone in the eye :)
I knew Lea was going to be sad, so I did my best all morning to shield her from all the well meaning people who I thought might give her that, "Oh, you poor momma, you must be so sad?" line.
I did well protecting her, even jumping in the middle of a couple of conversations just to change the subject. Everything had gone well until the end of the service when just about everyone had left. I had just let my guard down when somehow one sneaky sister snuck past me. When I caught sight of her, she'd already mumbled those dreaded words to Lea, "Oh, you've got to be so sad and just want to cry." I knew she meant well, but I really had to fight the urge to keep myself from taking my finger and poking her in her right eye. You probably never thought a preacher could think of such violence, especially right after preaching on loving others, but to protect my sweet wife sometimes a man's got to do what a man's got to do.
We made it home from church, and both Lea and I survived a Sunday that was a little on the blue side. Although we were a little sad that our oldest was leaving home today, we know he's going off to do God's work and that excites us. And as I write this, I'm reminding myself that if God can send a Son off, then so can we.
Oh, and by the way, no, I did not poke anyone in the eye :)
Friday, June 05, 2009
A LITTLE MORGAN FAMILY NEWS
- Summer is always a busy time around our house. School is out and the boys are involved in summer camps, trips and activities. My schedule fills up with activities like VBS, speaking engagements, summer camp and a little family vacation. One of our favorite activities is the Red River Family Encampment at the end of this month. The RRFE takes place in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico and some really good speakers show up to build us up and encourage us. If you have a little time at the end
of this month, consider making the RRFE ... you'll love it. - I'll admit I'm really excited about an upcoming announcement I'm going to make on my blog. There's something I'm going to do that I never imagined doing. God placed on my heart a couple of months ago to do this, and I looked for every excuse in the world to not do it. A month later, every excuse I can come up with, God has removed. What is it? I can't wait to tell you ... but you'll have to wait, because I can't tell you yet! :)
- Taylor and I leave Sunday afternoon for Miami. It should be a three day road trip in his little car. I think he's ready to get there and get busy working with the church. During our drive, it's worked out to where we're going to be stopping to say "Hi," to three different bloggers and blog readers. It ought to be fun. Click here to see the route we're taking. Some of you have made some great suggestions about things to see and places to eat. Let me know if you have any more suggestions.
- Lea celebrated her birthday this week. We snuck off to a little town not far from Childress to have lunch together and do some shopping. That night about 10:00, we made her a chocolate cake from scratch. Other than a pretty big mess, it all turned out okay. It is amazing what Lea does for the Morgan family (laundry, cooking, cleaning, taxi driver, on and on). The boys and I will never be able to do enough nice things for her to repay the goodness she shows to a houseful of Morgan boys.
- In the sports world right now, we're loving that the Texas Rangers are actually doing well. After years of suffering through losing seasons, it's nice to see the Rangers winning some ball games. The Morgan family loves watching the Rangers play live, and so we're hoping to make it to the Ballpark in Arlington a few more times this summer.
- Some have asked about the Dump Fund pledges ... Terri sent me an email yesterday and $11,600.00 has come in to the fund. YEA! We give God all the glory.
Labels: Morgan Family
Thursday, June 04, 2009
3 BOOKS I'M CURRENTLY READING
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
Sheet Music by Kevin Leman
The Story - TNIV
"Reading the Bible through as one seemless story from beginning to end."
What are you currently reading?
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
HOW TO KEEP YOUR MINISTER FROM QUITTING
Nearly every month it breaks my heart to hear of another minister getting out of the ministry. There are lots of reasons ministers get out... yes, sometimes they're moral issues, but most of the time they leave because they're burnt out or pushed out. Not only has there become a minister shortage because good men are wanting out, but it seems we are no longer encouraging our youth to consider full-time ministry.
Sometimes there's not a lot of appreciation in the local congregations for their ministers, and sadly, some churches see their minister as only a hired-hand, simply there to do a job. One of the best posts on this subject was done by Patrick Mead last August. You can read it here. As great as the post was, it was the comments that were so powerful.
Many ministers feel over worked and under appreciated. A former minister who recently left the ministry to do secular work wrote this about getting out of the ministry, "I'm loving it (being out of the ministry). I'm actually excited about a secular job that only requires 40 hours a week, I get weekends and holidays off, and I can leave the job at the office."
Did you know that statistics show...
- 80 percent of ministers say they have insufficient time with their spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
- 40 percent report a serious conflict with a church member once a month.
- 58 percent of ministers indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
- 45 percent of ministers' wives say the greatest danger to them and their family is physical, emotional, mental and spiritual burnout.
- 21 percent of ministers' wives want more privacy.
- Ministers who work fewer than 50 hours a week are 35 percent more likely to be terminated.
And we wonder why there is a minister shortage. I'm not pointing fingers here, but trying to figure out what we need to do to reverse the curse of good ministers walking out of ministry. What we need to do is love, encourage and appreciate those who do full time ministry. Here are a few ways...
- Pray for him regularly. This may be the greatest thing you can do for him. Include him in your daily prayers, and then tell him you're praying for him. You might even ask him occasionally, "Is there anything I can be praying about for you?"
- Instead of being critical, tell him what he's doing right. Too many times we focus on the things that we don't like about people instead of what they are doing right. Instead of saying the sermons are too long, too deep, too simple, or too short (like that would ever happen), tell him what you like about his sermons. Instead of pointing out the negatives in his life, look for some positive things. Make sure you tell him regularly what he's doing right.
- Give him time off and allow him a life outside the church. Ministers are on call 24/7 and so it's good when they can have some "down time." Here are some ways you can do this... Encourage your preacher to take time off to vacation with his family or just get away. Another thing you can do is respect your preacher's day off. Any preacher would drop what they are doing to help you in a crisis on their day off, but don't call him on his day off to have him look up a church phone number or address for you.
- Be willing to work with your preacher. Don't expect him to do everything. Ask him if you can go make visits with him or volunteer to help when needed. Nothing is more frustrating to a preacher than having to beg for help. Don't starve your preacher but pay him a fair salary. There used to be an old joke about how churches would pray for their preachers, "Lord, if you'll keep him humble, we'll keep him poor." It's appalling that there are churches that assume that the preacher is in a "spiritual" vocation and doesn't need to be paid as much as similar people in the community.
- Bless your preacher's wife and kids. Don't expect more from the preacher's family than you would other's families. They don't need to be placed up on a pedestal. The minister's wife is the most important person in your minister's life. She is the one that encourages him, strengthens him and supports him. The task of being the preacher's wife is the most under appreciated roll in the world. Also, your preacher's kids are normal kids. They will make mistakes, and they will need encouragement too. Encourage your preacher's wife and kids.
- Write him a note of encouragement. Not a "to do" list, but a note saying, "I appreciate you," or "Thank you." There's nothing like finding an email or note in the mail with a kind word or an encouraging remark. You can't over encourage you preacher.
- Talk kindly about him in the community. Don't criticize him or his family in the coffee shop, beauty shop or other local gathering place. What kind of influence are you going to be if you try to invite someone to church right after you've told them that the "sermons will put you to sleep." I actually knew a woman one time that did nothing but complain about her preacher to her family and all over the community. Then in the same breath she'd exclaim, "I don't know why I can't get my husband to come to church with me?"
- Check your preacher's work load. I'm sure there are a few lazy preachers out there, but most are work-a-holics. Is their boat overloaded? Is there something you could do to relieve some of the pressure of his work load? Believe it or not, preachers do work more than one day a week :)
- Do something nice for your preacher. I'm not saying, "Buy them a house," but I am saying that doing something nice shows a lot of love. I can think of plenty of examples: I remember a gift certificate to a local restaurant, and one of my most valued possessions is a quilt that was hand made especially for my family. I could go on. It means so much when people do nice things for you. Find out what your minister likes or what restaurant he likes the most - then surprise him.
There are too many preachers burning out and getting out of the ministry these days. We just need to do a little encouraging. I'm very thankful to be in a very encouraging congregation that blesses both me and my family. I pray every minister can experience a loving congregation and we can somehow learn to keep good men from quitting full-time ministry. Now, get out there people and show your minister (or minister's) a little love and appreciation! :)
- I would love to know ... can you think of another way to encourage your minister?
Monday, June 01, 2009
FAILING TO BE LIKE JESUS
Prejudice is pre-judging someone before you know their motives or actions. I'd like to think there is not a prejudice bone in my body and that I love everyone and that regardless of their color, nationality, or lifestyle, but I found out recently I still have a lot of work to do when it comes to prejudging people.Meet Woodrow. He walked up to me the other day when I was filling up the church van in a rough part of Dallas. When I saw him walking over towards me, here were the things that went through my mind...
- "I think that guy is coming over here. He probably wants money."
- "Please keep walking on past me, because I'm running short on time."
- "I wonder what this guy's sad story is going to be."
- "This guy must have seen the name on the church van and is looking for a handout."
- "Let's see, how much cash do I have left in my wallet. I really need it all."
Instead our conversation went like this as he stuck out his hand to shake mine, "Hi, my name is Woodrow. I saw your church van ("Here it comes," I thought, "he does want money"), and I wanted to see if you knew my friend Nate Bundy who I think works there in Childress, Texas."
I was surprised and said, "Sure I know Nate, he's our youth minister."
After a few minutes of visiting with Woodrow about Nate and their friendship, he asked if I'd tell Nate hello for him. I told him I'd be honored, and asked if I could take his picture with my phone to send to Nate. He thought that'd be a great idea.
After telling Woodrow goodbye, I got back in the the van and confessed to Lea that I'd prejudged this man and shouldn't have. Jesus wouldn't have. Ringing over-and-over in my head were the last words Woodrow had said just before he drove off, "It's sure is nice to meet you Trey, and I'm SO glad I stopped by to say hello." Talk about pouring salt on my wound. As I watched him drive off I couldn't help but think, "Just a few minutes ago I was begging for this guy to walk on by, all because I didn't want to share anything I had with him ... my money, time or friendship."
After I sent the picture to Nate, my phone gave me the option to save or delete the picture. I chose to save Woodrow's picture on my phone, where it remains to this day, just to remind me that I still have a lot of work to do when it comes to being like Jesus and not judging people.
Labels: Christian Living, Jesus
Friday, May 29, 2009
GOD LOVES WEIRD PEOPLE TOO
I'm going to make a confession here ... I'm comfortable around people who are a lot like me. I like hanging out with people who have similar hobbies, likes and dislikes. In fact, I find myself wanting to build relationships with people I consider "normal." To be really honest, I also find myself uncomfortable around people who are very different than me.Thankfully, this is one of the areas that God has been working in my life. He is showing me just how valuable those people are that I consider different. It's people that I considered odd and sometimes down-right weird, that God want me to build a relationship with. I think that God loves pushing me out of my comfort zone and into the lives of people who are very different than myself.
Too often in the past, I've overlooked and neglected certain people because they weren't like me. But the more I read my bible, the more I'm noticing that it was the outcasts and the strange people that Jesus hung out with. The socially odd people were the ones that Jesus befriended. And yes, as much as I hate to say it here today, if I want to be like Jesus (and I do!) then I must get out of my comfort zone and start building relationships with people different than me. I need to continue to seek out people who look, act and think different than myself.
There is no doubt that God loves the people I consider weird just as much as He loves me. In fact I know that I have yet to lay eyes on anyone God does not consider worthy of His love and grace.
Thankfully I'm learning that some of my most prized and valued relationships right now are with those who are very different than me. Some of the best relationships I have going in my life right now are the ones with those that others might see as a little weird, and what I'm finding is that it's those relationships that are keeping my life interesting.
I'm committing today to stop overlooking those the world might find different and those that are different than me. Those are the very people that Jesus would have sought out. Besides, they're probably looking at me and thinking, "You know, Trey's about the weirdest guy I know and he needs my friendship."
I'm glad God loves weird people like me too! :)
Labels: Christian Living, Grace
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A THURSDAY EDITION OF "THIS"
- I've been doing sermons all month on marriage. I've been trying to upload my lessons to my podcast page but the podcast page has been down. FINALLY, it started working again and "this" is where you'll find my last two lessons on "7 Things Wives want from their Husbands," and "7 Things Husbands want from their Wives." I may blog on these things later.
- Lea's birthday is next Tuesday. I haven't exactly figured out what I'm going to do for it, but I know I'm going to have to include some of "this" and "this." She loves those things :)
- You won't believe what they did at the dump yesterday in Honduras. It was a first for "this" and it's all because of your giving.
- In less than two weeks, Taylor is leaving for Miami to begin his mission term there. He'll be there for the next 12-16 months in order to fulfill his AIM requirements. He and I will be driving to Miami and after a few days there, I'll fly home. "This" is the route we'll be driving. I'm hoping "this" man will let me stay at his house the first night. By the way, do you know any places, people or things along the way we need to stop and see?
- If you're a sports fan, "this" video about church will make you laugh. Talk about funny stuff.
- A while back I posted a link to "Why Men Cheat," over at Red Hot Mommas. This past week she followed up that post with "this" one, "Why Women Cheat."
- The following video made me say "Wow ... I don't want to do that!" I do not want to preach, live and talk one thing and then do the opposite. Check it out.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
THE DIRTY JOKE
I love a good joke, and when I heard "this" one, I knew I had a keeper. Preachers are always looking for good stories and jokes, and I had just added a great one to my arsenal. I immediately shared it with Lea. I was surprised that she didn't find the joke all that funny, and thought to myself, "She wouldn't know a good joke if she heard one."Within the next twenty-four hours I shared my new joke with a handful of church folk and community folk. I was like a grandparent with a picture of a new grandchild, showing it off to everyone who would listen. To top it all off, I had just got a new email address so as I shared my new email address with everyone, I included my new joke.
About a day later I mentioned something to Lea again about my new joke that I'd been telling, and she said with a confused look on her face, "You do know that's a dirty joke, don't you?" I immediately took up for my new joke and said, "What? Are you nuts? It is NOT a dirty joke. There is NO way it means THAT," and then immediately starting thinking, "Lea's mind is in the gutter. And she calls herself a preacher's wife!" She's usually right about 98% of the time in our marriage, but this time I knew she was wrong. We argued for a few more minutes and she finally said, "Fine, don't believe me, but at least ask someone else."
I refrained from telling my joke the rest of the day for fear that Lea somehow might be right. That night at church I caught one of my favorite deacons, the one I knew who would shoot straight with me. Just before class started, I pulled him aside and told him my joke. He laughed and said, "I love that joke." I said, "Yea, me too. Eddie, is that a dirty joke?" He told me, "No way that's a dirty joke. It's a great joke. There's nothing dirty about it."
I thanked Eddie, and could not wait for church to be over to gloat in front of Lea the fact that it wasn't a dirty joke, and that she had a dirty mind. It wasn't more than one minute into my class lesson when Eddie came walking up to the front of my class. I was a little confused why he was interrupting my class. I asked everyone to just give me a second. I walked over to where Eddie was waiting for me and leaned in to hear what he had to say. "I just got the joke," he said rather emphatically, "It's dirty. It's REALLY dirty. DON'T tell that joke to anyone!" Eddie, being the good deacon he was, had stopped my class to protect me. He thought I was going to share the joke from the pulpit (which at the time was very possible).
The rest of my class was like a bad dream. I couldn't concentrate on what I was supposed to be teaching for thinking over and over, "Who all have I told this dirty joke to?" "Who all do I need to go apologize to?" and "How could Lea be right again?"
I immediately went into damage control mode following services. I started catching, calling and emailing people that I had told that horrible joke to. How could I have been so wrong?There were men and women who I apologized to, but thankfully no children. I had to call my mom (who had the soap ready to wash out my mouth :), an elder, a couple of preacher friends of mine and the worse by far was my Uncle Bob, who is one of the most godly men I know.
There would be no celebrating or gloating this time. Instead there was only humiliation, apologies and the loss of what I thought was an A+ joke. Once again Lea was right, and I was wrong. No wonder she didn't find the joke funny when I first told her.
"There is a way that seems right unto a man, but in the end it leads to death..."
Proverbs 16:25.
Labels: Humor
Sunday, May 24, 2009
NO EXCUSE SUNDAY
Some of the excuses I hear when it comes to, why-I-couldn't-come-to-worship-this-week are pretty lame. I wish people would just be honest and say, "I didn't want to come," instead of coming up with a crazy excuse. I was sent the following this week that I thought was pretty funny.
To make it possible for everyone to attend church next Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday."
- Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in."
- There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.
- Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.
- We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church."
- Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot.
- Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list all the hypocrites present. A prominent space will be alloted at the top of the card for the cardholder to write his own name down first on that list.
- Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too.
- We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.
- One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.
- Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.
- The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.
- We will provide hearing aids for those who can't hear the preacher and cotton for those who can!
Can you think of any others?
Labels: Church
Friday, May 22, 2009
R.I.P. LUCKY
The Morgan family has buried their share of family pets. I've done funerals for fish, dogs, cats, turtles and rabbits.
But nothing ever like this. It will put a smile on your face. Enjoy...
Labels: Video
Thursday, May 21, 2009
JOHN ROBERT DOBBS
One year ago today the blog-world mourned with John & Maggie Dobbs over the loss of their 18-year-old son, John Robert Dobbs. His death came just a couple of days before he was to graduate from high school.
Today on that anniversary our hearts still hurt for John & Maggie. Today this blog honors the life of John Robert.
You can read more about John Robert on his memorial page.
Here is what John wrote in the Christian Chronicle recently about the book "The Shack" and how it helped him cope with the loss of John Robert.
John & Maggie ... you are still in our prayers.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
CANCER AGAIN?
I've had cancer, twice. Two weeks ago on May 6th, I was to celebrate my 6 year cancer anniversary. Just like every May 6th, I had a day of celebration all lined out. My post for my blog was all lined out and ready to go for the day as I was going to celebrate my victory over the disease.Well the celebration didn't happen this year. Turns out that two days earlier I had my yearly physical and one of my tests came back bad. My wonderful doctor stopped by my house to break the news to me in person. He told me my liver profile test had some problems, and because of my past history with cancer, he was scheduling a CT scan of my liver and abdomen early the next morning. When I asked him what we were looking for with this CT scan, he told me cancer. Instead of celebrating my cancer anniversary the next day, I was going to be drinking some God-forsaken barium and taking a CT scan. Twice before when they thought it might be cancer, it was. Why should this time be any different.
After talking to Lea, we chose not to tell the boys or others until we knew for sure. I did ask a couple of friends to pray about it for me. I then spent the rest of Tuesday evening and most of the day Wednesday thinking about my life and the possibilities of another battle with cancer. I began refocusing on what's important in my life. All the old feelings, emotions and fears that cancer brings into your life came rushing back into my world. If you've ever heard the words, "You have cancer," then you understand what I'm talking about.
Wednesday afternoon my doctor came back over to let me know that the CT scan had come back all clear. There was no cancer. No doubt, I was relieved. After another test and some more blood work the final conclusion was I simply had had a viral infection. I understood that being a two-time cancer survivor, they had to be aggressive in testing.
The whole ordeal gave me a great opportunity to re-prioritize what was important in life. I confessed to God that there had been some areas in my life that weren't what they needed to be. Sometimes we just get so caught up on unimportant things in this life that we let the really important things go undone. Honestly, it's good to be jolted back into reality just enough to help you refocus your priorities.
I would never wish cancer on anyone, but a scare every now and then might do us all some good. It did me.
Labels: Cancer
Monday, May 18, 2009
BASEBALL, HOT DOGS & FUN
We took a handful of boys to two Texas Ranger's games this weekend. We had a great time. Here are a few of my thoughts on the weekend...
- The guys in the above picture are generally at our home every evening watching, playing baseball or just hanging out. Four of the boys in the above picture are graduating this year from Childress High School. Just a quick shout out to them, "Cozy, Kregg, Logan, and Sawyer... Lea & I are very proud of you guys. We know you will do well in whatever you set out to accomplish. Remember to make God a priority and know that our home is always open to you."
- These guys consumed over 60 hot dogs at these two games. I think they would have put away more, but on Saturday our seats were on the other side of the stadium from the "cheap" hot dog stand, and an hour after the game they asked, "Can we stop and get something to eat?"
- It's fun to be a Ranger's fan right now. They won both games we saw and swept the Angels. The Texas Rangers are one of the hottest teams in baseball.
- Due to a rain delay on Saturday, we didn't get home until midnight. I was proud that all of the boys, but one, got up for church the next morning. (I won't name any names right here :)
- I must say that Lea amazes me. Despite being as sweet and feminine as any girl I know, she's learned to adapt in life to a lot of things that aren't considered "girly." Not only does she love watching baseball, but she can talk baseball just as good as any guy. The other night I heard her make the comment, "I like it when the Rangers bat Andrus in the two hole. I think it gives them more speed at the top of the line up." I'm sure my jaw dropped open as I was thinking to myself, "I'm not sure I've ever found her more attractive than I do right at this very second!" :)
Labels: Morgan Family
Saturday, May 16, 2009
DUMP FUND MONEY UPDATE
About $10,000 of the $11,500 pledged towards the Dump Fund has come in so far. That is fantastic! But don't forget, if you pledged, please send as soon as you can. If you didn't pledge and still want to give ... please do. You can read more about the Dump Fund by clicking the link above. :)
Here's the address:
Torch
PO Box 9222
Columbus, MS 39705
(Please add somewhere "DUMP FUND".)
Your check is tax deductible.
Here's a post by Terri Tindell you've got to read. Terri is one of the Honduras missionaries who feeds the dump people. Here are her thoughts on what you've given. :)
Labels: Hon
Thursday, May 14, 2009
HANGING OUT WITH A HOMELESS MAN
I picked him up the other day on a hot sunny afternoon on the outskirts of Childress. I don't know how long he'd been standing on the side of the road looking for a ride out of town, but I offered him something to drink and he took me up on my offer. He looked to be in his sixties and was obviously homeless.I stuck out my hand when he got in my pickup and said, "Hi, I'm Trey. Where you headed?"
He told me his name was Dan and that he was headed towards Amarillo. I smiled and told him he was standing on the wrong road if he was trying to get to Amarillo.
"No wonder, I haven't got a ride all morning," he said. "Can you get me where I need to be?"
We drove to McDonald's where I asked if he'd like to go in and eat where we could sit in the air conditioning. He said the drive up was fine because he was burning daylight and really needed a ride. I told him to order anything he wanted, he chose 3 hamburgers off the $1 menu and a Dr. Pepper.
As we pulled out of the drive-thru he pointed and asked if he could stop at a dumpster. It may have been the confused look on my face, but he immediately said, "I need some cardboard to make a sign that says 'Amarillo' on it. I always do better getting rides if I have a sign."
When we looked in the dumpster nothing was within reach. He actually started trying to climb his 60 year old body over the side of the dumpster, when I told him to hold on, I'd go. So I jumped in and dug around until I found an old box that had McDonald's stamped on the side of it. I smiled and thought to myself how odd this must look to people driving by ... me inside a trash dumpster while a homeless man stood by and watched.
We found the cardboard and then drove to the edge of town where he could get a ride on the right road. Traffic buzzed by as we sat on the back of my tailgate and made his "Amarillo" sign. After a few minutes of visiting, I apologized that I couldn't take him to Amarillo myself. I then gave him my phone number with instructions to call me if he didn't get a ride.
"We'll get you a place to stay tonight if we need too," I told him.
As I watched him finish off his burger, I couldn't help but wonder who he was, where he was from, and how he ended up where he was. No one ever sets out in life to be homeless. As I watched him unload all his backpack from my pickup, I privately thanked God for reminding me today how blessed I am. I have a home, a family and food. I also thanked God for putting Dan in my life today. I had felt blessed to get to hang out with him for an hour.
He shook my hand and thanked me just before I drove off. "Call me if you don't get a ride," was the last thing I told him.
About an hour later I drove back by to check on Dan. He was gone. I'm glad he got a ride, and I'm glad I made a new friend.
Labels: homeless
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
RECONNECTING IN MARRIAGE
It should be a regular goal of any married couple to reconnect on a regular basis, especially if you have children in the home. You have lots of roles and relationships, but none on earth is more important that the one with your spouse. You can reconnect by simply going out to dinner without the kids, going for a walk and talking about your day or meeting for a cup of coffee. Lately with the passing of Lea's mother and just the stress of ministry and parenting, Lea and I haven't had time to catch up and reconnect so today we are going out for a drive in the country and having a picnic lunch together. These few little hours will give us some essential time to reconnect and grow in our relationship.
- When is the last time you reconnected with your spouse?
- What are some things you and your spouse do to reconnect?
Labels: Marriage
Monday, May 11, 2009
LEA & I GOT CAUGHT BY OUR SON...
Um... no not doing that.
Actually we were praying in the kitchen when Connor walked in on us. He looked a little surprised and apologized when he realized what we were doing. I told him it was okay, just to give us a few minutes to finish.
I've made plenty of mistakes early in my marriage, one of them was not praying with my wife. I'm glad I figured that one out. There's nothing like the intimacy you have when you pray with your spouse (read more about that here).
I haven't really thought about it this way, but I guess it sets a pretty good example when you get caught by your kids praying.
I'm guessing Lea and I need to get caught more often ...
Friday, May 08, 2009
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM MR. T and I
I thought long and hard about a Mother's Day post today, but I just couldn't top Mr. T and what is quite possibly the greatest Mother's Day song ever. And just in case you can't catch the very thought provoking words, I'll include them for you.
Mother! I always love her! My Mother! So treat her right!
M is for the moan and the miserable groan from the pain that she felt when I was boan.
O is for the oven with its burnin’ heat, where she stood, makin’ sure I had somethin’ to eat.
T is for the time that she stayed up night, and took my temperature when I wasn’t feelin’ right.
H is for the hard-earned money she spent to keep clothes on my back and try to pay da rent.
E is for every wrinkle that I put on her face, and every worry that I caused when I stayed out late.
The last letter R is that she taught me respect, and for the room up in heaven that I know she’ll get!
Mother! There is no other like Mother! So treat her right!
O is for the oven with its burnin’ heat, where she stood, makin’ sure I had somethin’ to eat.
T is for the time that she stayed up night, and took my temperature when I wasn’t feelin’ right.
H is for the hard-earned money she spent to keep clothes on my back and try to pay da rent.
E is for every wrinkle that I put on her face, and every worry that I caused when I stayed out late.
The last letter R is that she taught me respect, and for the room up in heaven that I know she’ll get!
Mother! There is no other like Mother! So treat her right!
Labels: Video
Thursday, May 07, 2009
HONDURAS DUMP FUND FOLLOW UP
If you've stopped by here looking for the "Dump Fund" page & pledges please click here.
THANK YOU: I have been overwhelmed by your spirit of giving, and I'd like to say thank you to each of you who has given to the "dump fund." I've so enjoyed getting to know Mark & Terri Tendall (Honduras missionaries who feed at the dump). I'm hoping to make a trip down there sometime this fall. As of this morning you've given and pledged $11,500. This doesn't end, so if you haven't had a chance to give, please do so.
PLEDGES: Just a reminder that if you made a pledge to support the "dump fund," don't forget to send in your money. Every little bit helps and it's amazing how much your support will help. If we commit to something then we need to follow though. Don't forget that the "Torch" address is the best place to send your donation, and it is tax deductible.
Mrs. Jenschke's 3rd Grade Class: Last night Mrs. Jenschke brought me the bag that she'd been using to collect money for the dump fund (see below). In it was a handful of dollars and a bunch of change. There were also pledges to the dump fund made by other children. All of it touched my heart. What a great way to teach our children about giving to others.
Labels: Honduras
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
FEED THE "DUMP PEOPLE" DAY
The average American family spends about $341.98 on food per week. Here's what a weeks worth of food looks like.
The people at the dump today will eat what they find or what they are given. Thankfully today we have an opportunity to give to help feed the people who live at the dump outside of Santa Ana, Honduras.
So who's willing to help give today to feed the hungry?
Here is what let's do ... if you're willing to give today please let us know by leaving a comment that you intend to give. If you're willing, let us know how much you're sending so we can get an idea if we'll reach our $2500 goal today. If you're uncomfortable saying who you are, then just leave it as "Anonymous." Anything will help today ... $10, $25, $100 ... anything!
Also. don't forget we have a kind gentleman who has pledged to match dollar for dollar anything given over the $2500 goal (up to $2500). Meaning if we can raise $5000 this week, he'll write a check for $2500. That, my friends, would be awesome.
So here is where you can send your donation:
Torch
PO Box 9222
Columbus, MS 39705
(Please add somewhere "DUMP FUND".)
Your check is tax deductible.
or
If you live in Childress you can give it to me or send it to
Childress Church of Christ
PO Box 239
Childress, Texas 79201
** You can also help by adding a link from your website to this post :)
Feel free to email me with any questions or comments: TreyMorgan@msn.com
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." ~ Jesus
Thanks for being like Jesus today ...
Labels: Honduras
Monday, May 04, 2009
LESSONS FROM THE DUMP
Mark & Terri feeding people from the back of their truck.
People digging and scavenging side by side with buzzards.
Here's what Terri Tindall had to say a while back on what it's like to go and feed the hungry at the dump.
"Today is Wednesday. The day we feed at the dump. Today, it was just Marc and I. We got Pamela, Fitto, and Brayan to help us make the sandwiches, then we loaded the car and headed to the dump. Unfortunately, not much has changed there. Buzzards, dogs, cattle, and people are still fighting through the same garbage. Since there was just Marc and I, we had to do things a bit differently today. I handed out sandwiches from the truck and Marc handed out the bananas. When the bananas were gone, Marc started pouring the water.
I was standing in the truck handing sandwiches to starving, filthy people. I was having to bend over to get each sandwich. I was literally just putting a sandwich into a hand. I hate that. I really like to look into the faces of the people. I was able to see and speak to a few people, but mostly all I saw was hands. Everyone waited patiently.
After Marc finished with the bananas, he was pouring the water and asked me for the rest of the cups. The rest of the cups had been taken from the truck. People at the dump are always so thirsty. The ones that had cups drank and drank. As they finished, they threw their cups on the ground. I saw many other scramble for those discarded cups and get in line for water. A few began to even get the used sandwich bags and have Marc fill those with water. It made me so sad to think that people would get any used container off the ground in the dump in order to have a drink of water.
One man walked up shortly after the last of the sandwiches were gone. He started to turn and walk away, when another man graciously shared his sandwich. A man who was probably literally starving to death shared what little he had. And I, who have never known hunger, don't even like to share my cashews. Would I share a little bit of food when I was truly hungry with another who was truly hungry. I hope so. I hope so. I hope I don't ever have to find out."
I was standing in the truck handing sandwiches to starving, filthy people. I was having to bend over to get each sandwich. I was literally just putting a sandwich into a hand. I hate that. I really like to look into the faces of the people. I was able to see and speak to a few people, but mostly all I saw was hands. Everyone waited patiently.
After Marc finished with the bananas, he was pouring the water and asked me for the rest of the cups. The rest of the cups had been taken from the truck. People at the dump are always so thirsty. The ones that had cups drank and drank. As they finished, they threw their cups on the ground. I saw many other scramble for those discarded cups and get in line for water. A few began to even get the used sandwich bags and have Marc fill those with water. It made me so sad to think that people would get any used container off the ground in the dump in order to have a drink of water.
One man walked up shortly after the last of the sandwiches were gone. He started to turn and walk away, when another man graciously shared his sandwich. A man who was probably literally starving to death shared what little he had. And I, who have never known hunger, don't even like to share my cashews. Would I share a little bit of food when I was truly hungry with another who was truly hungry. I hope so. I hope so. I hope I don't ever have to find out."
I'm thankful for people willing to go and serve. I'm thankful for Marc & Terri and all those who work in this ministry.
I'm excited about supporting this ministry ... I hope you'll consider helping and pledging something tomorrow. I'll have all the details for you in the morning. See you then.
Labels: Honduras
Friday, May 01, 2009
ATTENTION CHILDRESS PEOPLE
I'd like to give a quick invite to all my Childress friends to join me this Sunday as we start marriage month.
"The Marriage of your Dreams"
Childress Church of Christ * 10:15 a.m. each Sunday during May
May 3rd – The 5 Biggest Lies about Marriage
May 10th – Beautiful Women
May 17th – What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew
May 24th – What Husbands Wish their Wives Knew
May 31st – Building a Healthy Family
Thursday, April 30, 2009
"I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING TO EAT"
This morning I got up and thought, "What will I eat today?" There are many in the world that woke up this morning and instead of asking, "What will I eat today," they simply asked, "Will I eat today!"
Welcome to Santa Ana, Honduras. A place so poor that people live in shelters made of sticks and garbage bags at the city dump so they can find scraps of food to eat. One person witnessing this for the first time said, "I gotta tell you that I wasn't prepared for this experience. The smell was what you would expect only stronger." Another said, "These people were filthy and smelly. Some of their hands had so much black filth on them that I cannot imagine them ever being clean again, no matter how much scrubbing was done. Small boys, about 8 - 11 years old, were there alone with no family."
If you have read my blog in the past month, you know I've asked that this Tuesday you consider making a donation to the "Dump Fund" to help feed the people who live and eat at the dump. Although I haven't officially asked for money yet, a few of you have already sent some. You guys are amazing. In fact, one person has contacted me and said they'd match dollar for dollar anything given over $2500 (up to $2500). That means if we raise $5000, this very kind person will write us a check for $2500 to make our total $7500. I'm praying that this happens. This Tuesday I'll give you all the details how you can give, and please understand that 100% of what you give will go to feed hungry people.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Make a donation.
- If you have a blog or a website, promote or link this on Tuesday.
- Ask your Bible class/church/work place to help.
- Pray for this work.
Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...?" And when the people asked, "Jesus when did we see you hungry..." Jesus said, "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me." Read more about what Jesus said about feeding the hungry ... here!
How about you? Are you willing to share? Did you know as little as $20 will feed the people at the dump for a day? Twenty dollars!!! That means you can give up cokes or expensive coffee for a week and with that money feed all the people in the Santa Ana, Honduras dump for a day.
Stop back by on Tuesday and we'll spend the day raising money for the "Dump Fund." Plus I've got some giveaways I've love to give you.
Blessings ...
Labels: Honduras
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
MAINTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE
- Do you know why some yards and lawns look much nicer than others? It's called maintenance. The more work you put into it, the better it looks.
- Do you know why some cars run longer, and bring more when they're traded in? It's called maintenance. You take care of them and they'll last.
- Do you know why some people live longer or healthier than others? You guessed it, maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps.
When we don't maintain those things in life that are important to us we often find ourselves asking, "How did I get in this mess?" And one of the things many people neglect and take for granted is their marriage. Many husbands and wives simply think that things will continue to go well even when no work or maintenance is done in their marriage. So many who neglect their marriage, years down the road, wonder how they ever got their marriage into the mess it's in.
So, what are some simple things we do to maintain and grow in our relationships with our spouses? Here are a few ideas ...
- Make it a priority to set aside one night a week for a date with your spouse.
- Take an over night trip together (without kids) once or twice a year.
- Read a book together.
- Talk.
- Take a walk together.
- Do pre-marriage things again like writing notes and sending flowers.
- Call during the day to simply say hello.
- Make God a priority in your life.
The key is to maintain and grow in your marriage, instead of waiting until things are bad to start looking for answers. Unfortunately sometimes when we wait until things get bad ... we've waited too long.
Can you imagine a man who has spent years neglecting his health, going to the doctor and saying, "Make me better quick." Doctors can't fix years of neglect overnight (and sometimes not at all). Fixing years of neglect often takes months and years. And if it can be fixed, then it takes time, hard work and discipline to get your body back on track. The same is true if you've neglected your marriage. It may not be able to be fixed over night, but with time, hard work and discipline ... you can get it back on track.
Don't wait until your marriage needs an overhaul to try and save it ... do some maintenance today!
Can you think of some other things you can do to maintain a marriage?
(Childress readers, this Sunday I'm starting a series of lessons during the month of May on, "Having the Marriage of your Dreams." I hope you'll consider coming and studying with me.)
Labels: His Needs Her Needs, Marriage
Monday, April 27, 2009
"WHY MEN CHEAT"
It was a long, tiring weekend and I just can't concentrate on blogging this morning. So I'm defaulting today :)
Thankfully, my friend Amanda Sanders (aka Red Hot Momma) has written an excellent post called, "Why Husbands Cheat." It's definitely worth you reading this morning.
See you tomorrow. And as always ... thanks for reading.
Friday, April 24, 2009
BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
EVELYN KEENEY
My heart hurts for Lea this morning. Lea's mom, Evelyn, passed away early this morning. While her death makes us sad, we're also excited that she has obtained the goal for which she lived ... eternal life with her Heavenly Father.
One of the many blessings that has come from marrying Lea has been getting to be a part of her wonderful family. I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law. Lea's mom was as good as gold. She set a wonderful example to Lea and I of what a healthy marriage was supposed to look like. She loved her family, her husband and she especially loved her God. It was obvious to those who knew her, that her family was the apple of her eye and that God was the King of her life.
This weekend as we gather for Evelyn's funeral service, I will have the honor to speak about her life... a life lived well. She's made it easy for me because of the way she lived.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY
"It was wild and crazy. I gave out 300 sandwiches in about seven minutes. People were grabbing and snatching as fast as they could. There were no lines and no waiting. Some people were up in the back of the truck with me. That is the first time that has ever happened. We ran out of sandwiches and people were still walking up the truck and asking for food. We gave water as long as we could. As the dry season kicks in, and it gets hotter, everyone is going to need more water. There wasn't much time to talk to people yesterday. They grabbed their food and left. As we drove out of the dump, I was very sad. Sad to see that the people were so hungry yesterday."
Taken from an older post on Terri's blog on feeding the dump people.
Will you help feed the hungry on May 5th. More details are coming, but you can learn more here.
Labels: Honduras
Monday, April 20, 2009
WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?
A family had asked if I'd go by and see their grandfather who was in the hospital. The one thing they called my attention to was the fact that he was very hard of hearing. "Most of the time," they said, "you have to get right up in his face and yell. It's the only way he can hear you." I told them I'd be more than happy to stop by and see him.
I checked my room numbers at the front hospital desk and bounded in the room trying to be my jovial self. I wanted to make sure he heard me the first time, so I walked right up to his bed and bent over within about a foot his face. Having our faces that close together was totally out of my comfort zone, but I did it anyway and yelled, "HI, MY NAME IS TREY MORGAN, HOW ARE YOU TODAY, SIR?"
The confused look on his face told me that maybe he hadn't heard me, but he did respond back with, "I'm fine, thank you."
Despite the awkward feeling, I leaned back in close for another go and yelled a little louder, "HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO BE IN THE HOSPITAL?"
This time I knew something was really wrong when he responded back loudly, "WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?"
Yep, you guessed it ... I'd gone in the wrong hospital room. Sheesh!
Labels: Humor
Saturday, April 18, 2009
16 MINUTES
I promised myself long ago to NEVER publish a long post or long video. Well that rule officially changed when I sat down and watched "Validation" this week. Absolutely worth every minuted of the 16 minutes it takes to watch it. If you get 16 minutes to spare ... watch this ... then you can thank me later :)
I want to be someone who validates others!
Labels: Video
Friday, April 17, 2009
PRAYERS FOR LEA
Some of you know that Lea's mom had a stroke this past Wednesday. The stoke was sever enough that the doctor told the family that she wouldn't recover from this. Evelyn has been placed in hospice and the family has been called in. Lea has been in Amarillo with her family the last two days while I'm staying home right now to take care of the boys.
If you get time today, say a little prayer for Lea and her family. Thanks :)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
SERMON & BLOG ROLL LINK
- SEX SERMON: I've taken some teasing and had a lot of feed back on a sermon I preached a couple of weeks ago on "The Gift of Sex." A few of you asked, "Where can I find it?" You can listen to it here if you are interested.
- BLOG-ROLL: I've updated my blogroll. I've cleaned out some dead links and added some new blogs that I'm really enjoying reading. Swing by and check it out. AND, if you're not listed and would like to be, just send me an email and let me know.
FEEDING THE DUMP PEOPLE ON May 5th
Two hungry Honduran boys at the city dump that are enjoying food and a drink!
- MAY 5th WE ARE GOING TO "FEED THE DUMP PEOPLE": About 5 months ago I did a post called "Feeding the Dump People." It dealt with the people of Honduras who resort to finding food at the city dump for themselves and their families. With your help that one post raised around $1500 to feed the families at the dump. Absolutely every cent we raised went to feed hungry people. God has really placed it on my heart to do this again. My friend Terri Tendall, who is a missionary there and who regularly takes food to the dump, told me they always need funds to help with this. So on May 5th, we're going to have a "Feed the Dump People" marathon on my blog and try to raise $2500 to feed hungry people. Why would we want to do this? Two reasons: 1) Jesus said this about us helping others, and 2) Because it breaks my heart that sometime today we are going to ask, "What do we want to eat today," and the people people at the dump will ask, "Will we get to eat today?" I'm really excited about this project. I'm planning on having some giveaways, having a chat-room open that day to visit about pledges and other cool things that I'll tell you about later. I'm really going to need some help on promoting this and I'll tell you how next week. Don't forget that May 5th is "Feed the Dump People" day.
Labels: Blogging, Feeding the Hungry, Honduras, Sexuality
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
GRIPING AND COMPLAINING
I think it all started when my mom asked (really told) me to take out the trash. I was way too busy playing to stop and take out the trash, but because she asked (really told) me so nicely (and I feared her wrath), I did what she asked. As I left the house I griped, whined and belly-ached all the way to the trash dumpster and back. When I got back in the house my mom told me that the bible says that I should not be complaining and griping about taking out the trash. "What?" I said, "There is NO verse in the bible like that." I didn't believe her for one minute. She was always throwing these imaginary bible verses around (that 10 times out of 10 I found out were true) trying to force us to behave.
She told me to go look up Philippians 2:14, and knowing she wasn't that smart, I did. Confound-it that woman was right again! Grrrr! "Some day when I have children, I am never going to quote Bible verses to them to force them to do things they don't want to do," I said (actually, fearing mom would end my life where I stood, I only thought it to myself instead of saying it).
Last week I asked (really told) Connor to go take out the trash. He was really busy playing and wasn't at all happy that I had asked (told) him. I thought I could hear him (or maybe he was just thinking it) griping a little when he went to the alley and back. I was ready for him as soon as he came back in.
"Connor," I said, "You know why you shouldn't gripe and complain about taking out the trash?"
He said, "Yes Dad, I already know that it says in the Bible not to complain or gripe." And then he added, "You've told me a million times."
I love my mom, she was SO smart!
(I curious, did your parents ever say things to you that you vowed you'd NEVER say to your own kids?)
Labels: Parenting
Monday, April 13, 2009
WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM TO TELL YOU ...
TAYLOR IS HOME . . . YEA!!
Taylor came home this afternoon from AIM. He'll be home for about 6 weeks before he leaves with his mission team for Miami. They'll be working in Miami for about the next 16 months.
Welcome home Taylor!
Sorry ... couldn't wait until tomorrow to tell you :)
Labels: Morgan Family
LIFE IS SO SHORT
When I first met Mae I was surprised that she was 94 years old. I learned very quickly that she wasn't your typical 94 year old. She had spunk, and a lot of it. Once when I asked her why she parked so far from the church building instead of using the up-front spots, she said, "Honey those are for the old people!" I remember another time while taking a van load of seniors on an over-night trip, she told me, "You'd better keep an eye on me this trip. I'm planning on sneaking out tonight and going man hunting."
Her family invited me to Mae's 95th birthday party celebration that year. All of her family was there. I asked her if she liked her big birthday celebration, and she told me with a half smile on her face, "They do this every year. They think it's going to be my last birthday, so they all show up for a big party. Little do they know that I have a few birthdays left." Mae was right. She had quite a few more birthdays left with her family.
It was at her 98th birthday party that I asked Mae a question, and her answer has always stuck with me. I'd somehow got a moment alone with the 98 year old birthday girl, and as we visited I asked her, "Mae, I'm curious. You've lived 98 amazing years on this earth. If you could sum up all of your ninety-eight years of life, what is the one thing you've learned?" Mae leaned in close and with a serious look on her face whispered to me, "I've learned that life is SO short. It goes by like that," as she snapped her fingers.
"Short," I said, "Mae, you've been alive for 98 years!"
And then she said it again, "But it's gone by SO fast!"
Mae was right, life is so short. You'll blink twice, and your child who just started kindergarten, will graduate from high school next month. That baby you rocked in your lap yesterday will tomorrow be saying, "I do," to the one they love. And those you love will soon pass from this life to the next. Things will change! Why? ... because life is short. A great lesson taught to me by a spunky 98 year old friend.
My suggestion, since life IS short, is for us to quit worrying about things that aren't really that important and start living everyday focusing on the things that really matter. Hug your kids today, play catch with your son even though you're tired, remind your spouse why you married them, call your parents, but whatever you do, don't think, "Oh, there's always tomorrow."
"You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." ~ James 4:14
