Wednesday, April 30, 2008
SWEET LITTLE OLD LADIES
Lea hasn't always been the only girl for me. There have been others. Nine or ten to be exact, and all of them over the age of 70. They were the sweetest group of Christian ladies that I fell in love with years ago. When Lea and I moved to Tulia in 1992, we got involved with a group of "little old widow ladies." Lea and I took them to movies, plays, Bible studies, Christmas pageants and other outings. Twice we took this group of ladies on a week long trip to New Mexico to the Red River Family Encampment. They used to tease me about keeping a sharp eye on them because they were planning on sneaking out at night and going "man hunting." They were loads of fun.
Although time has passed, our friendship with these ladies has remained strong. A few have already gone on to be with the Lord. As promised, I've done each of their funerals. Today I travel to Tulia to do Mary's funeral (second from the right). I'll miss her. As each of these ladies pass away it just makes getting to heaven someday a little sweeter.
The picture was taken at a hotel, saloon and restaurant in Clayton, New Mexico. I like to have never talked them into posing for this picture because they didn't want to stand in front of a "saloon" sign.
Have you ever had a "sweet little old lady" that you fell in love with?
Although time has passed, our friendship with these ladies has remained strong. A few have already gone on to be with the Lord. As promised, I've done each of their funerals. Today I travel to Tulia to do Mary's funeral (second from the right). I'll miss her. As each of these ladies pass away it just makes getting to heaven someday a little sweeter.
The picture was taken at a hotel, saloon and restaurant in Clayton, New Mexico. I like to have never talked them into posing for this picture because they didn't want to stand in front of a "saloon" sign.
Have you ever had a "sweet little old lady" that you fell in love with?
posted at 
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
30 MINUTE WORSHIP - GUARANTEED
The big sign outside the church building reads, "30 Minute Worship - Guaranteed." It's a new concept of church for busy people. They advertise, "It's all about the quality, not about the quantity." They offer worship for 10 minutes, the word for 12-15 minutes and response for 5 minutes for those that don't have much time.Have we become so busy that we now need a worship service that lasts the same length of a tv sitcom? Are we so time starved that we now can only do a Sweet Half-Hour of Prayer? What's next, drive thru church where you don't even have to leave your car?
I'm actually not sure what I think about this. Here are a few questions still swirling around in my head that I'd love your opinion on:
- My concern really isn't with the church's offer of a 30 minute service. In fact, I love the fact that a church is trying something new to reach out to people who don't think they have time for God. But I think it says something about our society when we can't give God more than 30 minutes?
- I know there is no time limit on how long a worship service should last and even a little is better than none. But what does it say about our priorities when we can give 2 hours to our children's soccer or a movie, but can't squeeze more than 30 minutes out of our week for God on Sunday?
- One thing I do know is that it's a good thing my old friend, Harley Fewell isn't going to this 30 minute church. He would have messed the whole time-schedule up, because when he was asked to lead the prayer on Sunday mornings you could count on at least a 10 minute prayer. How do I know? As a kid I timed him on my watch! :)
I'd love your opinion. What do you think about a "30 Minute Worship" service, guaranteed?
Labels: Church
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A FEW PICTURES FROM DALLAS
The Dallas Cowboy's new one million dollar stadium. Can't wait to go watch them play there. Here's more about the stadium. 
The boys spent quite a bit of time by the pool. 
Here's a surprise, Lea chose not to swim, but rather shop. As for the look on her face, I'd just told her, "Now shop all you want, but don't spend any money on shoes." :)
The Rangers actually won the game breaking a 7 game losing.
Cooper spent a little time at the Wiffleball batting field.
18 hotdogs, 3 large drinks and a $6 bag of cotton candy made the evening perfect!
Labels: Morgan Family
Friday, April 25, 2008
TAGGED AGAIN!
Thanks to my ex-buddy Gilbert (kidding), I’ve been tagged, again!
Here are the questions that I'm supposed to answer...
What I was doing 10 years ago: I was living the dream, baby. I was getting to preach every Sunday, minister to a great community of people, I was married to a smoking hot wife and I was watching some amazing boys grow up. Oh wait, that's what I'm still doing today. YES!
Five things on my to do list for today:
Here are the questions that I'm supposed to answer...
What I was doing 10 years ago: I was living the dream, baby. I was getting to preach every Sunday, minister to a great community of people, I was married to a smoking hot wife and I was watching some amazing boys grow up. Oh wait, that's what I'm still doing today. YES!
Five things on my to do list for today:
- Finish 3 lessons for a weekend at the Lakeside Church in Mansfield, Texas.
- Pick up shirts and hats for the T-ball team I'm coaching. (I live such an exciting life).
- Apologize to my secretary for missing Secretary's Day this past Wednesday. No one told me that Secretary's Day had been changed and is now being called, "Administrative Professional Day." What's up with the name change? Can we not just have secretaries anymore? Do they have to have some fancy title? Next thing you know the good people who clean the church building will no longer be called custodians, but Maintenance Engineers. Sheesh!
- Check on a few of my favorite bloggers.
- Watch the Rangers play the Twins tonight at the Ballpark in Arlington.
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
- Give a ton of it to missionaries, world missions and world hunger.
- Not let Lea spend even a penny on shoes (Ha, Lea!)
- Put some back for my children’s educations.
- Buy the Texas Rangers and finally put a winning team on the field.
- Talladega Super Speedway here I come ... Yee Haw!
- I drink too much coffee.
- I've got a weakness for spending money on cool gadgets like this one. But I really needed it, honest I did!
- Smoking, drinking and dancing. Oh yea, I gave those up last week. Okay, I'm still dancing, but don't tell anyone!
Five places I have lived:
- Mobieetie, Texas
- Amarillo, Texas
- Lubbock, Texas
- Tulia, Texas
- Childress, Texas
Five jobs I have had:
- A Sacker at a supermarket (until they found out I was only 15. I needed the cash).
- Sold athletic shoes at a store in the mall (awesome job).
- Managed a frozen yogurt store.
- Paramedic
- Youth minister and pulpit minister.
Five People I Want to Know More About:
- Brian Nicklaus (My arachnophobic friend)
- Shawn Williams (A fairly new blogger)
- Ray Young (My old youth rally speaking buddy)
- Terry Laudett (A pretty nice Okie)
- Craig Hicks (Tagged my buddy Craig, because he'll say something that makes me laugh. He always does.)
Labels: Morgan Family
Thursday, April 24, 2008
YO DAWG!
Cooper is so blessed to have Mrs. Steed as his Kindergarten teacher. She does a great job and Cooper loves her. Mrs. Steed has her class write a story nearly everyday about things going on in their lives. As for Cooper's stories, we're never quite sure what he's going to write about. This was his paper from Monday (with her note of encouragement on it) ...
For those who can't read Cooper's 6-year-old writing, let me tell you what it says... "On Friday this week I am going to Dallas to watch the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. And I am going to stay with Aunt Mel. They are cool. Yo Dog! I like to say, 'Yo Dog!'"
Yo Dog? I'm not sure where he's picked up "yo dog" from, but I'm thinking that he may be watching too much of Randy Jackson on American Idol.
Have a great day and may I be the first to say to you today, "Yo Dawg!"
Labels: Morgan Family
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
VISITOR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
It all started as a strange dream. Someone was tickling my neck and back with a piece of grass. I'd brush brush it away and a few moments later they'd do it again. Finally after the forth time of brushing them away I woke up enough to realize that it wasn't a dream.
I looked at the clock and knew since it was 3:30 a.m., that it wasn't Lea tickling my back and neck. It was at that moment I felt it again, but this time I knew immediately that it wasn't a dream, a blade of grass or Lea. Instead there was something in bed with us. Something big. I immediately swatted at what I now knew was some sort of critter that had climbed in our bed. In the total darkness of the night the beast felt enormous. I immediately thought to myself, "I've got to get me a deer rifle or machete to keep next to my bed?" Never should a person be attacked in the safety of their own bed. Ever.
With it still sitting on the bed, the bug and I made eye contact. I realized it wasn't quite so big or bad, BUT had I had a machete or shotgun, I would have used it right then while screaming in my loudest voice, "DIE YOU STINKING BUG, DIE!" I then swatted the bug off the bed and proceeded to kill what I once that was a gigantic beast with one of Lea's shoes. Why Lea's shoe you ask? (Yea, she wanted to know that too!) Because she has a million pair, it was the closest, and I wasn't going to kill it with one of mine!
A few minutes later the bug was dead and now flushed down the toilet for good measure. Watching him make circles as he went down the drain, I thought to myself, "Let's see you do that again, punk!" The whole ordeal gave new meaning to the verse found in Hebrews 13:4, "...and the marriage bed should not be defiled." We went back to bed and laid there in the dark. I tried hard to go back to sleep. Lea did to. Every time one of us moved, the other thought, "There's another one." It was at that point that Lea went and slept on the couch, and I went and slept with Cooper.
Stupid bug!
I looked at the clock and knew since it was 3:30 a.m., that it wasn't Lea tickling my back and neck. It was at that moment I felt it again, but this time I knew immediately that it wasn't a dream, a blade of grass or Lea. Instead there was something in bed with us. Something big. I immediately swatted at what I now knew was some sort of critter that had climbed in our bed. In the total darkness of the night the beast felt enormous. I immediately thought to myself, "I've got to get me a deer rifle or machete to keep next to my bed?" Never should a person be attacked in the safety of their own bed. Ever.
I knew I had to protect my family, so like any other man, I began to holler out in the dark, flailing my arms about trying to knock this massive beast off me and on to something else. I made the terrible mistake of knocking it towards Lea. She screamed and started jumping out of bed, too. She immediately hit the lights. At that point, my eyes went from trying to focus in the dark to being totally blinded by light. I couldn't see a thing and was expecting another attack at any moment.
I immediately thought to myself, "I've got to get me a deer rifle or machete to keep next to my bed?""What is it?" she asked with panic in her voice. "I don't know," I said, "but it was enormous!" My eyes were finally beginning to adjust when we started slowly rolling back the bedspread and then the sheet, looking for whatever it was that needing KILL'N. Finally, we pulled back the sheet, and there it was...a big, nasty, hairy, disgusting bug. I don't have a clue where the bug came from or how it got in our bed, but I knew it had violated our personal space.
With it still sitting on the bed, the bug and I made eye contact. I realized it wasn't quite so big or bad, BUT had I had a machete or shotgun, I would have used it right then while screaming in my loudest voice, "DIE YOU STINKING BUG, DIE!" I then swatted the bug off the bed and proceeded to kill what I once that was a gigantic beast with one of Lea's shoes. Why Lea's shoe you ask? (Yea, she wanted to know that too!) Because she has a million pair, it was the closest, and I wasn't going to kill it with one of mine!
A few minutes later the bug was dead and now flushed down the toilet for good measure. Watching him make circles as he went down the drain, I thought to myself, "Let's see you do that again, punk!" The whole ordeal gave new meaning to the verse found in Hebrews 13:4, "...and the marriage bed should not be defiled." We went back to bed and laid there in the dark. I tried hard to go back to sleep. Lea did to. Every time one of us moved, the other thought, "There's another one." It was at that point that Lea went and slept on the couch, and I went and slept with Cooper.
Stupid bug!
Labels: Morgan Family
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
10 SIGNS YOUR CHURCH MAY BE DYING
I visited with a man the other day that was very concerned about the church where he was attending. His exact words were, "We're dying. Some don't care, and the others don't know what to do about it!" He and I got to talking about some of the signs they were seeing that pointed to their church dying out. The following are a few we talked about, and of course I've added a couple that are a little tongue-and-cheek. So with the help of my friend, here is "10 Signs your Church may be Dying." - It does nothing to reach its community.
- The only thing that seems alive in worship is the greenery at the front of the auditorium.
- The song you sing most on Sundays is, "Tis so sweet to Rust in Jesus."
- Its only conversions come from baptizing its own kids.
- It is concerned with look and not action.
- It is happy just being comfortable.
- It is out of touch with the 21st century.
- It is all about money, buildings and budgets.
- It is all politics.
Worship is quiet because there are no children.
Can you add any to this list?
Labels: Church, Top Ten List
Monday, April 21, 2008
STUFF I'M THINKING RIGHT NOW
- I'm thinking that I love Sundays. Yesterday was an awesome day. God was worshipped, the church building was packed, visitors were present and the singing was fabulous. Now, if we could just figure out a way to get the preaching to improve. :)
Some religious blogs are, "...too immersed in the spiritual realm, blah, blah, blah."
- I'm thinking that I don't know how or why my blog was reviewed over at Blog-Search-Engine.com this week, but I sure appreciate their kind words. I thought it was cool that TreyMorgan.net is currently being listed as a feature blog. I did get a chuckle out of the part that said some religious blogs are, "...too immersed in the spiritual realm, blah, blah, blah."
- I'm thinking that the testosterone was thick Thursday night at the For Men Only Garage Bible study. I had 14 men show up and a few call and say they couldn't make it, but would be there next week. We're studying about Samson and learning from his mistakes; how to be real men. I did have a couple of Mandles burning just to give the garage a manly smell. :)
- I'm thinking that I'm excited about the Morgan family going to Dallas this weekend. We're going to catch a Texas Ranger game Friday night and do a little relaxing on Saturday. Then on Sunday I'm preaching at the Lakeside Church of Christ in Mansfield, Texas. Mine and Lea's former youth minister, Shawn Williams, is the preacher there. Shawn had a big influence on Lea and I when we were in high school. I'm always a little nervous around Shawn, because he knew me when I was a teenager, and I'm sure he could tell everyone a couple of bad things I've done (smile). Lea is safe though, she was as perfect back then as she is today!
- I'm thinking I'm sad for Evan today. Evan is one of our high school seniors at church and spends quite a bit of time at my house. Last night Evan took a turn on a dirt road a little too quickly and wound up wrecking his pickup. Evan was fine but the truck was not. I went and helped him pull his pickup out of the ditch. I hurt for Evan last night. It's never easy having to tell your mom and dad you wrecked your vehicle (I know, I've been there). Evan, is a regular reader of this blog, so I'd like to say to him, "Hang in there buddy, it's going to be okay."
How about leaving Evan a word of encouragement today? He could use it!
Labels: Blogging, Morgan Family
Saturday, April 19, 2008
REDNECK EVANGELISM?
There are plenty of bad church signs out there, but this "Get'r Done" sign made me laugh. I also like this one and this one! This is not a church sign but I fell over in the floor laughing when I saw this one.
Have you seen any funny signs or bumper stickers?
Labels: General
Friday, April 18, 2008
THE MOST POPULAR BIBLES
I'm sure you know that the Bible is the best selling book ever, but did you know that the Bible is also the world's most shoplifted book. "King John" Dobbs has been talking about Bible translations this week and it got me thinking about, "What's my favorite translation?"- New International Version
- New King James Version
- King James Version
- New Living Translation
- English Standard Version
- Reina Valera 1960 (Spanish)
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- New American Standard Bible
- The Message
- International Children's Bible
I like preaching from the NIV because that's what most people here use, but much of my personal reading is done from the NLT. I still have and use my old "wide margin" Bible with all my notes in it. One thing I have still yet to purchase a ESV which many of my preaching friends love. If it were up to me to say what is the best Bible translation ever? I'd say it would have to be the one you'd read!
"Did you know that the Bible is also the world's most shoplifted book?"
Speaking of Bibles, you might find these interesting ...
I'm sure you have a hand full of Bibles, so tell me about your favorite?
Labels: Bible, Bible Study
Thursday, April 17, 2008
FOR MEN ONLY
Tonight I'm starting something I've been wanting to do for awhile. Tonight at 9 p.m. I'm having a men's only bible study, for men and about men.And where should men have a Bible study? And where do real men study the Bible? Only a manly place will work for men. If we’re going to learn to be MEN like the Bible teaches us to be, we can’t have meeting in a flower shop, fabric store or a Hobby Lobby. But a Bible study in a garage sounds like something men could do! So, tonight I have about 14 men from church and from the community who have committed to coming to this Bible study in my garage to learn how to be better men.
Very simply, Samson will teach us why strong men fail. And as a Christian man, a husband and as a dad I don't want to fail.
We’re going to be studying a book called, "The Samson Syndrome." The book will deal with many of the topics men struggle with today like lust, boundaries, ego, foolish risks, intimacy, etc! The book will cover Samson’s life and what we can learn the baddest boy in the Bible. The book is about a man in the Bible who was James Bond-like in his attitude and lifestyle. Samson, whose story is told in four chapters of the book of Judges, was young, strong, good-looking, cocky, courageous, and an incorrigible ladies man. He had a nose for trouble, a knack for hair-raising escapes, and more girlfriends than Radio City has Rockettes. If Samson was alive today he'd be a superstar athlete or an action-movie star. He'd be surrounded by popping flashbulbs and adorning groupies. But, very simply Samson will teach us why strong men fail. As a Christian man, a husband and as a dad I don't want to fail.
I'm excited about this Bible study. The reason we're starting at 9 p.m. is so those dad's with small children can still help get their kids in bed and then come to the Bible study. If you're from Childress and would like to come ... feel free to drop by. Since we're men, I’ll have a cooler full of cold beverages (cokes and water of course) and a few snacks that won't include girly foods like crescents, quiche or raspberry tea! We should be through by 10 p.m. See you at the garage tonight!
Labels: Men
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
WHAT I DREAM FOR THE CHURCH
Yesterday I talked about my vision for the church in Childress. Let me continue those thoughts today with a dream I have for this church.About a week ago I did something I usually don't do. I looked to see what the men serving communion were wearing. This used to be an issue years ago. I'm glad we're passed it. I had a woman a few years back mention that "so-in-so" was not wearing proper clothes while serving at the table. She also mentioned that one of the young men could have used a haircut. Finally, she closed with, "And there were some people talking during communion."
I had heard her complaints many times before and I'd been very kind and gracious to her, but that morning for some reason, she caught me at a weak moment. "It's obvious," I told her, "if you have that much time to look around and take notes of who is doing what during the Lord's Supper, then you are not focusing on the things the Bible says that you need to be focusing on!" She took it remarkably well. I tried to explain to her that what you wear is not important and that she needs to be focusing on Jesus, and if she does she won't even noticed who is waiting on the table or what they are wearing.
This past Sunday I noticed who was waiting on the table. We had ten men of all different ages serving communion. I thought it was interesting that 3 had on ties and dress pants, 1 had on a full suit, 4 had on a pullover polo shirt and khaki pants and two had on a t-shirt and jeans. I smiled and thought to myself, "It's awesome that we can have a good mix of people waiting on the table and it doesn't really matter what anyone is wearing." Then it hit me. This wasn't as good as I though it was. Somehow I was missing the big picture. The thing that would have made it better than a mix of ages and clothing styles, would have been a mix of backgrounds, colors and people. Everyone up there were middle class people that looked just like me. I asked God to forgive us and ask His blessing to please help us reach out to those who are different than us.
"It's obvious," I told her, "if you have that much time to look around and take notes of who is doing what during the Lord's Supper, then you are not focusing on the things the Bible says that you need to be focusing on!"I dream that as a church we will be as interested in reaching, loving and serving people different than us as we are in reaching the middle class white family that's just moved to town. Jesus was the perfect example of this. He didn't spend all his time with people just like himself. Instead he spent his time with the outcast, the different, the unloved and the lowly?
- The woman at the well. She was married five times and was shacking up with another man when she met Jesus. Yet Jesus found her incredibly important and salvation worthy.
- The thief on the cross. One of the greatest stories of grace, ever.
- The woman caught in adultery who Jesus told, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more."
- He ate with sinners. He taught the prostitutes. There were also the tax collectors, lepers, the demon possessed, the crippled, those of lower status... He offered them hope, the truth, and a way out of their misery.
I'm thankful that I look around the church where I worship and I'm beginning to see more people all the time who are different than me. I'm beginning to see people from different backgrounds not just skin color. Just a couple of weeks ago there was a 10 year old boy with us that had never been to church in his life. I thought that was amazing.
I want to worship with people who make some uncomfortable, people who look different and people who come from different backgrounds, not people who look just like me. Unfortunately, most of the people I see still look just like me. It is my conviction and dream to reach out to more people that are different than me. People who I've overlooked in the past.
What's the makeup of where you worship?
Labels: Church
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
WE NEED VISION IN THE CHURCH
Vision is believing it CAN be done! And, we must have vision to see the great things God can do through us.In Numbers 13 we're told of twelve spies who went into the promised land of Israel to see how to conquer the land for Israel. Ten spies didn't have any vision but two of the spies did. The ten visionless spies said, "We can't take the land, because the people who live there are like giants. We are like grasshoppers compared to them." God called their opinion an evil report. The two spies with vision, Joshua and Caleb, said, "Let us go up at once and possess it. The Lord will give us the land; the Lord is with us; don't be afraid." I find it interesting that we remember the names of the two spies with vision, Joshua and Caleb, but we don't remember the names of the ten that were visionless.
Walt Disney's brother used to say to him, "Walt, you will never amount to anything; everything you dream of is too big and costs millions of dollars." Old Walt didn't do so badly did he? Funny thing is that no one remembers the name of Walt's brother, but what we do know is that he went to work for Walt. Disney's most daring vision adventure came when he was an old man and he suggested the building of Disneyland. He proposed this to his board and every single person was against it. Not one of the men in leadership thought Disneyland would be a financial success because of it's tremendous cost. But it was! Walt said before he died, "As long as man has vision, Disneyland will continue to grow." That's not a bad motto for the church.
I want to shout the same message that Joshua and Caleb gave, "Let us go up at once and possess it. The Lord will give us the land; the Lord is with us; don't be afraid."Our churches despretly needs vision. And my vision for the church in Childress is that we take the entire unchurched Childress community for Christ. It is possible. And then after taking the Childress community for Christ we're coming for the rest of the world (smile). That's my goal and my vision. As long as we believe it's possible with God ... it's possible. When it comes to reaching my community with the message of Christ, I want to shout the same message that Joshua and Caleb gave, "Let us go up at once and possess it. The Lord will give us the land; the Lord is with us; don't be afraid."
We need vision to see that God can do great things through us. The secret to building a great church has nothing to do with the education level of the people, the amount of money available in the budget, the location of the building, BUT the secret to reaching the community for Christ and building a great church is VISION. We must have vision to see and believe that God CAN do great things through us and then be willing to let God use us!
- So, what's your vision for how you would like God to use you today?
- What's your vision for the church? What would you like to see the church do or become?
Labels: Church
Monday, April 14, 2008
MEN NEED MEN
Is it just me or do women seem to make women friends easily? Men aren't so lucky. Men seem uncomfortable having close friendships with other men. Oh, men can golf together, fish together and play cards together, but don't ask men to pray together or encourage one another spiritually. Men are much more comfortable just watching the game and exchanging high-fives when the team scores. But sadly, most men have missed out on spiritual blessings because of their inability to make close spiritual friendships with other men.A man needs brothers in Christ who know him authentically and who are committed to spur him on towards integrity and becoming all that God created him to be. The bottom line fact is that an isolated follower of Jesus is extremely vulnerable to the temptations in today’s world and to the enemy’s schemes. When men choose to go-it-alone spiritually, it's tough. “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Everyone needs a friend ...
- The Lone Ranger had Tonto
- Batman had Robin
- Superman had, well no one, but you're not Superman!
- David had Jonathan.
- Jesus had his friends, the apostles.
We need to be men who are willing to share spiritual struggles and victories with other men whether it looks macho or not. Besides, men, we'll all have six men to carry us when we’re dead, so who’s going to carry us when we’re alive? I will admit that I have been blessed with some very close friendships with other men in my life. Men that have held me accountable and prayed with me on a regular basis. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have other men in my life.
Why do you think Christian men stuggle building open and authentic relationships with other Christian men?
Labels: Accountability, Men
Friday, April 11, 2008
ACCIDENTS, AIM & HOUSE FIRES
- Cooper took a nose-dive on the trampoline last night into the metal side railing. He looks a little rough with his nose and right eye all swollen up and very sore. We've raised all 4 boys on the old trampoline without even one injury to this point. I think our odds have been good. It did take me quite a bit of begging before he let me take his picture. This was his happiest face. I should have taken it last night right after it happened. Wow! (Don't tell him I put it on my blog.)
- There are some pretty awesome things going on at the Childress church. We've got the Australian AIM team coming to work with us for the next four months. They've had to come back to the States a little early from their Australian mission field. They wanted to finish out their mission term, so they'll be working, ministering and helping with the church here in Childress for a few months. It's going to be a win/win situation for everyone involved. They'll bless us, and at the same time, it'll be a blessing to them to minister with such a healthy church.
- Back in January I told you about my sister's house that burned. The house didn't burn to the ground, but it was pretty much a total loss for her, especially with all the smoke damage. This past week she was finally able to purchase a new house. I'm headed to New Mexico this weekend to take a trailer full of furniture to her for her new house. The good people of Childress have gathered up just about every "big" appliance and furniture she needs. Many of the items are newer and nicer than the ones she had. The following pictures are some from her burnt home (my brother-in-law is not much with a camera). I've also included a picture of the trailer full of furniture I'm taking to her.
Have a GREAT weekend! ~Trey
Labels: Morgan Family
Thursday, April 10, 2008
LOST
LOST is on tonight! Lots of people love the award winning television show Lost. The people of Oceanic Flight 815 have almost become household names. Lea loves loves the show too. I've tried hard to watch it with her and keep up with what's going on. Still the show has so many questions and so few answers. I've finally found a video that makes sense of how I feel about LOST! Who knows it may help catch you up with what's going on too? (Thanks to my friend David for pointing this video out to me.)
Are there any television shows you just can't get into?
Labels: Video
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
THE MARRIAGE CHALLENGE
I have been challenged today by a new study and I'm committing today to be a 5 to 1 husband!Statistics on marriage scare me, but the Studer Group has released a new study on "Compliment to Criticism" ratio. They've told us from their studies that people in general need 3 compliments given for every 1 criticism said to them. While that didn't surprise me, this did: Their reports also showed that in marriage if you have a 5 to 1 compliment to criticism ratio, the divorce rate in that marriage drops from 50% to 7%. DID YOU CATCH THAT husbands and wives? We are now learning how to beat the old statistic that says that 50% of all marriages will end in divorce. How? Give 5 compliments to your spouse for every 1 negative thing you say. When you take on the 5 to 1 plan, the divorce rate in your marriage drops to 7%. I like those odds!
My goal is to become a 5 to 1 kind of spouse, and I plan on starting today. Before the day is out I will give Lea five genuine compliments. I'm sure she's going to wonder what I did, what I want or what I'm up to! :)
You up for today's challenge with your spouse? I'm curious to see what kind of responses we'll get!
Labels: His Needs Her Needs, Marriage
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I DON'T NEED NO STINKING CHARLIE HORSES
I'm a runner. I love running for exercise. Late yesterday evening my running buddy Zach and I ran a 3-miler on a beautiful West Texas spring evening. Because it was late, I didn't do a very good job stretching when I finished. Unfortunately, I paid the price for not stretching at about 3 a.m. this morning when I was attacked by a killer Charlie-horse. Nothing, I mean nothing, will remove you from bed and a deep sleep like a Charlie-horse. I got up immediately, grabbed my right calf and started jumping up and down, arms flailing, feet moving and leg cramping. I have no doubt that had it not been dark in the room, Lea would have seen my dance and thought that I was either dreaming that I was Michael Jackson or that I had just got the Spirit!
I hate Charlie-horses. Have you ever done a 3 a.m. Charlie-horse dance?
I hate Charlie-horses. Have you ever done a 3 a.m. Charlie-horse dance?
Labels: General
Monday, April 07, 2008
7 WAYS TO RUIN YOUR KIDS
LIE FOR YOUR KIDS. When a parent writes their child a note to school saying their child was sick or had a doctor's appointment, and really they just over slept .... YOU are teaching them it's OKAY to lie. Don't you get it? Don't lie to help cover up mistakes for your kids.- DON'T GIVE THEM ANY RULES. Just let them do what they want.
- AUTOMATICALLY THINK EVERYONE IS OUT TO GET YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY GET IN TROUBLE. Your child is perfect, how could they ever do anything wrong? Surely it's the school's fault that your child got in trouble. When I was a kid, if I got swats at school (yea, hard to believe), I got swats when I got home as well. Now days, when a child gets in trouble at school, the parent thinks it's the school's fault, the teacher's fault or the principal is picking on my child! Have you ever thought that your child might have done something wrong?
- NEVER DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN. Discipline is overrated. Want more on disciplining children? Click here!
- PULL STRINGS TO GET YOUR CHILDREN OUT OF TROUBLE. Actually, if your child has done something that deserves punishment, let them be responsible for their own actions. Don't threaten to call a lawyer, talk to the principal or talk to a superior to get your child out of trouble for something they've done. Have you ever heard of "you reap what you sow" or you have to be responsible for your own actions?
- BE INCONSISTENT. Tell your kids to do one thing then you do another. Instead, be the parent that's brave enough to get up and turn off a television show that doesn't need to be on. Let your children see you consistently living what you preach. Be consistent.
- GIVE YOUR KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT. They may think they need a new car, the latest electronic games and the best clothes, but sometimes you have to say, "No."
Friday, April 04, 2008
HEAVEN'S JUST A SIN AWAY!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
WHAT KIND OF CHURCH MEMBER ARE YOU?
It seems that there are 3 kinds of people in our churches today: Risk Takers, Care Takers and Undertakers.- Risk-Takers: These are the people who are willing to try something different to reach more people with the message of Jesus. Risk-takers aren't worried about being traditional, only being scriptural. Risk-takers are willing to go outside their comfort zone to reach others. God has actually created us to be risk-takers (Matthew 25:14-30), but sadly, there are many more who are comfortable with simply burying their talent. We need more risk-takers in the church today!
- Care-Takers are just satisfied doing what they've always done. They don't want anyone stirring the water or shaking things up. They are simply much more comfortable just leaving things the way they always have been. When proposed with new ideas of reaching the lost, Care-takers often use the phrase "But we haven't ever done it that way before!" Care-takers never want to be stretched spiritually, they just want to remain comfortable. To them, it is as if Jesus never said, "Take up your cross and follow me," but more like, "take up your easy chair and follow me..."
- Under-Takers: Sadly when the care-takers out number the risk-takers, that's when the under-takers show up! In the last 100 years, more churches have closed their doors than opened them. We definitely don't need more undertakers .
What kind of "taker" will you be? Hopefully someone who's not afraid to take a risk for the Kingdom. Hopefully you'll be a "risk-taker" for Jesus.
Labels: Church
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
RAISING BOYS
Raising four growing boys has its own unique challenges. The house is never short of things like body-noises, sports talk, strange smells, their buddies and other "boy" things. And poor Lea, with raising four boys, it makes everything in our home exactly opposite of what Lea is. Lea is quiet, and they are anything but quiet. Lea smells nice, and they smell like boys. Lea is neat and tidy, and the boys are a little on the messy side. She has manners at the table, and the boys don't (they're learning).Trying to teach them to be gentlemen when they eat has been a challenge. Some of the phrases we regularly have to say at the table are, "Don't eat with your hands;" "Don't eat until we pray;" "Don't talk with your mouth full;" and "You don't say something is nasty that you don't like, you just say you don't care for it!" All part of raising boys.
We have always made eating supper together as a family a priority. Not long ago, we'd just sat down to a nice supper. Lea had the table set beautifully and we'd just had the prayer. Everyone was eating quietly when little Cooper belted out a ground-shaking belch! Everyone looked up rather surprised at what had just come out of that little guy's body and to see what mom and dad were going to say about his slip. His momma looked over at him with a slight wrinkle on her forehead and said, "Excuse me Cooper, what are you supposed to say when you do that?" Cooper paused as if to think for a second and then replied with just a hint of excitement, "Wow, that was a good one, wasn't it Mom!?"
Not exactly the answer Lea was looking for!
"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." ~Psalm 127:3-4
Labels: Lea, Morgan Family, Parenting
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
TULSA SOUL WINNING WORKSHOP
I was in Tulsa last week for their Soul Winning Workshop with my two oldest boys (Taylor and Parker) and Ryan, the kid I call my fifth son. (Zack, in the blue AIM shirt, is a new friend who's headed to Scotland.) While I was gone, Lea wrote a couple of posts for me (here and here). What an amazing wife I have. Not only did she post, but did you notice she did what looked a lot like a "Top 10" list. You know me, I love top ten lists. Once again it goes to show you, I married up! What an amazing experience I had last weekend at the Tulsa Workshop. I heard some fantastic lessons on prayer, and the praise and worship was what I imagine heaven being like. It was a good chance for me to refill my tank spiritually.
I met a ton of old friends, bloggers and a bunch of people who read my blog. There is nothing more cool, and at the same time, more humbling than someone you don't know coming up and saying, "Hey, I read your blog!" Here are a few of the bloggers I visited with ...
Shane Coffman - What an amazing man. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet him and hug his neck. Shane was having some health issues and wasn't feeling well. He did do an outstanding job leading the praise and worship. I've enjoyed getting to know Shane through his blog, but he's even more amazing in person. Besides I couldn't help but laugh when I saw him, his picture on his blog looks exactly like him!
Patrick Mead - I've listened to Patrick Mead sermons on my iPod for about a year, but this was the first time I had a chance to meet him and hear him live and in person. Outstanding! You can hear Patrick Mead sermons by clicking here.
John Dobbs - Believe it or not I was in the presence of royalty. I finally got to meet and visit with the Blog King, John Dobbs. John has one of the longest running blogs around. It was a blessing to meet and spend a little time with this man of God. I really wanted more of John's time to visit, but it just didn't work out. Every time I saw John I couldn't help but smile. What a great man.
Darin Hamm - Got a chance to meet Darin after a Wade Hodges class. We didn't get much time to visit, but it was sure nice to meet a guy who writes an amazing blog!
Timbra - Timbra may get the award for coming the farthest (from California). Timbra is a long time friend and it was good to hug her neck and see her family.
Brie - Here's a cool youth minister's wife who is full of wit and wisdom. Enjoyed having lunch with her crew on Friday! I always enjoy Brie hanging out on my blog because she leaves such amazing comments!
Terry Rush - Organized the Tulsa Workshop and did a great job!
Keith Lancaster - Enjoyed visiting with Keith on Thursday. Keith is the long time member and founder of the singing group Acappella.
Craig Hicks - My long time friend and preaching school classmate. Craig spoke on Friday to the teenagers. I slipped in and listened to him preach. Craig is still the best preacher I know. His lesson was amazing. Hearing Craig and getting to visit with him made the whole trip worthwhile. On my way home from the Workshop I concluded, "Nothing has changed. Craig is still my favorite preacher."
James Adair - Got to see my old friend James for a few minutes on Friday. James and his wife, Kathy, are long time bloggers. It was good to see James and catch up on his life. By the way, Kathy wrote a fantastic post on marriage yesterday called, "Who's bringing sexy back?" You got to check it out!
I also caught up with Dwight Whitsett, a blogger who is full of wisdom and passion for missions. I'm glad I finally got to meet Dwight!
I do need to give a shout out to my new friend Tucker who was willing to drive numerous hours with his family of five, just to, in his words, "Meet his blogging idols." He told me that he had made it his goal to come to Tulsa to meet Craig Hicks, John Dobbs and myself. He came up to me at CiCi's pizza on Friday and introduced himself. What a super nice guy. I think Tucker got his wish and met all three of us. I just hope we didn't let him down. Ha!
Labels: Blogging
