Tomorrow I am doing something I never thought I would do. In fact, I often said I would never do it! Our family is celebrating the life of my step-father, Darrell. He passed away this past weekend, even though he was one of those people I thought would be around forever. Darrell and I butted heads quite a bit as I grew up. Oh, I was the know-it-all and he was the tough guy. That's a perfect mix for a lot of things.

Still, I loved him and I know he loved me. He had been around all my life. So, what am I doing tomorrow? I'm leading the funeral service for my dad. I never called him by that name, but that is what he will always be to me.

Many of you are praying people. If you're praying with our family, please include an extra or two prayers of strength for me. It isn't uncommon for God to ask us to do what we thought we would never do. God is funny that way. Praise the Lord, though, because in our weakness, we are made strong. Amen.

Darrell Lance Lane, 58, of Galveston, TX died January 26, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 27, 1954 in Texas City, TX, the son of Bernice Cecilia Ricketts. He was the youngest of three siblings. After the loss of his mother at age 14, Darrell was then cared for by his loving aunt, Gloria Whelton, who has been there for him throughout his entire life. He is survived by his lovely wife of 25 years, Deborah Sue Lane.

Darrell lived and worked most of his life in and around Galveston. He loved spending time with his family and dogs, had a passion for barbecuing and bowling, and was always willing to help a friend.

Darrell’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Thursday, January 31st, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mr.Lane was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Lane; uncle, Olen James McCutchen (Mack); aunt, Audrey Ricketts; and cousin, Diane McCutchen.

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Bobbie Sue Faggard, of High Island, Texas; daughter, Margaret, of Mississippi; son and daughter-in-law, John and Gloria Fletcher of Shiner, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Misty Sue Ambrosio and Jose Perez of Tomball, Texas; daughter, Diana; boyfriend, William; and dear friend, Alfio; daughter and son-in-law, Briana and Jesus Soto; son, Grady and his girlfriend Michaela Graves, of Galveston, Texas; grandchildren: Brandon, Brittani, Ashlei, Ange-le, Nathan, and Angelina; great grandchild, Harmony; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bill Hedgingson, of Arizona; aunts, Gloria Whelton and Lilla McCutchen; numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces; and a host of friends and co-workers.

Please don't tell me this is you! Stay blessed...john

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).  

You can probably imagine the kind of looks I received when I told the church yesterday that I thought "we should stop reading the Bible." Those good church people knew that didn't sound right.
Of course, I said a lot more (Well, not a LOT more)than that to explain what I meant. In many ways, it's unfortunate that the Bible, our sacred text has become another victim of our consumeristic ways. Many of us have been taught to read the Bible because it's what we're supposed to do. We've never been any good at doing what we're supposed to do. Some consider the Bible to be a life manual. There's two things problematic with that. First, most of us only read a manual if/when we think we need to. Second, the rest of us didn't even know there was a manual in the box. If we did, we probably threw it straight into the trash. 

The Bible has to more to us than another product.

I think we should learn to listen and hear God's word. When God speaks things happen. This week's sermon reminds us of that. In particular, we can see that when God speaks there is 1)new life, 2)renewal and 3)purpose. May God speak to us today!

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to listen to the sermon.++




 As I was writing, the song Word of God Speak came to mind. May it be a blessing to you.

With the rush of the holiday season behind us and the New Year before us, I always appreciate receiving late Christmas cards.  Sometimes, the cards get returned to sender and that accounts for the tardiness.  There are address mix ups that happen, too.  Most of the time, however, I am thankful because someone sends a card because they are just like me—mailing cards just didn’t happen on time this year.  More than that, though, I like being reminded of the joy of the season.       

Stress, anxiety and uncertainty are abundant and all too familiar to many of us.  Each of those alone is enough to burden someone.  When they are blended into everyday life, waking up everyday can be a chore.  We need the reminder that God wants so much more for us.  God offers peace that surpasses all understanding.  There is healing, pure wholeness of spirit that only God can provide.  When we are overwhelmed by the circumstances we see, it can be difficult to experience what God desires for us.  That is why I love those late cards; I am reminded that God is at work.  What do you see that reminds you of the same?  Keep looking!

And remember Paul's words and remain "joyful in hope, patient in your afflictions and faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12).