If you are having problems viewing the video, or are reading by email, click this link to watch the video. This video project is entitled The Mute Button. It is an example of a flash mob, something you have probably heard of or seen. The flash participants are to go about their business amongst an unsuspecting crowd. At a designated time they all mute themselves while continuing with whatever they were doing.  So, a couple is arguing, a man is...

If I wore glasses, which I should, this is something I would have to ask myself all the time: Anyone seen my glasses? Dating is for some people, and then there are these guys The stay-at-home dad Finally, Barbershop 3 came out. There is a twist in the plot. I like vegetables Could all churches be as sincere as this? ...

Many of us do not like surprises. For the most part, I am one who does not. Well, okay maybe a birthday surprise at the end of a meal at my favorite restaurant. We all know, though, my wife’s early trip to the ladies’ room includes a brush with our server, if you know what I mean. So, that hardly counts as a full-fledged surprise. Plus, there are all kinds of surprises, and some are harder to keep a surprise than others. I certainly would like to have...

I am writing in the midst of a storm. The thunder is loud; the lightening is bright; the hail is, for now, small. What a great way to reflect on a sermon I just gave. I want so much for my sermons to be instructive, that people would know more what it means to be followers of Jesus. I think I do that. What I also want to remember are the storms people face. Just because they hear a sermon on Sunday doesn't mean Monday's storms go away. So, I want a...

Train your children to recognize greatness with The Cosby Sweater Project. Rare color photos of the Great Depression You knew they were smarter than you.  Now, learn the nations of the world with the Animaniacs.   I will never drink Coke again, until I forget watching this.  Creepy. Maybe. Crawly. Yep. Flying. Amazing.  Yes, folks, this is the case for cockroaches. Be confused by the inception chair. from an email (Thanks, David): A...

May 4, 2011, I believe, will be a day Oak Haven UMC will remember for some time.  Perhaps the date will fade away; a handful of members were on hand that day.  However, I am convinced the partnership with F.M. Gilbert and The University of Dallas will prove to be a blessing for years to come. Our partnership with the school is not about money.  It involves something more important--relationships.  Money may do a school a lot of good. ...

Someone recently asked me if I ever get nervous when I preach.  People have asked me that before and my response is still the same.  I have never known enough to be nervous.  That is to say, if I would have had any of the knowledge, conviction and commitment that I do now back when I first began preaching, then I think would have been.  Preaching is a meaningful task. Now, that I have been preaching for several years, it almost comes out...

Blessed to Bless A Super Kind of Faith A Get-and-Give Life Neighborly Ways Last But Not Least, You ...

Our church asked ourselves what it means for a congregation to grow.  In answering that question we were able to discern what areas we were experience growth, what areas we were not and what any of that meant. Where Grace Happens Praying Like That Imagine That Seniors Who Don't Get Discounts Here, Have My Gospel The Book for Me and Other Misconceptions When in the Lion's Mouth ...

This week I finished most of my sermon by Wednesday.  I read what I wanted to.  There were no trips to Dallas.  I went to bed early a couple of times and did not feel bad about it.  Life on the other side of class is wonderful. And I've been able to use my Google Reader more this week.  Here are some things I came across that you might have missed, not because I'm cooler than you or anything.  Inflatable movie extras. ...

It is a Monday morning right now.  This is the first Monday morning after the end of a semester, and a special semester, indeed.  Last week I submitted my final paper and attending my final class at Perkins.  Yes, no more pencils, no more books... Now, I still have a year of internship to complete.  It is a course that requires written work.  However, I already have a sense of what kind of work I need to turn in, and I am not worried...

This is just your neighborly reminder that this Sunday is Mother's Day. Stay blessed...j...

The Second Sunday of Easter is one of the church's infamous "Low Sundays." That's dumb, and in this sermon I let you know why!  Yesterday's sermon title is That's What It's All About. The "Now What" of the sermon is to focus on one area of commitment this week. So, think about: Prayer: Choose a day you will pray more for your church, church leaders and other issues. Presence: Attend a church activity you would otherwise avoid. Gifts: Begin to tithe,...