Hurricane Ike was a deadly and devastating storm that occurred in 2008. Some of the greatest damage took place on the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, where the storm surge exceeded the island's elevation, leading to an onslaught of flood water and caused extreme coastal change. We were visiting family not too far from that area and decided to take a drive to check out the aftermath of the storm.  It w...  Read More

Back in the early 70’s, Coca Cola’s ad campaign included the jingle “It’s the real thing, Coke is.” It stuck, and to this day for those of us old enough to remember, we make that association. Coke marketed itself as the one, true legitimate cola drink. Some argue that it is Pepsi that is the legit cola, but it really boils down to personal preference. “Legitimacy” has a myriad of applications. Oft...  Read More

I think we can all think of a time when we were betrayed. Whether it was a funny moment or a serious one. Betrayal often brings hurt and pain into our lives. Sometimes when it is a funny betrayal you can get some laughs though. I remember back in my early days of youth ministry, I was betrayed by our Children's Pastor, Matt Hatton, at our previous church. We were having this youth event, and I cam...  Read More

The Cross, the powerful moment where Jesus Christ takes our place and defeats death right then, for good, for all those who believe in him. At times I feel like we have it easier than the apostles as they did not know what was about to happen, where we on the other hand know the full story from start to finish. Every time I read these verses I feel for the disciples and those around Jesus as they ...  Read More

John 12:4-6 “But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it..” What motivates you? What gives you purpose? What is th...  Read More

I have had this reoccurring dream over the years where toward the end of my life I “walk away” from God. It’s been a long time since I’ve had it, but every time I do, I wake up in a panic. Why? Because that is the very last thing I would ever want to let happen in my life. I had one of my closest friends tell me in the last year that he is “proud of me because I have always stuck with the stuff” w...  Read More