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SWBTS vs. TBA: Silence Is Deafening & Defining

What’s that you hear?  Crickets.  As in, no sound at all.  As in ”no comment.” The sounds of silence – emanating from the normally loquacious, but apparently public relations challenged leaders at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas — are positively deafening.  And, perhaps defining. Since the news of Southwestern’s legal “threat” to take back property that the seminary had previously leased – and then deeded — to Tarrant Baptist Association, officials at Southwestern have been quiet.  Mums apparently the word.  Perhaps on the advice of legal counsel, no one at this SBC entity has given any public comments regarding the tug-of-war going on between the Seminary and the local Ft. Worth area association of Baptist churches.  Not even a gracious, “We’re working to resolve this matter in a way that advances the Kingdom and that ultimately brings honor and … Read entire article »

Filed under: Christianity, Religion, Southern Baptist Convention, Uncategorized

The Pope & Me: Fans of the Big Bang Theory

On Wednesday night, I did something I have not done in a long time.  I watched an awards show on television.  Not just any awards show mind you, but The People’s Choice Awards.  How can the people be wrong?  Well, the fact that “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” was named Favorite Movie and “Keeping Up with The Kardashians” walked off with the award for Favorite TV Guilty Pleasure means the end of the world might be near.  If you have never seen any of the Twilight movies or don’t know who the Kardashian girls are, you should get your own award for good taste! I can honestly say that I have never watched the Kardashians’ show (although with Bruce Jenner as their step-dad, hi-jinks are sure to ensue) nor have I ever subjected myself to viewing any … Read entire article »

Filed under: Christianity, Culture, Religion, Uncategorized

Tony Dungy Likes Vick. Do I Have To?

I like Tony Dungy.  There is no question that he has been one of the most inspirational coaches that the National Football League has ever seen.  As a fellow Christian, I particularly liked his approach to the game of football and to the game of life.  I am an Indianapolis Colts fan today, not necessarily because of Peyton Manning (although that helps), but because of Tony Dungy. Dungy, who retired as head coach of the Colts at the end of the 2008 season, serves as an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America” on Sunday nights.  He has also written two books.  His first, a memoir entitled, “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life,”  reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list in 2007.  I just began … Read entire article »

Filed under: Grace, Religion, Sports, Uncategorized

Black-eyed Peas, Hog Jowl & a New Year!

How could we make this New Year’s Eve more rowdy than in past years?  Perhaps go to a party to ring in the New Year?  No.  Maybe a Watchnight Service at church?  Not!  We’re Baptists after all — we don’t get THAT rowdy!  How about super-charging our night with a double sleepover with two of our boys’ friends.  That’s the ticket. There’s nothing quite like five boys – 11 and under — to pep up a New Year’s Eve celebration! Last night, we stayed up until midnight to watch Dick Clark count down to the start of 2011.  The only problem with living in New Mexico and watching the “live” ball drop in Times Square in New York City is that it is a repeat.  Yep.  Our local ABC affiliate in Albuquerque just replays the real live event that happened in NYC for us in … Read entire article »

Filed under: Culture, Family, Uncategorized

The War & Death Hit Too Close to Home

Christmas 2010 was unusually busy.  And memorable.  After leading two Christmas Eve Candlelight Services on Friday night and not getting to sleep until after 1:00 a.m., my oldest son thought 6:45 a.m. on Christmas morning was the perfect time to start opening presents!  And, because December 25th fell on a Saturday this year, the day after Christmas was Sunday.  While some of our church members might have been tempted to miss Sunday services, it would have been a bit strange for their pastor to play hooky.  So I didn’t. After watching the abysmal first-half of the Denver Broncos/Houston Texans game, I traveled to the home of one of our church members to officiate at the wedding of her daughter.  I came home to watch Tim Tebow lead the Denver Broncos to his first 4th Quarter comeback win in Mile High … Read entire article »

Filed under: Family, Religion, Uncategorized