The God of the Universe
The story is told that Teddy Roosevelt would go outside, stand on his balcony, and look up at the sky on most nights. He would see the moon, the stars,…
GOD, FAITH AND BASEBALL
I believe in the Church of Baseball . . . For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary, and there are 108 stitches in a baseball.Bull Durham, Susan Sarandon
The Church of Baseball
Somewhere buried in a file of “important” papers, there is a certificate with my name on it signifying that I was baptized at a small Catholic Church in Artesia, New Mexico. To be honest, not only do I not remember that day (I was less than 2 weeks old), it took me years to understand the significance of the moment when the priest placed water on my head. You see, on that day, I wasn’t just baptized into the family of God; God claimed me as one of His children.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
I am not Irish, but I love St. Patrick’s Day. I love it not because of the celebrations, although green beer and parades are always fun! I love the day…
“Top Six” books that have shaped my theology and my faith
Greetings! A few years ago, a friend asked me to compile a list of the books that anyone who wanted to grow in their faith should read. It wasn’t easy,…
Recommitment of Baptism Vows
Greetings! A few weeks ago, I was surfing the web and reading some sermons posted by various well-known preachers. I figure if I read some of their sermons, maybe I…
Wesley’s Covenant Service
Greetings! Sunday in worship, we join many other United Methodist Churches in kicking off the New Year by participating in an adaption of John Wesley’s Covenant Service. Central to this…
Sometimes It Just Feels Overwhelming…
Greetings! Christmas is the best time of year….until it becomes the worst. Sure, there are many aspects of the holiday season that are great, but there are also more than…
Are You A Swan?
Greetings! A few years ago I saw a movie with a powerful message that truly resonated with me. The core message in “Up in the Air” is centered around the…
REFLECTING ON PREVIOUS 6 YEARS
Greetings! Last Sunday (December 1st) was not only my birthday, but it also marked my 6th anniversary as the pastor of First United Methodist Church Missouri City. I have spent…
Missing Pieces
Greetings! Years ago, an older gentleman who was chatting with me said something I will never forget. With a tinge of sadness, he said, “I feel like there are parts…