A Joyful Juxtaposition of Hope: Christmas, the New Year, and them Dawgs!
In this beautiful juxtaposition, we see the parallel threads of rebirth and renewal woven into the fabric of both holidays. The ancient story of Christ's birth aligns seamlessly with the modern ritual of ushering in a new year, both symbolizing the limitless potential for transformation and growth…hope for a preferred future.
Rediscovering Advent: A Cure for Christmas Chaos
In a world that often turns Christmas into a glittery transaction, Advent is our call to arms. It's a counter-cultural declaration that our deepest longings aren't found in the chaos of a shopping mall but in the humble manger.
I Wanna be Rich!
I want to be rich, but not how America, or the world, defines rich. As I pour myself out at the feet of King Jesus, I pray his immeasurable and priceless Spirit fills me to overflowing. That is a miraculous and divine transaction.
“Dadvice” : Dad Advice to My College Freshman Daughter
Don’t forget where you come from and never be embarrassed of your hometown. Your family is made up of teachers, sales folk, a linemen, a pastor, and farmers. We ain’t rich. We’ve worked hard and we’ve been incredibly blessed. Own it. It’s you.
Obstacles vs. Perspective
A change in perspective may NOT change the obstacle itself…but a change in perspective changes you.
A Real Tax Break Coming for Senior Citizens: What are the Details?
The Newton County Board of Education has approved a Senior Tax Exemption to be put before the citizens of Newton County for a vote in November 2023.
School Tax: Balancing the Need and the Burden
In this article: school tax, millage rate, proposed senior citizen tax exemptions, and why your property taxes are so high.
Confessions of a Biblically Illiterate Pastor
A friend suggested I try cemetery. I mean…seminary. No offense, but I thought seminary was where good-hearted pastors went to die, only to be resurrected in cap & gown as self-righteous “know-it-alls” whose job it was to grow their congregation’s knowledge but not their grace. I thought the smart Christians were all about education and no action. I assumed that if your brain grew larger then your heart grew smaller.
The Grass is NOT Greener on the Other Side: A Word for Local Graduates
The grass is NOT greener on the other side; the grass is greener where there’s chicken manure. In other words, your crop yield is based on your effort and ingenuity. Breaking up the earth is time-consuming difficult work. Spreading fertilizer is messy and it stinks! Keeping natural obstacles like animals and weeds out of the field takes diligence and careful attention. And a little favor from God always helps. You don’t have to go looking for a greener pasture somewhere distant from your hometown. If you want a green pasture: work the soil; plant the seeds; spread the manure; pull the weeds; and pray for rain.
Something Has to Change: A Response to the Nashville Covenant Tragedy
I realize we will never legislate morality. I realize we cannot eradicate all the evil of the world. I realize the topic of mass shootings and gun reform are sticky and knotted issues where emotions run high…
A Thank You to Superintendent Fuhrey
We have led through trying economic times, education disruptions during a global pandemic, and we’ve grieved the tragic loss of faculty, students, and even one of our own board members, our friend and mentor Almond Turner. So, we’ve been through a lot of highs and lows, calm seas and stormy weather, and you have been a steady captain of this ship and crew.
Skepticism and the Asbury Revival
I believe today’s teens and twenty-somethings are looking for a break from their phones and the fake plastic stories on social media. I believe they are looking to get out of the mindless swiping and insta-gratification of scrolling and experience an ancient faith that is solid, robust, and sturdy. I believe they want to be a part of an in-person movement of real people that is bigger than the “friends” they have on their tiny iPhone screens. The revival at Asbury is revealing a return to a religious experience that is truly counter to the current American culture.
Do “Politicians” Really Care?
Public servants must listen to the citizens, and then continue honest, constructive leadership conversations that draw us together to work toward an agreed vision for Newton County. Boards and councils cannot make decisions in a vacuum or in a silo. Every individual decision from every board and commission impacts the whole. Newton County is interconnected. As leaders, public servants, we need to be more connected.
Mama Update: Walking Like Robocop
The therapist said that she( Bonnie) is doing better at walking every day!! SO, I think we can chalk this day up as a VERY GOOD day!!! Continued prayers are needed and appreciated. Even though this courageous Lady has come a looong way, she still has a long and rocky path ahead of her.
Mama Update: There’s No Place Like Home: Tears of Joy
As we made our way home, she began smiling a little bigger as we traveled through Conyers. When we drove through Covington on I-20, she was smiling bigger and tears of joy were falling. As we exited I-20 at Stanton Springs, she was literally sobbing and laughing at the same time. As we drove up our driveway to her son Jay and the pups who were waiting on us, there are no words to describe the joy she was showing!!
Mama Update: (Day 59) Anxiety, Grief, Hope
BUT listen, she’s come a LOONNNGGG WAY from where she was. And we are grateful. Very grateful. But still I grieve what has been lost.
Mama Update: (Day 51) Continuing to Surprise
She continues to surprise the therapists, and us with how much she has accomplished, given her situation.
Mama Update: (Day 47) Preparing for Discharge
Bonnie continues to progress. We have been in family training all week, and will continue the rest of the week in preperation for discharge. We have only recieved positive reports from the therapists and doctors, as well as seeing improvements ourselves. Words like "phenomenal" and "amazing" are being used in the reports.
Mama Update: (Day 38) Determined
She feeds herself,( and WILL let you know if there is something that she doesn’t like ), she is walking further and faster every session, with assistance from the therapists, playing games… and winning, doing puzzles and SO MUCH more. She is working hard and determined to do all that she can do to get better!!
Mama Update: (Day 32) Prayers Brighten Dark Days
“I’m not going to lie to y’all. Yesterday was a dark day for me. A year ago my son went home to be with Jesus. But, even on this dark day, the sun still shines through brightly.” - Wayne Kitchens