This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Time flies.  It seems as though there is always another milestone just ahead – another marker of time.  This is magnified as we get older. When I was younger and did not have familial responsibilities, I didn’t notice it.  When I got married and especially when I became a father, that’s when I developed an awareness of it.  It manifes...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My wife and I are the parents to three incredible girls.  Who am I kidding?  They are very much women now all living independently and leading their own lives.  One is in Georgia, one in Northern Virginia and the eldest lives in Roanoke with her husband and our granddaughter.  In spite of the challenges I faced in the years they lived...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.An aspect of our ministry that has seemingly come from nowhere, but in fact, I have been prepared most of my adult life, is our visitation efforts at local healthcare facilities.  It is true that I worked inside the four walls of three different hospitals.  I have been involved for more than six years working for an organization that ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.By now, many of us have enjoyed a bountiful meal with all of the holiday trimmings.  We likely have shared a perspective of what we are truly thankful.  Some will have stepped into communities of people that are struggling in this day and time and helped to prepare and serve a meal.  For some who volunteer in such situations, it is an...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Last weekend, my wife and I visited the City of Norfolk.  It was a very quick trip arriving Saturday afternoon and returning to Franklin County on Sunday just after lunch.  After checking out of our hotel Sunday morning, we walked a block to a nearby restaurant to grab a bite to eat before beginning the long drive home.  The restauran...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I have been reflecting a great deal on the lives my brother and his wife lived.  Bobby and Pam Clark were faithful servants of Christ. They lived their lives to live again.  I hear it asked from time to time, if you were living your last moments on earth, how would you spend that time?  The thing is we never know when that last moment...  Read More

This article was originally posted in the Franklin News-Post.As you read this week’s column, I encourage you to give thought to it in a personal way.  Reflect upon what is written as it applies to the circumstance in your faith walk.  For more than 25 years, the second Sunday in October has been designated as Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Day.  I challenge you to reflect on all of the ways your ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I recently had the opportunity to share a message at a church service.  It was a difficult one for me to share as it required me to confess a struggle that I have had for some time.  A couple of weeks ago, I was able to participate as part of a team during a weekend discipleship experience.  As I prepared for my role in this process, ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Over the last few years, I have had many conversations with people that are new to their faith.  They have shared that they have struggled with reading and understanding the bible.  Some have expressed wonder at how a book written about events thousands of years ago could be pertinent to their lives now.  Some have asked, “Can I apply...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.In our family, the last week of August is full of so many reasons to celebrate.  I wrote of these reasons this time last year.  During this week, my wife and I celebrate our wedding anniversary (number 32 this year), my ordination as a minister (year 2), and her birthday (I dare not say).  For those of you who have read my submissions...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Children have returned to school.  The calendar is racing toward Labor Day. Summer is rapidly coming to an end.  It is so easy to get caught up in the trappings the world has to offer.  It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily activities.Earlier this week, I took the opportunity to attend Revival Services at Be...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Several times in recent weeks I have had several people speak to me about the difficulties they experience in receiving from others.  There are routines and occasions in our lives where many commonly expect to receive.  Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and Christmas come to mind.  Other times, it can be a challenge to receive what so...  Read More