Handfuls of Doxology

  *If you're new here and aren't familiar with me, or our story, I think it's important that I make a critical disclaimer here: "The only thing in this life that I am owed or deserve is the full wrath of God's judgment. Because of Christ, I don't have to. Anything beyond that is astonishing. Redeeming love has been my theme, and will be till I die. To follow Him and be called in Christ to serve is my greatest and only joy. This is not a bitter diatribe about "church members" or another blog from a depressed and overworked preacher on the brink. This is just about finding my place in Him, today where I am.

  A certain stench accompanies a post like this. Smells  like hypocrisy mixed with irony. I get it. In fact, that is why I am pointing it out, right upfront. I promise that the fact I am writing a blog, on my personal blog, to then share on my various social media platforms is not lost from my view. If you're new here, this blog exists for a few simple reasons. For example, I often have thoughts that, hopefully after much prayer, I really want or need to, sort of, work out. I have found that a great place to do that is on the page. Writing has many benefits, and for me, clearing my head is only one of them. Another reason for the blog is that I really do want to get better at writing. I write every single day. Whether in sermon preparation, journaling, in correspondence, or for some other reason, I am writing something, at length daily. I want to be better. This is a great way to do that.  Most of all, as I shared with my wife after she repeatedly asked me to come back to...

DISCLAIMER: I know nothing about the winners, losers, or Oscar himself. Had Will Smith not slapped Chris Rock, I would have never known it is still a thing. Therefore, no commentary or opinions will be offered to the awards themselves. I barely have time to watch tv, so movies are a rare treat. Whenever I do, my commentary is always golden, and seldom appreciated. Much like my blogs.  Like everyone else on the internet, I have two things in my favor. First, I am fully aware of the "incident" and the details surrounding it. Second, I have the ability to share my thoughts regardless of my qualifications.  So, can we talk about The Oscars?   Specifically, let's talk about the crushing weight of life and the consequences of a life lived for your own glory. If that turn surprised you, know that I meant for it to do so. Clever, huh? I actually worked on that sentence really hard. There is no way to encapsulate all of the issues going on in a single sentence. Especially con...