In March 2011 I'm trying to decide on a sermon series that I will preach in January 2012. So, I'm about six months out.

Give a man religion without reminding him of his filth, and the result will be arrogance in a three- piece suit.

It's not about winning or losing, but love and respect.

Gratitude develops faith. The surest path out of a slump is marked by the road sign "thank you, God."

Those who successfully go through tough times do so because they keep insisting.

I think it's noteworthy that the Almighty didn't act high and mighty. The Holy One wasn't holier-than-thou. The One who knew it all wasn't a know-it-all. The One who made the stars didn't keep his head in them. The One who owns all the stuff of earth never strutted it.

Our task is to stand tall in God's love, secure in our place, sparkling in kindness, surrounded by his goodness, freely giving to all who come our way. You, me, and the Christmas tree. Picked, purchased, and pruned.