Category Archives: Dad

Machoism and Masculinity: Dispatches from the Vacuum Cleaner

Posted on December 20, 2019 by

I’ve grown up in a world where machoism has been confused with masculinity. You probably know what I mean. Machoism is being a “real” man. It’s the belief that “real” men don’t cry or express any emotion at all…except anger. … Continue reading →

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My Partner in Crime

Posted on March 15, 2019 by

I have added a new member to my fantasy baseball team’s front office. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Posted in Baseball, Dad, Family, Kids, Sports | Leave a comment

Top Ten: Johnny Cash

Posted on April 13, 2015 by

A friend of mine has recently been posting his “top ten” lists of favorite songs by some of his favorite artists. He’s inspired me to do the same thing and, after a draining couple of days, I thought I’d have … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash, Dad, Family, Music, Top 10 | Tagged , | 3 Comments

They Will Remember

Posted on October 20, 2014 by

Twenty-seven years ago today, at the age of forty-six, my father passed away. I was ten years old at the time and, needless to say, his passing was one of the two or three most profoundly defining moments of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Blessings, Dad, Devotional, Faith, Family, Fathering | 3 Comments

For Tara

Posted on June 23, 2011 by

The prophet Isaiah spoke of one who was “acquainted with grief.” Unfortunately, for some grief is less a mere acquaintance and more an unwelcome associate, an unbidden sojourner that can’t be shaken. My sister Tara is one such individual. Our … Continue reading →

Posted in Blessings, Dad, Disappointment, Family, Mom, My Girls, Tara | 2 Comments

The Sons of Greatness

Posted on June 16, 2011 by

In Ken Burns’ fabulous documentary Baseball, there’s an anecdote about Willie “Pops” Stargell. In 1971, Stargell’s Pirates won the World Series in 7 games, defeating the defending-champion Baltimore Orioles. Stargell, an eventual Hall of Famer, had a particularly brutal series … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball, Books, Dad, Family | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Art of Saying No

Posted on March 23, 2011 by

I’m like most people I know: too busy. I’m probably a nerd for doing this, but I begin each Monday morning by diagramming out my week: administrative responsibilities on Monday, meetings and visits to make on Tuesday, classes to teach … Continue reading →

Posted in Dad, Faith, General, Ministry | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A Penny Is Just A Penny

Posted on June 19, 2010 by

When is a penny “just a penny”? Depends, I guess. While we were in the hospital for Sunny’s surgery, part of my daily ritual was to run downstairs to the cafeteria to grab a little breakfast and bring it back … Continue reading →

Posted in Dad, General, Humor | 3 Comments

A Pessimist’s Take on Hope

Posted on April 18, 2010 by

My Dad was a pretty negative guy. When I was growing up, I could never go to my friends’ swimming parties. When I asked why, my Dad would say, “Because you don’t know how to swim.” “How am I supposed … Continue reading →

Posted in Dad, Devotional, Eschatology, Faith, God, Hope, Kingdom Values, Theology | 5 Comments

Easter Thoughts: Resurrection

Posted on April 5, 2010 by

Today I had the opportunity to worship at my “home church”, College Hills in Lebanon, Tennessee. When you’re in full time ministry, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to go back “home” for Sunday service; in my 10+ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Dad, Devotional, Eschatology, Faith, Family, God, Gospel, Huntsville, Jesus, Kids, Love God, Ministry, Mom, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment