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A Very Fond Farewell!

Yesterday was the final Sunday of ministry for Pastor Don and Laurie Chapin, completing over 10 years of faithful ministry as Student Ministries' Pastor.  I had the opportunity to share some brief thoughts with the Chapins and our congregation at the end of the morning service.  I thought I'd post them on my blog in...

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Christmas Tree of Memories

I can remember the first tree that Laurie and I had for Christmas together. While I always grew up with "fake" trees, Laurie always had real, and I was excited to have a real one.  I can still remember the look, feel and smell of it.  It was so big (or maybe our apartment was...

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Christmas Joy

This past weekend, Carol and I bought the supplies to make a JOY nativity outdoor Christmas yard sign. As I was cutting out the letters for this sign, I was reminded of the fact that while joy is a word and emotion focused on during the Christmas season, it is also one of the fruits...

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Thanks, George!

Here is the full text of President George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation after it was finally clear that the United States of America would survive as a nation.  It takes a little effort since we don’t talk like this today.  However, if you take the time to understand his words, you’ll see the heart of...

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Obamney or Robama?

It’s election season.  It is an inescapable reality. Whether you turn on the TV or radio or your home phone is ringing off the hook with “surveys” we are continually assaulted with messages for or against one person or another, for or against a proposal.  I tried to get to know the candidates and what...

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It’s That Time Again!

    I recently came across this old cartoon and was reminded again of how important it is for us to be committed to integrity in relation to our use of copyrighted material.  The timing was interesting since our church was just notified that we are required to report our copyright activity for the next...

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Risky and Radical

Recently, I have been working my way through two different books, both of which have been very similar in their message. The one is entitled Risk by Kenny Luck and the other is entitled Radical by David Platt. Both books have challenged me to think through my answer to the question, “What is Jesus worth...

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Giving God the glory for 10 years

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their encouragement and generosity for my 10 year celebration. But more than that, I want to give glory to God for the people that he has used over the years to encourage, help, sustain, teach, and love me and my family over the years. I...

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Stages

Would you mind humoring me for a few moments of personal reflection?  This weekend, my wife Kim and I enter a new stage of life…that of parents of married children!  Just before noon, on Saturday, September 8, 2012, our son, Brad will take his best friend, Audrey to be his wife….and life for them (and...

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Good-Bye Summer

As much as I hated to do it, this past Monday I had to officially say “good-bye” to summer as my kids started back into school. I love summer. I love the long sunny days. I love being outside. I love a schedule where the kids don’t have to be in bed at a certain...