• fireworks are cool
• MY COUNTRY, ‘TIS OF THEE
• I used to be scared of them until I was around 14 - just the loud part
• picnics are rad
• SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY
• means two more weeks until my birthday (I’m 30 on the 19th - dang!)
• reminds me of amazing BBQ at my grandparent’s pool from ‘85-’01
• makes me wish I had a boat
• LAND OF THE PILGRIM’S PRIDE
• actually makes me second guess my decision to not go into the Navy or Air Force
• I really appreciate the military and the hard decisions of great leaders past
• over-hyped excuses to get drunk and stupid
• under-appreciated recognition of WHAT THE DAY ACTUALLY MEANS
• LET FREEDOM RING!
• red, white, and blue is the best color combination in history
• my in-laws anniversary
• NO TYRANT HAND SHALL SMITE
• my tied-with-her-sister-for-favorite cousin got married last year
• 105 degree heat in the great state ‘o Texas
• Sousa march on the national mall
• THE HOPE OF ALL THE WORLD…
• GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE!

In our American brains we feel a sense of entitlement to complain and demand.  “The government owes me ….”  “Why isn’t this happening like I want it to…?” I completely agree with our freedom as humans to question things and speak freely.  Sadly, though, many people stop there.

Habs (my name for him) spent a long conversation pointing out the obvious to God.  He whined a little bit, questioned a little bit and worried a little bit.  However,  he sets the example for us is when he then positions himself to see what God’s response will be.  I love Pastor [...] Continue Reading…

A leader not allowed to lead is a frustrated leader.
A leader under you who you refuse to use will one day be a leader over you who you wish would use you.
“We salute the rank, not the person.” - Major Dick Winters (I wish more church leaders knew that.)
No one goes to war with people.  People go to war with ideas.
Contrary to modern political thinking, “strong language” won’t do anything against evil except fuel it.
Indecisiveness is the most deadly trait in battle - any battle.
War sucks.  Slavery and murder suck more.  Apathy sucks most.
There is a certain strength of [...] Continue Reading…

Peter is a guy who could be my best friend.  We have similar personalities and I really enjoy reading stories about my buddy, Pete.  He always had to get his thoughts in the mix.  He always had to be the first to speak (I love Jesus’ response).  He always had to know everyone’s business.

Contrary to very misinformed popular belief, God is not afraid of your arguments.  You’re not going to make him say, “Oh yeah, my bad, didn’t think of that.” So because of his sovereignty, question all day long.  Argue.  Tell him what you think.  Do you think [...] Continue Reading…

Ever think you could be missing out on something big because you don’t listen?  This guy Zeek (my name for him) was told straight up that he was to be a part of something huge.  He was to have a son who would be well known and accomplish great things for the Kingdom.  He questioned and doubted, much like you and I do, and the messenger said, “Fine, I’ll  just make it so you can only sit and watch this go down.  You will not be able to speak until it happens like I said it would happen. Look [...] Continue Reading…

“What’s the difference between Christianity and other religions?”  “Do you advocate people trying other religions like you want them to try yours?”

Are you confident enough in your Creator to invite people to seek Him?  Their seeking could include being angry with God, cursing God, trying other religions and constantly questioning your beliefs.  Are you cool with that?  Do you believe God is tough enough to handle an angry person unhappy with His design of the world?  I am.

I told a guy today, “I absolutely think it’s ok for you to search other religions for the truth.” I also said, [...] Continue Reading…