Heading to the mountains

"After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." (Mark 6:46 NIV) There’s something about climbing up into the mountains that brings a smile to my face. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in the hills of Southwest Virginia and the mountains remind me of home. Or if it’s because

Jesus, baptism, and live colored Easter chicks

“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised

Suffering and strawberry milkshakes

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)  On our way to Dr. Johnson’s office in my dad’s big Buick, Dad glanced

Cliff diving and the fear of rejection

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (Proverbs 29:25 NIV). Some years ago, when I was young and foolish (or should I say more foolish) I found myself standing on a tall cliff overlooking South Holston Lake with a couple of my best buddies.

Measuring the love in Granny’s biscuits

“And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) When Robin and I first got married I wanted her to learn how to make biscuits like my Granny’s. My Granny’s biscuits were amazing! So thick and fluffy… with a pad of