Lea and I started a bathroom remodel project about two months ago. Nothing tests your marriage like a home remodeling project with your spouse. Lea and I had our moments, but all and all we did alright. With a little help from our friends, we finished re-tiling the shower, patching the walls, texturing the walls, putting up new fixtures, replacing the counter-top and back splash, and a few other things … all in about a month. For the past month we’ve been waiting for the new shower doors to arrive so we can officially be done. Honestly I had a blast and am ready to knock out the next bathroom.
Taylor graduated from AIM (Adventures In Mission) this past week in Lubbock, Texas. I’m proud of that kid and his love for God and ministry.
Spring break has been nice. Taylor has been home most of the week, and Parker has spent the week in Honduras with the Sunset college group. I love the fact that my son would choose to spend his spring break in Honduras.
Baseball season is right around the corner and the Morgan family is excited about this. We didn’t have any luck on getting tickets for the Texas Rangers opening day, but we’ll have our chance to see a few games at the ballpark this season.
We’re headed to the Tulsa Workshop this next week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If you don’t know what that is, go back and click on the link and learn a little more. I’m going to be teaching 3 classes on marriage and family. The first class I’ll be talking about “7 Things Husbands Need and 7 Things Wives Need.” The second class I’ll be talking about “10 Traits of a Healthy Family.” And the third class I’ll cover “Ingredients to Making Good Kids.” Look on the workshop’s site and click on “schedule” and pick some classes out to go to. If you haven’t made plans to go … it’s not too late. It’s going to be a FANTASTIC weekend.
There shouldn’t even BE people living in a dump. There shouldn’t be people that have to go to the dump to find food. But thanks to you, over the last two years you’ve made a HUGE difference in the lives of the people who live at the dump. Because of Dump Day 2009, Dump Day 2010 and great ministry partners like Bread for a Hungry World, we’ve raised enough funds and awareness to start making some huge changes in the ministry at dump in Honduras…
Food is regularly brought in and hungry people are fed.
A clean water system has been placed just outside the dump.
There is now a child care facility for parents to leave their children and not take them into the dump.
A place for people to clean up is now being finished.
A massive garden will be started soon that will provide around a million pounds of food per year for the hungry.
It’s not just about providing for the dump people, it’s also about breaking the cycle of poverty and getting them out of this situation.
On Wednesday, May 4th we’ll be having Dump Day 2011. We have some special things planned this year. I can’t share all the secrets yet, but here are a few things I’ll tell you…
I’m going to offer some silicone Honduras bracelets. See them here.
Like last year we are going to once again call for a fast on that Wednesday the 4th.
We’re going to offer a very special Honduras item to those who would like one (details later).
A little child at the dump. She was given food that you provided by giving to Dump Day. I challenge you to click on her picture to see a better view of her surroundings.
Our goal is to continue to bring awareness to the suffering, poverty and helplessness of many in this world who are less fortunate than us. AND we MUST go BEYOND feeling sorry for people and actually DO something about the situation.
Compassion is not real compassion unless it’s action-oriented.
Building a vegetable garden. It's a blessing to know people with heavy machinery.
Within a block of our church building you’ll find some of the poorest people in our community. We regularly have people stop by and ask for groceries from our food room to help to feed their families.
A few weeks ago a couple of friends of mine, Nathan Hale and Andy Hubright, came through Childress and provided us with a little inspiration on another way to feed hungry people. These two young men were on their way to Honduras to start a HUGE gardening project that will feed the poorest of the poor in Honduras. We took their idea and ran with it, and yesterday we turned the vacant lot across the street from the church into a veggie garden. The idea is to grow produce to help feed the many hungry people of Childress.
Everybody is helping out with this … even two of our young elementary school aged girls, who had a garage sale two weeks ago and raised about $200 to help purchase the seeds for this project.
We’re not exactly sure how it’s all going to work, but I do know these two things …
If it feeds some hungry people in our community it will be worth it.
A nice or new building doesn’t make a church a healthy church. Big numbers of people don’t make a church a healthy church. Big budgets don’t make a church a healthy church. So what does make a healthy church? What does a healthy church look like?
Here are what I believe are 10 traits of a healthy church …
Healthy churches talk about Jesus all the time. Their main focus isn’t their building, their budget or their bottom line, it’s Jesus. Healthy churches don’t need gimmicks, they have Jesus. He’s at the center of everything they do and teach. You cannot over teach/preach Jesus. He IS the message.
Healthy churches are intentional in making disciples. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples…” and that’s the goal of a healthy church. Too many times, churches are guilty of simply making believers and not continuing to make those believers into disciples.
Healthy churches involve people. Healthy churches don’t have 10% of the people doing 90% of the work. You’ve got to incorporate and involve people. Let them know they are needed.
Healthy churches use the Bible. It’s the best book ever. It’s full of answers for people’s lives. To use something other than the bible is stupid. When we teach the bible, we must teach about relationship not just facts. Knowing the 66 books of the bible in order, how old Methuselah was, or the names of the 12 apostles WON’T get you to heaven. Knowing Jesus and having a relationship with him WILL get you to heaven. We must teach the bible.
Healthy churches put a BIG focus on children. Children are the future. You cannot put too much emphasis on the youth and children. VBS, bible classes, youth functions and youth ministers are all valuable assets in reaching, teaching and raising youth. A sign your church is dying is when worship is quiet and there are no children.
Healthy churches teach the Bible in a way people can understand. A lesson taught or preached without any application is a great mistake. People must be challenged. People need practical lessons that will help in their daily lives. God didn’t make the bible difficult, so churches don’t need to either.
Healthy churches open their arms and lives to others. Healthy churches know that there are times when physical needs are more important than spiritual needs. As the old saying goes, “People don’t care about what you know, until they know how much you care.” The church is not just about learning Christianity, it’s about LIVING like Christ. Church isn’t about what you do on Sunday during worship, but about how you love others in your community during the week.
Healthy churches are actively involved in outreach. One of the traits of a healthy church is they are always looking for ways to reach out to the lost around them. Dying churches make no effort to reach their community around them. Unhealthy churches have replaced the great commission of “Go into all the world” with “The lights are on, come if you want.” A healthy church’s mission is to share the good news anyway they can.
Healthy churches have leaders who lead. Churches will take on the personality of the leadership. If the leadership is passive and unwilling to set an example of the things mentioned above … the church will follow. But when a leadership stands up and goes to work, you watch, so will the church. Unhealthy church leadership is more concerned with being comfortable and keeping people happy, than discipleship.
Healthy churches have an atmosphere where people will want to bring their unchurched friends. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard in the past, “The last place I wanted to bring my friend was to church, because I knew the preacher would say something to embarrass them or me.” How sad. The church needs to be a safe environment where people know they can bring family or friends without them getting their “hides nailed to the wall.”
We must have looked like a motley crew, to those sitting around us. The five of us were sitting close together on a Wednesday night for bible study at church. I sat there and thought to myself, “Wow, look at how God has sat us all together right here tonight.” To someone sitting around they [...]
Last week I asked a person from my congregation to be a ghost writer on my blog. I assured them I would not tell who they were. When they asked what I wanted them to write about I told them that I’d love to know from someone who sits in the pew, “What do you [...]
There’s a clear line between constructive criticism and simply being a critic. I’ve always welcomed constructive criticism, believing that I can learn and grow from anything that’s said in a loving spirit. I’ve also never been one to wear my feelings on my sleeve. In fact, I’ve always felt I have thick skin when it [...]
It’s obvious we’re making a difference in the dump in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Here are a few things I’ve seen … * a purification system was put in this past December that provides clean water to the area. * a day care is being run just outside the dump and parents are encouraged to being their [...]
Katy is the book winner from last week’s giveaway. Congrats. I will be sticking a book in the mail to her later this week. Lukewarmness is a battle I have to fight regularly. Being lukewarm as a Christian is NOT good. Lukewarmness is found somewhere between being hot (on fire for God as he demands) [...]
After school this past Wednesday, Cooper ran to my pickup instead of going at his usual leisurely pace. He was in a hurry to get to the barbershop so he could beat everyone else and not have to wait. He was out of breath when he jumped in my pickup and said, “Come on Dad, [...]
I mentioned two weeks ago that the feeding center in Nueve Oriental, Honduras had shut down due to financial struggles. It broke my heart. GREAT NEWS: Yesterday the feeding center reopened thanks to some generous donations by many of you. There were 250 kids fed yesterday. That makes yesterday a GREAT day. Thanks for caring [...]
I want to give you a book. One of the best things Lea and I have done in our marriage is read together. Our marriage is healthier today due to the “marriage” books we’ve picked out read. After we both agree on a book, I’ll read a chapter or two, and then when she gets [...]
Lea and I are headed to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to do a Strong Marriages = Strong Families seminar. We’re looking forward to meeting some great couples, who like us, are wanting to strengthen their marriage. Some of the things that we’ll be covering are … 7 things Husbands wished their Wives knew 7 things [...]
We are making a conscience effort to reach out to people in our community that are different than us. Different backgrounds, race, traditions, opinions, etc. Our goal is not to see these people as mission projects, but as friends. I’ve told you about my friend Willie and I’ve also told you about my friend Haley [...]
You’ve heard it said that opposites attract. Maybe that’s why Lea and I have always worked so well together. She and I are direct opposites in many areas. For example: I’m a morning person and love to wake up at 5 a.m. Lea’s not a morning person. In fact in the mornings she needs an [...]
Lea and I did our Meals on Wheels route in a blizzard this week. The ground was covered in snow, the wind was blowing 40 mph and I told her to drive while I braved the elements taking the food to the door. As I zipped up to the door of the second house, I [...]
My heart hurts today. I got this message from Marc Tindall this morning, “The feeding center project in Nueve Oriental is closed until there is funding to pay the bills. We have been blessed to provide tons of food for them – please pray that we can find a way to start getting kids fed [...]
I promised the details about the summer mission trip to Honduras. I’d love you to come join me. Dates: July 9th – 16th Cost: Approximately $1550 (covers everything but a couple meals.) Who: Anyone 18 and up (Younger can go with a parent/sponsor.) Deposit: A $200 deposit is due on February 27th. This deposit will [...]
Haley cried last night as she talked … because sometimes ministry can really hurt. Last night we had a Bible study at our house. Every week a group of about 15-20 people meet to study, pray and encourage one another to be Jesus in others lives. One of the things we decided when we started [...]
Giving away houses … that’s amazing. I have been honored to be a part of Childress’ very own Extreme Home Makeover. In just over four months the community of Childress has taken a house that was to be demolished and totally renovated it. There were so many different people who worked on this project. I’m [...]
No way around it, I think that Adam and Eve probably had the perfect marriage. Here are a few reasons why … Eve never had to hear Adam talk about how good his mom cooked. Eve never questioned Adam’s faithfulness by asking, “Are you sure there’s no one else?” Eve wasn’t lying when she told Adam [...]
If you’re interested in going with me to Honduras this summer (or even slightly interested), I’ll be giving all the details about this trip this Sunday, at 5:15, at the church’s fellowship hall (210 2nd street SE). Come here all the details. If you live outside Childress, and would like to go (or know more) [...]
Maybe I give out more information about myself than I should, but I think if you’re going to read my blog, you need to know a little about the person who writes it. The following is a questionnaire that someone asked me to fill out. And while I usually hate this stuff … I actually [...]
After 4 months of work we’re winding down our Augment Project (Extreme Home Makeover). If you haven’t been keeping up with the project, you can read more about it here, here and here. This Sunday we’ll have a ribbon cutting, an open house and turn the keys over to Vicki (the lady chosen to receive [...]
Today I’m letting Jeff Foxworthy blog for me. Husbands, pay attention … this stuff could SAVE YOUR LIFE… 10. Do I look like my mother? 9. How old do you think I look? 8. What are you thinking right now? 7. Do you think she’s pretty? 6. Do you think I’m worth it? 5. How [...]
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discovers why “huge crowds” were always gathering around Jesus. He attracted people to him like a magnet. Here’s 10 reasons why … He Cared About People. We need more people like this. Jesus put others needs before his own. He didn’t just feel sorry for people, he actually [...]
I really need to get busy. I’ve got a busy Monday ahead and don’t really have time to be thinking about the following things … but I am. So here are a few things I SHOULDN’T be thinking about …. but I am: BIRTHDAYS: Thanks for all the birthday wishes on Facebook. I had a [...]
The first time I met Willie (name changed) was when he stopped by the church needing $5 for some gas money. He told me he was down on his luck and if he could get a little gas, he could get some work. I didn’t have a 5 dollar bill so I gave him a [...]
According to most women, affection is their #1 need. Affection has nothing to do with sex and is more that just holding hands at the mall. Affection actually comes in many different forms. The key is finding the one your wife likes best. Here are a few different ways a man can show affection… Words [...]
2010 has been an fantastic year for this blog. Having SO many take part in the 30 hour fast and then all of us raising $50,000 on Dump Day were two of the things at the top of my list. Here’s a list of the Top 20 posts from this past year. I’m still amazed at [...]
2010 has been an amazing year. I can’t help but smile when I look back and think about all the things I’ve been blessed to be a part of. Just thinking about it makes me excited about the new year that is right around the corner. Here are a few things I’d like to do [...]
I remember making a Christmas “wish list” every year when I was a kid. I also remember how many times I’d add things to my list that I knew Santa wouldn’t bring … but just in case I added them anyway. My two youngest sons (Connor & Cooper) still make wish-lists, while our oldest (Taylor [...]
A young girl in a black dress digs through a trash dumpster in Honduras looking for something to eat. Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is [...]
Over the past couple of months a few of you have been hitting the little “PayPal” button on this blog and making donations to Honduras. All the $10, $15 and $25 donations add up after a while. I asked Marc Tindall a couple of weeks before we went to Hondruas, “What special feeding can we [...]
Here are my thoughts about marriage, family, raising children, humor, faith and the life God intended for us all. I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
With a little help from our friends, we finished re-tiling the shower, patching the walls, texturing the walls, putting up new fixtures, replacing the counter-top and back splash, and a few other things … all in about a month. For the past month we’ve been waiting for the new shower doors to arrive so we can officially be done. Honestly I had a blast and am ready to knock out the next bathroom.
