Extraordinary Service

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Last week, I had the great honor of participating in my father’s funeral…the celebration of Papa’s homecoming! I know that phrasing sounds unusual…but it was an unusual service…an extraordinary service, really! I’ve attended a fair number of funerals over the … Continue reading

NO More Sermon Stat’s!

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Last Sunday morning, as my wife and I were preparing to leave the house for Sunday School, the television news ended and In Touch Ministries came on.  We were greeted by the voice of Dr. Charles Stanley boldly proclaiming, “There are … Continue reading

Seeing Woman

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Seeing Woman (A poem by Joseph J Pote) Little boy cuddled in Mom’s lap, Both sitting on the floor Learning about batteries As I walk through the door. Chores aren’t quite finished. TV is being ignored. Lesser things will have … Continue reading

Courageous Divorce

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I’ve seen the movie Courageous twice now, once with my family and once with my church men’s group, and I thoroughly enjoyed it both times.  In both viewings, I tensed at the action, fought back tears at the sorrow, and laughed … Continue reading

Hannah and Samuel ~ When a Child’s Environment is Beyond Our Control

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Most of us are familiar with the Bible story of Hannah, mother of Samuel, and how, though barren and childless, she prayed and believed God would give her a son.  Hannah is often held up as an example of a … Continue reading

Jay-Jay’s Story ~ Life in a Polygamist Separatist Extremist Mobile Compound

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Jay-Jay was born and raised in a mobile compound, out in the desert, by a polygamist group of separatist extremists.  His father, the compound director, preached a separatist position toward all their neighbors in nearby towns, and frequently moved the … Continue reading

Jacy’s Story – Born in a Barn

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I can still hear my Mama’s voice, calling to me from across the house, “Joey, shut that door!  Were you born in a barn?” Growing up in the South, all of us kids heard that question every time we left … Continue reading

Single Parenting and Step Parenting

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Parenting is both tremendously challenging and tremendously rewarding.  Few of us realized, when we began the parental journey, just how difficult the task would prove to be, or how many nights would pass in sleepless prayerful concern over our offspring. … Continue reading