Living Real

In 2011, I started a new tradition, joining hundreds of others — instead of a New Years’ resolution, or a dozen, none of which I remember after a day or two, I’ve focused on One Word. Last January, I shared my One Word. It was “know” — to know God and myself more. Since I [...]

Playing for Change is an organization created to “inspire, connect and bring peace to the world through music.” This particular video is “Stand by Me” — the old Ben E. King song. The “band” is made up of street musicians. The premise shared by Roger Ridley of Santa Monica, California is simple and beautiful. “No matter [...]

John-John's introduction to me wasn't exactly cordial. As I talked to Josh about us all being messes that God cleans up, John-John walked up and started trying to drag Josh over to where he'd been sitting with some other people. John-John told Josh that "Mama" wanted him to come over and sit with them. It didn't [...]

I met Josh under a bridge in Knoxville last month. He walked up to the place where our students (The ConneXion) were grilling and serving plates of hamburgers with chips and a dessert.  His left eye was red and the bruising was already beginning to show. He was shirtless, wearing denim shorts that were too [...]

The last Live Love event that our student ministry, The ConneXion, had (September 13th) was so full of stories, it has taken me almost a month to sort it out (okay, so I procrastinated, too). I will break it down into several posts so that they are more digestible. Enjoy. This Sunday evening started out [...]

The last Live Love event that our student ministry, The ConneXion, had (September 13th) was so full of stories, it has taken me almost a month to sort it out (okay, so I procrastinated, too). I will break it down into several posts so that they are more digestible. Enjoy. To say that extremes rule [...]

Heroes. Who are they? Definitely the guys and gals who serve in our military, defending our nation and all she stands for. Add in those who lay their lives on the line every day as law enforcement and firefighters.  I met some heroes of a different ilk on Tuesday. They are currently residents of the [...]