D. J. Manuel Yesterday I woke up and found an envelope with my name on it in my office chair. Inside was a wonderful greeting card from my wife, Melissa. The card seemed to capture the full spectrum of emotions we’ve shared in the 16 years we’ve been together. One line in the card said… “We’re not perfect … Read more
I had a great conversation this morning with Larry Holman, Pastor of First Baptist Church Hooper City, in Birmingham, Alabama. Larry and I went to high school together at Ramsay High in Birmingham. Now he pastors the church where I was baptized that’s behind my Grandma’s house. We talked a lot about the neighborhood and … Read more
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 NKJV) My mother-in-law is battling ovarian cancer (and winning in Jesus’ name). Her faith, strength, and resolve have been a huge testimony to me. Yesterday her blood levels were low … Read more
Yesterday was Independence Day and my wife and I decided to go see the parade in our city. On the way there we stopped and got tacos then used the GPS to find out where to go. It just so happened that we found a parking space about 75 feet away facing the parade route. … Read more
“Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1 NKJV) “Leadership is Influence, nothing more, nothing less.” -John Maxwell. “Influence is power. It can be used to empower or overpower.” -Jeremie Kubicek. We will have leaders and influencers in every … Read more
When our kids were smaller, specifically when Faith Marie was around two, her big brother DeVonti had a toy siren whistle. It was a small plastic cone with a fan inside. When the whistle was blown the fan would turn and make a fun siren sound. Faith saw her brother having such a great time … Read more
My mother-in-law and I were traveling to an appointment in another city. We decided to use my wife’s new GPS. The firm female voice of the GPS said things like “get in the right lane and prepare to turn right in 1 mile”. Her commands were not optional and at times she was almost annoying, … Read more
Rule #1: The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. When it comes to our faith in God it’s always good to start from the top. Before we get bogged down in all of the nuances of church life, traditions, or commands that honestly make authentic faith seem overwhelming, we should … Read more