personal
Strong Weakness
Feb 20th
It’s been one of THOSE weeks, a week where nothing seems to go as planned. Add to that a few big interruptions (my wife’s wrecked car and ensuing insurance wrangling) and everything just seems to fall apart.
Weeks like this remind me I really don’t have a whole lot of control over the circumstances of life. More >
The Sum of Your Life
Jan 20th
I just returned yesterday from a quick 24 hour, 600 mile trip to my former church. I went there to be part of the funeral of one of the pillars of that church. The occasion was sad but also an opportunity to think back and reflect on a life well lived.
As I prepared my message, More >
“Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa
Jan 17th
I read this over at Marty Duren’s blog. I liked it so much I borrowed it from him.
The poem is by Mother Teresa. Read it and let me know what you think.
People are often unreasonable, illogical,
and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, More >
Unflitered
Jan 6th
I want to see Jesus.
I want to see Jesus as He really is.
Not through the lens of my upbringing.
Not through the caricatures of popular opinion.
Not through the smoke of my theological training.
Not through the fog of my denominational affiliation.
Not through the illusions of my own mind.
I want to see Jesus, unfiltered.
Now we see things imperfectly, More >
Resolved: Read the Bible in a Year
Jan 1st
In the past, I’ve read through the Bible in a year. The last couple of years, I’ve fell behind. I’m resolving to do it again this year. Actually, I’ve gotten a head start. I bought the God Sightings: One Year Bible (NLT) two or three weeks ago and jumped in on the date I bought More >
Merry Christmas!
Dec 25th
The Westbrook family, Teresa, Lauren, and Rob, would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!
A Plug for Capps Cove
Dec 18th
The picture to your left is the cabin my wife, Teresa, and I stayed in last weekend. We slipped off last Friday and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. On the recommendation of Dave Anderson, we spent one night at Capps Cove, a bed and breakfast, north of Birmingham, Alabama. We really enjoyed it. The More >
My Two Cents for Pastors
Sep 30th
I read this yesterday and got a miserable feeling in my gut. Such tragic, tragic news. I didn’t know this pastor and I don’t know any circumstances surrounding his death. But it still hurts. Almost every week I hear of another pastor taking his own life, having an affair, or leaving the ministry altogether.
The pressures More >
Diet Mountian Dew is Safe
Jan 22nd
For those of you who know me, you know there’s usually a can or bottle of Diet Mountain Dew very close by. Some of you have expressed concern about this and have worried about my health and safety because of my high intake of this beverage. I thank you for your concern but I now More >
Disappear
Jan 9th
In my mind, Bebo Norman writes some of the best songs in the Christian music world. And one of the finest examples is his song “Disappear.” Check these words out:
I don’t want to care about earthly things
Be caught up in all the lies
That trick my eyes
They say it’s all about me
I’m so tired of it More >
Concert Anniversary Surprise
Dec 9th
Last night Casting Crowns came to the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo, MS with their traveling Christmas show. Along with Casting Crowns, the show also included Avalon, Natalie Grant, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Michael English, and PureNRG Since today (December 9) is Teresa and I’s anniversary, and since Teresa is a HUGE Avalon fan, More >
A Pastor’s Appreciation
Nov 3rd
Today LifePointe surprised me with a gift for Pastor’s Appreciation. I originally had this in the Sunday Rewind post (see below), but thought it important enough to warrant it’s own post.
When I was presented with the gift, I took time to show my appreciation to the one who may be behind the scenes, but without More >
