This weekend is Father’s Day 2024. What are your plans? If you can join us at Journey Church Cynthiana, we promise to make YOUR DAD smile. Maybe gathering with dear old dad in a worship gathering like Journey Church could be the best dad gift ever. Dad’s are kind of funny, you know. They sometimes have a hard time expressing how they feel. Most dads I’ve met get a little tongue tied expressing their love. They sure do love their kids, though. I think, mostly dads just like to hear from their kids on Father’s Day. Seeing them in person is a big bonus. If your dad is local bring him with you t ..read more

I have been speaking to a lot of people who are having a difficult time locating affordable housing. Many people who are renting property have been informed their rent is increasing substantially. I have asked if they qualify for a bank loan? Do they have a down payment? A home builder is currently constructing 110 affordable homes in a subdivision where we live. This is the largest residential building project in our area for years. Unfortunately, many people desperate for permanent housing do not qualify. Many local renters are unable to come up with the down payment for affordable priced ..read more

When I was dating my wife (52 years ago) there was a clear agenda. I wanted to impress the girl I was dating. I knew this would require extra effort on my part. I would do my best to clean up, spruce up, and dress up before picking her up for a date. As our relationship deepened, continuing through High School and beyond, it was apparent. I would do anything to win her heart forever. Eventually, I knew this was the girl I wanted to marry. I was wholly committed, whatever the sacrifice might require; whatever personal changes I would make. And, oh boy, did I ever have to make some changes. My ..read more

Are you a good listener? How about a great listener? Most of us believe we’re listening all the time. However, we all must admit we’re capable of missing key information in a conversation. Our wives and loved ones tell us, “You’ve got selective hearing.” We may remember the box scores of all the games last night, but forget the grocery list. Our wife had items to pick up at the store, but we forgot something on the list. Listening is not automatic just because we have two ears. It is a skill to be learned and practiced in life. This weekend we share part two of a summer series, IT’S NOT COM ..read more

If you’ve got a gym membership and are actively using it, the question we may have is, “Is this working? I’m spending a lot of money. Am I controlling my weight? Am I feeling healthier?” When we begin a medical treatment we ask the doctor, “Will this fix or cure whatever is wrong?” When our young adult chooses a college major every parent wonders, “Will this degree help them get a good job in the future?” Many of us approach God and His Church in a similar fashion. We have legitimate questions. We need more information. We may wonder if the time and resources invested in a regular gathering ..read more

Connie and I have been watching an amazing Springtime story of birth and life unfold for weeks. Just outside our living room window a big momma Robin (dad helped) built her nest (again). This tree has become a regular nesting place for Robins each Spring. We watched mom and dad Robin fly back and forth, finding mud, sticks, and straw, shaping their nest. Soon after the nest was completed, five (we think) blue Robin eggs were tucked safely inside.    Five eggs is our best guess. We’re not absolutely certain how many eggs were in the nest. Momma Robin is very protective. Now, al ..read more

Are you the person who reads the instructions inside the box before fixing something? Building something? My wife is a classic example. She likes to do the homework. Before beginning the job she’ll read it, research it, Google it, and YouTube video it. She just watched a bunch of YouTube video about “How to replace the surge valve on a 2013 Ford Fusion.” For several weeks she’s been on a mission to find a “fix” for a mechanical problem with her car. She took her car to a couple local mechanic shops. They could never identify the problem. Like going to a dentist for a toothache. We get there ..read more

Connie and I lived in the Permian Basin oil fields of West Texas for twenty one years. Our church family were nearly all, transplanted, temporary residents in Midland, Texas. Just like Connie and I and three kids. Their careers in the oil industry brought them to the city. Youth Ministry brought Connie and I there. With our many new friends we met, unlike Kentucky, where our families lived for generations, the people we met moved a lot. Their oil career promotions would take them to larger cities every 3-4 years. Then families often returned to Midland, two or three times, with higher level ..read more

Do not let go of your God-sized dreams. Gather new courage, wisdom, and energy before running out of steam. God promises to resupply our spiritual energy when our tank runs low. If you are a parent or grandparent you probably need a couple days each month to catch your breath. Raising healthy, happy, thriving children is a full-time gig! Family life, happy life, even when terrific is often exhausting. What’s your plan for refueling? In addition to taking short naps and short trips, finding places to retreat, here’s a key part of every good plan for renewal. Search out the Bible for a few goo ..read more

As I type a few words for this blog today my goal is to encourage with wise words. I just got off a conversation with a friend living out of state. They have been longtime supporters of my ministry and our mission at Journey Community Christian Church. I’ve helped them as pastor and friend during several life changing events. Today I learned, my friend is seeking a job change. They are hoping to find a more satisfying employment with a healthier workplace environment. This search has been months going on for months. The piece which seems to be missing in their current job is positive reinfor ..read more