All posts by Thom
Change My Mind, Change My Heart
If you are willing to participate, over the next days or months I am going to write down the way God is changing my mind about the roles he has given to me. The following regards my role as a parent in the life of my kids. Later I intend to do something similar in…
For My Baby Sister
I have always secretly believed that you are the best of us. You have never given me reason to doubt that. Can I tell you that you never disappointed me? I always believed in you. You inspire me. You may wonder how I can say such things when I know of the dark places you…
The End of the Road
After I returned home from lunch I took a nap. It was Sunday. There was nothing I could do about my truck so I went to sleep. While I was sleeping Nick and my neighbor’s son-in-law removed the bumper and smashed front fender. Now the truck would at least roll without miscellaneous parts obstructing the…
Letter to My Friends
Dear Friends, Ten years ago this past Father’s Day I had to make an unplanned trip to Florida. My dad had just died. As I think about that time I remember the most difficult part. It wasn’t the stuff I would have thought of in advance, like the visitation time, funeral, or graveside service. My…
The Next Day
After returning home I went back to bed. I’m amazed now that I was able to go back to sleep. I had a huge mess to clean up in the morning. The following morning Nick and I went to the service station in the heart of downtown Ooltewah. After explaining the situation we were told…
Wet Roads, Speed, and a Curfew
“Caleb, wake up!” I’m not the guy who awakens gradually or peacefully. I was up and reaching for my pants before my mind was fully engaged. As I fumbled about in the dark looking for something for my feet, my mind began to sputter into life. “What’s wrong? What am I doing?” “Nick’s been in…
Smiles from the Third World
Ashley and Isabella But I don’t know, that’s just me talkin’.
Gender Convergence
I think sometimes I walk on the edge in the dark, metaphorically speaking that is. Has this ever happened to you? The other day I was about my normal routine of working, parenting, and housekeeping. Yes, I confess, housekeeping. I am a victim of the recently named phenomenon called “gender convergence.” Have you heard of…
Concerning Your Brother
Not too long ago your mom told me that your brother called and wanted to stay longer. No one had to tell me why he wanted that. I immediately thought that he must have met a girl. It was just intuitive. I had nothing to base my conclusion on. I know a little about young…
Concerning Your Sister
The thing I think I have the most difficulty communicating to my kids is that the stuff that truly satisfies is not within their reach. Sometimes I’m the source of the difficulty. I want to bring my kids to Jesus but I don’t think that is his way of accomplishing his agenda. The shepherd does…