Average Us

[taken at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia, May 25^th, 2012]

One year ago, on May 25^th, 2012, my Dad was laid to rest with military honors. He died suddenly and unexpectedly of pulmonary fibrosis. I performed the brief committal service. (Here’s what I said.) The Honor Guard fired three volleys. Then, I played taps for my Dad as he wished. It was my last obedience to my father. My last honor given to him. I miss my dad.

Do you miss your departed loved ones? Having a rough time? Here’s how I find hope after bad times.

In Photography interment ceremony, Jack Hetrick, military funeral

Leave a comment

God’s Will and Your Big, Stupid Mistakes — 4 Things to Remember

Lon — May 14, 2013 — 5 Comments

When was the last time you really blew it? I mean, really, really blew it? Like, “This-is-the-end-I’ll-never-recover-my-life-is-over, blew it?”

Are you there now? Full of despair like the man in this painting?

[photo by MatoWinyan via Photobucket]

If so, please believe this: Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. (Psalm 23)

Here’s how I know this is true…
Continue Reading…

In Being Average, Spiritual Life Christ, despair, faithfulness, forgiveness, God, gospel, hope, Jesus, providence, sovereignty

Happy Mother’s Day wherever you are! You could celebrate like these ladies if you lived near Sugar Hill, Georgia. I recommend the white chocolate raspberry cake.

(Notice the bears on the umbrellas? It’s windy today.)

In Fun Stuff Mother's Day, Sugar Hill

Leave a comment

Praise is the verbal admiration of the excellencies of God.

What Is Praise?

Posted on May 10, 2013 In Spiritual Life God, praise, worship

Leave a comment

10 Useful Things You Can Do When Someone You Love Wants to Dig a Hole — And Die In It

Lon — May 6, 2013 — 8 Comments

Is suicide a problem, or a solution?

For most of us, the thought of digging a hole and lying down in it to be covered up with dirt is terrifying. But there came a time for Dawn when it was a solution she longed for.

[photo by ill.have.another via Flickr]

Let me tell you about it…

In Being Average, Emotional Health, Spiritual Life anxiety, Christ, depression, God, hope, panic attack

[taken in a village somewhere in Guatemala, 2009.]

In 2009, I traveled with our daughter Haley to Guatemala on a short-term medical missions trip. While visiting one of the villages, this abuela (grandmother) honored me by dressing me in her village’s traditional costume. Guatemalan costumes are unique to each village. It meant so much to me that she would thank me in this way.

By the way, one six-year-old little girl laughingly teased that I was not Haley’s madre. I was her abuela. And in this costume, I kind of look the part.

In Photography abuela, Guatemala, missions, photo friday

Leave a comment

Why Pastors Shouldn’t Teach Tithing — One Pastor’s Gracious Response

Lon — April 27, 2013 — 7 Comments

I didn’t see it coming. I hadn’t intended it to happen. But last week, Average Us became controversial. I wrote a post about Why Pastors Shouldn’t Teach Tithing and lots of you showed up to read why, tell me you agree, or disagree, or imply that I’m a false prophet.

Calvin and Hobbes fighting

(Phew! I’m just a little too average for all that. And btw – we Christians should give generously to support the mission Jesus has given to the church. I explain how much we should give, and why we should give, in What Jesus and His Apostles Taught About Giving.)

One of the disagree-ers was Pastor Tom from California. He wrote a very thoughtful comment explaining why he disagreed, and I thought it was such a great example of Christ-like humility and charity that I asked his permission to offer a reply in this post. Here is Pastor Tom’s comment: