General
The Blessing of Spiritual Fathers: Remembering Pastor Steve (1931-2021)
Saturday afternoon I received a call from a daughter of my teenage pastor. She informed me that her beloved father–Steve Watkins–had passed away and was now in the presence of Jesus (Philippians 1:23).
I was sad for our great loss, but also happy because of his graduation to glory.
“Pastor Steve,” as most of us called him, was an important spiritual father to many and a link in the chain of salvation that stretches to the nation of Mongolia.
Here is our story–and why spiritual fathers are so needed in our lives.
What the “D” Now Stands for Behind a Candidate’s Name
Though this is a mundane political year around the United States, October is still a month to focus on candidates and issues for upcoming November elections.
Our local ballot is small but filled with names that have an “R” or a “D” behind them.
The “D” once stood for a Democratic Party which championed democracy, the working class, and personal responsibility (remember JFK).
Not in 2021. Here’s what the “D” now stands for behind a candidate’s name.
Successful Marriages–Our Greatest Social Need
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in life including in my marriage. Sin and failure are a part of being human (unfortunately).
But I’ve also made some good choices that brought the blessing of God. One was taking Shirley Jean Cookson as my wife on October 10, 1976.
One of our sons is getting married this week on the same day–forty-five years later. We’re happy to share the date (we were married on my Grandma Boehme’s birthday.)
Marriage is the bedrock of a thriving nation. Nothing creates greater social stability and happiness than great marriages.
What are the secrets to a successful marriage?