Author Archives: salooper57

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About salooper57

Husband, father, pastor, follower. I am a disciple of Jesus, learning how to do life from him. I read, write, walk, play a little guitar, enjoy my family.

The King of the Castle?

Posted on March 8, 2018 by salooper57

I just finished a short series titled, “The King of the Castle.” The king is not husband/dad but Jesus the Lord. How do we seek (and experience) the kingdom of God in our homes? The first message in the series … Continue reading →

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Chris Pratt Abused for Admitting That He Prays

Posted on March 3, 2018 by salooper57

When the actor Chris Pratt tweeted that he was praying his derriere off – he didn’t use that French word but a ruder English equivalent – for filmmaker Kevin Smith, he was roundly criticized. That is putting it too mildly. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, In the News | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Congratulations on Your New Home, Billy

Posted on February 24, 2018 by salooper57

How would Billy Graham respond to all the publicity surrounding his death? I suspect he would do what he routinely did – he was, after all, no stranger to publicity. He would ask himself and his team: “How can we … Continue reading →

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The Key to the Good Life

Posted on February 17, 2018 by salooper57

The good life is all about good relationships. Our most serious problems and our greatest accomplishments involve relationships. Studies have repeatedly shown that good relationships contribute more to happiness than success, and bad relationships contribute more to unhappiness than failure. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Lifestyle, Marriage and Family | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Strange History of St. Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 10, 2018 by salooper57

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. The pressure is on. Forget to buy a gift, and you might be in the doghouse. Forget to send a card, and you’ll be lucky to get the doghouse key. I almost always remember to buy … Continue reading →

Posted in In the News, Lifestyle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide?

Posted on February 3, 2018 by salooper57

The U.S. Department of the Treasury maintains three gift funds, one of which is known as the “Conscience Fund,” established in 1811. The name stuck after the Civil War when a former Army quartermaster who had misappropriated funds sent a … Continue reading →

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Churches as Contempt-free and Condemnation-free Zones

Posted on January 27, 2018 by salooper57

It is generally acknowledged that our society has become increasingly mean-spirited. Unless today’s politician is chronically incensed and habitually scornful, no one will take him or her seriously. The so-called “liberal elite” are famously contemptuous: that conservatives are morally-challenged dimwits … Continue reading →

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More Links Do Not Make a Stronger Chain

Posted on January 20, 2018 by salooper57

A fellow-juror once told me, at the conclusion of a trial, that he really enjoyed jury duty. I could see how he might say he appreciated the American system of justice, or how he counted it an honor to serve, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Is There Still a Place for “Onward, Christian Soldiers” in the Hymnal?

Posted on January 13, 2018 by salooper57

Thirty years ago, there was a ruckus in the United Methodist Church over its hymnody. The hymnal revision committee had recommended the removal of two well-known gospel songs with militaristic overtones: “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Onward, Christians … Continue reading →

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Common Ways – and One Uncommon Way – to Handle Conflict

Posted on January 6, 2018 by salooper57

The beginning of a new year can serve as a catalyst for dealing with old problems, including long-standing relational conflicts. Every family – every person – experiences conflict. Two people are all that it takes to set the stage and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lifestyle, Marriage and Family | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments