I glanced down at my then-10-year-old’s church notebook and smiled. There were a couple of small pictures in the margins, but unlike many other church notebooks of children her age, the page was full of notes. She copied them fiercely from the television screens above the row where we sat for many years in the back area of First Baptist Atlanta’s sanctuary, reserved for choir members. Our baby girl copied big sister, writing and doodling in her notebook, as a children’s Bible sat on her Continue Reading
The Farmer’s Principle – Reaping What We Sow {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“You have a magical green thumb, daddy!” “No, I don’t. I just take care of my plants, that’s all. I was but a little boy when my dad taught me a valuable lesson. We didn’t have much money, so father planted vegetables in our backyard. One day, I was helping him sow some seeds. I had just placed some in the ground, put dirt back in the hole and was patting it with my small hands, when he said something I’ll never forget: ‘You are responsible for everything you sow, son. If you don’t water Continue Reading
Dr. Charles F. Stanley – A Life of Unwavering Faith {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I sat on the front row of the audience at the InTouch Ministries broadcast studio, where I was invited to watch the taping of an exclusive interview between two of the most acclaimed pastors of our time. For 45 uninterrupted minutes, Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, interviewed his dad, Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Atlanta since 1971, and president of InTouch Ministries. The interview will be broadcast during the week of Stanley’s 85th birthday Continue Reading
Allow God to Handle Your Battles {Column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“Fight your battles on your knees.” I have been privileged to sit under Dr. Charles Stanley’s teaching at First Baptist Atlanta for the past 16 years. This quote is one of "30 Life Principles" that he wrote, all based on Scriptures and his life experiences as a Christian for over 70 years. I was reminded of that principle this morning during my morning walk. Both my children have recently had some bad experiences with friends who have proven to be unfaithful. As my teenage daughter shared Continue Reading
