Author: Nick

Yesterday my Thursday morning men’s group decided to start a journey through the Gospel of Mark. Wanting to get a head start, I read Chapter 1. Something hit me in the face: It all starts with Repentance. In Chapter 1 we learn that John the Baptist led the way for Jesus preaching a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4. The first words of Jesus that Mark records: “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15″ The modern Christian lingo is a little light on repentance. We talk a lot about “salvation” and being “born again.” Not so much about “repentance.” Our Christian music proclaims “Good News,” being “Redeemed.” We know that “Jesus did it all” and “the battle is already won.” Not much mention of “repentance.” The first step in looking at something like this is to consider the words which are translated “repent” or “repentance.” In the Old Testament, there is “nacham,” which means to turn around or to change the mind. Then there is “sub” used over 600 times and translated as “turn,” “return,” “seek,” or “restore.” In the New Testament, its the Greek […]

I have had many titles in my life and I am pretty proud of most of them. Some are based on relationships: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. All pretty cool. Some were based on position: Legalman First Class (U. S. Navy), Pastor, Yes I was a Pastor of a tiny church for a while. It was even smaller when I quit. Attorney – okay that one is a mixture of pride and shame, but you get the idea. Recently my granddaughter told me, “My brother and I only answer the first couple of times you call.” I said, “Why?” She said, “Because after that you are just “butt dialing.” I knew the term. I’m not that old. I just didn’t like the idea of it being applied to me. After some meditation, I realized that folks often call or text me and ask “Did you call?” They are usually nice enough not to sneer: “Butt Dialer” under their breath, but now I get it. The problem is I’m not sure how to stop. I don’t keep my phone in my back pocket so I know I’m not a literal “butt dialer.” I have noticed times when my phone seems connected […]

When asked “Are you a lover or a fighter?” I don’t have a pat answer. I guess it depends on where I am in life. I know I’m a lover when it comes to those close to me: my wife of 52 years, my daughter, my granddaughters, and my great-grandkids. But that’s easy. Those are easy to love. In my eyes, they are beautiful and precious. Loving them doesn’t seem justification to crown me a lover. In fact, those relationships would also seem to qualify me as a fighter. Mess with just one of them, and see. I suppose to some groups I may be one or the other. I like to think my clients and the legal opposition consider me a fighter. The folks at church would probably vote more for a lover, I hope. I suppose most of my acquaintances don’t know enough about me to put me in either category. The baristas at Jet or Starbucks based on my witty comments and “generous” tips, think I’m a pretty funny good customer…no love or fight there. I’m not sure what my associates at The Gachassin Firm think. They are lawyers or lawyer-like so I don’t trust what […]

When you think of “church” do you envision a building you go to on Sundays? You know the place. It’s where you go dressed slightly better than you dress during the week. You sit in a group, all facing the same way. You are looking in the same direction so you can see and hear better. You are an observer, a listener. When you think about it, it’s much like going to a movie, a concert, or a town hall meeting. It’s a lot like being in school. You are there to watch and learn. Your participation may include singing along, dropping something in the collection basket, and responding to verbal clues as is customary in your “denomination.” Frankly, your “participation” is minimal and mostly scripted. Modern church is essentially a “school.” It’s participation principally through observation. During the pandemic, many churchgoers learned they could “go to church” without leaving their homes. More dramatically, they learned they could have a “better” “church” experience virtually. From the comfort of their homes, they could dress more comfortably than they did during the week. They could “church” while reading the Sunday paper and having a leisurely breakfast. They could choose from many […]

Is it “legal” to use letter size paper in legal matters, such as pleadings. Now to the non-legal mind, the answer would seem simple: For legal stuff, use legal paper. What makes legal size paper “legal?” The federal courts abandoned “legal” size paper decades ago. We all know that the feds are smarter than everyone else. The bar should have simply followed along. But apparently that hasn’t happened. I was told this week, “All pleadings that leave this office have to be on legal paper.” I have filed pleadings on “letter” paper for years, thus I was a bit offended by this and, more so, by the follow up, “You should start drafting in legal.” Well, let’s get this straight. In decades of filing on letter paper I have had only I pleading rejected. That was by a court in North Louisiana. Enough said? Last time I was in court in North Louisiana I think the judge was wearing a powdered wig and spoke like Shakespeare. The first time I had opposition to my letter sized filings came from the infamous J. Minos Simon. When I filed on letter sized paper in a case with Minos, he filed a […]

Why are you afraid? Notice I didn’t ask if you were afraid. I assumed fear in you. That’s a fair assumption. Although fear is often denied, most are afraid of something. There’s lots to be afraid of. Here are just the “top ten”: Change. Loneliness Failure Rejection Uncertainty Something Bad Happening Getting Hurt Being judged Inadequacy Loss of freedom Admit it. At least one of the above is something you think about. You might not admit that it’s something you fear, but that’s okay. Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Jesus often said, “Fear not” or words to that effect. In one case, he gave us a clue as to how to accomplish that. Before he calmed the sea for the frightened disciples, he asked, “Why are you afraid?” Matthew 8:23-27. Then He calmed the sea. “The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Jesus spoke through his actions: “There is no need to fear. I am here.” The answer to fear, is Jesus. Consider those top 10 fears: Change. We fear change because we’ve become comfortable where we are. Life may not be perfect, […]

I guess the best test of a vacation is how you feel about coming home. I have had vacations that I didn’t want to end. I had a great time on those occasions and wasn’t ready to get back to the real world. Sounds like a great vacation, but such are vacation failures. Shouldn’t a great vacation make you eager to get back to your real life? Vacations shouldn’t end with regret but thankfulness. I just had a great vacation. Yesterday while still in Texas I asked Siri for some “Great American Food” suggestions. She came back with eleven Mexican restaurants and one barbeque joint. That’s how you know you’re in Texas. The food back home is better. I have lived in multiple locations mainly during 11 years in the Navy and 27 months in Gainesville for law school. There is good food everywhere but Acadiana food is the best. Can’t wait to get back to it. Looking for bluebonnets in Texas was fun and when found they are beautiful. They don’t, however, match the gorgeousness of Louisiana Azaleas. I have those in my own yard. I’ve mentioned watching the sunrise in the hill country of Texas. That was […]

After the first day of our vacation, I posted a summary. In case you missed it, you can catch it here. This might have led you to believe I would be doing so daily. Foolish you. I am a lawyer on vacation. Do you really have positive expectations? Grow up. There have been some interesting happenings that I would like to share. Many will make you glad you didn’t go on vacation. The Honda Remote Adventure One morning I decided to be productive while my traveling companions slept. They do that a lot. I had been getting a message from my Honda Pilot that the remote battery was low. We looked in the owner’s manual to determine what should be done. It was no help at all. I googled “Replace Honda Remote Battery” and, at least found out what battery was needed to make the replacement. I found the replacement at Walmart. (There is nothing worth having that can’t be found at Walmart.) I googled “How to change the battery in a Honda Pilot Remote.” I was not amazed at all when a YouTube video appeared with all (I thought) directions. I followed the directions on remote 1 and […]