Nick’s Walk

What was the best date you ever had? Yes, I mean “date.” You know: time with another person just to be together. You remember dates don’t you. Well, try to remember your best one ever. I can. It was my first date with Rosemary. It’s a pretty funny story but I can’t tell it all. Too much is just between us. The highlight, important for my point here, was that we talked a lot. I had never talked that much to a girl or listened that much either. The circumstances weren’t great. She had to work that night so our date started late. Neither of us were very experienced daters. We went to a pretty lousy place. But by the time I brought her home I knew that I was in love and I had met the girl of my dreams. I had gone into the evening just hoping for a good time and got so much more. What made this such a great life-changing date? What separated this time of two people together from so many others that are awkward or uncomfortable? Part of it was kairos. I don’t mean the prison ministry, but the greek word that […]

On Thursday, Brandon Scott Lavergne and I will both be at Angola. You know why Lavergne will be there. I will be present as a guest of the warden and the chaplain co-ordinator for Kairos Prison Ministry. Many of you have supported the ministry with prayer, money, and our famous cookies. The ministry has been serving at Angola for nearly twenty years and we are trusted friends of the prison. I have had coffee and frank discussions with Warden Cain. All he really knows about me is that I’m “with Kairos.” That’s all it takes. The administration of Angola respects what Jesus has done through Kairos and other prison ministries. On Thursday, members of the Kairos Advisory Board will be looking at expanding our ministry to Camp J. The prison has asked us to do this. We are short of volunteers, but long on Jesus. We currently serve Camps C, D and the main prison. We do retreats in these camps and encourage weekly prayer and share meetings with the residents. We call them “residents” and not inmates, cons, prisoners or whatever. Camp J is a disciplinary camp. It houses those who haven’t learned to follow the many rules […]

Ten years after September 11, 2001, the press declared the War in Afganastan to be the longest war. . . in American history. It’s by no means the longest war in world history. There have been so many long wars that “experts” can’t agree which was really the longest. Why so many wars and why do they last so long? Because everyone, it seems, wants to be the boss. Every war is about “Who’s the boss?” The very first war still goes on and is clearly the longest. Like all wars it was fought over control, being the boss. The original combatants, God and his angels and Lucifer and his, are still fighting. It seems defeat hasn’t convinced the losers that God is boss. When God created Man to be his friend, we became Satan’s enemy. The friend of my enemy is my enemy. Satan isn’t bothered by those who talk about friendship with God, just with those who really enjoy it. So the friendlier you are with God, the meaner your enemy becomes. We are called to put on the whole armor of God not because God needs soldiers, but because to be a friend of God means […]

I am not afraid of gyms or exercise. That would be ridiculous. In fact, I exercised at a gym just yesterday and plan to do so again before the sun rises. Jesus said “Do not be afraid” quite a lot. He was also fond of encouraging us to do things. There must be a connection. We all know people who do all kinds of “crazy” things. We tend to say that they aren’t afraid of anything. Is it fear that keeps us from doing things? Yesterday, feeling pretty fine from my gym and exercise triumph, I was standing in line at Albertsons. In front of me was a young man with about a dozen different kinds of beer he was checking out. He was not my kind of man. You know, “We don’t smoke or drink or chew and we don’t hang with those who do.” It goes something like that. But I was feeling kind of crazy and spoke to him, “Nice variety pack you have there.” I am really quite glib when I get started. I didn’t lead him to Christ, but we had a nice conversation and I think we would exchange pleasantries again if we […]

I’m preparing to head out to my first solo work out. I’m already somewhat experienced. After all I have been at the place twice before. Once to sign up and once to be “evaluated.” But today I’m on my own. Kind of like the First Grader on day one of school. I feel a little like one of the characters on the Big Bang Theory. You know a nerd trying to be a regular guy. I actually googled “first day workout.” Came up with some pretty helpful videos. I am aided by being “experienced” in physical therapy. By “experienced” I mean I had like three or four PT sessions. Maybe I’ll start my own PT practice. It has also been helpful to visit the Center first. After realizing that there are people older, uglier and fatter than I, my confidence was boosted. I have chosen to ignore the fact that the older, uglier, fatter folks I saw at the center I have never met in the “outside” world. Having been evaluated is also helpful.. Something about the term “evaluation” brought back memories of high school PE. I envisioned being put “through my paces.” You know, some big hairy woman […]

Remember Cinderella? Sure you do…Wicked Stepmother…Fairy Godmother. Talk about your cases of compare and contrast. Today I read a touching story about Cinderella Syndrome. In these awful cases, a child suffers the loss of her mom who is replaced by a stepmom. Fill in the blank… Wicked Stepmom. I don’t know about all that. I do know that I personally know way too many Cinderellas. They are young girls, girls and ladies who have lost a parent usually when they were far too young. How old do you have to be to lose a parent and it not be painful? These are sad stories because while Cinderellas are real; Fairy Godmothers are not. No one is going to come around to these on tiny wings carrying a magic wand. These Cinderellas can dream and maybe Prince Charming will come along…and then again maybe not. I bet you know a Cinderella or two. Consider the basics: 1. No Dad around. 2. Living a tough life because of it. See. You do know a Cinderella. He or she isn’t going to experience a Fairy Godmother. Unless??? Quick. Go look in a mirror. Maybe there are Fairy Godmothers after all. I sure […]

There is a strong sense of anticipation in the air. Although the dog days of summer linger, thoughts turn toward school, fall, football, gumbo, and new opportunities. Yesterday I registered my grand son, Nicky at his old school. After a semester of homeschooling, he is returning to the classroom. He seemed refreshed and renewed, ready for the challenge. His homeschooling months were special to student and teacher, but we both know God has something more for him…just ahead. While he and his sister, Samantha, spend their first day at school, I hit the school supply scene buying new pencils that have never been chewed on,  packs of paper fresh and crisp, notebooks undamaged by doodlings or elevated to relic status by the penning of words that will be oft quoted by future generations. God’s grace is so amazing. It forgives past transgressions, if we but turn from the acts by which we wander. It provides vision of a new life, richer and fuller. But more, it empowers us to live that life and fulfil those possibilities if we will but take one step forward toward Him. This week all is possible. Every team is undefeated. We are all # […]

There are crucial times in our lives where the convergence of man’s circumstances and God’s power produces opportunity. I feel such opportunity now.   When God touches, we properly respond with Thanksgiving and a sense of having been specially loved and blessed.  Such a great feeling. God smiles when we are thankful. But He cheers when we respond with more. Imagine an Olympic stadium.  A great crowd of witnesses rises in anticipation when we respond with a passion to give back.  This is a crucial time for the church. We know the end times will see “bad” times for the church in general. But that’s no reason for us to falter. Our job as individuals isn’t to save the world. That’s Jesus’ job. Our job is to focus on where we are and whom we are with. I have repeated,   Listen, Listen, Love, Love – The Kairos Motto. It’s time to apply it where it is most difficult to apply, to those we love the most, who need us the most and who deserve us the most.  The Lord seemed to be asking for much with the great commission. He would smile greatly if we just started where […]