Buzzed: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, Buzzed. It’s how I felt leaving a meeting this week. No, I had not been drinking anything with alcohol. No, I had not been smoking anything. And, no, I had not used any new and...
View ArticleEvery Which Way
I am hearing it from every which way. Left. Right. Up. Down. Sideways. Side door. Front door. Back door. I am sure you are too. Church members in Tennessee are asking. Church members I pastored in...
View ArticleWhy I Can’t Watch ‘The Chosen’: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, I can’t watch the television series The Chosen. I hope you can. I hope you love it. I hope you enjoy it. I hope you learn much about the life of Jesus from viewing it. From the...
View ArticleThe Marriage Mirror
I am not sure exactly how it works. I can’t (yet) quite explain the inner dynamics of it all. But it’s true. If you’re married, your relationship with God and your relationship with your spouse are...
View ArticleJust Do It: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, Last Friday I receive a text from one of you. The text read: “Hey Matt – HAPPY FRIDAY!! Random question for you. . . We are thinking about taking the kids and the grill to Waverly...
View ArticleHBD: A Special Sunday Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, If you are new to West Franklin, or regularly attend the 10:30 service you may not know him. But if you continue participating, you will soon enough. On Sunday morning’s at 9 am,...
View ArticleWhere Were You? A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, Literally seconds before I sat down to type this letter an airplane flew over my head. It is a beautiful morning in Franklin, Tennessee. When the weather is like this, I sit...
View ArticleMore Important than Truth?
I am a staunch believer in truth. I believe there is absolute truth. I believe all truth is God’s truth. And, of course, I believe the Bible is truth. While I am at it, I will declare again here that I...
View ArticleThe Next Generation: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, I am writing this on a Thursday. Last night I had the incredible privilege of watching nine precious and delightful blessings. (Read: Last night I was forced to babysit nine...
View ArticleYeah Baby I’m Worth It: Preschoolers, Parade Riders, and Pro Football Players
It’s a constant refrain. I see it all the time. It’s everywhere. It’s in me and it’s in you. I first noticed it last week when I took on childcare responsibilities for 9 (mostly) preschool age...
View ArticleBelieve: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, I had an encounter with an eight year old boy this week I hope I remember for a long, long time. This young man was like the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus. His young words to me...
View Article“We Want TJ!” A Clinic on Identity
Third quarter. The Auburn Tigers are getting embarrassed by the Georgia State Panthers. On Auburn’s homecoming. The chants emerge from the home crowd: “We want TJ!” “We want TJ!” It’s a desperate plea...
View ArticleOh Blessed Leak: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, She walked into her apartment after a relaxing vacation and something didn’t seem right. The floor her feet walked on felt different. Soft. Squishy. She didn’t see any water, but...
View ArticleZero to Hero: Be Careful Bo
Second quarter. Down 13-0. Auburn had not won a football game in Baton Rouge since before Y2K. Fourth down and two. They go for it. Bo Nix takes the snap under center. Drops back, nothing. Runs to his...
View ArticleExpectant: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, I pray a lot. Without a doubt I need to pray more. Paul said to do it without stopping. There is a lot of growth that needs to happen for sure. But I do pray a lot. I don’t say...
View ArticleThe Struggle is Real: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, He’s been a regular in my office recently. He’s struggling. In a good way, but it’s tough. After coming to the realization he had been lying to himself, to God, and everyone else...
View ArticleRenovation Roll Out: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, Tomorrow morning will be the last morning we worship in the sanctuary for a while. As you well know, renovations are coming. The last thing we will do together as a congregation...
View ArticleOne Thing: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, If you could ask God for one thing what would it be? Seriously. Think about it for a moment. I’ll wait. If you could ask God to do ONE thing for you, what would that ONE THING be?...
View ArticleHe Makes Me Lie Down: Brutal (Yet Beautiful) Grace
Without a doubt, Psalm 23 is one of the best known and most beloved chapters in all the Bible. It’s memorized. It’s on our walls in our homes and church buildings. It’s read at funerals and gravesides....
View ArticlePlaying through the Pain: A Letter to West Franklin
West Franklin Family, What’s that one thing God has designed you for that you would do, regardless? What is that thing He has made you for, where you most feel His presence? What is it that you would...
View Article
