IBC Blog
eLetter
A Reflection on Black History Month
In recent weeks at IBC, we’ve been discussing the importance of wrestling with our own personal past—our life story—to better understand our present and God’s intentions for our future. This is a vitally important part of our ongoing spiritual growth and development. God has made us who we are through the formative experiences and relationships of our lives: though our heritage, our heroes, our high points, and our hard times.
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eLetter
The Gift of Sabbatical
Dear IBC Family,
I’m writing this to you all on what is my last day in the office before I begin my sabbatical. Years ago, our elders established a generous policy that provides a three-month time away for pastors every seven years. I have one more Sunday to preach, and then I’ll be out May, June, and July.
eLetter
More Than a Canoe Trip
Years ago, when I lived in East Dallas, I and some other young men helped mentor a group of boys as part of a weekly neighborhood event. During the event, called King's Club, elementary-aged kids were invited to a small local church to hear something from the Bible and eat lunch. Then the men and I would play sports with the older boys. We would also occasionally go on camping trips.
eLetter
Everyday Moments
This morning was a complete disaster in our home. The home we share with two little people who find deep delight in messing up our very well-planned schedules. Packing lunches, changing diapers, finding monster trucks, and brushing hair. Phew. Let’s just say that we were 13 minutes late for drop off at school today. When my son’s teacher said, “I hope you have a good day today,” I’m pretty sure I grunted.
IBC Stories
The Power of Your Thoughts
Have you ever started crying in a public setting and felt the need to apologize? Or maybe even hide the fact that you were getting emotional all together?
Hope & Healing
When Being Still Is the Best Option
“…Be still, and know that I am God…” - Psalm 46:10
One day several years ago, a day like many others before it, the fervent prayer for one of my young adult children was answered yes, while an equally fervent prayer for my other young adult child was (again) answered no. On the same day, this familiar scripture passage was the day’s devotion.
eLetter
A Rule of Life
It wasn’t too long ago that I found myself, once again, starting my day in the exact opposite way than what I wanted. How’s that? Slouched over in my bed. Holding up my bright phone to my squinting eyes. Scrolling through news, social media, texts, and email. You know the feeling! The eye strain is real at 6am.
And if emotional and spiritual health are interrelated, I was not in a good place with either. Especially this early in the morning.