CONFESSIONS OF A STARBUCKS PASTOR

It saddens me to learn that Franklin Graham is being openly attacked by other Christian leaders. In a social media post, I read that they have even forgiven him. If you are not familiar with Samaritan Purse founder, Reverand Franklin Graham perhaps you have heard of his famous father, Billy? Billy Graham is probably one of the most well-known evangelistic preachers in the world, having spent time with every President since Harry Truman. Billy loves God, period. He is a-political and has spent his adult life traveling the world bringing his simple message to millions of people that God sent his son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that if we believe that, we will inherit eternal life. Son Franklin has become more visible as Billy ages. Franklin is also a humanitarian, traveling the world to provide tangible care for the persecuted and impoverished. Billy did not speak about politics, but Franklin does. More and more as the threat of ISIS continues to explode and our current pres...

Land of the free, home of the brave. We are all aware about some key dates in the founding and history of America (I hope). Microsoft, baseball, McDonalds and Apple Pie describe many aspects of our country. But what else characterizes our great nation in 2015? I've been compiling a list about what I've learned from observing the media. 1. The search for the next big thing. Whether it's a Hollywood movie that doesn't have a "II or III" in the title or the next frisbee, we are suckers for new things that promise great results. Look at how many get rich now resources you can subsribe to, the latest trending game app or viral YouTube video. You only have to note the size of the latest versions of smart phones to see what it is that you simply have to have. Marketers capitalize on this consumer characteristic. There is something about that promise to look better or get it done quicker or have The Latest Thing that gets our attention. (Think E-cig pop up stores...

Okay wow. I had an epiphany today and feel as bright as a block of wood. Did you know that people who subsist on various government program funding can actually file for and receive income tax refunds? I sure didn't until lately. This is my A-ha: People who live on and survive from the government as their "income" can complete a tax return, claim dependents who don't live with them and receive LARGE refunds. Amazing. Story collector that I am,  I recently learned about a combo family (they aren't married, have one kid in common but use the words 'Mom' and 'Dad' to all kids in the house) who will get to file and receive a refund of $15,000. Or, $7,500 each. Yes - that's correct. They plan to receive $15K. They depend on subsidies for their heat, electricity and food and will "get back" enough to pay off other debts. There's another divorced father who has no minor children living with him, hasn't paid child support a...