Memorial Day: Reflecting on the Cost of Freedom

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

(photo of Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola)

Memorial Day is more than a Monday holiday bookended by backyard cookouts and summer travel. It is a sacred summons that encourages us to stop long enough to ask, “What did our freedom cost?” and “Who paid the price?”

Freedom is among the most beloved words in the American vocabulary. We speak of it freely, sing about it proudly, and assume it instinctively. But freedom has never been free. It has always been purchased at great cost, with courage, with sacrifice, and with blood. The men and women memorialized on this day knew that cost intimately, and they paid it anyway.

In a culture addicted to comfort and allergic to cost, we need Memorial Day more than ever. Not merely as a ceremony, but as a confrontation, a kind of holy interruption that calls us back to what truly matters. As President Calvin Coolidge once said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”

This Memorial Day, consider these reflections on the price of freedom:

  • Freedom was secured by ordinary people who did extraordinary things.  We tend to mythologize our heroes, polishing their stories until they gleam. But most of those who gave their lives were not statues or monuments. They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, neighbors and friends who chose duty over self. In the struggle to preserve and protect our freedom, ordinary men and women rose to stand in the gap. We owe them our remembrance.
  • The cost of freedom is written in Scripture as well as in history.  The ancient world understood that great things are purchased at great cost. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the servant who would be “wounded for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, urged believers to stand firm in “the freedom with which Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1), knowing that such freedom was not theoretical—it was paid for. Whether the arena is spiritual or civic, freedom requires a sacrifice.
  • Gratitude is the only worthy response to sacrifice.  John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  Wearing a flag pin or posting a patriotic meme is easy. But genuine gratitude is more demanding. It asks us to live with integrity, to vote with conscience, to serve our communities, and to refuse to squander what others died to give us. Gratitude, rightly practiced, is not just a feeling. Rather, it is a discipline.
  • Grief and honor belong together on this day.  For thousands of Gold Star families, Memorial Day is not a celebration, but an anniversary of loss. An empty chair at the dinner table. A folded flag on the mantel. A name etched in marble. We honor them best not by turning away from that grief but by standing in it with them. The Psalmist wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15). What is precious to God should not be passed over lightly by us.
  • The next generation must learn the cost or will never know the value.  Ronald Reagan warned with prophetic clarity: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”  Our children will not inherit a passion for freedom by accident. They will inherit it from us or they will not inherit it at all. Take them to a veterans’ cemetery. Read them the letters of soldiers who wrote home from the front. Tell the stories. Sing the hymns. Show them that some things are worth dying for, precisely because they are worth living for.

There is an old hymn of the faith that begins, “When I survey the wondrous cross.” Isaac Watts understood that remembering a sacrifice—truly beholding its cost—changes the one who remembers. This Memorial Day, may we survey what has been given on our behalf. May it humble us. May it move us. May it change us.

This Memorial Day, let us do more than enjoy a 3-day weekend. Let us pause at a grave marker. Let us speak the names. Let us teach our children that the flag flying over their school and their town square was purchased by men and women who chose to stand between danger and those they loved. Let us recommit ourselves to a life lived in appreciation for that gift.

Freedom is not free. But it is ours. May we never take it for granted.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and consultant with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Life Lessons for Graduates: 12 Travel Tips for the Journey Ahead

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Graduation season is always emotional. Caps and gowns fill auditoriums. Proud parents wipe away tears. Grandparents beam with pride. Students celebrate years of hard work while simultaneously wondering what comes next.

High school graduation is both an ending and a beginning. One chapter closes while another unfolds. For many graduates, the future feels exciting, uncertain, intimidating, and hopeful all at the same time.

I think some of the best counsel for this season of life comes from from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Those verses remind us that life is not navigated merely through intelligence, ambition, or talent. Life is best navigated through trust in God’s guidance.

With that in mind, here are twelve pieces of spiritual advice I would offer to every high school graduate.

1. Trust the Lord in all seasons.

Trust God not only during victories, but also during disappointments and uncertainty.

Life will not always unfold according to your plans. Dreams may shift. Doors may close. Unexpected detours will arise. But faith means believing that God still walks beside us even when the road becomes difficult.

As Corrie ten Boom wisely said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Sometimes God’s greatest work happens in seasons we never would have chosen for ourselves.

2. Ask honest questions.

Healthy faith is not afraid of honest questions.

Throughout Scripture, faithful people wrestled with uncertainty. Moses questioned God. David poured out doubts in the Psalms. Thomas asked for evidence after the resurrection.

Questions are not signs of weak faith; they are often pathways toward deeper faith.

James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.”

Never stop seeking truth, wisdom, and understanding.

3. Learn to be at home in your own skin.

One of the greatest challenges facing young adults today is comparison.

Social media constantly pressures people to measure themselves against curated versions of other people’s lives. But God did not create you to become a copy of someone else.

Psalm 139 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Brené Brown advises, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”

Learn to embrace the person God created you to be.

4. Never waste a mistake.

You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. The important thing is not whether you fail, but whether you learn and grow from failure.

The Apostle Peter denied Jesus, yet grace restored him and transformed him into a leader of the early church.

Mistakes can become classrooms of wisdom if we allow them to teach us.

5. Invest wisely and focus on treasures that do not have an account number.

Learn financial responsibility early in life. Save wisely. Avoid unnecessary debt. Practice generosity.

But also remember that the greatest treasures in life are not material possessions.

Integrity. Friendships. Faith. Love. Compassion. Character.

Jesus taught in Matthew 6:20: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Some of the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased.

6. Don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone.

Growth rarely happens in comfortable places.

Abraham had to leave home.
Peter had to step out of the boat.
Esther had to risk speaking up.

You may feel nervous about college, a new career, or unfamiliar opportunities. That’s normal. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is moving forward despite fear.

C. S. Lewis observed, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

Do not let fear shrink your future.

7. Be proactive in caring for your physical and mental health.

Your physical and emotional well-being matter.

Get enough rest. Exercise regularly. Talk honestly about your struggles. Seek help when you need it.

There is strength—not weakness—in reaching out for support.

In a culture where many people feel exhausted, anxious, and isolated, self-care is not selfishness; it is stewardship.

8. Stay connected to a spiritual community.

Faith is not meant to be lived alone. Wherever life takes you, stay connected to a church family and surround yourself with spiritually healthy influences.

Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect gathering together.

A coal separated from the fire eventually grows cold. Community helps sustain faith during difficult seasons.

9. Don’t let the labels others attach define you.

People may underestimate you, criticize you, or attempt to define you by your failures.

But labels do not determine identity.

David was labeled “just a shepherd.” Zacchaeus was labeled “a sinner.” Mary Magdalene was labeled by her past.

Never allow someone else’s opinion to limit what God can do through your life.

10. Cultivate and nurture friendships intentionally.

The people closest to you will influence your future more than you realize. But meaningful friendships don’t happen by default.

Proverbs 13:20 encourages us to “Walk with the wise and become wise.”

Some friendships inspire growth and wisdom. Others quietly pull people toward destructive choices.

Pay attention to who shapes your values, habits, and priorities.

11. Practice kindness in a harsh world.

We live in an age often marked by outrage and cruelty. Choose kindness anyway.

Be encouraging. Be compassionate. Be willing to listen.

Maya Angelou observed, “People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Kindness leaves a lasting imprint on the world.

12. Navigate the turbulence of life with discernment and perseverance.

Life will not always be smooth skies and gentle winds. There will be unexpected storms, emotional turbulence, disappointments, and moments when the future feels uncertain.

In those moments, resist the temptation to panic or make impulsive decisions.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

As author Max Lucado counsels, “You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good.”

There will be seasons when life feels turbulent. Hold steady. Pray carefully. Think wisely. Keep going.

Storms do not last forever, and perseverance often becomes the bridge between where you are and where God is leading you.

As you step into this next chapter of life, you will carry far more than diplomas and transcripts into the future. You will carry values, memories, relationships, faith, and the lessons that shape character.

The road ahead will include both breathtaking mountaintops and unexpected valleys, but do not walk it alone. The same God who guided you through childhood, classrooms, friendships, victories, and disappointments will continue directing your paths.

So dream boldly, love deeply, serve joyfully, and trust God completely.

Planting Seeds: 7 Reasons I Enjoy Having a Vegetable Garden

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

(stock photo)

There is something sacred about stepping into a vegetable garden early in the morning while the dew still clings to the leaves and the soil smells fresh from the night air. A garden is never merely about tomatoes, beans, squash, or cucumbers. It is about hope, patience, stewardship, and joy. Every spring, when seeds disappear beneath the dirt, I am reminded that some of life’s greatest miracles begin unseen.

As English horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll once said, “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness.”

Early in our marriage, we had a vegetable garden almost every year. When I retired from full-time work, I decided to cultivate a spot in the corner of the backyard for small garden. Yes, I realize that I can probably purchase vegetables at the farmers’ market for less than the cost of the seed, the tomato plants, the fertilizer, the tiller, and the time invested. But there is something about cultivating the soil and nurturing the plants that makes life richer.

Here are seven reasons I like to have a vegetable garden:

1. A Garden Reminds Me That Growth Takes Time

We live in a microwave culture that demands instant results, but gardens refuse to cooperate with hurry. You cannot rush a tomato plant or bully green beans into growing faster.

Gardening teaches the spiritual discipline of patience. Seeds germinate underground long before visible evidence appears above the soil. That truth applies to life as well. Character, faith, healing, and wisdom often develop quietly before anyone notices.

Years ago, one of our neighbors once planted watermelons. Every morning, his little boy ran outside expecting giant watermelons overnight. His father simply smiled and said, “God grows watermelons one day at a time.” That may be one of the most profound theological statements I have ever heard. Most of the seeds we plant in life do not grow overnight. They need to be cultivated and nurtured over time.

2. A Garden Keeps Me Connected to Nature

There is something grounding about getting your hands in the dirt. Modern life often disconnects us from the rhythms of creation, but gardening reconnects us with the wonder of the natural world.

Naturalist Thomas Berry advised, “Gardening is an active participation in the deepest mysteries of the universe.”

A vegetable garden becomes a front-row seat to miracles: tiny seeds becoming flourishing plants, blossoms turning into food, bees pollinating flowers, and sunlight transforming into nourishment. Gardening reminds us that creation still sings the glory of God.

3. A Garden Improves My Mental and Emotional Health

Researchers increasingly recognize what gardeners have known for centuries: gardening is good for the soul. Recent studies and therapeutic programs show gardening can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of peace and accomplishment.

During the pandemic, many people rediscovered gardening as a refuge from anxiety and uncertainty. Seed companies sold out because people longed for something living and hopeful.

One friend told me that after difficult days at work, he walks straight to his garden before entering the house. Pulling weeds and watering plants helps him “leave the stress in the dirt.” I understand exactly what he means.

As author May Sarton observed, “Gardening is an instrument of grace.”

4. A Garden Teaches Responsibility and Stewardship

A neglected garden quickly reveals neglect. Plants need attention, nourishment, watering, and care. Gardens remind us that good things flourish when nurtured consistently.

That lesson extends far beyond vegetables. Marriages, friendships, churches, and communities thrive when people faithfully tend them.

During World War II, millions of Americans planted “Victory Gardens” to supplement food supplies and support their communities. By 1944, home gardeners were producing a significant portion of the nation’s vegetables. The movement demonstrated that ordinary people, working small plots of ground, could collectively make an extraordinary difference.

Sometimes changing the world begins with simply tending what is already in front of you.

5. A Garden Gives Me Healthier Food

There is no greenhouse tomato quite like a home-grown Better Boy picked moments before dinner. Garden vegetables simply taste better because freshness matters.

Gardening also changes your appreciation for food. When you have spent months watering, fertilizing, and protecting a plant, you waste less and give greater thanks for every meal.

Chef David Chang noted that gardening connects us to “math, chemistry, reading, history.” I would add gratitude to that list.

A garden reminds us that food is not manufactured in stores. It is cultivated through labor, weather, patience, and grace.

6. A Garden Creates Memories Across Generations

Some of my fondest memories involve gardens: grandparents shelling peas and shucking corn on the porch, children proudly carrying oversized cantelope into the kitchen, families sharing extra vegetables with neighbors.

Gardens have a remarkable way of bringing generations together. Grandparents pass down wisdom. Children learn responsibility. Families create traditions.

One of our great nephews has autism. He also likes to have a small garden. To anyone else it looks like a minor thing. To him, it is therapeutic joy. Gardens teach children the joy of participating in creation rather than merely consuming it.

7. A Garden Gives Me Hope

Every garden begins with faith. You place seeds into dark soil believing life will emerge. That simple act becomes a yearly reminder that endings are not always endings and barren seasons do not last forever.

Writer Alfred Austin beautifully captured it: “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.”

A vegetable garden quietly preaches resurrection every spring.

Perhaps that is why I keep planting a small garden year after year. Long after the plants are barren and the vines have withered, the garden leaves behind lessons about patience, stewardship, gratitude, community, and hope.

And honestly, there are few things in life more satisfying than eating a tomato sandwich made from a tomato you grew yourself.

Just a Swinging: 7 Good Reasons to Have a Porch Swing

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

My grandparents had one. My parents had one. And we have one. Actually, we just got a new one. A porch swing that is. There’s something about a porch swing that seems to slow time down.

I grew up with porch swings. Those swings held laughter, conversations, quiet moments, and the gentle rhythm of life. Amanda and I had a porch swing during the first eight years of our marriage, and now we’ve had one again for the past six years. Just this month, we added a new swing to our pavilion overlooking the lake—and I have to say, it is the most scenic view we’ve ever had from a swing.

The porch swing became popular in America in the late 1800s, especially during the Victorian era. As front porches became central to home life, swings were added as a place for rest, conversation, and connection. Before air conditioning, families would gather on porches in the evening to catch a breeze, share stories, and simply be together.

The swing wasn’t just furniture—it was a gathering place. A sanctuary. A slowing-down space. There are many benefits to having a porch swing. Here are 7 good reasons:

1. Spending time on a porch swing forces us to slow down. A porch swing doesn’t rush. It rocks. In a world addicted to speed, the swing invites us into a different rhythm.  Someone wisely said, “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.”

2. A porch swing creates space for conversation. Some of the best conversations don’t happen around conference tables—they happen side by side, gently swinging. There’s something disarming about a porch swing. It invites honesty. I suspect many meaningful family moments over the years began with, “Let’s sit in the swing.”

3. A porch swing encourages good mental health. The gentle, repetitive motion of a swing has a calming effect on the mind and body. Mental health experts often note that rhythmic movement can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and improve. Or as one therapist put it: “Calm often comes through rhythm.”

4. A porch swing connects generations. Porch swings are one of the few places where generations naturally overlap. Grandparents, parents, children—everyone fits. Somewhere between the creak of the chains and the sway of the seat, stories are told, wisdom is passed down, and memories are made.

5. A porch swing keeps us grounded in the present. A swing doesn’t go anywhere—and that’s the point. In a culture obsessed with “what’s next,” the porch swing whispers, “Be here now.” Missionary Jim Eliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there.”

6. Sitting in a porch swing turns ordinary moments into meaningful ones. You don’t need a special occasion to sit on a porch swing. Morning coffee tastes better. Bird songs sound more cheerful. Sunsets feel richer. Even silence feels full. A simple swing can transform a routine day into a memorable moment.

7. A porch swing is good for the soul. At the end of the day, life is not measured in miles traveled or tasks completed—it’s measured in moments shared. A porch swing is a good place for prayer, reflection, relationship-building, problem-solving, and storytelling.

If we’re not careful, our lives become like endless scrolling—fast, distracted, and forgettable.

The porch swing is the opposite.

Where the smartphone speeds us up, the swing slows us down.
Where the phone distracts, the swing centers.
Where the phone isolates, the swing connects.

One pulls us away from life. The other gently rocks us back into it.

Looking out over the lake from our new swing, I’m reminded that while the scenery may change over the years, the purpose of the swing never does.

It is still a place to rest. Still a place to reflect. Still a place to connect.

And maybe that’s the real gift of a porch swing—it doesn’t just move back and forth… it brings us back to what matters most.

Sometimes life is better when you take time to sit and just swing.

The Resurrection Factor: 5 Ways the Message of Easter Impacts Us

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

(An Easter Sermon based on John 20:1-18 shared at the First Baptist Church of Pensacola on April 5, 2015)

Early on that first Easter morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb. What she expected to find was death. What she discovered instead was life.

And everything changed.

That’s the power of what I want to call today “The Resurrection Factor.” It is the defining difference-maker of the Christian faith. It is not just something we believe happened—it is something that continues to happen in us and through us.

As Will Willimon once said, “We spend so much time trying to explain the resurrection, when in reality, the resurrection explains us.”

The Gospel of Johntells us it was still dark. That detail matters. Because resurrection often begins in the dark—when hope feels buried, when prayers seem unanswered, when life doesn’t make sense.

Mary came looking for a body, but she encountered a risen Savior.

And that is what the resurrection does—it interrupts our assumptions and replaces them with God’s reality.

What difference does Easter really make? Here are five ways the resurrection impacts us:

1. Forgiveness becomes our reality.

Jesus bore the weight of our sins and guilt on the cross.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins…” (1 John 1:9)

Some of us are still carrying guilt like extra baggage—dragging it from one season of life to another. But the resurrection declares: you don’t have to carry that anymore.

As Max Lucado said, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way.”

The resurrection lifts the weight of guilt and replaces it with grace.

2. Hope becomes our perspective.

Let’s be honest—the resurrection doesn’t eliminate every problem. It doesn’t promise that life will always be easy. But it does change how we see everything.

As Victor Hugo wrote, “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

Because of Easter, we live with hope:

  • Hope for healing
  • Hope for restoration
  • Hope for second chances
  • Hope that God is still at work

We may not always feel optimistic—but we can always be hopeful.

3. Serving becomes our mission.

The resurrection is not just about life after death—it’s about life before death.

As N. T. Wright reminds us, God’s plan is not to snatch people out of earth, but to bring the life of heaven into it.

We are saved for something.

Resurrection people are called to:

  • Love boldly
  • Serve faithfully
  • Live purposefully

As Walter Brueggemann puts it, resurrection life is about aligning ourselves with God’s newness and purpose.

4. Heaven becomes our home.

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.”

The resurrection reminds us that death is not the end—it is a doorway.

It teaches us not only how to live, but how to face the end of life with faith instead of fear.

There is a quiet confidence that comes from Easter:
A confidence that says, “This world is not all there is.”

Because of the resurrection, we can live under the governance of heaven here and now, and there and then.

5. Jesus becomes personal to us…not just me, but all of us.

Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first. She thought He was the gardener.

But then He spoke her name: “Mary.”

And in that moment, everything changed.

The resurrection is not just theological—it is personal. Jesus still calls names. He still meets us in our grief. He still turns confusion into clarity.

The resurrection factor means this: the risen Christ knows you, sees you, and calls you by name.

Brennan Manning once said, “The most radical demand of Christian faith is to say yes to the present risenness of Jesus Christ.”  I like that term “present risenness.” Not just in history—but in your life.

The resurrection transformed life on this planet more than any other event or experience in history.

It changes how we see our past (forgiven),
our present (purposeful),
and our future (secure).

So let me ask you:
Why linger outside the tomb, looking for what used to be?
What in this world could keep you from stepping into the resurrection life?

Because the stone has been rolled away.
The tomb is empty.
And Jesus is alive.

And that changes everything.

Remembering the First Moon Walk: 7 Ways Lunar Space Exploration Improved Life on Earth

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

I was 9 years old and visiting my aunt, uncle, and their family in Athens, Alabama, when Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. Like so many others, we were glued to the television, watching in awe as human beings took their first steps on the lunar surface. Recently, the liftoff of Artemis II has brought back a flood of those memories—moments that felt larger than life, even if I didn’t fully understand them at the time.

My uncle worked for Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, so for our family, the space program wasn’t just something happening far away—it was personal. There was a sense of pride in knowing that the work being done nearby was helping send astronauts into space.

As kids, though, our imaginations took us in different directions. My cousins and I joked about someday going to the moon ourselves—to eat Moon Pies and Moon-cicles, and to dance the moonwalk long before we knew what that even meant culturally. We wondered aloud whether there might be life on the moon. It was all part of the wonder.

Because we were kids, we were excited about the moon landing and about men setting foot on the moon, but we didn’t fully grasp how that moment—and the many missions that followed—would transform life here on Earth.

Looking back, it’s clear that lunar space exploration did far more than plant a flag. It sparked innovations that continue to shape our everyday lives. Here are seven ways that lunar space exploration has improved life on this planet:

1. Advanced Communication Technology- The need to communicate with astronauts across vast distances accelerated the development of satellite communications. Today, everything from GPS navigation to live global broadcasts traces its roots to space exploration.

2. Medical Innovations- Monitoring astronauts’ health led to breakthroughs in medical imaging and remote monitoring. Technologies like portable heart monitors and improved diagnostic tools owe much to space research.

3. Improved Materials and Safety Gear- The development of heat-resistant materials for spacecraft contributed to better firefighting equipment, protective clothing, and even safer building materials.

4. Computer and Microchip Advancements- The Apollo missions required powerful yet compact computers, helping drive the miniaturization of electronics. The smartphones and laptops we use today stand on that foundation.

5. Water and Air Purification Systems- Keeping astronauts alive in space required efficient recycling of air and water. These innovations now help provide clean drinking water and air filtration systems around the world.

6. Enhanced Transportation and Engineering- The precision required for space travel improved engineering standards and contributed to safer, more efficient transportation systems here on Earth.

7. Inspiration and Educational Growth- Perhaps the most immeasurable impact is inspiration. The moon landing ignited curiosity, leading generations into careers in science, engineering, and exploration. It reminded humanity of what is possible when we dream big.

At the time, the moon landing felt like a grand achievement—like planting a flag in unfamiliar soil. But in many ways, it was more like planting seeds.

Seeds don’t reveal their full impact immediately. They take time to grow, to spread roots, and to bear fruit.

The technologies we now depend on—the ones we barely think about—are the fruit of seeds planted during those early missions.

As Artemis II prepares to carry humans farther into space once again, we are reminded that exploration is never just about the destination. It’s about discovery, innovation, and enriching life back home.

The same curiosity that led us to ask, “Is there life on the moon?” now leads us to deeper questions about our universe and our future.

We may not fully understand today how future missions will shape tomorrow’s world. But history suggests this: when we reach beyond what is known, we often bring back more than we ever imagined.

Today’s Artemis mission reminds us of what human beings can accomplish when we work together on a common goal.

So here’s to the next generation of explorers, and to the continued journey of discovery that lifts not just rockets, but all of humanity, including the human spirit.

Following the Footsteps of Paulos: 10 Things We Learned About the Apostle Paul

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

In his first epistle to the Corinthians (11:1), Paul urged the believers to, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ

There is something transformative about walking where the apostle Paul once walked—standing in the shadows of ancient cities, tracing the roads of his missionary journeys, and imagining the courage it took to carry the gospel into unfamiliar and often hostile places.

All the members of our travel group arrived home safely yesterday after our 12-day tour following the footsteps of Paul.

From Thessaloniki to Philippi, from Berea to Athens—and even reflecting on the missed opportunity to visit Ephesus and Patmos—this journey has deepened our understanding of Paul’s life, ministry, and message.

Here are ten things we learned about Paul while following in his footsteps:

1. Paul went where the people were.
In every city, Paul positioned himself where conversations were already happening—synagogues, marketplaces, and gathering places. In Areopagus (Mars Hill), he engaged philosophers in thoughtful dialogue (Acts 17).

Paul practiced the words of Jesus from Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Paul reminds us that mission begins where people already are.

2. Paul adapted his approach without compromising his message.
In Jewish settings, Paul reasoned from Scripture. In Athens, he quoted Greek poets and connected with their worldview.

As John Stott once said, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.”

Paul met people where they were—but always pointed them to Christ.

3. Paul faced opposition almost everywhere he went.
In Thessaloniki and Philippi, he encountered resistance, imprisonment, and persecution (Acts 16–17).

Perhaps it was because of experiences like this that Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (II Timothy 3:12)

Faithfulness does not guarantee ease, but it does produce endurance.

4. Paul invested in people, not just places.
In Berea, he encountered believers who eagerly studied the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). His ministry was never about checking locations off a map—it was about nurturing lives.

The historian Will Durant once observed, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” Paul knew that transformed people shape transformed communities.

5. Paul trusted God in uncertain circumstances.
Whether traveling dangerous roads or enduring imprisonment, Paul moved forward in faith.

Paul believed that God’s presence and purpose were persistent. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

Even when plans change—like our missed stops in Ephesus, Patmos, and Santorini—God’s purposes are still at work.

6. Paul proclaimed a bold and relevant gospel.
Standing in a culture filled with idols, Paul did not dilute the truth. But neither did he aim to offend. He dialogued with others at their point of need and their level of understanding. At Mars Hill, he proclaimed the one true God (Acts 17:24).

As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.”

Paul preached a gospel that invited deeper thought and an informed response.

7. Paul saw every city as a mission field.
From bustling ports to intellectual centers, Paul viewed each location as an opportunity. Athens, with all its philosophy and culture, was no exception.

David Livingstone later wrote, “Here is a plain truth: God calls us to go where He is not known.”

No place was too complex, too pagan, or too resistant.

8. Paul built bridges through common ground.
In Athens, Paul referenced an altar to an unknown god and used it as a starting point (Acts 17:23).

This approach reminds us that connection often precedes conversion.

9. Paul left a lasting legacy through his letters.
Though we could not walk the streets of Ephesus, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians continues to shape the church today. Whether writing from his sojourn or a prison cell, Paul’s correspondence was practical, contextual, and encouraging.

Although Paul did not know his correspondence would end up in the New Testament, Paul believed, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…” (II Timothy 3:16)

Paul’s influence extends far beyond geography.

10. Paul’s life pointed others to Christ, not to himself.
Ultimately, Paul’s journey was never about Paul. It was about Jesus.

His daring perspective is summarized in his words, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

As Augustine of Hippo once said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

Although we had a few delays and cancellations during our coming and going, this journey was more than a tour—it has been a pilgrimage.

We have stood in ancient cities, traced sacred stories, and reflected on a man whose life was wholly surrendered to God’s mission. Even in the places we could not visit, like Ephesus, the impact of Paul’s ministry remains undeniable.

And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all: Faithfulness is not measured by where you go, but by how fully you follow.

As we return home, may we carry Paul’s example with us as we aim to live boldly, love deeply, and encourage generously.

Although our journey has ended, our mission continues.

You can follow the journal of this journey at Ancient Footsteps: Highlights from Our Missionary Journeys of Paul Tour 2026.

10 Best Practices to Avoid Being Scammed

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

You might receive a text message claiming you owe road tolls in another state that need to be paid or you will incur a late fee. You might get a phone call warning that you are behind on your utility bill and that your service will be disconnected unless you pay immediately over the phone. You may receive a text saying you failed to pay a traffic ticket and that your driver’s license will be suspended unless you act now.

Someone might call claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service and insist that you have a tax balance that must be paid immediately with a credit or debit card. Or you might receive a call informing that you failed to respond to a jury summons and must post a bond right away to avoid jail.

These represent only a few of the scams circulating in our communities today, and the problem is growing rapidly.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. The agency received about 2.6 million fraud reports, and the percentage of people who actually lost money jumped significantly from 27% to 38%.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also reports that cybercrime losses reached $16.6 billion in 2024, showing how sophisticated and widespread scams have become.

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. As Christopher Mufarrige of the FTC observed, “Scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving.”

The good news is that with awareness and a few wise habits, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Below are 10 best practices to help you recognize and avoid scams:

1. Slow down and keep your guard up.

Scammers create urgency so you will react before thinking. If someone insists that you must act “right now,” that pressure is often a warning sign.

Consumer advocate Frank Abagnale once said, “The easiest way to avoid being scammed is to slow down.”

Taking a few minutes to verify information can prevent costly mistakes.

2. Never click suspicious links.

Texts and emails often contain links leading to fake websites designed to capture your personal information. If a message asks you to click a link to verify or pay something, resist the urge.

Instead, go directly to the official website of the organization.

3. Verify. Verify. Verify.

If someone claims to represent a government agency, bank, or utility company, hang up and contact the organization yourself using a verified phone number.

Remember, organizations like the Internal Revenue Service or state traffic departments do not demand immediate payment through phone calls, texts, or social media.

4. Guard your personal information.

Never give out sensitive information to unsolicited callers, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card information
  • Passwords or security codes

Legitimate organizations rarely ask for this information unexpectedly.

5. Be wary of unusual payment methods.

Scammers frequently ask victims to pay using:

  • Gift cards
  • Wire transfers
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Peer-to-peer payment apps
  • Cash payment to be picked up at your home or transferred in parking lots near legitimate government agencies.

The reason is simple: these methods are difficult to trace or reverse.

As cybersecurity author Bruce Schneier notes, “Security is a process, not a product.”

Developing proactive habits is the best protection.

6. Be alert for emotional manipulation.

Scammers often create fear, urgency, panic, excitement, or sympathy. The goal is to override your rational thinking.

When emotions rise, pause. Ask questions. Think cognitively, not emotively.

7. Check the source carefully.

Caller ID and email addresses can be spoofed to look legitimate. Just because a phone number appears to be real does not mean it actually is. We received a call recently from a local Sheriff’s Department, and the caller id had the correct name and number. And the caller gave us the correct address. Rather than deal with the caller, we drove to the Sheriff’s Department, and verified the call was a scam. It looked legitimate, but it was a spoof call.

Always confirm through official channels.

8. Talk to someone you trust.

If something feels suspicious, discuss it with a trusted friend, family member, or advisor. A second set of eyes often spots warning signs you might miss. In our recent experience, I contacted our attorney, who suggested specific ways we could explore the legitimacy of a suspicious call.

9. Keep your devices updated.

Many scams rely on malicious software or compromised devices. Keep your operating systems, browsers, and security software updated to reduce vulnerabilities. Keep your antivirus program up to date and keep your firewall turned on.

10. Report suspicious activity.

Reporting scams helps protect others.

You can report fraud to local law enforcement, to the Federal Trade Commission, or through the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center. These reports help authorities identify patterns and stop scammers.

Scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, and human emotion. But knowledge is a powerful defense.

As Warren Buffett wisely observed, “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

The more informed and cautious we are, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

A moment of awareness, or healthy suspicion, today may save thousands of dollars tomorrow.

(Barry Howard serves as a leadership coach and consultant with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Lent: A Time for Spring Cleaning of the Soul

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A Lenten Devotional

Every spring, in addition to doing a more thorough cleaning of the house, my wife and engage in a “cleaning out” of our closet and personal items. This process involves sorting, discarding, and reorganizing.

The season of Lent arrives each year quietly inviting us to open the closet of our soul and take an inventory. Just as spring cleaning clears away the dust and clutter that accumulates unnoticed, Lent calls us to examine our inner lives and make space for God’s renewing grace. It is not about self-condemnation, but soul-restoration.

Scripture reminds us that God is deeply interested in this interior work. The psalmist prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Lent is that season when we hold our inner self up to the light and ask what needs to be swept out. This may include things like the resentments we’ve nursed, the habits that dull our compassion, and distractions that throw us off track.

Spring cleaning is rarely glamorous. It involves getting into corners we’d rather ignore. Yet it is precisely there that grace does its best work. When we fast, pray, give generously, and practice repentance, we are not earning God’s love. Rather, we are clearing away the debris that keeps us from experiencing it fully.

C.S. Lewis suggested,“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” Lent gently reorients us in this daily reliance. Each act of surrender is like wiping down a dusty shelf. It is a small but intentional practice that is transformative over time.

In the early 16th century, Martin Luther described repentance not as a one-time event but as a lifelong posture. In a world focused on outward religious performance, Luther emphasized the ongoing need for inner renewal. This radical idea reframed faith as a continual turning of the heart toward God. His insight affirms that repentance is not about dwelling on guilt, but about returning to grace again and again.

As we journey through Lent, imagine God walking through the rooms of your soul with you, not as a harsh inspector, but as a loving companion. Some things will be kept, while others will be discarded.

Lent has a way of decluttering the chaos within so that our sense of peace is restored. Many years ago, Billy Graham advised, “Like a spring of pure water, God’s peace in our hearts brings cleansing and refreshment to our minds and bodies.”

This year, when Easter arrives, may it find our hearts lighter, cleaner, and more spacious, and ready to welcome the risen Christ with joy.

“Lord, Have Mercy!”

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A Lenten Devotional

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” -Psalm 51:1

In my growing-up years, I remember the elderly in our community and in my family saying, “Lawsy mercy!” whenever they heard about an accident or an illness or some sort of tragedy. In Southern Appalachia, “Lawsy mercy” was a common expression of concern or sympathy to surprising or troubling news. The saying was a derivative of the biblical phrase, “Lord, have mercy.”

The biblical version, however, packs a more powerful punch. It is one of the most ancient and enduring prayers of the Church and yet also one of the simplest: “Lord, have mercy” is a cry that rises from deep within the human heart, a prayer offered not from a place of strength, but from a place of need. During Lent, we are invited to slow down long enough to hear ourselves praying these words honestly, without defensiveness or disguise.

Historically, the prayer Kyrie eleison (“Lord, have mercy”) was spoken not only in worship but also in moments of desperation. During the Black Death of the 14th century, entire communities processed through the streets chanting this plea, not as a magical formula, but as an act of trust when answers were few and suffering was overwhelming. The prayer acknowledged a hard truth: human effort has limits, but God’s mercy does not.

Lent helps us rediscover that truth. It reminds us that mercy is not something we earn through self-denial or religious effort. Mercy is something we receive when we finally stop pretending we don’t need it. To ask for mercy is not only to confess our shortcomings, but to practice humility. It is to recognize that grace, not perfection, is the foundation of our relationship with God.

The reformer Martin Luther once wrote, Those words were found scribbled on a scrap of paper after his death. They capture the spirit of Lent beautifully. No matter how accomplished, faithful, or disciplined we may be, we remain people in need of daily, ongoing, and undeserved mercy.

Echoing this posture of trust, Thomas Merton proposed, “Mercy is the kindness that makes sense of our failures.” Lent does not deny our brokenness. It places it gently in the hands of a merciful God who knows us fully and loves us completely.

To pray “Lord, have mercy” is a way to open ourselves to transformation. Mercy does not merely forgive the past; it reshapes the future. As we receive mercy, we are invited to extend mercy to ourselves, to our neighbors, and even to those we struggle to love.

This Lent, let that simple prayer rest on your lips and in your heart. Not as a sign of defeat, but as an act of hope. For the God who meets us in mercy is already at work, healing what is wounded and restoring what feels lost.

So today, as we pray for ourselves and for our world, may we begin “Lord, have mercy!”