Growin' Up Gregory

Millennials are categorized as people born between the years 1982 - 2000.  This would put us somewhere between the ages of 18 - 36 (and makes me one of the senior members of this group).  I've read, seen, and heard many different trains of thought on millennials over the past few years as we've become the largest group of members in the workforce in America.  Some has been positive, but some not so much.  Like any other generation, we aren't perfect, but we do have potential.  We just need you to give us a chance, and here's why? Consider this - If you are a 50ish year old individual with a business, how much longer do you plan to keep working?  Based on the current social security rules and typical retirement ages, I would guess another 20 years give or take.  Would you want a business partner who was only planning to work another 5 or 10 years?  Certainly not.  You would want a partner who is going to be there for you and with you the res...

I haven't typically followed Supreme Court nominations very closely.  It's not that I don't appreciate what they do, the power they possess, and the decisions they make, I just hope that I never have a personal matter escalate that far...plus I don't have a lot of influence in that level (or any) of politics.  But since the media continues to push this story and people are asking questions, I want to look at it from three different perspectives. First, what would I do if I was the father of the accuser - how would I respond if Dr. Ford was my daughter?  I would cry.  I would feel sadness, pain, anger, and likely some hostility.  I would want to bring justice to whoever had caused my daughter this type of pain and agony that she had suffered with in silence for so many years.  I would talk with her, I would pray with her and for her.  I would seek counseling and help and do whatever I could to help her move past this terrible experience.  But eve...

My job, like most everyone else's, can be frustrating at times.  I have friends, clients, or random potential customers who contact me about a financing need or a loan product that they've heard about through some ad on the radio, online, or on TV.  Sometimes, what we have to offer may be much better (or at least much simpler) and other times the larger company is simply able to offer something that a bank our size isn't equipped, capable, or willing to offer.  I like the way one of customer (and now friend) put it:  "A community bank may not be able to do everything, but they can do some things that other banks can't."  He unknowingly nailed what sets community banks (and other small businesses) apart - their ability to see more clearly what a customer wants and needs, and the willingness to customize a solution for their particular need (without all of the ridiculous corporate approvals that are sometimes required). For people who do a lot of traveling,...

1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's word; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.  To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.  Amen." God gives His children spiritual gifts, not for our sake, but for the sake of building up others.  He has given us all various gifts that we need in our services for Him.  Peter calls on each of us to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts that we have been given.  As a steward, we know that our duty is to manage the concerns of someone else.  That is to say that believers offer God service from the gifts that He has given to us.  We are stewards of His provision, not owners.  Those who spoke were to recognize that they were representing God's words and not their own opinions...

Part 1 of Showing Hospitality was shared yesterday if you want to read it first.  Otherwise, jump on in here. 1 Peter 4:8-9 - "Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaining." Love is not a feeling; it's a deep commitment for another's good that is shown through action.  The word translated "love" designates a decision of the will rather than an emotion.  Biblical love is often characterized by self-denying commitment.  Love covers a multitude of sins because of its readiness to forgive and its ability to breakdown walls of hostility and bring reconciliation. Like love (our highest command) hospitality is not a suggestion.  The above verse reads, "Be hospitable to one another."  It didn't offer an option of when convenient, when you feel like, when you want to - we are commanded to show hospitality.  But hospitality is more than a few simple acts,...

The City of Union is affectionately known as "The City of Hospitality."  But what does being hospitable really look like?  Hospitality is nothing new, and being hospitable is certainly a spiritual characteristic - actually a command that Christians must embrace as we welcome those coming to faith in Christ.  Our graciousness and hospitality to those outside our circle is what attracts people to the gospel that we profess.  So what does all this mean?  "Ground your service and love in hospitality." 1 Peter 4:7 - "The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer." First, let's look at where Peter is coming from with his declaration that "the end of all things is near" so that no one has the idea that he was some sort of crazy end times prophet kind of guy and to protect his credibility since he wrote this letter nearly 2,000 years ago.  Peter shared later in his writings (2 Peter 3:8) that the Lord's timeta...

I heard a sermon this morning that also had a lesson in English for me.  It contained a verse that I've heard many times before, but never heard it explained this way.  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21 Pastor Michael Todd breaks it down this way, "Your heart follows your treasure.  Your treasure does not follow your heart."  We often lie to ourselves by saying that if we really love something that we will give to it.  But the truth is that if we give to something, we will love it.  He went to suggest that we should think of like investing in a stock - if you invest in a certain stock, you start watching its price go up or down, you start checking it on it daily.  Why?  Because that's where your treasure (money) is. By willingly putting your money and finances into something, be it a charitable organization, a church, a club, your marriage - you will lead your heart there as well. Look back at what t...

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was getting out of English class preparing to head to a CEP event during my freshmen year at Presbyterian College.  That morning had all the makings of an ordinary day until America got punched in the mouth.  I remember the feelings of anxiety and anger upon realizing that the land of the free and the home of the brave was under attack.  Everyone who loved the freedom and opportunity that this nation offers was ready to fight to defend it, and rightfully so.  Countless military and first responders went out risking their own lives to save as many as they could during the aftermath of these horrific attacks.  And it was almost like a patriotic revival in our country. But this has me thinking today, what is worth fighting for?  Many of us would fight over almost anything during our younger days.  But you reach a certain age, or point in life, where fighting is no longer fun.  And the only reasons now that I would ...

So Facebook wants to know, "What's on your mind, John?"  Well, I'll tell you if you feel like listening... Right now my mind is wondering what the real problem is.  You see, everyone is either upset right now with Nike or Papa Johns, Kaepernick or Trump, the NFL or that their team will end up left out of the playoffs at end of the college football regular season (okay it's a little early for that one).  But the real problem isn't pizza or shoes, it's not the former QB or the current President, and it's not the leagues that develop and display some of the greatest athletes in our country. The real problem is a lack of love and the presence of hate.  It's not about if you play sports, like pizza, wear a suit and tie, or can throw a football.  It's about if you respect the people around you.  It's about if people are treated fairly in this country. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States reads like so: "We the People ...