With just one shot, I killed a turtle. It was a long, long time ago but the memory still lingers.Being a typical boy I would take my 22 rifle out in the woods and pretend to be the great white hunter. I would shoot meadow larks in the fields, I would ping black birds at the garbage dump near home. I would shoot anything that flew out of trees, thinking I was a great shot. I've come to realize that...  Read More

I get bored easily. I am aways needing a project, something to do. Sitting around one day I decided to learn to fly. I was living in Columbus at the time. I was between quarters as a student attending The Ohio State University. I got the phone book out, looked up a flight school. I enrolled and started ground school the next week.Ground School was learning the mechanics of flight, regulations, med...  Read More

Yesterday, when sitting in church, it occurred to me that when it comes to people, "I am Colorblind". I thank God for that. Here is how it happened...I grew up in the south. I lived in a little southern bubble. I went to a segregated school, segregated church, ate in segregated restaurants and lived in a segregated neighborhood. My father, when he neededextra help on his construction job, would go...  Read More

I have not given much thought about being in a Community until recently. Ann and I live in a really nice community. We have lived in this Community since 2005. It's the longest place we have ever lived having moved constantly in the military. Obviously we like our Community. It is safe, it is quiet, neighbors mind their own business but we support each other if someone is in need. I call this a li...  Read More

Each Christmas my daughter, Kate, and I have a discussionas to what I want for Christmas. My response is always, "nothingsweetheart, I have everything I need." I tell her if she is home forChristmas and mom is there that is all I need. Kate’s responseusually is, “Get serious Dad”. Then we go back and forth arguing.This year I want it to be a little different. For my readers out there,if you are a ...  Read More

The pastor’s childhood mistake of literally “playing with fire” once set an entire woods ablaze—but it also became a picture of a far greater fire he would discover later. Through the story of Moses and the burning bush, he learned what it means to burn with the life-giving fire of the Holy Spirit instead of destructive flames. Now he invites us to “catch fire with God,” who walks with us, talks with us, and needs no fire department to put Him out.  Read More

As I grew up, I watched my childhood fantasy world disappear, replaced by the harsh realities of responsibility and painful moments like being rejected at a Boy Scout meeting. Through it all, I eventually discovered a perfect Savior who accepts me completely and offers the unconditional love I had longed for.  Read More

A climb up Mount Fuji taught me what a true mountaintop experience feels like—hard, breath-stealing, unforgettable. In our walk with Jesus, those moments often come when we least expect them. Serving others becomes the “one-of-a-kind” experience that changes everything.  Read More

Sometimes life’s near-misses and challenges remind us that God isn’t finished with us yet. Through trials and unexpected events, His love sustains us, giving us purpose for each day. If you’re still here, He’s not done with you either—give thanks and live for Him.  Read More

At the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, Pastor Dave reflects on how God has guided each person’s journey—through struggle, grace, and faith—to that sacred place. Like Max Lucado’s “Next Door Savior,” this reminds us that Christ walks beside us in every moment and that we are all part of the same “Tilted Halo Family,” united by His grace.  Read More

When Jim came to Southern Hills, he was seeking sanctuary, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and acceptance—things that had often been fleeting in his life. In time, the church became his spiritual home, a place where he could finally rest in God’s love. Though his past was heavy, he discovered that God’s grace was real and transforming. In the end, he became a tree that bore fruit and found love.  Read More

Pastor David shares childhood memories of well-meant mistakes—from repainting his new bike to ruining a pair of jeans—to remind us that while life doesn’t always offer second chances, God does. We may not get “do-overs” for our actions, but through God’s grace, we’re given endless spiritual do-overs to grow, learn, and begin again.  Read More