First Thoughts Blog Archives - Page 4 of 4

Text “Stewarding God’s Grace” with the bold “SG” centered on a colorful abstract background for First Presbyterian Baton Rouge.

All the Things to Love: Stewarding the Grace of God

“All the Things to Love” is the title of a book we used to read our children. It had beautiful pictures of many ordinary sights in which we can find…

A geometric floral design for First Presbyterian Baton Rouge with "Stewarding God's Grace" and multicolored "SG" initials in the center.

Give Glory! Stewarding God’s Grace

Suppose you were down on Bayou Black and saw the sun setting all washed with pinks and reds. What would you do? Maybe speak. “That’s gorgeous!” Maybe take a picture….

A group of musicians plays brass instruments outdoors at First Presbyterian Baton Rouge; one plays trombone, another tuba—both wear sunglasses.

Who Dat? Worshipping the King of Glory at First Presbyterian

If you’re part of “Saints Nation,” you know the chant. “Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?” For years, it’s been a rallying cry for…

Close-up of yellow and orange oil droplets suspended in liquid, forming an abstract pattern at First Presbyterian Baton Rouge.

Fill Your Horn with Oil, and Go

As our youth staff has a habit of doing together, we were recently studying 1 Samuel 16, one of the many passages we’ll cover with the teens this school year….

A person holds a small white gift box with a red ribbon, perfect for First Presbyterian Baton Rouge celebrations, against a blurred background.

The Perfect Re-Gifting: Our God-Given Gifts

Re-gifting. To most of us, this is a word that brings to mind bizarre statuettes, frozen smiles and “future white elephant party” fantasies. We try to pass off things we…

Close-up of a person's face with brown eyes, natural eyebrows, freckles, and reflecting the warmth of Baton Rouge Presbyterian Church.

Which Way Is Your Face? A Vision for Church Life at FPCBR

That’s a great question for a church! We head where our faces, well, face! So which direction should a church point its nose? I tend to think the answer is…

Four hands, two with rings, gently clasp together on a light surface, evoking comfort found at First Presbyterian Baton Rouge.

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction at FPCBR

Many of you know that I am your Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care. This means you’re likely to see me if you’re in the hospital, homebound or in a Senior…

A person sits on a large rock by a lake, watching a sunset over mountains, reminiscent of the peace at First Presbyterian Baton Rouge.

Watch and Pray: Seeking The Lord

Over our years together, Rachel and I have taken many 10+ hour drives over the course of a single day. On one such occasion in August of 2018, we were…