Time Capsule: July posts
I’m a few days later with this post… I do hope you had a joyful July.
This is the second post in the monthly series: Time Capsule. (Check out the last post). Each month I’ll dig through the archives and dust off a few posts from years gone by. All posts are historical, but some are occasionally hysterical, and all offer a glimpse into the ideas, lessons, and adventures that have shaped my journey.
Now, here are posts from July’s-gone-by on my blog that I think are fun and worth reading! I hope you’ll peruse a few! If you’re not a subscriber yet, please hit the subscribe button!
In Notes from the Trail history:
Not only is faith in Jesus growing significantly among all generations, but already in 2026, “…over 19.1 million Bibles were sold in the U.S., marking a 12% increase from the previous year and reflecting a significant growth trend in Bible sales over the past decade. This surge is attributed to both first-time and repeat buyers, particularly among younger generations.” The Lifeway Research 2025 State of Discipleship study found “61% of U.S. Protestant churchgoers read the Bible at least a few times a week, up from 36% in 2007.”1
This post was a disturbing look at the lunatic hatred directed against President Trump. Since it was written, there have been at least two more assassination attempts (that we know of).
Perhaps there’s not a more timely post than this. In the last week of July 2026, Anthony Fauci appeared before a Congressional committee to answer questions long overdue about his management of the COVID narrative and pandemic. Revelations from his journals dismayed Americans as we learned of his infatuation with fame and detestation of Trump (remember 2020 was an election year in which the pandemic raged).
“Extending grace does not nullify the pursuit of justice.”
Two-part parenting series (2023)
In The primacy of parenting and Parenting perspectives, Part 2, I asked the question, “Could it be that a nation is either blessed or cursed by… parenting?”
“Parenting is a responsibility that is founded in leadership. Parents must lead their kids, not allow their kids to lead them.”
Dependence Day (2021)
As we have celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday this year, this post reminds us that “we trivialize what we do not sacrifice for.”
In the summer of 2020, I was blessed to take a sabbatical. If you’ll remember, 2020 was not a fun year! It was a timely sabbatical. I’m still grateful. This post urges churches to insist their minister take sabbaticals.
“Churches, insist on sabbaticals. Ministers and members may discover that they love the season of sabbatical and the lessons learned during it as much as they enjoy being served by a refreshed leader post-sabbatical.”
You can read the entire series of my sabbatical reflections here.
It’s hard to believe that saying “yes” too much may lead someone to leave your church. Another possibility for leavers is when a member becomes embarrassed about their uninvolvement.
I still love politics, but in 2017, it was hard to love politicians. In this post, read 10 points to keep political discourse healthy and wholesome. In addition, you must read Denise McAllister’s article “Voting for Trump Is Not Idolatry.”
“Hey hey hey” hair advice (2016)
This may be one of the most unusual encounters I had. I was offered a prescription for growing hair in a Mexican restaurant.
A one year Virginia birthday (2010)
This post celebrated our move to Virginia from Arkansas and also looked back at so much to be grateful for.
Learning to give (2007)
This post details my journey to faithful generosity in my tithing. I wasn’t a tither when I got married. Hint: Carolyn was right. I was wrong.
Bible sales growth brings opportunities for churches, by Aaron Earls (Lifeway: March 23, 2026)