My name is Rick Bloodworth and I have been preaching for the same, small church of Christ in Happy, Texas since 1995. In addition to preaching, I have had the privilege of working with youth groups for over thirty years. At times I am not sure if working with the teen and college-age groups has kept me young in heart or if they have aged me far beyond my physical years, but they are a big part of the reason that I love doing what I do. I would not want to do anything else!

I have been heavily influenced through the years by the writings of men like Norman Vincent Peale, Dale Carnegie, William Danforth, Zig Ziglar and Ralph Parlette. I love their messages of hope, positive thinking, accountability and striving for excellence, and I believe that their encouragements are far more useful than the dissatisfied voices of self-pity and petulance that are so common today.

More than anything, I have been influenced by the timeless words of the inspired writers of the Bible. I unequivocally and unapologetically affirm my belief in the Bible and in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit who are revealed in that sacred word. The purpose of this site is to merely provide a daily outlet for those desiring a more optimistic theme than is typically heard on the nightly news: It is an attempt to remember who we are, what we are here for and where we are going. Lest there be any doubt, I am convinced that we are here to serve God and that we are going to be judged by Him someday. I am also convinced that God wants us to be happy, so we might as well enjoy the life that He has given us.

As you read from this website you may wonder if I am a hopeless Pollyanna who sugar coats every bit of bad news and unrealistically views the harsh world through rose colored glasses. Like you, I know that there is evil in this world, as well as sadness, disappointment, and sometimes even hatred. We got rid of our TV (he stations, not the set - we still watch DVD's) several years ago, but I keep up with the news (when I can stand to) by reading it on various news websites and by occasionally listening to a variety of talk radio shows.

My master's degree is in finance and the dismal science of economics from West Texas State University, and I received my undergraduate degree in business from Lubbock Christian College. I was an investor and real estate appraiser for over a dozen years in the great state of Wyoming prior to moving to Texas. I have counseled alcoholics, drug addicts, those battling depression, broken marriages and on and on and on. It's not that I fail to recognize the woes of this world, I just try not to let them rule my life. I believe that God has called us to something greater.

I believe that common sense trumps cynicism and is far more useful in dealing with the real problems of life. The reason I chose Common Sense Christian as the name of this daily site is that I am convinced that Christianity is the only common sense solution to the world's problems. Since God created the world, it only follows that He has the way to make it run and holds the solution to all of humanity's problems. In short, if we believe that God created the universe and that the Bible is His word, common sense will dictate that we use that word to direct our lives.

We all know that there is trouble in this world, but we cant choose to not make it the focal point of our existence. If you are convinced that we are here for a purpose and that this world can be a bit more pleasant if you and I will do our part, then this daily bit of optimism just might be something that you will enjoy.