Amazing Volunteers

I think I serve with the greatest group of volunteers in the world.

Having made such a bold statement let me now explain.

Four weeks ago I announced in our Sunday morning services, both of them, that we would be starting a third service on Sunday evening in just four weeks. I talked to our church about the amazing growth that we have seen in the past three months and how I believe that God was prompting us to make room for even more people to come Find and Experience God's Best for Their Life. So we decided to add the third service on Sunday evening at 6pm.

Last night was the first Third Service and all I have to say is, "Wow!"

The crowd was great. The service was good (a couple of minor technical things like me not turning on my mic). But the "wow factor" came from the volunteers.

I actually arrived a little later than I wanted to and when I got to the building, there were already a ton of volunteers in place. There was a buzz in the air. Everyone was excited. Everyone was anticipating something awesome. Everyone was ready to serve.

And here is something even better: Most of these volunteers were NEW volunteers. They were not already serving in our church! In just four short weeks (actually three weeks) we were able to completely staff a third service and all of our childrens classes! In fact, we had so many sign up to volunteer that we had to put some of them on an every-other-week rotation.

So I'll say it again: I serve with the greatest group of volunteers in the world.

So What?

Two things:

1. If you are not serving, your church needs you. Sign up and show up.

2. If you are leading volunteers, make sure you equip them and encourage them. They will make you a hero or a zero.

Christmas Eve Excitement

I am so excited about Christmas Eve this year I can hardly stand it.

I'm not sure why I am so excited this year as opposed to any other year. Maybe it's because we are doing one huge service at the new Center at Bishop Park. It has been a lot of fun getting everything ready for the new venue. All of the sound and lights and things are coming in tomorrow and we will start getting things set up. It's going to be cool.

Maybe it's because the message God has laid on my heart just seems to be something that He is really going to use to change lives. There have been so many great comments about this series we are doing, LIGHT, and I think that finishing it on Christmas Eve is going to be really awesome.

Maybe I am so excited because of all that I have seen God doing over the last few months. It just seems to me that so many people are hurting and searching right now. I have had the awesome privilege of talking to so many people lately who are hungry for LIGHT and to see so many respond to it has really been exciting.

Maybe I'm excited because I just feel like I am doing what God put me here to do. Please don't misunderstand. I'm not being boastful or anything. I just really have a sense of purpose and fulfillment like I have not had in some time. God is doing some cool stuff right now and I am excited to be a small part of it.

Actually, I think I know what it is.

It is all of the things I mentioned above and more. It just seems that when God is doing His thing and we are walking with Him and experiencing His Best in our life, it's exciting. Life really is a BLAST when you are walking in the LIGHT. It's like Jesus said in John 8:12, "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'"(NLT)

So What?

If all the stuff that comes along with the holidays has gotten you down, I encourage you to Look for the LIGHT. The LIGHT will get you out of the funk and into the fun that only comes from walking with Jesus. He wants your life to be exciting. He is excited about you. Allow Him to put that excitement into your heart right now.

Merry Christmas!

Overwhelmed For Families

From time to time I get a bit overwhelmed. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes not so good.

Lately...not so good.

I am really burdened for so many of the families in our church and community who are struggling in so many ways. Nearly everyone is struggling financially. Many are struggling in their marriage for various reasons. Some are facing difficulties with their children. It seems that our families are under serious attack right now.

In talking with many of these families I have tried to encourage them with God's Word. That is the only source of strength that I have found. In it we can find words of hope, encouragement, strength, and direction. In those meetings where things seem so bad and I have absolutely nothing to say, I am so glad that I have God's Word to go to. I am learning that His Word is really all I need and exactly what our families need.

So What?

I want to ask you to pray with me for our families. Pray for men to be real, Godly, men and lead their family the way God intends. Pray for women to be the Godly women of Proverbs 31. Pray for children to honor and obey as the Bible teaches. And pray that God will save our families so that we can be a safe place and a beacon of hope for a dark world.

Start with yourself and your family then begin to pray for others you know. Let's ask God to do something amazing in our families and ask Him to start with yours.

Will you join me in praying for our families?

Family Ties

Remember that show? Michael J. Fox was brilliant. The oldest sister was good looking. The dad was kinda weird. The mom was mostly the voice of reason. And the theme song...well if Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams were singing it, you know it was amazing. (What would we do baby, without us?)

Here comes an obvious statement: TV life and real life have never been, and never will be, remotely close to similar. Obvious, I know, but it needs to be said. Our family life will never be like any of the families we see on TV, especially not like the older TV show families (though some would argue they more closely resemble some of the more Modern Family types.).

Even though the above obvious statement is true, we all still tend to learn from and even emulate what we see on TV. The result is nothing short of catastrophic because none of us can handle every crisis that comes at our family in just 30 minutes including commercials.

So you and I have to learn from a different source, a better source, a tried and tested source, if we are going to experience God's Best in our Family.

This week we start a new series called Family Ties. I am really excited about it and believe that God is going to use it to help many families get in on His Best. I am praying that God works in such a huge way over the next few weeks that our families, church, and community will never be the same because we take the Truth of His Word and apply it to our lives. I am believing that God is going to dramatically show up and make some drastic changes in our lives. I am counting on it.

So What?

I want to ask you to pray with me. I want to challenge you to pray for your family. I want to challenge you to ask God to show up in your life first and then in the life of your family. Will you open your heart to what God wants you to do to help your family get in on His Best? Give it a shot and let me know ow it goes.

Sha-la-la-laaaaa.

CAUTION: Emotional Decisions Ahead!

This past weekend I was able to announce the beginning of several new serving projects that God has brought to us here at Midtowne Church. In making those announcements I found myself getting emotional. I initially apologized but then said that I thought it was OK to show that emotion as I was talking. I still believe that to be true.

I have been blown away by the response from the people in our church and even people outside our church. it is so cool to be involved in a place where people truly want to serve and want to see God's Love shown in practical ways.

However, I think sometimes we allow our emotions to make decisions for us. Remember: Emotions do not make good decisions. I am always careful with my emotions when I am teaching because I don't want people to respond to an emotion. I don't want people to respond with their emotions. I want people to respond with their heart. I want their heart to be touched by God Himself and for Him to be the one who initiates any response we make.

Don't get me wrong here. I think emotions are great. God gave us emotions and I think they are a vital part of who we are. I think we should be passionate about what we do. I think we should give all that we are and all that we have to whatever God leads us to do. We just need to make sure we are not allowing our emotions to make our decisions for us. Even if that decision is a decision regarding something that helps build God's Kingdom.

My fear is that we get caught up in the emotion and volunteer for some project only to find that once we get involved, we are not really serving from our heart, in our "giftedness," or from our passion. Then we wind up frustrated, tired, and ultimately doing damage to that cause and ourselves.

So What?

When it comes to serving, make sure that you are feeling God's calling to the ministry project and not just feeling that burrito you had last night. Make sure you are following God's leading in your heart and not just getting wrapped up in an emotional response. You will find that you will be more fulfilled and the ministry will be more successful because it is being run by the people God wants involved.

The Groove

It's that time of year. The time of year where many people get back in their groove. Kids are going back to school. Vacations are wrapping up. Jobs are gearing up for the new season. And yes, some people are even getting back to church.

I think it's interesting that we do that. We tend to live our life by seasons. We have seasons of extreme busyness, seasons of relaxation, seasons of commitment, and seasons of laxness. Depending on what season we are in, our walk with God tends to model our life.

That's why I like this season. People are getting back in the groove and getting their life back on track with so many things, including their walk with God.

So What?

As you are getting your groove back, don't forget your walk with God. In fact, I want to challenge you to put God in the lead position as you get back on track after the summer. If you do, you will find that He is more than ready to lead you to His Best for you.

Welcome Back!

Healthy vs. Hurting

I've been talking to a lot of people lately. A lot more counseling than usual. So many people are searching, struggling, and just plain hurting. It's been interesting to hear all the different stories but I have found some common issues and causes.

Here is an observation I have made recently.

Over time, say 3, 5, or even 10 years in a marriage or any relationship, we develop habits, or patterns. We develop these patterns of behavior that become the trade marks of our relationships. We behave a certain way in certain situations for so long that it becomes very natural for us and we will immediately default to that behavior when the given situation arises.

For example, let's say you have a conflict that needs resolution. If you don't know how to resolve conflict in a healthy way, you struggle through the conflict, a fight ensues, feelings get hurt, walls are built and a behavior is learned. Not only a behavior, but usually an escape mechanism as well. So the next time there is a conflict, since we still don't know how to resolve it in a healthy way, we fall back on our new learned behavior and repeat the process.

After repeating this process for a few months or so, we may eventually just skip the process and the pain it causes and avoid any and all confrontation. So the happy couple now simply reside together and the marriage grows, stale and stagnant and really begins to stink.

Thus the searching, struggling, and hurting.

So What?

If you can learn a destructive behavior, you can learn a healthy behavior. Can you recall a time in your relationship when things were happy or healthy? If so, what was different about that time as opposed to now? Can you replace the healthy, happy behavior of then with the hurting behavior of now? I think you can. And if you continue the pattern of healthy behavior, over time it will become the pattern. It will become your default. It will heal the hurting.

NOTE: I know this is easier said than done but it can be done. Ask for God's power and seek Christian leaders to guide you and hold you accountable. You will be amazed at how healthy your relationships can be.

I've got something on my mind that I just can't seem to shake so I thought I would put it out here for who ever reads this thing and see what you have to say.

Here's the deal:

It seems to me that, in general (and I know that's dangerous), people just don't take responsibility anymore. And not only that but, in general, people really enjoy blaming others for things.

These two thoughts really struck me while watching the news one morning as I was preparing to come to the office. Whether it's the oil spill in the gulf and the way it is being handled or not handled, the war on terror, political races, or even sporting events, passing around the blame and trying to make others look bad seems to be the calling of our day.

It makes me not want to watch the news and really makes me want to show and teach my children differently.

So What?

It didn't take long to find out what God has to say about this whole thing. Here are a couple of scriptures for you to consider. I don't think either of them need much, if any, explanation.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4-5 NLT

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

I encourage you to join me in applying the principles of these verses to your life right now.

Something's Fruity Part 2

You gotta love it when God does this.

As I was finishing typing the previous post about how God is developing His Fruit in my life, our internet connection went down again! We have been having a ton of problems lately and we even had a tech out this morning to work on it.

Needless to say I initially began to get upset and almost grew impatient and almost had an "outburst of anger" (see Galatians 5:19-21 NLT).

But then I laughed to myself, told God I got it, and asked Him to help me handle this "crisis" in a way that would be honoring to Him. At that moment, I allowed the Holy Spirit to control me and not my sinful nature.

Again, I am not bragging on myself. I just want to let you know how this stuff works in real life. It happens all the time. It really is a matter of who or what you allow to be in control and what you allow your mind to dwell on. I daresay that had I not been typing my blog post when this happened, I would probably not have passed the test. But because I was already focusing on the work of God in my life, I was able to handle it pretty well.

Another So What?

One of the best ways to keep the Holy Spirit in control is to keep God on your mind. You will find that you tend to behave the way you think.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

Something's Fruity

For the past several weeks I have been teaching about the Fruit of the Spirit as found in the Bible in Galatians 5:22. This has been a very fun and personally challenging series for me because it has made me more aware of how important it is to not only make teaching the Bible very practical, but also very personal.

A few weeks ago in the Neighborhood Group I attend, we were talking about how people have different "Aha" type experiences in their walk with God. Those moments when something just clicks and starts to really make sense. One of the members of our group said that they really like the way I teach on Sunday morning because I use "real life examples." (I'm not bragging on myself, just hang with me.) when I asked them to explain what that meant, he said that he liked the fact that I talk about my personal struggles in my teaching and give examples of ow I succeed and fail at times. Those kind of things really help him relate and "get" the message.

I love good examples of teaching points. I love to talk about ways that I mess up. I think it is very important for people to understand that just because someone is standing on the stage doesn't mean that they have it all together.

Yes I really do honk at people while I'm driving. I really do get frustrated with people and their shopping carts in Wal-Mart. I really do get mad when people are inconsiderate. And I even find myself doing some of the same things that I get mad about.

But I'm working on it.

It takes time for a fruit tree to produce fruit. Depending on how the tree was grown it can take as long at 14 years before it ever produces anything ore than leaves. The same is true for us. Giving the Holy Spirit control of our life and allowing Him to develop this Fruit in our life takes time. Some of it comes easier and faster than others. Some days certain fruit is "in stock" in our life and some days it is not. Sometimes we wonder if the order was even placed.

So What?

The key to producing Fruit in your life spiritually is giving the Holy Spirit control. The Bible says that the producer of our Fruit is obvious. Our sinful nature produces the fruit we put out on the shelf or the Holy Spirit produces the fruit we display. Giving the Holy Spirit control and crucifying our sinful nature is a daily, sometimes hourly, (or dare I say minutely") event. But God promises that when we are "guided by the Spirit" we will produce His brand of fruit.

This morning, the Holy Spirit was not in control. I have asked for forgiveness and now I am under His control again. I hope it lasts the rest of the day and in the morning I will try again.

I smell fresh fruit. Do you?

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a NLT

Do You Know Where the Janitor's Closet Is?

This morning I was told a very cool story about a lady in our church. She was talking to some people in her Neighborhood Group about being involved in the church. She was going on and on about how much she loved serving and how cool it was to be a real "part" of the Family here at Midtowne. She went on to say how much she loved the church and the people and what we are all about here. She talked about how much she loves serving and being involved and then she said, "I like knowing where the Janitor's closet is."

I know that sounds like a very strange thing to say but that statement is very powerful. That statement is full of truth and conviction. That statement says more about her heart than anything else.

Knowing where the Janitor's closet is means that you have taken ownership in your church. It means that you have completely bought in to the mission, strategy, and philosophy of your church. You are so connected in your church that you take pride in it. Not an arrogant, sinful pride that thinks we are better than everyone else. But a pride that says you want to give your best in order to help others get in on God's Best.

When you know where the Janitor's closet is, you are ready and willing to serve and do whatever it takes to help others get in on what God is doing. You are willing to do the dirty work if necessary. You are not afraid to get your hands dirty and do whatever is needed to make the building ready for our guests. You are willing to go above and beyond what is expected and help make sure that everything is done in order to help others feel welcome, connected, and important. All of those things are vital as we try to help others experience God's Best in their life.

So What?

The Janitor's closet is not a great place to be in but it is a great place to begin. Look for ways to serve in your church and don't be afraid to do the jobs no one else wants to do. Being on the inside does not mean having all the answers. It means doing your part. Getting involved and taking ownership and having pride in something will help you connect, grow, and be fulfilled.

Easter was amazing! God showed up in a huge way in both of our services, and so did a ton of people. We had the largest attendance we have had in our short, two-year life. We saw 5 people baptized, very cool. And 14 people gave their life to Jesus and accepted His Love into their heart! That was the best part of all.

We always ask, "So what?" when we are done with our services but today I want to ask a different question.

Now What?

Easter is over. For all of us who serve in some capacity around here, it was the biggest day of the year. We worked very hard praying, preparing, planning, and pulling off what turned out to be a huge day. The tendency after a huge "event" like Easter is to lay back a little and enjoy the fruit of your labor. Like when you finish a big project at work or around the house or finish a big event or production at school. It's good to relax and enjoy what you have accomplished.

However, I was reminded in staff meeting this week that we cannot afford to do that. Instead of sitting back and relaxing after a great Easter celebration, it is imperative that we strive for more of God's Best. I believe every week at Midtowne should be a "big" week. I believe every week at your church should be a big week. We should give our very best each and every week so that we can get in on God's Best each and every week.

I also believe that we should not ask God to repeat what He did. I think that is too easy. In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan talks about an experience he had with a young lady on a worship team. Her prayer after and amazing night of worship want not, "God, do it again." Instead, she prayed, "God, do something bigger and better." What a great attitude! One that I think we should all strive for in our walk with God.

The Now What is this. Don't live in the victories and accomplishments of your past. Press ahead for more of God's Best. That is just what the Apostle Paul was saying in Philippians 3:12-14 NLT. I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Don't misunderstand. I totally believe in celebrating victories and accomplishments. But when it comes to getting in on God's Best for your life, don't stop and settle. Press on for more of what He has for you.

PS - for those of you who just have to have a So What, here you go. Do your part to make this week at your church as big of a deal as Easter was. Who says you can only have huge crowds and huge fun twice a year? Not God.

The Backbone

"I have to be strong. I'm the backbone."

That's what the man told me as he sat in my office, tears streaming down his cheeks, venting to me about the problems he was facing in his family. It's hard to watch a grown man cry but it's also very encouraging because I'm convinced that when we begin to admit our weakness and let our rue feelings show, real healing and growth can begin.

I'm not sure why we as men think that we can't be emotional. Nor do I understand why men are so afraid to share their feelings. Somewhere along the time line of history, men got this crazy idea in their heads and for some reason have a hard time getting rid of that notion.

As I look at history though, what little bit of it I know, I can recall some great men who were not afraid to let their feelings show and admit their weaknesses. In fact, all great leaders know that the best way to compensate for their weaknesses is to surround themselves with people who make up for their weaknesses (just look at their wives. We ALL married out of our league.) Presidents have cried. Kings have cried. Military leaders have cried. Even the greatest man who ever lived cried (check out the shortest verse in the whole Bible, John 11:35).

I'm thinking if men like that can show emotion, the rest of us should not be afraid of it. I believe that showing emotion is not a wimpy thing, but one of the most manly things a man can do (and I've heard that chicks dig it too, at least my wife likes it when I am man enough to show some emotion).

So What?

Backbones were designed to bend but not break. Think about it. If your backbone could not bend, life would not be very pleasant. Obviously, if it breaks you're in serious trouble. So as a man, leader, influencer, or just everyday person, don't be afraid to bend and show some emotion. You will probably find that your "body" (i.e. family, staff, friends, etc.) is way more comfortable and effective when you do.

Long Time No Blog

I know it's been a long time since my last post so I thought I would catch up a little.

After my bout with the tree and a few days in the hospital, I am now getting back to somewhat normal. I am learning a lot about concussions and the affects of them. I have learned that the dizziness, nausea, lack of concentration, fatigue, and general "funk" can last for months. Needless to say, I am tired of all of those things and ready for this to be over.

And no, I did not pray for patience prior to this.

Getting back in the groove is proving to be a little more difficult than I expected. I am hoping and praying that I am able to be back to my "normal" self soon. In the mean time I am trying to take it easy and trust God to walk with me through this. It is hard on me, my family, and my coworkers. But I believe that it's all going to be fine and I am anxious to see what God is going to teach me through this.

I realize that this cold have been a lot worse and that there are people going through way more than I am. I am thankful that God has protected me and helped me get to this point. I am thankful that He is in control. I am thankful for my family and friends who have been very patient and supportive. I am thankful for all of this situation because I know it did not catch God by surprise.

As my friend Sam says, "God's got this."

Sunday January 31

We will only have out 1030 service this Sunday due to the ice storm. Help spread the word!

Thanks

Another Perspective

I was talking with a friend of mine who is not a follower of Christ. He knows that Jesus died on the cross for his sins. He believes He rose from the grave. He knows that Jesus is the answer to all the junk he is going through. However, he is not ready to make Jesus his LORD (Lord just means boss). He is not ready to make that commitment and is still holding on to his own selfish ways (yes that's what I told him).

He began to tell me that he never wants to do anything half way. He said that in any relationship, (glad he recognizes that we are talking about a relationship with God) in order for the relationship to work, you have to give it all you have. He said that he is not sure he can do that and that he is not sure he can be successful at it. He is afraid that he might mess up and then what? He told me that he was concerned about what might happen if he gave his life to Christ, what would be different and what all the repercussions would be.

So here is the different perspective. I told him he is thinking the wrong way and asking the wrong question. He should be thinking and asking, "What might happen if I don't give my life to Christ?" I love it when God does that, gives me things like that to say. He gets the glory not me.

So What?

When it comes to your commitment to Christ and the way you live your life, don't focus on what you think you are missing out on. Focus on what you gain. God truly wants you to experience His Best in your life. So get up, get going, and get in on His Best right now.

1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Relationship Resolution

I talked with an old friend last night. I had not spoken with him in quite a while. I knew that he had gone through a lot of junk in his life this past year and I had prayed for him a few times, but I had not called or attempted to see him for months.

So last night I called. Glad I did.

He did not really spill it all out last night. I didn't ask him to. There was no need to really. I just told him I missed him, had been praying for him, and asked him what I could do to help him. He told me a little about what was going on and how he felt. I told him how sorry I was that life was so stinkin' bad for him and hoped that this year would be better. I told him that I genuinely meant it when I said I would help him if he needed it. He assured me that he knew that and appreciated it.

Before I got off the phone I made him a promise. I told him I would do better at keeping in touch. I told him I will continue to pray for him but would also make a better effort at calling and/or trying to have lunch or hang out sometime. Again, he was grateful and we said good bye.

So What?

There are people in our life who need us to make personal contact with them. Don't get so caught up in all the things you have going on that you miss an opportunity to show God's love to someone you love. Make this New Year's Resolution with me. I will do better at staying in touch with people in need.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4 NLT

Bah Humbug Revisited

The day after I wrote my last post about not "feeling" the Christmas spirit, something cool happened. I love it when God does stuff like this. Below is the short version.

A friend of mine from High School called me. He has been back in town for a few months and is homeless. I have been staying in touch and helping him as I can. He called to tell me that his bus pass had expired and he needed money to replace it immediately. You see, when you are homeless, you typically have no transportation either, so you have to depend on public transportation to get you to doctor's appointments, shelters, job interviews, etc.

As soon as I finished my breakfast with my family, I went to meet my friend. We drove to the bus station, got a pass, went on another errand, and just hung out for a while. When I left him I had an epiphany of sorts ("like a bolt of lightning struck me right in me brain" from the movie "Hook").

God very vividly helped me remember that Christmas is not about me, it is about others. When I quit thinking about myself and my feelings and began focusing on others and their feelings and needs, I got it. The Christmas spirit came rushing in. I have to say that, in spite of some very bad news I got that day too, I had one of the best days I have ever had. Not that anything really special happened the rest of the day or that I got to do anything amazing. I just knew that I had done what I was placed on this planet to do. I got to serve someone else and that made all the difference.

So What?

If you are looking for a "feeling" or trying to manufacture the Christmas spirit in your life, go serve someone. You will experience God's presence, power, and love like never before. Christmas is all about God serving us by sending Jesus to us. It only makes sense that we should serve others by taking Jesus to them. The shepherds got that. Check it out in Luke 2:8-20. They couldn't keep what they found to themselves.

Another thing to keep in mind. This serving others deal is not just a seasonal event. Make it a lifestyle. Then you and I won't have to worry about not "feeling" the Christmas spirit.

BTW...I'll be talking about the Shepherds and their Search this Sunday at Midtowne.

Bah Humbug?

I'm really trying. Seriously. I am working hard at it but it just isn't happening yet. I know it will eventually but it's just not there right now.

I'm talking about the Christmas Spirit. I'm not feeling it yet.

I truly love Christmas. I love the lights, the music, the decorations, gifts, crowds (yes really), the food...I love it all. I enjoy the parties, the planning, the rushing around. It's a blast. But for some reason I just don't feel it yet this year.

Some would say it's still early and there is time. True. But I want it now. I'm ready now.

Here's the strange thing. I'm not sure why I'm not feeling it yet. I've already been to a party. I've received some gifts already. Our house looks like a Christmas catalog thinks to my amazing wife. The building at our church is decorated and I'm doing Christmas messages. But I'm still not there.

So What?

The Spirit of Christmas is not a feeling, it's a lifestyle.

Maybe I'm searching in the wrong place or even searching for the wrong thing. Maybe I should not be so concerned about a season of feeling but should be more concerned about an daily way of life that allows me to enjoy my relationship with God all the time. Maybe God is trying to tell me that I need to not be so concerned about feeling something awesome during the holiday season and start searching for an experience with Him daily.

After all, isn't that why He was born in the first place?

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am not going to attempt to list it all here. I just want to thank you for reading this. Thanks to those who comment (and leave their name). Thanks to My Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray that today you and your family take time to tell the Lord thanks for all He has done for you. I hope you will take time to tell those around you that you are thankful for them. I hope you will not allow this to be a one day event but that we all will be more thankful year round.

Happy Thanksgiving