BEFORE THE NEW YEAR BEGINS...-

Everyone is all about bringing in the New Year, especially right now, just 95 minutes away from the "ball dropping" and ushering in 2013. People are partying, laughing, eating, playing games, dancing and making goals (formerly known as New Year's resolutions). But, as I sit here, anticipating the new year (I will probably be asleep before the new year begins), there is something I need to do first. It is something I would encourage everyone to do...reflect on 2012. Before we move on to 2013, let me reflect on some things God did, for me personally, in 2012.

1. He gave me the vision of leading our church through a Bible reading, memorization and book reading schedule. This was a way for our church body to grow together, even as we individually pursued God and His Word. Although I was only there for a few months this year, it ended up being an incredible growing process for me, especially in reading through the Bible chronologically. And our family worked on, and is still working on memorizing Colossians.

2. He led me through a very difficult time. We all go through times when we feel alone, betrayed and hurt. At a very low time for me this year, God was right there, holding me up, speaking truth to me; and giving me others to encourage my heart.

3. He forgave my sins. This is not a one time action on God's part. When I was willing to confess and repent, "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins..." Facing my weaknesses has been tough, and yet knowing that God still loves me, forgives me and restores me encourages my heart.

4. He provided for our family. He incredibly sold our home. He opened up a place for our family to live. He provided part-time work for me. He has provided, as He promised, everything we need. And He has gone beyond in many ways.

5. He has given me my passion back for ministry as a pastor. The end of my most previous ministry was rough and He knew I needed some time for rest, reflection and restoration. During these months, God has helped me see who I am, who He is, and what is most important in my life. He has also directed me back to serving Him as a pastor, once He opens the right door and the right time. I am refocused and re energized, to serve Him once again according to His calling on my life.

So, as I enter 2013, I first praise God for 2012; and especially for what I learned about Him. He is the faithful God who keeps His promises; and I don't expect that to change just because the ball drops at midnight. To God be the glory!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS...AND CALEB...AND GABRIELLE

The popular thing among many Christians is to talk about Christmas as Jesus' birthday, although I haven't heard any true biblical scholar tell me that December 25th is even close to when Jesus was born. However, it is an awesome thing, for Jesus' followers, to be able to focus on Him, rather than just on the buying and wrapping and giving and receiving of gifts...for ourselves. It is a honor to remind my family that Jesus is the the one who gave the greatest gift ever; and it is only because of His great sacrifice, that we have anything eternal to celebrate. The gifts we have from Him are those that cannot be purchased, stolen or broken.

And because of the work Jesus has done, we can also truly celebrate the other amazing gifts He has given; such as our children. Caleb and Gabrielle just turned 12 a couple days ago...incredible. It has been a wonderful blessing to see them grow; although both Teresa and I would agree that it just seems too fast! But, by God's grace, they have been growing, fairly healthy, and products of His mercy. They both demonstrate a desire to walk with Jesus; and I can't think of a better gift than to have children that love Him!

So, today, on Christmas Eve, I celebrate the growing lives of Caleb and Gabrielle; and thank God for these amazing gifts. I pray that God will give me another year of watching and helping them grow in Him. And, most of all, I celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I have nothing...I am nothing. With Him, I have everything; and I am an heir of His...incredible!

Happy Birthday Jesus...and Caleb...and Gabrielle!

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT...

I suppose that beginning statement could turn out to be positive or negative. And every once in a while, it is attached to tragic news. Yesterday, working the drive thru window of the best "quick service" restaurant in the world (my humble opinion), I hear that phrase, followed by: "...the school shooting in Connecticut.?" After that moment, it is about all I have been talking about, hearing about, and thinking about. There is a desire to find out more information, and it is hard waiting for more details to come out. As always, some of the first things you hear do not turn out to be true.

But what was true, was that a young man killed his mother and then drove to an elementary school and killed many others (perhaps 20 children and 6 adults?). It is so hard to imagine. Add to this that Teresa and I lived right near that town when we were first married and I was a young pastor. I knew a pastor of a church there, although he is now a foreign missionary. I know families that have lived and gone to church or school in that area (although almost 20 years ago). It still makes it seem to close; and regardless of the past connection, so heartbreaking.

Many will try to make this into a gun control issue; or perhaps a discussion of the syndrome the shooter is said to have or multiple personality disorders. The talk will be of school safety and other concerns that are connected to a tragedy like this. But, for those of us who follow Christ, there is a greater concern: that God will be glorified through this tragedy. That eternal victories will take place, which far outlast this short, temporal life. This is a time to pray for these families and to focus on our God.

So, hear is my prayer, without really knowing all the details, but mourning the tragedy nonetheless:
"Lord, you are sovereign God. To you goes all the glory. We have no idea why you allowed this tragedy, but we know it goes to the sinful hearts of man. I pray that you will be close to and comfort the families and friends of those that have been killed. I pray that you will, somehow, turn this into eternal glory. That is, because of this tragedy, people will see the temporary nature of this life and turn to you for eternal security. I pray people will focus on loving others, knowing that our time together is very short. Whether it is a tragedy like this, or natural death, or some other way, we are here for a short time. Lord, please draw our attention to you; and may those who follow you be bold in comforting and challenging those who have lost loved ones, to turn to you. May you receive the glory for being the only one we can turn to in a tragedy like this. Amen."

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

It finally happened: all that work I put in...the long hours practicing...being the last one out of the facility...it was all worth it. We can't talk, yet anyway, about the hall of fame; but one thing is for certain; and no one can take it away from me: I am the Rookie of the Year! Just think back through all the names of those who have had that honor. Some of them have turned out to be the greatest athletes of all time. Will that happen for me? I don't know. Tomorrow, it's back to the gym and more practice, working harder than anyone else. But, for today, it's time to celebrate this incredible accomplishment!

So, what did you win Rookie of the Year for? The NBA, NFL, MLB, fastest growing business? What was it? Well, um...it was Rookie of the Year for my fast food, I mean quick service restaurant.
All the fast food restaurants of the country? No. Of the state? No. Of your city? No. Just my quick service restaurant. Are you the only one who won that award in your restaurant? Stop asking so many questions. Just let me bask in whatever glory is left (now that you've ruined it!)

I highly recommend to any readers, that you only read the first paragraph of this entry. It's the best one, by far, out of the two; and for some reason, I just like it much better!

p.s. anyone desiring my autograph can send an old carry out bag from the one and only quick service restaurant (you know which one); and I'd be happy to sign it Rookie of the Year!...as long as you promise to not put it up on e-bay in some kind of get rich quick scheme...........