HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS

I know, I know - I misspelled it. And I'm a day late. And there is technology that would help me change 

Givingthanks to Thanksgiving. I know. But as I think about Thanksgiving, I think we normally think about all the "wrong" things, such as Turkey, chocolate chip cookies (certainly chocolate can't be wrong in any context, but since I don't know how to use my delete button, I guess I'll keep it here), movies, football, and of course, going out late on Thanksgiving night, to stand in line for hours, so I can get $10 off on a Black Friday special! Certainly, the fact that most Thanksgivings include family we don't see all the time is still a highlight for many; and that is always a good thing (unless you don't like your family and you spend most of your time tolerating them, arguing with them, or just plain ignoring them - not your family of course - someone else's). 

Anyways...what I noticed is that Thanksgiving is rarely about what it is supposed to be about: Giving Thanks.

So, I decided to change the name of the Holiday. Is that o.k. with you? It just makes more sense to me. It seems like it might keep us on track, if we said each time: "Happy GivingThanks". I understand it may not be as catchy; and the term may not have people running to get in line for Black Friday sales as readily. But, perhaps, it would cause us to take a moment...to pause...and to consider that whatever else we enjoy during this Holiday, there has to be a good healthy portion of GIVING THANKS.

Shouldn't we actually be thankful during Thanksgiving? If not, certainly we must be thankful during the Holiday renamed "Givingthanks"! And during this time, we should actually consider what we are thankful for; and remember to tell God, and others, what we are thankful for; and that we are, truly, thankful. Have I convinced you? Are you already finding yourself changing the name? Perhaps not. But, it's worth a try. So....

HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS!

uh oh - the phone's for you

Too many times, in my pastoral experience, I have answered the phone in my office, only to be "greeted" by an unsatisfied "customer". Unfortunately, in many cases, these are people that by age and experience, ought to be mature in Christ; and yet, what they feel comfortable saying to their pastor, over the phone, is anything but spiritually mature. I suppose people feel more comfortable saying things over the phone rather than in person; but nevertheless, what comes out of our mouths reveals our hearts.

This week, as I took a phone call, I wondered what I was going to hear. But God, here in my new ministry, has continued to bless and amaze me with the spiritual maturity of many of our members here. This elderly woman called with a question; and it wasn't a question like: "Why are you such an idiot"?; or "Do you really think you can come in here as a pastor and do this to us"? It was a legitimate question (not statement); and it revealed a sincere heart to understand God's Word and follow it. I realize that I may be too hardened, after some years of difficult phone calls; but it was a sweet relief and incredible blessing to have someone truly desiring her pastor to give some spiritual and doctrinal guidance.

Her question was a great one; and it revealed the heart attitude of someone who studies Scripture; and who truly wants to know what God has to say about something. I happily answered her question and talked with her about the issue. And then this sweet lady said "thank you so much pastor! I have been losing sleep over this issue; but now I know what the Bible says about this. I feel so much better!" My answer was not anything new. I don't know everything. But what really made me feel great was that there is a woman in our church who doesn't pretend to have "arrived" or "know it all"; but instead, is continuing to take her next steps in Christ, and is willing to ask her pastor for help.

Thank you, God, for the blessing of this phone call!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

The years have flown by, and as you celebrate (I'm assuming you are celebrating!) another birthday, I am thanking God for all the years I have had with you. And although I have been "out of the house" for many years now, your impact on my life has not lessened; and am I grateful for any time God gives us together. It is very difficult for many to grow old; and with age sometimes comes discouragement and anger. You are a great example as you appreciate the years and life God has given you; so that even if there are no more birthdays, you are gratefully living every moment for Him.

Today, on your birthday, I celebrate (in thankfulness to God) your:

• faithfulness to God
• loyalty to family
• hard work
• determination
• godliness
• good example
• willingness to serve others
• never give up attitude
• prayers
• life

Have a wonderful day dad; and may God give you another blessed year of living for Him!

I love you!

Greg