Plans

The prophet Jeremiah records "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. We set goals, we make our plans for 2009. But ultimately none of us know what lies ahead for us in the new year. There will surely be successes as well as challenges that come our way. We have no idea what blessings the Lord has in store for us.
I love the encourging words of Corrie Ten Boom when she said, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
Where does your trust lie for this new year? Are you in control or are you going to hand over the controls to God?

Reflection

As I paused to reflect on the year 2008, I began to realize just how many times God showed up in my personal life and in my ministry efforts. As a church planter, one must ward against discouragement and beware of comparing with other ministries. As I began to jot down accomplishments large and small, it was clear that God is in both the great and the small events. I pledge to remain faithful in what God has called me to do for I know it is ultimately God Himself that will give the increase.
How have you seen God at work this year? Do you see Him in the large as well as the small events? Do your plans for 2009 align with God's plans?

Persistence

As my wife and I cleared out the living room to allow for the invasion of a temporary resident for the holidays I was once again reminded of the word persistence. Who was this invader? Our 8 ft sappy spruce tree who will be spending the Christmas season with us. These trees look so small in the field...
As I struggled to set this beast up, we were persistent in getting this done in the small amount of time we had to do so. To add to the experience, the tree was wet making the experience even more special.
It's amazing what we can do when we really want to accomplish something. How persistent are we in our ministry? our marriages? our daily walk? our evangelism? Are we doing just what it takes to get by or are we persistent in getting the job done well?

Play ball

Today I woke up to hear of the bulging contract offered from the NY Yankees to CC Sabathia-7 yr/$161 million! I immediately went to my calculator and discovered the following. That contract if offered to sponsor starving, dying, orphaned children for Food for the Hungry at $32 month would provide 7 years of support for 60,000 children each year for 7 years. Play ball??

Meli Kalikimaka

OK so I hereby declare it officially winter in Md. Friday night our entire family gathered for dinner at the annual Farm Bureau Christmas dinner-entertainment provided by the Willets-including bad jokes, original poetry, puppets giving Christmas story and of course lots of carols. Then we come home and view my favorite seasonal movie-Christmas Vacation.
Sat afternoon, I find myself splitting and gathering wood for the fireplace and then our first snow begins to fall.
All of this made me think of the value of family. Every family has their differences and traditions. But it's not about everything looking perfect. it's not about everyone looking their best and the house being spotless. It is about time spent with one another.
Every family has a 'Clark Griswold' trying to make everything perfect. Every family has a teenage 'Audrey' trying so hard to be cool. Then there is the 'Uncle Lewis', who is just oblivious to others around him.-don't let him near your tree. And don't forget the elderly and cynical in-laws that notice that the "lights are not twinkling". And of course we can't leave out 'Cousin Eddie'.You know who he is in your family-we've all got one right?
What are you focused on this Christmas season? How do you deal with 'the family'? Have a hap-hap happy Christmas season.

Christmas Boxes

Last night my sons and I went on the annual trek to the attic-this year to my son's attic because ours is full-to get ALL of the Christmas boxes down for decoration. My lovely wife loves to decorate(she does a great job), I on the other hand love it when it is done and I sit by the fire with my of cup of java and admire all of the hard work as I watch Christmas Vacation.
But as we carried all of the boxes down the attic steps, I began to think how for some this may be the only time they bring Jesus into the light. Do we keep him wrapped up and protected the rest of the year? Do we hide him securely as if he will break inder pressure? Are we afraid to keep Jesus out for all to see year round year? Why? He's not going to break. Will he embarass you? I don't think so.
I encourage you to not be ashamed of Jesus this Christmas season. But in Jan., consider keeping him out of the attic. What a difference it will make.