The year that was

2010 is almost at an end and 2011 is just around the corner. So what happened in the year that was? I was thinking back this morning and found that a lot has happened since January 1.

Kayleigh, my oldest graduated from college.
Jonathan my oldest son, graduated from high school.
Alison and her husband Ryan blessed us with our first grandchild.
Simon, my youngest continues to grow and is in the sixth grade. His goal is to master the drums and guitar.

A great deal of things happened over this last year and it is good to sit quietly to reflect on them. Things happen so fast and we get caught up in the moment as they happen. Only to forget about them as soon as the next big event comes about. Looking back over the year I realize that a huge amount of things happened and many many blessings of God were seen.

If we are not careful we miss them due to business. God really desires us to remember. He does so because it shows us how he is at work in our lives, even during the bad times. When I reflect on this past year there were operations, graduations, slipped disks, courses taken and passed, struggles with losses and celebrations of new beginnings. In the midst of it all: God IS. What a beautiful thing to remember.

What will happen in this new year to come? what new places will we venture to? What changes in life will occur? All of these questions will be answered by this time next year. The journey is life and we are all on it. It is how we choose to handle the road that makes us who we are. God desires to walk with you and me every step of the way. I invite you to invite him! After all, he is the author and perfector of our faith, and each event that we encounter in 2011 is an opportunity to see God at work and thus increase our faith in the fact that he cares deeply for us.

Come, they told him pa rum pa pum pum

As I start this piece this snowy Vermont morning I am digging into my new holiday traditional breakfast: Holiday Capt' Crunch!! Yum. The breakfast of wanna be champions. Seriously though it is a beautiful morning. 4 " of brand new snow is on the ground insuring a white Christmas here in the North country.

Lisa is on her last official day for 2010, as is my oldest, Kayleigh. As soon as she is done, she and Eddie will be here for a week. Allie, Ryan and Miles will be coming over at 10 on Christmas morning to open gifts. That is if we can hold Jon and Simon off till then. It is great how my family get's bigger each year. I look forward to the holiday's that we all get to be together. Makes me greatful for them and their journying home. It's a gift that costs nothing but it is the most precious of all.

It is sad to me though as I think this morning about the grumpiest of people this time of year. Now I am speaking of my world here, but it seems that those who have the most material posessions are the least happy and greatful. Sad. If they really understood what Christmas was about they would be happy with the free gift given them. I remember the year that I had no job at Christmas. It was a lean year and we asked the kids what the one thing was they wanted. They didn't ask for much and were blessed on Christmas morning. I got a pair of socks that year, but I also got the huge blessing of love, health and happiness from each of my kids. I suppose that is why I love the "Little Drummer Boy" song so much. The little sprout had nothing but his drum to give. His gift of music, born out of love and recognition of the Christ Child. This is one of my favorite versions.

LITTLE DRUMMER BOY: IT AIN'T YER GRAMMA'S VERSION


As you and your's gather together this Christmas, remember it's not about what is under the tree. It's who is around it. Enjoy the time, rejoice in great company and celebrate the holiday. You never know if next year someone may be missing or at war or graduated to glory. The greatest gift given was laid in a feeding trough some 2000 years ago. It is he who has come, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So come and behold him and rejoice that "today, in the city of David, a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord." [Luke 2]

Dad, "the box" is here!

It's the phone call I get every year at the office. For years one of my kids calls with excitment in their voice to tell me 'the box' from Vovo has arrived. It's a Christmas tradition in our home that has been happening since I don't know when. This year, the call came from Jon. So what's it all about?

I remember way back as a little kid when chaos ruled in life. There came a point when things finally settled down and we had a place to live that we could really call home. Christmas was a special time of the year, and it was when everyone decended upon our house because Ma said that the kids shouldn't have to track all over the place on Christmas day. I can still remember the olive drab crock pot that the chicken wings were cooking in and the most awesome 'little cheese cakes' Ma would make. Can't have 'em anymore, but man were they yummy.

As I got older and things got bad for me, I left home and moved here to northern VT to live with an aunt and uncle, leaving behind all those things. I don't really rememeber when Ma decided to do it, but we began getting 'the box'. It was full of ALL of my favorite treats from years past. Especially the jelly cookies!! Each year we would wait for it to arrive, and as the kids grew it became the focal point of the Christmas season. Even today, my oldest, living down state asked me if she would get her own box from Vovo since she wasn't living at home anymore. How important is 'the box?' Very!

It is a tradition that brings a piece of my childhood back to me each year, leaving me and my family blessed beyond belief. It is just cookies and breads and treats, but it is so much more. It's the love of my Ma, who years ago helped bring order and love to chaos. In her own little way she sends each year, that bit of home that I remember so well. I love you Ma!

What traditions do yo have? Slow down, settle in and enjoy the love of family, friends and our Father in heaven this Christmas season. How much peace on Earth would there be if we all did that?

Enjoy the video. It say's a lot!

fa la la la la la la la la...get out of my WAY!

Happy December 20 to you! How many Grinches do I have out there, today a mere five days before Christmas? Now I understand that there are those who have troubles with the holiday's for family reasons and such but if you're just scrooging it cuz you're cranky and wish you didn't have to deal with anything this Christmas, then please don't.

I woke up this morning, as I do every morning. Mostly because if I didn't wake up each morning then I'd be...well not awake, I was thinking about what I focus on most this time of year. I found that the focus has changed over the years. I am older now and am very content to just have my family around me. It blesses me when my house is full, the fire is roaring in the fire place, and everyone is in conversation throughout the house. Suprisingly I am not all that bothered when I go Christmas shopping. Even when those beautiful blue haired old ladies drive up the back of my heel, mulitple times as I stand at the side of the aisle. Giving them cause to glare at me as those I stuck my foot out intentionally to slow them down in their shopping endevours.

We can choose everyday whether we want to be grumpy or happy. Regardless of what is going on in life, or what your situation may be we have the ability to choose how we respond. Often I talk of Paul the Apostle when I look at how to form attitude. More often than not Paul got the short end of the stick and rejoiced in the LORD anyway.

It is Christmas! A time to rejoice in the fact that GOD so LOVED the world that he gifted his SON to US. If we have the fa la la la la: GET OUT OF MY WAY focus on, we miss the essence of GOD and what he was trying to do for us. It's not about presents, it's about THE present. Now don't get me wrong, presents are fun! Yet is that really what it is all about? Are we healthy? Are our kids healthy, happy and enjoying life? Did a loved one make it back from the field of battle in time for Christmas? Did a family member make it through surgery this year? All are blessings to thank GOD for.

Did you lose a loved one this year? Is a loved one still on the battle field? Are you struggling as a family this year? Is that job still not available and you're almost at the end. The LORD can and desires to be your strength![Psalm 121]

This Christmas, no matter what your situation, may GOD richly bless you! May he mend your heart, fill the emptiness, give you peace and rest. May he hold you directly in the palm of his hands as long as you need him to. Look to Jesus "...The author and perfecter of our faith. Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." [Hebrews 12:2] And he is "The wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace." [Isaiah 9:6a]

Seek him out today, it will be the greatest gift you can ever give yourself.
If you know someone who is hurting this Christmas, bless them with a hug, a prayer, a cup of coffe. It's a simple act of kindness that shows Jesus in a real way.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

As I awoke this morning and lay in bed, that voice in my head that at times can get pretty weird simply said: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." [Psalm 139:14] Not weird at all. My Pug on the other hand is. The moment he senses movement it is his time to go outside, whether I like it or not. In taking him out this morning, with boots rather than croc's (if you follow me on Twitter you'll understand), I missed the beauty of what God had painted for a picture.

I didn't see it until I drove into the office. There was such a beauty in the new fallen snow that I just had to praise him for such a wonderful picture. Now anyone who know's me understands that winter and I do not get along at any level. Which makes this morning all the more amazing, as God spoke to my heart through his creation. I love it when he does that.

It blesses me to no end when he does that because he defines for me in those moments that we are his creation, fearfully and wonderfully made. We are designed to worship him, and be in awe of him. Sometimes that happens in the quiteness of devotions or in a worship service. Sometimes it's happens as we head down a slippery, snow covered interstate surrounded by mountains, painted with the dusting of icy snow and mist. How beautiful.

The hustle and bustle of life and the tyranny of the urgent has at times caused me to move too fast, too focused and too directed to journey off the beaten path of life and enjoy the wonder of Yahweh's creation. Shame on me! The LORD created me for fellowship, he created me in his image so I could enjoy life and all it has to offer. I am fearfully and wondefully made, and so are you!

Sit back, look about you, and enjoy his creation today. Soak in his majesty as he blesses you with picture upon picture on the canvas of his creation.

Away in a manger--The Night LOVE came to town

Last evening we had our Ranger/M-Pact christmas party and it was pretty cool. As is usual, Julia and Brian open the service in the main hall and we sang some Christmas songs. While Veggie tales is cool I still prefer Third Day! One of the songs we sang was "Away in a manger" and as it played, I got to thinking about just how rough of a scene it really must have been.

Think about it for a minute. All of the roughness of a dark, dank barn and all the lovely aroma's afforded in such a place, just what was the KING of GLORY thinking? Why leave the beauty of eternities shore and the throne of your Father to come to Earth a helpless child who could not even feed yourself? I was listening to part four of Scott Wilson's Christmas series yesterday and the U2 song he used this week was "When Love came to town". You know the one with B.B. King. If you haven't heard it afford yourself 3:57 to listen.




Two things to remember this Christmas season.
1) What were we like before LOVE came to town? I know I wasn't what I would call the best person on the planet. Yet Jesus came to town (earth) for me, knowing full well all of my sins and shortcomings. Yet, he showed up on the scene as a completly helpless baby, dependent on the very creation he had come to save. Facinating! He came for ME. I cannot ever forget that!
2) What can we do to share such a gift? Remember: "God so LOVES the world!" We often get used to the fact that God loves us and our walk with him grows out of that. Which is awesome. Yet at times we forget he loves 'them' too!!

Find someone today who is lost, lonely and looking for that baby in a manger. LOVE NEEDS to come to town for them as well. What a gift to give someone: An encounter with the saviour.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about: God showing his love for us in the form of an infant, born 2000 years ago away in a manger...

The challenges of Joseph and Mary

In preparing for tomorrow's message I am just struck over and over by the major challenges Mary and Joseph faced as they stepped into a new reality. It wasn't a quaint little story that was cookie cutter clean. It really wasn't...

1) When they faced the impossible, improbable, and unexplainable could they be assured in their hearts that with God all was possible? She had never been with a man, and Joseph knew that. Yet she was pregnant.

2)Did they think that God would come through for them once they stepped out and followed him on the new road in front of them? Because it went against 1200 years of tradition.

3) When God called them down roads yet defined, were they willing to abandon all they KNEW for what HE KNOWS? The minute they decide to step out toward God, terror turned to faith as he built there trust in him.

Three very probing questions for us as we are all called by God to walk roads that he defines for our lives. Can we move from being terrified of the unknown and into faith? For "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." [Hebrews 11:1] Every step taken down the road that God has defined for you creates faith in the very core of your being. Why? Because you are stepping out in trust that when God calls you to something he will be faithful to complete it.

How do we know that Mary, a 13 year old girl from the hill country town of Nazareth gave birth to the Saviour of the world? Because: "Nothing is impossible with GOD." [Luke 1:37]

The Bravado of the BOSS

You know there is a saying heard at times throughout the sports world that goes something like this: "Never let your mouth write a check that your..." well you finish it. This past Monday night in my hometown of Foxboro MA, the New England Patriots schooled the New York Jets! It was a beautiful game, one that will haunt Rex Ryan I am sure for the rest of the season.

Mr. Ryan spent the better part of a week and a half writing checks, only to find that when it came time to cash them the account was empty. Sad really, because (as much as this pains me to say) the Jets are a fine football team. However, as D.L. Moody once said: "When a man thinks he has got a good deal of strength, and is self-confident, you may look for his downfall." The Jets left Foxboro humiliated, not humble, but humiliated. All because someone made it very clear that the Patriots were going to meet up with the new Kings of the East.

I was reading through John's gospel this morning and saw that Jesus wrote a lot of checks too.
"The woman said, 'I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am he.'" [John 4:25-26]
"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." [John 5:39-40]
"Then Jesus declared,'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." [John 6:35]

I could go on and on and on but those scriptures paint a very good picture of a man who thinks extremly high of himself. The difference with Jesus is he backed up everything he said with miracle after miracle and a proclamation of victory over death itself. If Jesus were not LORD everyone of these claims would be checks written against an empty account. Had Jesus not risen from the dead, we would have a very arrogant man with empty boasts.

Jesus filled the account with miracles and healings and prophetic words, giving validation to his claims of being the bread of life, the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

The fundemental difference between Rex Ryan (and all of us who boast) and Jesus of Nazareth is this: We think we have the strength and power, Jesus KNEW he had it, and he proved it time and again.

I'll take the bravado of my BOSS any day, cuz when he walked out of that grave on the third day, Salvation came to mankind and validation of every word he ever spoke was secured!

Awesome Awesome

Just got back from Elevate Youth. I have the most awesome group of students and leaders.
Love 'em all

Nuff said...

Good night and remember Jesus can change your world if you just let him!!
When he does, SHARE it. It's Christmas and what better gift to give.

Are you living, looking or running?

I was listening to *Scott Wilson's sermon series for this Christmas on AGTV this past week. If you get a chance, look it up. He's doing an entire series on U2(too) songs regarding the Christmas story.

One comment he made caused me to sit back in my chair and ponder. He said over and over that the sermon was "for you too", get it? Meaning don't try to figure out who it applies to outside of yourself, but apply it to YOURSELF. Cool, right? Wrong. It's always easier to apply lessons to others, that way we are always OK.

There are so many things that we can do in life as we grow as Christians, but laying our lives down before the altar of God in reflection is not a favorite thing. I know I am not alone in this. We all have the great concern that our brothers and sisters in Christ are walking in the LORD. Yet we take little time in reflective prayer regarding our hearts and walks.

The U2 song for the first sermon was "I still haven't found what I'm looking for," is based on the Magi looking for Jesus. For the record, U2 is one of my all time favorite groups, so I am having a blast with this series. THANKS to the Assemblies of God (shameless promotion here) for creating AGTV and to all the pastors who post their sermons there! Check it out, many awesome resourses there. Anyway, getting back to Pastor Scott. He made a comment about how we struggle with God sometimes and because we don't feel like he is answering us we walk away. Then when things get really bad we blame him. Not cool.

If we are going to have a relationship with the God of the universe, we need to understand that the only variable in that relationship is us. God does not change, he is from everlasting to everlasting and he cares so deeply for us that he sent Jesus. So if on Tuesday things get rough, don't run. Fall on your knees, look to the heavens, pray like your life depends on it and you will find what you are looking for. Then go out and live the power-filled, spirit-filled life that God is calling you to. Unshaken and unmoved by your circumstance, but firmly grounded in the one who came looking for you!

"The Soveriegn LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:19

* These thoughts are my take away's from Pastor's Scott's message, and not Pastor Scott's message. Thanks Pastor Scott for the word and the seed that was planted in my heart.

Distractions

1440 minutes fly by. Yet it is the same speed every day. Each one of us finds new ways to fill our time. The question is are we productive? For the most part yes, but there are so many distractions that take away from our main task in life. We are called to love God, love others and make disciples.

Sometimes we are distracted by seemingly 'good things'. The problem becomes however, that the good thing takes away from the main thing. A lot of things going on I know. Therein lies the issue. We become distracted. This Christmas season spend time blessing people. A smile offered to a grumpy shopper, a helping hand to someone who hates Christmas and wishes you would too, or a blessing for someone who would curse you for being you.

THE LORD Jesus tells us: Love GOD, love others and make disciples. He never said that by doing so the journey would be a cake walk, at least not in my Bible. But then again I may be reading the wrong version. As we start this beautiful holiday season, let's rejoice in the fact that God so loved the world, (THE WORLD) that he gave his one and only son, so that we may have life everlasting! [John 3:16 paraphrase]

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. [John 16:33]

Grab onto Jesus and be an overcomer and a person who blesses today! Who knows that grumpy shopper you bless may be me =]