Thoughts on Life and Leading

This is tough but I am admitting to a struggle that has developed in the last few months and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for the time being.

If you know me at all, you know I am a long-time St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan. I grew up a short distance from the old Busch Stadium and, when I could afford the couple of bucks, I would go down to see the games. I have followed the Cardinals wherever I have lived. A special benefit of living in Palm Beach County is that the Cardinals conduct Spring Training about 5 miles from my house – thanks, God!

So here’s the rub: I am having a hard time paying so much money to watch these guys play ball. It is a strange combination of several things: how much money they make; how loyal Cardinals fans are as opposed to most of the players (who are obviously in it for the money); how many needy people could be helped with the resources that are being blown on sports, and so on…

I think the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back was the contract that Matt Holliday signed today – seven years, 120 million dollars. It took him several weeks to decide if he wanted to play for that kind of chump change. I would have been frustrated if he had refused, but I am frustrated at the Cardinals for giving him that much money. I realize that this scenario could only end with me being upset, but so be it.

The Cardinals had to sign him because they need to win in order to put people in the seats so the Cardinals can make money so they can give it all to superstar ball players so they can win…

The last few years, we have purchased season tickets for Spring Training and we have subscribed to a Major League Baseball package on our cable TV network so we could watch the regular season games. I would honestly hate to add up how much money and, just as frustrating, how many hours I have spent on baseball the last five years.

So, I am seriously considering fasting from Cardinals baseball…well at least limiting it to the occasional free game on TV. I said I am considering it. Please, I don’t need any of you pointing out the error of my way if I fall off the wagon.

The following is excerpts from one of the most beautiful passages of scripture in the New Testament. I hope you enjoy it, from The Message version of the Bible.

Philippians 4
1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Pray About Everything

4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Content Whatever the Circumstances
11-13 I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

23 Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

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Awakening 2010 Video Intro for Churches from Celebration Church on Vimeo.

Our 21 day fast begins on Sunday. We are joining with thousands of other believers around the world as we seek God. I am hoping that most of the people of Maranatha join in. No matter where you are, you can be a part. And there are lots of creative ways that you can be involved. Check out details at Awakening. You can also get details at our website: Maranatha Church.

Next Sunday is the kick off to the first message series of the new year at Maranatha. “A Better Year” will focus on the things that are necessary in order to assure that 2010 turns out better that 2009. Those who are able to be optimistic are excited about a new decade and the possibility of improvement. We are approaching the new year with hope that some things will turn around. We are determined to do whatever we can to make this happen and we trust God to take care of us.

I do not wish to spend a lot of time bemoaning last year. We all know how things developed. I am more interested in the future. Last year leaves me wondering about cause and effect. Honestly, a lot of the pain we endured last year was brought on by the decisions we made. While this is not true of each individual situation, it is certainly true in some corporate circumstances. Our economy is a prime example of this. We borrowed and spent our way into this recession. We need to learn from these mistakes and do better in the future.

I am also a bit concerned that some among us won’t be able to muster any enthusiasm for the good things we are working toward. I have some close friends who got the life beat out of them last year. I can’t really blame them if they smirk when I get up and talk about how awesome this year can be. I will be sensitive to their pain. But I can’t become a cynic if I wish to remain effective as a pastor. If I ever lose hope that God can rescue His people, I need to hang it up.

I hope you can join us for “A Better Year”. Check back here in a day or so for details about our upcoming 21 day fast that also begins on Sunday.

I love living in South Florida, especially in Winter. But one of the things I miss the most about living in the mid-west is trail hiking. Last week, when Letha and I were in St. Louis visiting her family, I had the chance to do some hiking in Mastodon State Park in Imperial, Missouri. I took some pictures that I think turned out pretty nice. Notice that there was snow in most of the pictures, especially the ones featuring the deer. Obviously, icicles were a theme. Enjoy!

I think it is a great idea to spend more time reading God’s Word. I am recommending to everyone that we adopt a plan to read the scriptures daily. Many people like to read through the entire Bible in one year. This is an admirable task and has many benefits. One can cover the entire Bible by reading 3-4 chapters per day. It only takes about 15 minutes, depending on the selections. There are many tools available that will help keep you motivated and on track. I would suggest you simply look up “daily Bible reading plan” on the Internet and utilize the plan of your choice.

The goal may not be to get through the whole Bible but rather to spend time listening to God. Whatever your approach, I highly recommend that you give God time in your daily living. Read, pray, listen.

In a few days, I will be announcing a plan to our church family regarding a 21 day fast. I know of people who start the new year by retreating to a solitary place for spiritual reflection. These efforts all have the same goal – hear the voice of God. I can think of nothing that we need more in the new year.

Today marks the beginning of a new year ahead. As we begin 2010, I recommend that we pay attention to God.

One can only be optimistic for so long. Eventually, all of the cheerleading gets old and people tire of the motivational rhetoric that attempts to get them to live up to their potential. It all boils down to a will to do the right thing for the right reason.

I won’t try to sell you on a plan to get into shape in ’10 and I won’t badger you about spending more time praying. I realize that, with the exception of my wife, everyone who reads this does so voluntarily and I would prefer you not click out of this site right now. So I will just lay out a few ideas about the purpose of getting something done in the new year. I hope you find it helpful.

Life is short: none of us are promised another year. I lost some dear friends over the last year – too many of them too young. I had no idea at this time last year that they would leave the earth so soon. Young or old, your next breath could be your last. I say, take advantage of the time you have been allotted and get busy fulfilling your destiny.

You are a person of privilege: to be born in this time and place gives you a distinct advantage over most others who have ever been born. Your gifts, abilities, resources and support pretty much demand that you accomplish something significant. Otherwise, we may rightfully be accused of squandering the greatest opportunities in history.

If you don’t, who will? Most people are pretty self-absorbed these days. Heroes are rare and those with a focus on something other than their own comfort stand out in a crowd. The result of this is – the world is looking for someone who will do something to make the world a better place in which to live. I’m not comfortable with simply allowing the politicians or rock stars to handle it – I don’t think their motivations are always the purest. And I don’t see hoards of average people stepping up. Maybe you and I need to seize the opportunity…

Why else were you put on earth? Financial security, fashion, physical appearance, acceptance by others…these all don’t hold much water as they relate to real purpose. I have yet to talk to one dying person who is concerned about the TV show they are missing. You were born with an optimum function. It is in there. Dig it out and live it out.

You will give an account: OK here goes the preaching and the guilt trip. But it is true. Scripture says: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36), and “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) I will let God speak for Himself.

Finally, the need is urgent. Pain is not going away. People are hurting. And we have some answers.

So what about you in 2010? Will this be the year? I really hope so. And I mean that.

I have recently been exposed to an entire new crop of people who are reaping an ugly harvest as a result of the ugly seeds they have been planting. The crises that these people are experiencing are a result of the bad choices they have made. I don’t mean to be harsh, but rest assured, Justin Timberlake (first and last time I will quote him!) is correct when he says, “what goes around comes around”.

As we head into the new year, and as we are all hoping for some improvements over last year, I begin to ask questions like: “How responsible are we for what happened last year?”, “Are there things we can do now that will make the future better?” and “How long can we get away with blaming others for how our lives are turning out?”.

It is clear, God is sovereign, there are some things in which we have no voice. Life certainly happens, whether or not we like it. Good and bad things happen to good and bad people. But our culture has done an excellent job of convincing us that “it” is not our fault. “It” is the bad things that happen to all of us. “It” is when we aren’t happy or when we have trouble or when someone mistreats us. I am of the opinion that much of “it” is a result of decisions we have made. It is the law of reciprocity. In scripture, it is stated this way: “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7 NLT)

If you mistreat your loved ones, they will walk away from you.
If you are dishonest and lack integrity, people won’t trust you.
If you abuse substances, you will run short of money and will find yourself in pain.
If you neglect God and ignore His mandates, you will be destroyed by life.

Apply this truth where needed…

We are responsible for the direction of our lives. We certainly cannot dictate all of the details and how everything will turn out, but in general terms, planting good seeds results in a good harvest.

At the beginning of a new year and new century, what are you expecting to happen? What are you doing to make those things happen?

Let’s make a pact. Let’s agree to do the things that will allow us to celebrate one year from today. Let’s do everything we can to make 2010 a good year.

There are several generations of spiritual music that have included songs about surrendering to God. All my life, I have sung songs in church services like: “I Surrender All”, “Whatever it Takes”, “Lord I Give You my Heart”… My recollection is that in most cases, we sang but then just sat there. We were sincere but our music was not followed with action. The mentality seemed to be as long as we were saying the words, God would do the rest. We sang a nice melody but the words apparently were not heart-felt. It is as though we were saying, “Here I am God, I am available. If you want anything from me, let me know. Otherwise, I am going on with my life.”

It feels so spiritual to tell God how committed we are. Some leaders encourage people to make verbal commitments. At times, our worship services have, as a goal, an emotional response to the call of God to surrender to His will. We have glamorized verbal assent but under emphasized active submission.

How about if we begin to emphasize aggressive surrender? This is the concept of engaging in meaningful activity that expresses how surrendered we are. It is not words, it is action.

It is great to tell God that we are willing to do anything He wants, it is better to actually do something for Him. James said, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:18)

If you are person of faith, go serve – somewhere, anywhere.
Give a day volunteering at your church.
Visit residents at a nearby nursing home.
Give a hand to a single parent.
Cut some grass, shovel some snow, clean some windows, serve a meal. There are a million ideas.
In fact, every place that there is a need, there is an opportunity for aggressive surrender.

When more of these needs are met, maybe I will feel like singing more of the “I’ll do anything you want me to do, God” songs.

Letha and I are in St. Louis, visiting her family for Christmas. We are taking a couple of days off and enjoying some down time. I am still unwinding from the busy Christmas season at Maranatha – it always takes me a few days to settle back.

This does not seem like Saturday. My normal regime is full mode preparation for Sunday. Since I am not speaking tomorrow (a rare treat for the folks at Maranatha!), I am not focused on Sunday services.

I am working some this week. I have a couple of projects that are on the front burner. Right after the new year, I am facilitating a leadership conference for The Sanctuary Church in Deland, Florida – there is much to do on that one. I also want to read Brennan Manning’s book, “Ruthless Trust” this week. Then there is the ongoing Rosetta Stone work.

It is cold here. The myth about one’s blood thinning when continually in a warm climate is true. I am going to hike a local trail this morning and since it is 26 degrees, I will probably freeze.

I hope you are able to rest a bit this week. I also hope you are getting ready for a great New Year celebration.

The following blessing will be spoken over the people who attend Christmas Eve services at Maranatha Church tonight.

I pray that you and those you love will experience, first-hand, the awesome love of God the Father this Christmas.
I pray that your spirit and soul will be overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit Himself.
I pray that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, will shine upon you and in you and through you.
And I pray that Christmas, 2009, will be the most blessed Christmas you have ever experienced.
In the name of the One we live to celebrate, Jesus Christ!

As I prep to go into our two Christmas Eve services tomorrow, I am hoping and praying for a lot of people to attend. This is one of the best opportunities of the year to present the love of Christ to people. All year we have been reaching out to our community and “making the love of God obvious”. Thousands of people in our neighborhood know we care about them. I am hoping that we will have the honor of leading more people to Christ during Christmas. Last year, we had a total of 683 people at the Christmas Eve service. I am sure that a good one half of them were not regular attenders of Maranatha. One of the dynamics of a service like that, where “regulars” are outnumbered by “guests”, is that it is easy to feel like a guest yourself. In every service, there is a vibe that dictates the feel and flow of things. I have been in services where, although I was leading the services, I felt like I was along for the ride. Not a good feeling for a pastor! I am reminded that we are all “guests” in His house. He really needs to dictate the atmosphere. When we allow that to happen, important things – the stuff of eternity- will happen.

I am praying that the people who come to the services who do not have a relationship with Christ will be open to the idea. It is my plan, as it is every time we have one of these events – to present a clear and concise Gospel, to let everyone know what this season is all about. I will do my best to tell them of the love of God. My question is: Who, if anyone, will respond favorably?

Honestly, many people who come to these services tomorrow night will have been drinking. They are on their way to or from dinner or their office party and it is common for people to come to Christmas Eve service half lit up. Let me state a couple of things right away: 1) It is better for them to attend drunk than to not attend at all. 2) At most services, I speak to someone who has been drinking, and I am OK with that. 3) If you only want sober people at your church, you will not reach the people in your community (and you may lose some current attenders). For the record, we have rarely had anyone disturb or get out of control. We have measures in place, just in case.

But this leads me to wonder about the spiritual decisions that may be made tomorrow night. If people are under the influence, are they capable of an appropriate response to God? I realize that the Holy Spirit can work in any heart, regardless of the mental state. But if alcohol causes some to be more emotional, (and it does), and if alcohol impairs our judgment (and it does), what can we expect?

I come to this conclusion:
I am not responsible for the outcome. I am simply to speak the truth of God’s Word in love and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. If I am in any way judgmental of the people who attend or if I come across as though I am spiritually superior, I can forget the possibility of any positive response. Christmas Eve is simply a wonderful time to love people as they are. Isn’t that why Jesus came?

Just a few more observations about intoxicated people at Christmas Eve services:
• Our non-alcoholic communion wine will probably taste flat to some.
• We will probably need a restroom break in the middle of the services.
• Open flames and alcohol are not a great combination! We may need to do a sobriety test before giving them a lighted candle. Otherwise, “lit up” may take on more than one meaning!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I don’t normally like to give press to negativity. When someone does or says something that is completely ignorant, to spend time addressing it usually just gives credence to the person. In other words, they are receiving the attention they are craving. But I just couldn’t let this one pass without a mention.

Our receptionist received a call yesterday from a person who is not connected with our church. This guy was apparently in a hospital (OK, I feel sorry for him) and was reading through a newspaper. We recently received some good coverage about our Thanksgiving trip to Guatemala. You can read the story here. The guy calling was very upset that we had the nerve to help needy kids in a foreign country. He made the assumption that we were only helping kids in foreign countries and not the needy people in our country. He made the statement that we were encouraging immigration. He accused us of creating more problems than we are fixing. And he told us that our church can just go to hell. Well Merry Christmas to you, too!

Here is the thing: the world is full of crazies and this guy was just another in the long line. But I can’t help but get a little agitated when someone with nothing better to do than be a pain in the neck spends their time trying to discourage others who have better things to do. What kind of a miserable wretch lives life for that purpose?

To clear the record, we do give away a lot of support to needy people in our country. We are actively involved in addressing the needs of our community. We put clothes and shoes on North American kids, also. This holiday season, our church has fed more families in our neighborhood than at any time in our history. So let it be said, Maranatha cares about people everywhere.

And secondly, our efforts to help children in other countries is in no way a statement regarding our position on immigration. To assume so is to be very shallow. While I have some less than popular opinions about immigration, we are feeding hungry kids because if we don’t, they will starve. I don’t want to see kids getting diseases because they have no shoes to wear. The thought of a child being cold when I have too many clothes is not pleasant. That’s it, that is our motivation. Jesus told us to take care of them and we are.

Here is my favorite part: Scripture tells us that when something like this happens, you know you are doing the right thing. Matthew 5:11-12 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (NLT) So this call was really good news. No ugly feedback means no life-change.

Sorry dude, you lose! One of the best things we have done this year to is to let people everywhere know that God loves them and so do we.

So, regardless of this guy’s wishes, I don’t think our entire church is going to hell. Some of us may, but it will have nothing to do with who we helped. It will have to do with our rejection of Jesus. And if that is the criterion by which we will all be judged, I think our friendly caller may be in a bit of trouble himself.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

We are excited about our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion services at Maranatha. Two services are planned, 5:00 and 6:30 PM. We had a huge crowd last year so you may want to arrive a little early. If you are regular attender, please consider coming to the 6:30 service because most of our guests will attend at 5:00 – we will need lots of extra room for them!

Please click on this link to send an e-invite to a friend.

Going into this year’s Christmas message series, Simply Christmas, we decided to provide the opportunity for people to submit prayer requests in the form of cards that were placed in a gift box on the stage. At some point in all of our holiday services, we included prayer time for the needs that were represented.

It is touching to read the cards that are placed in the box. I think partly because I have been trying to encourage people to be insightful when completing the cards and partly because there are lots of serious needs in our community, the “wishes” are pretty poignant. Of course, there are usual needs that are represented, but I am moved by the number of people who asked for the salvation of family members, for families to be healed, and for hope and peace in our troubled world.

I heard this morning about a few needs that have already been addressed by God. One man directly attributes to prayer the fact that he got a job one week after placing his request in the box. Another guy told me that a family he has been praying for was in our worship service this morning. These are only two examples of the things that are happening among us right now.

I am pretty excited to see and hear more stories. With the hundreds of cards and thousands of needs, this is a great opportunity for God to do some awesome things. I am continuing to pray for the needs. I believe that God will continue to answer and help His people that are in need.

Christmas is the season for miracles!

These are some of the notes I will use for tomorrow’s message – part 3 of Simply Christmas at Maranatha Church.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)

Getting stoked about Christmas this time of year is one thing, but being impacted by Christmas all year long – now that’s difficult to attain!

The message of Christmas is so huge, it simply has to make a difference in our lives every day!
How do we keep Christmas beyond the few weeks surrounding the holiday?

An indicator of things to come:
Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (NLT)

The prophet was giving a hint as to what lies ahead for Jesus.
And it did not sound very promising, did it?

There is a declaration, made by angels, that identified Jesus with a particular title, with a responsibility.
A name that is given to no one else.

“Savior”

A Savior is Born:
Luke 2:8-12 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (NIV)

One of the same angel told Joseph (about Jesus)
Matthew 1:21 “He will save the people from their sins.”

Greek scholars use the word “sozo” (sode’-zo); to Deliverer. One who saves, protects, or makes whole.

Look at the specificity of God’s plan:
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. (NIV)
“Redeem”: to buy up, ransom; to rescue from loss.

Where would all of this saving and redemption happen?
It would not happen while Jesus was a baby in the manger.
It would happen 33 years later.
Salvation and redemption would happen at the cross:

Matthew 20:28 “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (NIV)

Here is why God gave Jesus the name and title which is above every other name:
Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NIV)

What is the most appropriate symbol of Christmas?
I believe the greatest symbol of Christmas is the Cross.
The cross is vital to the story of the Gospel.

And here is the Gospel:
God sent his Son Jesus, born of a virgin.
He lived and loved and changed the world.
He died a gruesome death on the cross.
Jesus resurrected on the third day and came out of His grave.
Jesus is alive forever and now sits enthroned in heaven.
Jesus will one day come again to take His followers to be with Him in heaven.

Embracing the eternity of Christmas –
Cling to the eternal symbol of Christmas – the cross of Jesus Christ.
You will then be able to keep Christmas every day of your life.

I learned from Jack Hayford that seasons changing and holidays and major calendar events are worth getting excited about and an excellent time to celebrate transitions. In 14 days we will start a new year, a new decade! The last time we did this, we were going into Y2K! Do you recall the panic, remember that fiasco? Hopefully we will do better this time around.

I think that the beginning of a new year is the best time to set goals. But as important as setting goals is the task of preparing ourselves to actually attain our goals. “How to” is a worthwhile conversation, considering that most people fail, and miserably, at fulfilling their goals for a new year.

Some questions to ask when considering goals for a new year:
What am I passionate about?
There are things that are passing whimsies and then there are things that drive our hearts to beat. Passion is required if you are going to fulfill a goal. Passive interest won’t survive the resistance that true goal setting must endure. Don’t bother setting a goal regarding something that is not very important to you.
How will the world (or my world) be different if I meet my goal(s)?
Does this thing I am considering actually have the power to change someone’s life? Is it too ambitious to expect deep results from a decision I make today? Life-altering goals are made by leaders every day. If it doesn’t change a life, it probably isn’t worth concerned yourself over.
Am I called by God to do this thing?
I like what my buddy, Travis Johnson said, “Sometimes, I hate hearing, “Let me pray about that.” If God already told you to do it in Scripture, don’t ask Him again. Just do it.” While this is true, there are times when God just nails you with the call to do something specific for His kingdom. When that happens, you just have to lose the excuse and get on with whatever God is telling you to do. Conversation over!
How will I feel in one year if I let go of this idea?
If you can sleep at night without fulfilling this goal…if you can look yourself in the mirror without guilt… if, in one year, you will be able to feel good about yourself if you DO NOT meet this goal, then I would say – let it go. It is not that important to you. But, if you can’t bear the thought looking toward 2011 with this goal unmet, you had better get cookin’!
What will I have to let go of in order to see this goal come to fruition?
If you are like most people, your life is plenty full already. If you are considering tackling any kind of substantial project or goal in the new year, you will probably need to prioritize. So, what will have to be sliced from your schedule in order to make this thing happen? Are you willing to do it?

I am in the process of doing some in-depth personal planning and goal setting and we are doing the same for the church. This is not so much an attempt at New Year resolutions. It is more an embracing of fresh opportunities and the optimism that comes with new beginnings. I don’t want to start 2010 without new vision and innovative ideas.

Some of the things I am working on for next year include a significant writing project. I am hoping to get away for a few days early in the year so I can focus without interruption. This may not happen but you can’t blame me for dreaming a little. I have been kicking around an idea for a book and it would be fun to put some thoughts on the computer. Here’s the thing, if I don’t take time to get away from my routine, it will be tough to make the project happen. My daily schedule is fairly full and cramming in a major effort like this would be overload.

Two additional goals I have for this year are the completion of the launch of our non-profit organization to benefit orphanages around the world and some major progress on my study of the Spanish language. These are both ongoing ventures but next year will include some big steps in the realization of these goals.

So what are planning for next year? If you plan nothing, I am pretty sure that’s exactly what you will accomplish.

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The Christmas Tradition from World Relief NEXT on Vimeo.

I found this article humorous but I can just see some guys reading this saying, “oh know, it’s too late, I already got my wife a membership to Weight Watchers!”

The Top 10 Gifts You Shouldn’t Buy Your Wife This Christmas
written by Laurie Wang, as seen on MenTodayOnline

OK, let’s be honest. Sometimes men are bad at choosing gifts. Your intentions are good, but pick the wrong gift and you send the wrong message. So before you go out and buy a present for your wife, girlfriend or whoever that lovely lady is in your life, be sure to read these gift no-no’s first.

10. Tools. Unless she’s a handywoman or she’s told you her great desire to take out the bathtub and build a new one, I’d save the wrenches for someone else—maybe yourself.

9. A vacuum. Any cleaning or kitchen appliance says, “Honey, clean the house for me.” Your wife or girlfriend wants to be the more than a housekeeper in your life.

8. A cookbook. “She has to cook all the time,” the rationale may go, “I’ll get her a cookbook!” But see the rationale for #9: She wants to be reminded how she is special and appreciated at Christmas time, not given more work to do.

7. Clothes. Now, some men are very good at buying clothes and they know the exact size of their woman. However, you must keep in mind that women are shaped very differently and sizes can vary depending on store. For example, I am a size 5 at one store and a size 7 at another, and I have shirts that are size small or large. To avoid complications, I suggest buying a gift certificate at your wife or girlfriend’s favorite mall.

6. Tickets to the monster truck rally. I have a feeling that I’m in the minority when it comes to women who enjoy monster truck rallies, so if I were you, I wouldn’t even bother lining up for tickets. And yes, this includes the car show, the motorcycle show, the boat show, NASCAR races…OK, you get my point.

5. Tires. Continuing the car theme, while your wife might need new tires for her car, she doesn’t necessarily want them as a Christmas gift. In fact, unless she’s a real greasemonkey or you’re buying her a completely new car, it’d be best to avoid car-related gifts entirely.

4. Computer equipment. There is a short list of tech gadgets, like an iPhone, that are a good gift. But whether it’s a new printer or a copy of Microsoft Office, Christmas just isn’t the time to buy hardware or software for your wife or girlfriend. Wait until you’re both doing your taxes.

3. Socks. Yes, socks are useful, but they’re just not the type of Christmas gift a woman is thrilled about. I don’t feel a need to explain further.

2. Fruitcake. Yes, Christmas fruitcakes last about 12 years, but that’s because nobody eats them. And neither will your wife.

1. Membership to a diet program. Maybe she’s told you that she’s always wanted to join one. Maybe she’s told you that she thinks she’s fat. Does that mean you think she’s not beautiful and won’t be until she loses weight? I sure hope not. But that’s exactly what a membership to a diet program says. Exercise videos have the same effect. Men, flee from the infomercials that convince you otherwise! I suggest giving her something that makes her feel special and loved. Be thoughtful about it, and don’t forget to tell her how beautiful you think she is this holiday season.

A good friend of mine is going through a very difficult challenge right now. Today is a big day for him. Could you spare a moment to ask God to give him the strength and courage that he needs?

Thanks very much!

Update 13 hours later…

Thanks for praying! My friend came through a huge challenge with integrity and strength. If you pray, be encouraged, it really does work!