Thoughts on Life and Leading

It sounds very sad doesn’t it? The idea of spending the holiday by oneself is probably not something that many people would sign up for. Christmas is family time, when we are supposed to be with the ones we love and care for. But what if being together is not an option? Or what if family togetherness is counter-productive to the purpose of the season?

I don’t think that aloneness at Christmas has to be a sad thing. What is sad is when families or friends get together and someone abuses alcohol to the point of making others miserable. It is sad when those who have been physically or emotionally abused all year by family members are forced, in the name of celebration, to be with their abusers. It is sad when people fight and squabble and inflict pain on others at Christmas. Some people may be better off being alone at Christmas.

Marketers have done an excellent job of painting an unrealistic picture of the perfect family; gathered around the fireplace, singing carols and opening gifts. This is the reality for only a select few. Many families suffer division and heartbreak during the holiday. My heart goes out to those whose families are dysfunctional. But I wouldn’t want anyone to think that this is fatal or that Christmas has to be a depressing time.

The truth is, you can’t control anyone but yourself. If your family chooses to act irresponsibly, you do not have to join them in the misery. You are encouraged to confront the wrong in your family and, if possible, bring about healing. But ultimately, some families just can’t make it happen. If you find yourself facing a Christmas alone this year, don’t panic, you have time to do something about it.

There are lots of people who have to be away from family at Christmas. Work schedules, expensive travel and illness can prevent people from going to their family. Who are these people in your community? Elderly people in nursing homes are alone much of the time. Possibly you could reach out to someone in your neighborhood, a widow or widower, a single parent with a small child… the possibilities are endless.

Some may choose to be alone on Christmas and that is OK. Let’s not force our concept of a happy holiday celebration on others. Christmas can be a deeply and personal spiritual development process. Time spent reflecting on God and His Word, self-evaluation and challenge for a better new year can be very beneficial. Remember, solitude is one of the spiritual disciplines that often gets overlooked.

Don’t allow the prospects of a Christmas alone get you down.

While we may prefer to be with people we love, truly, we are never alone.

“Immanuel!” – God is with us!

I don’t recall a past Christmas when I have seen so much giving by so many people. Every place I go, I am hearing stories of generosity and goodwill. In the last few days, I have spoken with people who are adopting entire families who are hurting financially this year. I have talked to people who are feeding the homeless. A single woman we know is buying gifts for a young widow and her four kids. A wealthy individual we know gave thousands of dollars to a food pantry. An unemployed woman asked for the name of a family that she could help with gifts this Christmas. A guy from our church made a trip to the Philippines and left some much needed resources with the people there. I met a guy who was dressed as Santa who was involved in the Toys for Tots drive in our area – for the last three days, he has been making motorcycle runs and they have provided gifts for hundreds of kids. This is all just in the past couple of days.

Tomorrow, our Executive Pastor, J Simms is going to Nicaragua to take relief supplies to New Life Nicaragua, an awesome orphanage in Managua.

What is up with all of this benevolent activity? Basic reasoning would say that, when money is tight, we give less. But the Spirit of Christmas dictates something else. I think that this time of year brings out the best in most people, hopefully, this is the “real” us. Hope is being renewed in the hearts of many people.

The economy is in the tank but our hearts are in the right place. The love of God supersedes recession. With only 12 days left until Christmas, we can do a world of good and make a huge difference. I encourage you – give generously. Donate your time, your money, your care. It is the season of giving.

I am very proud of the work my sister, Linda and her husband, Rob are doing with homeless people. They are spearheading a mission to feed the unfortunate people who find themselves without a home in which to live in their area. They cook food and deliver it, on site, to hungry individuals and families. These people live in a nearby park and depend on the kindness of others to meet their needs. Rob and Linda, along with some long-time friends, Gary and Charlene, do an excellent job showing the love of Christ to these people.

They shared with me today that, this time of year, several churches are delivering food to the homeless. I am reminded that homelessness is an issue beyond the holiday. Maybe we can all do something to help address this growing problem in our country and maybe 2010 will be a year of action. I like Bob Hope’s quote here: “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”

Way to go, Linda and Rob and friends. We are proud of you! And we know that God is using you to make a huge difference!

I found this article helpful, maybe you will, too.

Downscaling Christmas
If you’re addicted to a holiday high that ends with you in the dumps, try these ideas.
Kimberly D. Malkogainnis

Start close to home

Get on your knees with your family, and covenant with God to simplify your life. Determine to glorify and worship your external Lord rather than the holiday myth of overworking yourself into exhaustion for a “perfect” Christmas season.

Ask family members which traditions they most want to continue, and ask them to give something in exchange. If your daughter craves homemade cookies, ask her to do the vacuuming or errands to free your time and energy to help her bake. If your family needs a decorated evergreen to make them feel jolly, ask them to take over; explain that your job will be taking snapshots or video of the activity. If they’re too young to pitch in, you’re fortunate, because you can start them off with simpler traditions.

Question the seemingly immutable. One year, my husband and I and our kids decided not to erect a tree. Instead, we created a small handmade nativity. It was the focus of our celebration that year, and we spent many evenings sipping cider and creating a life-like and heart-expanding scene. Several years later, we donated the project to our church, where it’s displayed in the foyer at Christmastime.

Recognize other events throughout the year instead of focusing on “the big one” and all the things it’s come to be. Instead of sending Christmas cards, recognize the significance of Easter or Thanksgiving. Mail your family newsletter on your wedding anniversary. Send faxes, emails, or electronic cards anytime just to remind someone that they’re loved by you and God.

Instead of making the family portrait a holiday affair, take advantage of summertime reunions, a day at the water slides, a child’s school program, or Sunday dinner. Take snapshots and enlarge one.
Reach out

If you’re part of a group that usually exchanges gifts, talk to them about alternatives. Agree to exchange only photos, or a service such as babysitting. Suggest adopting a needy group, missionary, family, or charity instead of giving one another yet another thing that doesn’t fit, won’t last, or (worst of all) needs dusting.

Arrange to have your holiday parties at public places so you (and others in the group) don’t have to prepare and clean up. Remember: the goal is simplicity. Fancier eateries mean more complicated, expensive plans and ensembles.

Combine purposes by making your party a gift-wrapping, cookie-baking, or decorating party. Go bowling, miniature golfing, or skating, and enjoy the getting-together instead of the preparation. Go caroling or put in a shift at a soup kitchen; then adjourn to a local coffeehouse for a warm up. Make a special effort to remember and include those who are experiencing their first holiday after losing a loved one.
Give simply

If you choose to give (and it is a choice), make it your goal to give at least one item that expresses Christ’s love, whether in word or in deed. Increase your personal quota each year.

Spend the year collecting family recipes. Then distribute copies of the collection—or create a family birthday book or directory. Write a poem or story, or paint a picture especially for your spouse or your mother. Frame a child’s finger painting masterpiece or finger prints for a grandparent.

If you normally do fall canning, do a couple of extra jars and set them aside to be used as Christmas gifts. Do the same with summer herbs: Make herbal vinegars or potpourri to give.

Don’t be tempted to put something on your charge card and call it a gift. You don’t really own anything you buy on time, and you can’t give what doesn’t belong to you.

Divide your list into paydays and purchase items throughout the year. Each time you shop, try to buy one gift—even a small gift certificate or prepaid phone card. Buy “out of season,” for instance, a set of garden tools on summer clearance; slippers, gloves, mittens on winter closeout. Take advantage of fragrance sets that are popular around Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Pick up extra certificates when you go out to dinner or the movies.

Buy from home-service companies like Avon or Tupperware that deliver to your home. Save time and postage by selecting and purchasing out-of-town gifts at chains that allow the recipient to pick up the gift at a location near them.

Give things to lessen someone else’s holiday stress: a book of stamps, wrapping paper, gift bags, tree lights.

If you make gifts, mass-produce them. That is, give everyone a jar of home-canned apple jelly or a special bookmark. That way, you can buy supplies in quantity and focus on doing one thing well.

Pass along something of yours. Give your sister the Barbie doll you used to fight over. Maybe your friend collects thimbles, and you happen to possess a unique one.

Shop odd places: garage sales, antique and junk stores, bazaars. Pick up unusual items if you travel.

Don’t wait for Christmas morning to open gifts. We open things that come in the mail whenever they arrive. If someone visits, we exchange and open gifts then. And we usually exchange everything else on Christmas Eve. This helps take our focus off the gift opening, and allows us several small, more meaningful exchanges. It’s especially helpful for children who are easily overwhelmed by a flurry of paper and packages.

Make an effort to do kindnesses every day. Contribute regularly to a homeless shelter. Offer to babysit for a single parent. Visit a nursing home resident or shut-in neighbor who has no nearby family or friends. Help carry someone’s packages or clean another’s windshield of frost if you’re physically able. When you see someone who’s rushed, let him or her in line in front of you. Take a cup of cocoa to the crossing guard. Smile. Say something outrageous and unexpected like, “God bless you.” Be open to opportunities—however brief—to share the gospel message.

The key to downscaling and de-stressing your holidays is having the right attitude. This isn’t about the Grinch trying to steal Christmas. It’s about a child of the King endeavoring to give others more of God, and give God more of you.

The first Christmas was a gathering of humble people and heavenly hosts whose greatest joy was simply to gaze upon the Savior of mankind. It helps me to remember that I need to clear away the clutter if the world is going to have a chance to see him still.

from Christianity Today

As Christmas approaches, lots of people are lamenting the fact that there is little or no money to spend on gifts, parties or travel this year. I came across some stats from last year that may prove otherwise. Check this out:

In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service delivered an estimated 19 billion cards, letters, and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In December 2008, despite a devastatingly bad economy, the nation’s department stores reported $28.2 billion in retail sales—14 percent of the overall sales for 2008.

An additional $24 billion was spent via electronic shopping or mail-order houses.

U.S. Christmas tree farmers reported $410 million in sales in 2008. To decorate those trees, over $470 million was spent to import decorations from China.

The value of U.S. toy imports from China between January and August 2009 totals $4.3 billion.

Maybe things are better than they appear. At least we can hope so. I am getting from this that it is time to look more closely at our priorities. While there is nothing wrong with buying decorations, we can’t really say we are in poverty if we are spending millions to do so.

source: “Facts for Features: The 2009 Holiday Season,” Census.gov (10-29-09)

A local newspaper included a story about our recent trip to Guatemala. I think they did a nice job with the story. See what you think: here

This morning, I presented an “Official Christmas 2009 Proclamation” that went over pretty well. One friend ask me to include it on my blog, so here it is:

Whereby Christmas in recent years has become increasingly more stressful than Christmases of old.
And whereby the average person spends more money that they posses or can possibly hope to pay back in a timely fashion.
And whereby most people spend entirely too much time at the mall and in department stores.
And whereby the resulting guilt and pressure creates a variety of stresses on individuals and families.
Be it therefore resolved that we are reassuming control of Christmas!
Be it further resolved that we won’t succumb to the stress of the season!
We won’t fall into the trap of rushing around shopping, spending money we don’t have, buying gifts no one wants or needs.
Furthermore, we will refuse to allow this holy season to get ruined by Christmas stress.
We won’t get robbed of the simple joy of celebrating Jesus!
Be it stated that on this date, December 6, 2009, we resolve to take back Christmas from those who stole it from us.
We hereby declare that Christmas 2009 will be known as a Simple Christmas!

Our message series for Christmas ’09 at Maranatha Church is quite apropos. For most people, the holiday is incredibly pressure-filled and rather than singing “Silent Night” most of us want to join in the chorus singing, “Stressful Night(mare)!”

Simply Christmas

Sharon Hanby-Robie wrote a great little book called, A Simple Christmas: A Faith-filled Guide to a Meaningful And Stress-free Christmas. In it, she addresses a variety of ideas to help us stay focused on simplicity during the holidays. In the book, she gives these pointers:

-create traditions that reduce the holiday rush
-decide on simple themes for decorating the home
-come up with ideas for thoughtful gift-giving
-keep away the holiday blues
-experience love and goodwill by volunteering

“Some people spell Christmas as s-t-r-e-s-s, but these holy days are gifts from God through which we stay connected to family and friends,” writes Hanby-Robie.

My favorite quote from the book: “Celebrating Christmas is simply a time to remember that the Babe in the manger was born only because he was sent by God the Father to fulfill a mission for us, mere mortals. However we choose to celebrate, our goal should simply be toward a mindfulness of this great miracle.”

So, how can we, in practical terms, keep the holiday simple? I came across an article entitled “33 Ways to Keep Christmas Simple and Meaningful”, written by Victor Parachin which state the issue much more effectively that I ever could.
Enjoy his list:

1. Spend five minutes daily in silence. “Be still and know that I am God,” is the command of Psalms 46:10. Spending a mere five minutes a day in silence before God can bring you closer to the Spirit of Christ.
2. Plan ahead. Rather than operating on autopilot, doing the same thing year after year, be intentional. Gather your family and ask everyone what they really want to do and who will participate. A little planning can go a long way to reducing holiday stress.
3. Avoid debt. A major source of frustration is the accumulation of debt brought on by too much gift-buying. Resist the temptation to use a credit card unless you can totally pay off the debt in January. Rather than go into debt, keep gifts small and simple.
4. Claim the spirit of the Innkeeper. Be inspired by the one who opened his heart and stable to help Joseph and his pregnant wife, Mary (Luke 2:7). Like the innkeeper, help someone who is in a difficult place.
5. Feed Your Mind. Check into the background of some Christmas symbols- candles, evergreens, poinsettias, mistletoe and the advent wreath. You’ll be surprised at what you didn’t know about Christmas.
6. Organize yourself. Make a list of all the things you need to do. If it looks like too much, pare down the list to something more manageable.
7. Cultivate courtesy. Be courteous to sales personnel. Often they are tired and tense because of their long hours and impatient customers. Speak kindly to them.
8. Extend compassion to a stranger. Gladly let someone get ahead of you in a store line, especially if he or she looks frazzled. On a bus or subway, readily give up your seat to a person carrying packages.
9. Memorize scripture. Memorize verses connected with the birth of Christ. Two of my favorites are the words of Mary in Luke 1:46-47, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”, and the angels’ declaration, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill toward men.” (2:14).
10. Just say “no”. You don’t have to accept every invitation. Say “no” to give yourself some down time.
11. Downsize your gift-giving. As the years go by, our gift list can grow and grow. Shrink your list to a size your budget and time can afford.
12. Start earlier in order to relax later. One man who loves to bake at holiday time said, “I begin baking right after Thanksgiving and into the first week of December. I freeze my delicacies and take them out later in the month for entertaining in my home or to give to friends and family. By doing some of the work earlier, I end up with more discretionary time at the height of the season. That has cut down on holiday stress.”
13. Exercise. A lot of frustration and potential weight gain during the holidays can be avoided by maintaining a regular exercise regimen.
14. Don’t become a slave. Rather than preparing your elaborate family meal all by yourself, ask for some help. By allowing others to pitch in, you make it more enjoyable.
15. Try new ways of sending Christmas greetings. You can save a lot of time and money by using Christmas postcards rather than the more expensive traditional cards. Consider sending this year’s Christmas newsletter and good wishes via email to those family and friends who have an Internet connection.
16. Send a card to someone who is incarcerated. Contact a prison chaplain to get a name and address. Let that person know you will be praying for him or her.
17. Light a prayer candle every day. In the privacy of your home, light a candle each evening. Whenever you see its flame, let it remind you to pray for someone in need.
18. Skip a meal. A few times in December, skip a meal. This simple fast will be a strong reminder what it feels like for many people who have to go without food.
19. Be considerate toward young children. Consider donating baby food, diapers, and clothing to a local organization which serves children and families in need.
20. Reflect on Philippians 4:4. This verse urges us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Each day, pause to thank God for the blessings of that day.
21. Go vegetarian for one meal. In many countries around the world it is customary to have a meatless Christmas Eve dinner. This is done in honor of the animals that were likely present in the stable at Jesus’ birth. All of creation was blessed by Christ’s coming.
22. Practice patience. The holidays offer many opportunities to do this. Relax and be patient when the traffic is slow, the lines long, the service poor, or the clerk rude. Remember that “love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
23. Make amends. Reach out to someone who’s wronged you or someone you have offended. Jesus came to earth to bring forgiveness, so forgive others and receive their forgiveness.
24. Broaden your concept of “family”. Be inclusive at Christmas. Include in your family festivities and gatherings those who can’t be with their own families or who may not have a family to visit. Be especially sensitive to those who are single or single again.
25. Sing. It doesn’t matter whether you can carry a tune or not, when you hear a carol played on the car radio, sing along. When you’re in a mall and holiday music is played, hum along. Music is a tonic for a fatigued intellect and a stressed spirit.
26. Read about the original Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was famous for helping the poor and reaching out to children. Visit a library and read about this remarkable man.
27. Pray for peace in the world. Sadly, many conflicts continue to rage around the globe. Focus on a country where there is war and regularly pray for peace to come.
28. Give a gift of money. Every Christmas one man gives a cash gift to three people who have been laid off from their jobs. He has done this for 20 years now, and therefore has brightened the lives of 60 families during the holidays.
29. Be cheerful. Be the first one to wish everyone you meet a hearty, “Merry Christmas!”
30. Help fight world hunger. During the holiday season when most of us tend to overeat, consider giving away 10 percent of your holiday budget to an agency which fights world hunger.
31. Pray for each person who sends you a Christmas card. Cards often contain news about the senders. That information is a good basis for prayer. Offer prayers of praise for those who report accomplishments and prayers of help for those dealing with illness and loss.
32. Read a Christmas poem. There are many wonderful poems written about this season. Find some in the library or on the Internet. Read and reflect on their message.
33. Remember that Christmas is not only a date but also a state of mind. Add meaning to your holiday celebration by keeping the spirit of Christmas alive all year long. Live by this wisdom from Mother Teresa: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”

An early Merry Christmas everybody! Let’s enjoy a very simple Christmas this year!

One of my favorite ministry responsibilities is planning for the future. Sometimes the past bores me and there are times when the present frustrates me. But tomorrow, now that’s a topic I can embrace! Every fall, we enter into a time of dreaming and praying and visualizing about what next year holds for us. Specifically this week, I am zeroing in on some outreach and mission ideas for Maranatha Church for 2010. My preaching schedule and message sequence is pretty much set for the new year. Our activities calendar is already full. Now I get to work on some things that really get my heart pumping.

Outreach and Missions
We are strategizing about ways we can make the love of God obvious in our community. Things have changed in our culture and what worked a few years ago is totally ineffective now. A fresh approach is necessary. The needs have evolved, so must our efforts to reach people. One of the things that is at the forefront of my mind is our motives. We must reach out to people with pure hearts, not with ulterior motives. I think people see right through our expressions of conditional love and concern. We have to love and serve people as Jesus did; No strings attached. We will serve them in an effort to show them God’s love, but if they do not respond the way that we would like, we will still love and serve them.

Our missions work will, as God allows, expand next year. We did great in ’09, but I have some goals that will take us well beyond what we accomplished in the past. I would like to expand in 3 areas: the number of people involved, the amount of money we give and the geographical areas we serve. It is all quite exciting!

Who knows what the new year and new decade will hold? Only God! My job is to hear His voice today and everyday in order to follow Him and help others.

I love planning for the future!

Letha and I have discovered the way to a stress-free Christmas. It is only December 1 and we have already decided what we will be buying for one another this year. We have decided on the perfect Christmas gift! And we want to let you in on it early. We made the decision to purchase (drum roll, please!) a brand new, state of the art Sus scrofa domesticus (a pig)! That’s right; we are procuring a swine for each other – kind of a mutual gift which expresses our deep and sincere love for one another.

I know what a couple of you are thinking … only a pig would buy a pig for his wife at Christmas. But hang on there; I’ve got some explaining to do. Assuming you would like a little more info…

At Christmas ’08, we decided to keep spending to a minimum. Since neither of us needed anything, we didn’t but gifts for each other. Some people may find this a little cold-hearted but we didn’t think so. It was quite liberating to avoid the pressure of having to buy something clever and original. We really enjoyed the simplicity of focusing our attention on more important things. And just in case any of you think that this is just my slacker way of getting out of buying something for Letha, just ask her, she agreed 100%!

Our approach this year will be a little different. Since we both already own more than we want and there are no needs in our lives for material things, we are looking beyond ourselves. Through some ongoing ministry projects we are involved in, we are aware of some other people who are in need this year. We are buying a pig (including all the accoutrements and accessories) for Casa Shalom orphanage in Guatemala. The leaders there are beginning to invest in ways that can reduce operational costs and make the home less dependent on outside support. They recently constructed a chicken farm and added a stall for a pig. They plan to raise the pig and, when it is fully grown, use it to feed the children at the home. So our gift to each other this year will feed some hungry kids. We are also checking into getting some chickens and possibly a cow for another organization.

I am not suggesting that you follow our lead on this one. This is a personal decision and I would really hate to be responsible for someone in your family being very disappointed on Christmas morning. If you are thinking about something similar, I suggest you discuss it thoroughly with the people in your life. Don’t surprise anyone with a pig under the tree. However, if you would like some creative gift ideas, check out The Heifer Project, Christmas of Compassion, The Moju Project, Bibles Unbound, and Compassion International.

Name that Pig!
I would like to give the pig a name and am open to suggestions. I am running a “name that pig” contest on facebook. The winner will receive (once again, drum roll, please) … the honor of naming the Christmas pig! And if you suggest the name Rick, I will unfriend you!

At this point, I am sure that most people are getting tired of hearing about our trip to Guatemala. This is always the case when we go on these short-term missions trips. We come back with full hearts and want to share all the details with anyone who will listen. For our friends and family, it is like looking at vacations slides – from a vacation you weren’t on.

Suffice it to say, our trip was awesome. In the words of one of participants, “the best Thanksgiving ever”. Enjoy a few pictures, courtesy of Duane Long.

We leave in 12 hours to go to Guatemala for our Thanksgiving Missions Trip. We are going to serve the children of Rio Bravo and Casa Shalom. We would appreciate your prayers for our health and safe travel. Please also remember to pray for these needy kids and those who minister to them. Look forward to lots of stories and good pics upon our return.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

One of the creative elements in our worship services this morning was a “Thanks For Everything” montage. We had everyone who was willing, make a 8.5 x 5.5 card expressing to God their gratitude. We distributed fall colored construction paper. I instructed them to write a narrative, a letter to God, a thank you card, and bullet list, anything they wanted. Just find a way to tell God the things for which we are thankful. It was very moving, very few dry eyes in the place.

This afternoon, I went back over to the church to clean up the leftover mess and remove the cards from the display boards. We did this exercise at all three of our services, so by the end of the day, there was quite a collection of cards.

I sat at my desk and read through them all. Part of me felt guilty for reading the notes since they were not written to me, but I couldn’t bear to just throw them away. Wow, what an important event this was for me. I was completely humbled by the simple yet profound expressions of true gratitude by the good people of Maranatha.

I saw several languages, beautiful art work, illegible writing, children’s drawings, scribbles from the shaky hands of senior citizens and origami. Some were in-depth explanations of full and grateful hearts, there were some that had only one word written on it. A few included prayer requests and hopes for things to turn around. There was not one cynical or hateful response; there is usually one in every crowd. I was amazed at how many of our people thanked God for the simple but important things of life – things like family, health and freedom. Many included houses, food and jobs. I was thoroughly impressed with the number of people who thanked God for His love, His acceptance, His forgiveness. It was expressed in many different ways, but it appears to me that the people who attend our church have a good handle on the concept of God’s grace. I was so encouraged to see that. It is easy, in my assessment of spiritual development of the people around me, to sell people short. There are times when I call into question the spiritual maturity of those who attend our church. Today, I was refreshed by what I saw.

It truly became a Thanksgiving Montage. The people of Maranatha are real artists. They (you) painted a beautiful portrait of gratitude. It was beautiful! Thank you.

You learn a lot about people when you hear them say “thank you”. I learned a lot today, some about the people I serve and some about myself.

I am grateful.

This weekend marks the beginning of our celebration of Thanksgiving. The fall holiday has always been one of my favorites, but for most of my life it just meant eating a lot and hanging out with family. The last few years, the holiday has taken on deeper significance. I guess it started back in 1999 when I was able to spend Thanksgiving week in Cuba. The day means nothing there and there was no observance of the holiday. In fact, on Thanksgiving Day that year, I ate canned chicken for dinner and ate by myself. What brought new meaning to me was the concept of serving others on the holiday. To share what one has is to be truly thankful.

Last year, Letha and I went to Guatemala and cooked a huge Thanksgiving meal (OK, she and a few others cooked while I tried to stay out of their way) and we fed all the children of Casa Shalom orphanage. It was one of the more memorable holidays of my life. The children ate until they were satisfied, and that is saying something!

This year, we are taking this idea a step further. We have a team of eight friends from Maranatha Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida who will be spending the week in Guatemala. We will again attempt to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal for all the good people of Casa Shalom. This is a significant task as we have 7 large turkeys waiting for us there. It should be a blast!

One additional aspect of our trip will be our visit to the Rio Bravo feeding center in the Suchitepequez area. We plan to feed breakfast to the 200 children there, provide new shoes for each of them, leave them with new clothes and send them home with a small bag of groceries. Our Childrens Pastors, Than and Megan Graffam will minister to the kids about the love of Jesus. Due to the starvation of many children in the area, our work and the hope we will offer is vital.

I would ask that you pray for our team as we travel. By name, they are: Kelly Blanchard, Meg Sterrett, Duane and Janice Long, Than and Megan Graffam and Rick and Letha Whitter. I plan to post some pictures upon our return.

In the mean time, enjoy the video we made featuring the kids of Rio Bravo.

Letha and I went to see the movie 2012 tonight. It was pretty entertaining if you don’t mind hyper-special effects and some average acting. The plot is fairly predictable that details the end of the world on 12.21.12. I was able to pick up on some more meaningful themes. There was the basic greed and selfishness, when a bunch of big shots only want to save themselves. But there was also the idea of sacrifice when the hero risked his life to save several thousand people. Actually, there are a couple of hero figures in the movie who are inspiring.

I guess I recommend it if you are not looking for realism. It was a nice night out for my wife and I.

On a strange note, just before the movie started, two middle aged couples almost got into a fist fight over seats. One guy saved his seats with his cane and left to get his wife (don’t ask me why he needed a cane if he could go and get his wife and leave it in his seat). Another guy came in, thought the cane was left from a previous movie and moved it. The first couple came back in and the yelling started. Several “F bombs” and racial slurs later, theater security came in to calm them down. They sat through the rest of the evening with no further issue. While they were fighting, there were literally a couple of hundred seats available all over the theater. I left thinking about how stupid people can be.

I’ll be surprised if the world makes it until 2012 with human beings in charge.

Several years ago, my office phone rang and the person calling said, “Pastor, we have an old worn out couch that we are throwing out. We would like to donate it to the church. Would you please come and get it?”.

As we are preparing for next week’s Thanksgiving Missions Trip to the Rio Bravo Feeding Center and Casa Shalom Orphanage in Guatemala, a key part of this project is taking much needed clothes and shoes to needy children there. One thing we usually stress when we go on these trips is that we wish to take new clothes and shoes to the children in these places. I usually get asked about this. It seems that lots of North Americans want to send their used items to these children. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but allow me to explain our philosophy on this one:

There is a practical concern:
You would be amazed at the trash that some people want to donate. We have literally seen garbage given. Dirty, smelly, worn-out clothes are some people’s idea of a contribution to the needy. We spend valuable time weeding through the items, discarding what belongs in the dump. Now, not everyone who donates used clothes gives trash, but we find it simpler to request new clothes. In addition to this, you would be blessed to see, like we have, kids receive a new item who have NEVER had anything new. We laugh every time we see a kid wearing a new shirt with the price tag still on it! They are proud of their new clothes and want everyone to know.

There is a spiritual concern:
Read carefully what Jesus teaches us in Matthew (25:35-40 CEV) regarding giving to and helping others: “When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

The point Jesus is making is – whatever you give to others, you give to Him. Think about it, giving to Jesus your worn out shoes or clothes! The problem is, many of us are perfectly comfortable with giving Jesus the leftovers from our lives.

Jesus deserves our best. These kids deserve our best. If your best is worn out stuff, give it with a clear conscience. If you can do better, do so.

Next week, a bunch of very poor children will receive new shoes and clothes. They will hear that Jesus loves them, and they will believe it.

And no, we won’t come and get your old couch!

It’s great to see the underdog win. When the disadvantaged finishes first, heaven smiles; and we are all given hope.

One week from tomorrow, a team of eight of us from Maranatha Church leave for our Thanksgiving Trip to Guatemala. One of the projects we are working on is delivering 500 pairs of shoes to needy children in Rio Bravo, Guatemala. The girls pictured here will be included.

This week’s activities include finishing up packing the 16 suitcases that are going. It is a lot of fun going through the colorful croc-style shoes of all sizes. We are also including some clothes for the children.

Our hope is to share more than food and clothes. We want these kids to know that God loves them. We plan to tell them and, more importantly, show them.

Would you pray for us and, more importantly, pray for the kids? We want this upcoming holiday season to be their best ever. I’ll keep you posted…

Tomorrow – Sunday, November 15, marks the conclusion of our 3 week series on the life of Moses. The Fresh Prince of Egypt has been a lot of fun to prepare for and deliver. I would have liked more time to develop the messages but, due to the holiday schedule, and the short attention span of our church, we decided to go with three weeks.

If you want to listen to the audio from previous weeks, you may do so here.
If you wish to watch the very entertaining video that we have been using as a message introduction, you may do so here.

The following is pretty much my entire message. If I get hit by a bus on the way to church, go ahead without me, somebody just pull this up and read it! If you plan to miss church services tomorrow, or if you are reading this after the fact, at least you know what I had to say. If you stay home after reading this, you may pay your tithes on line here.

The Fresh Prince of Egypt (part 3)
Moses and Aaron’s Excellent Adventure

Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.

“Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He gave Moses an awesome high-tech GPS unit that guided them, by satellite, out of Egypt. When they got to the Red Sea, Moses had his engineers construct a massive hovercraft that carried all the Israelite people across the Red Sea safely. He then had his IT team create a humongous High Definition jumbo-tron computer screen projecting an image of a suspension bridge across the sea. It was so realistic that the Egyptians army tried to walk across it. Of course, they all drowned, but all the Israelites were saved.”

“Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked.

“Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it either!”

As unbelievable as it may sound, this stuff is true!

The setting:
The Israelites leave Egypt on their way to freedom, but they have a very long journey ahead of them.
This is more than a physical journey; there is more meaning and purpose to their travels.
God was with them in an unprecedented way.

Exodus 13:21-22 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (NIV)

God made His presence with the Israelites perfectly clear and obvious.

Because God was with them…
1. DSTSS (don’t sweat the small stuff) (beware of my sarcasm)

God directed them to the Red Sea (kind of a dead end)
Trouble was on the way…
Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. (NIV)

It is as though the people were saying to Moses: “Another fine mess you’ve gotten us into…”
Exodus 14:11-12 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (NIV)

God’s ingenious plan–
Exodus 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. (NIV)

“Move on?” They were trapped! No place to go!

Exodus 14:16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (NIV)

Moses is “all in” with God’s plan.
An epic event:
Exodus 14:19-31 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25 He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.”

26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea. 28 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen–the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30 That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (NIV)

At the very beginning of their journey through the desert, God proves to them that He will take care of them.

Crossing the red sea was impossible. The idea of crossing it on dry ground, well that was just absurd.
Let me remind you of one of the greatest principle in God’s Word:
Nothing is impossible with God!
In fact:
The words, “impossible”, “hopeless”, and “snowball’s chance in hell” are not in God’s vocabulary.
Situations may seem hopeless, but ultimately, God comes through for His children.

Earlier, when I referred to “small stuff”, I did not mean “unimportant”, I did not mean “simple”, and I did not mean “easy”.
I meant in relation to God’s limitless power, our major crises are small.
He can do anything! And, as a reminder from week one:
“There is nothing that God won’t do for one of His children that is in need.”
God stops at nothing for His children.

He knows how to take care of us.

2. God does not need a bailout!
a. Exodus 16: Manna and quail provided (even with this, the people looked back – Numbers 11: ”remember the leeks, onion and garlic…?”
b. Exodus 17: Water from a rock
c. Their clothes and shoes did not wear out.
Deuteronomy 29:5 “During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” (NIV)

God is not limited to physical resources.
God has not filed for bankruptcy! He is not in recession! He does not need a bailout!
We are limited, God is not!

The previous two thoughts (God will do anything for His children and God will supply our needs) are predicated on the obedience of God’s children.

What do we obey?

3. The “Big Ten” (the 10 Commandments)
The “ten” given.

Exodus 20:3-17

What the ten are (with minor commentary):

1. “No other gods” Don’t allow anything to compete with God as top priority in your life.
2. “No idols” Don’t worship idols or icons or images or statues or heroes.
3. “Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain. Don’t misuse God’s name. (unless you are praying, no more OMG!)
4. “Remember the Sabbath Day” Treat God’s day with honor and respect.
5. “Honor you mother and father” Treat your parents with honor and respect.
6. “ Don’t kill” Do not take a human life.
7. “Don’t commit adultery” Do not have sex with anyone other than your husband or wife. (someone you are legally married to.)
8. Do not steal. (if you don’t know what that means, please stay away from the offering basket)
9. “Don’t bear false witness” Do not lie.
10. “Don’t covet” Do not wish for that which belongs to someone else.

These are not called the “Ten Suggestions” or “Ten Recommendations”.
And there is no expiration date!
God wasn’t fooling around when He establish His principles of conduct.
If you keep these Ten Commandments, you will be blessed.
If you don’t, you won’t.

This (keeping the Commandments) probably looks impossible to some of us.
(just like crossing the Red Sea looked impossible,
like escaping the Egyptians looked unlikely,
like feeding a couple of million people in the desert couldn’t happen,
like getting water out of a rock sounds ridiculous,
clothes lasting forty years…)
Get the idea?

Wrap up:
Moses lived one incredible life:

a. Face to face with God:
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (NIV)
His face radiant (Ex 34)

b. Appears along with Elijah at the transfiguration of Christ -Matthew 17:3

c. An incomparable life:
Deuteronomy 34:10-12 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (NIV)

But as great as Moses was….
The purpose of his life was to point to Jesus.
Jesus is greater: Hebrews 3:2-6 Jesus was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in serving all of God’s people. 3But Jesus deserves more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves more honor than the house. 4Of course, every house is built by someone, and God is really the one who built everything. 5Moses was a faithful servant and told God’s people what would be said in the future. 6But Christ is the Son in charge of God’s people. And we are those people, if we keep on being brave and don’t lose hope. (CEV)

As great as Moses was….Jesus is greater!

What we have learned today:
• The impossible situations that we face are easily overcome by God.
• God is not limited by physical resources.
• Obedience to the 10 Commandments is key to being blessed.
• As great as Moses was, we don’t want to be like him. We want to be like Jesus!

The last couple of days, I have been focusing on ridding myself of excess distractions that may be keeping me from accomplishing what I am supposed to accomplish. This is not as simple as it sounds. On an hourly basis, I am afforded the opportunity to spend time doing either meaningless and purposeless tasks or meaningful and purposeful activities. The trouble is, sometimes they are difficult to distinguish one from another. As a result, I find myself doing a bunch of things poorly and few things well.

What is the difference between good and bad when it comes to my activities? Let’s start with the positive…
What I am supposed to be doing (in general terms):
Honoring God.
Loving my family.
Investing in the lives of people I care about.
Fulfilling my God-given calling.
Improving my commitment as a Christian and my abilities as a leader.

Now the negative slant…
What I am not suppose to be doing (also in general terms):
Trying to be the Messiah.
Micromanaging the entire world (or even my little part of it).
Wasting time.
Getting pulled off course by well-meaning but misguided individuals.
Trying to make everyone happy.

When in the middle of my busy day, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between what I should do and what I should ignore. How do I know if this phone call is a diversion from my actual responsibilities? Am I the one who is supposed to address/solve this problem? Is the time I am spending with this cause going to have a good return? Is it required that I be accessible to anyone and everyone who expects me to be?

Right or wrong, I am trying to minimize. I want to reduce the time I spend wasting time. I want to be productive with my resources and time is the most valuable resource that I possess.

My goal is to be able to say “no” when I should. The way I figure it, there is always a drift toward over-commitment and over-involvement. If I err on the side of minimalization, I will in all probability, drift back to center and before long, back to the side of saying “yes” too much. Then I will get frustrated and the process will start all over again.

But for right now, I want to do a better job at fewer things. Make sense?