With December now here some would say that the Season of Thanks is officially over, but I believe Christmas offers a perfect time to continue the tradition of saying and giving thanks and maybe even more so with December being the celebration of the Christ Child Jesus Birthday.
A continuance of saying thanks is most appropriate during December because the Baby Jesus was a gift of the Heavenly Father to each of us individually, so there’s a reason to continue the thanks. Another reason to continue thanking in December would be because of acts of obedience that Mary and Joseph demonstrated in following through with God’s plan. What an example they remain today because of their actions.
There is so much about the Season of Christmas that is also about Thanksgiving. Consider the fact that those that arrived to this new land gave thanks and the driving part of the search for new lands was freedom in worship, seeking after their hearts yearning, and a discovery of not just new lands, but new peace too.
Living here in the Bible Belt is a blessing. I’ve lived in big cities and observed the passing by of so many and the moving about of daily living that never stops and recognizes the creator. I’ve been to New York City’s Central Park and watched the animals, looked at the trees, swelled the roses and observed the people still, who so seem to have no understanding of that quote by Emerson who said, “nature is the art of God”.
My list of thanks will continue to flow but my goal and desire is to some how create the awareness in others that this is even a more special time for us to be able to advance the kingdom of God because of the worlds emphasis on His season.
The Bible tells us to “give thanks always”, and the Bible also tells us to “rejoice, and again I say rejoice”. During this time of the year many will not find their spirits in that overflowing rejoicing or giving thanks mode because of the experiences of life that may have brought a death during this time, a loss of employment that stripped the parents and children of needs and dreams, or maybe this time of the year is just too rushed and the movement of people causes an alarm or hesitation to be around others or go places.
Nevertheless, Christians are instructed to give thanks and rejoice so how will we find His way in this mess we’ve made it into?
Might I suggest looking back until you reach that memory spot where it was clear what God was asking you to do? Think back to the last peace you had that filled you in such a way you didn’t even recognize all the distractions happening all around.
The Bible talks about that peace that passes all understanding and I cannot but believe His peace is discovered when his will is discovered and giving the gift of ourselves to others helps in that search. Seeing the reasons for giving thanks and we doing so as an honor to Him I believe creates that very real presence of Himself that also establishes His plan in our lives.
There is much to do and little time to do it, so lets go ahead and add Thanksgiving and Christmas together for the cause of Christ. Saying thanks and giving gifts in thanksgiving toward others will show we’ve got the meaning of the seasons.
Until then
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Greenland Baptist Church Wildlife Dinner
While the Season of Thanksgiving has officially gone the Season of Christmas has arrived and there is no greater example of gift giving freely, or thanks expressed then by that of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of Christ and in celebration of both seasons it is important to say thanks for the love and support shared by the Greenland Baptist Church to me personally and to acknowledge their actions to show the love and concern of Christ to the entire Tri-State area through their efforts involving their 2nd Annual Wild Life Dinner.
The vision for the event was cast by Deacon Terry Adkins and easily supported by the churches brotherhood and then the entire church also rallied behind the idea to do something different and reach out in a unique way for Jesus Christ. For those who have who have never attended their event you have missed out but I certain 2008 will bring another great Wildlife Dinner to their church open to the community that you can get in on.
So often in the rush of life we rush to and from never taking time to say thanks and I want to say thanks for their commitment to pull together creating such an experience for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enjoyers of life. Truth is, my experience at Greenland Baptist Church and the Wildlife Dinner was filled with laughter, meeting people, seeing the excitement of something new and different, plus learning that the greatest hunter in the world, Jesus Christ is looking for people to join in the hunt which ultimately results in the experience of Heaven.
That scripture in Matthew that says “He came to seek and to save that which lost” presents a great challenge to the church and while the message of His mission has not changed our methods need some fine tuning to reach the world that sees no value in church, a Savior or a Lord. The world has done a great job of attracting young people from the message that in generations past had at the fore front the theme of Jesus Christ, Church and her importance and our responsibilities as Christians to that world that He came to “seek and save”.
I am not sure how or why churches feel that we are backed into some type of corner that has us bound to tradition that permits no reaching out, but a Wildlife Dinner with different game to eat and experience is just one of many ways to make a difference and reach new people. How about a checkers tournament? Sure, doesn’t sound like much, but why not? Winning one is worth it all, but even better is just presenting the message of Jesus is worth it all even if no response is seen. God grows seeds in the heart and you and I have a unique opportunity during this Season to keep people focused on the real reason for the season, the coming of a Savior for the forgiveness of sin.
Not sure what your church is planning during this time of the year, maybe it will be cantatas and children’s plays, which are all good, but why not a punch and cookie party too?
Until then
In the spirit of Christ and in celebration of both seasons it is important to say thanks for the love and support shared by the Greenland Baptist Church to me personally and to acknowledge their actions to show the love and concern of Christ to the entire Tri-State area through their efforts involving their 2nd Annual Wild Life Dinner.
The vision for the event was cast by Deacon Terry Adkins and easily supported by the churches brotherhood and then the entire church also rallied behind the idea to do something different and reach out in a unique way for Jesus Christ. For those who have who have never attended their event you have missed out but I certain 2008 will bring another great Wildlife Dinner to their church open to the community that you can get in on.
So often in the rush of life we rush to and from never taking time to say thanks and I want to say thanks for their commitment to pull together creating such an experience for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enjoyers of life. Truth is, my experience at Greenland Baptist Church and the Wildlife Dinner was filled with laughter, meeting people, seeing the excitement of something new and different, plus learning that the greatest hunter in the world, Jesus Christ is looking for people to join in the hunt which ultimately results in the experience of Heaven.
That scripture in Matthew that says “He came to seek and to save that which lost” presents a great challenge to the church and while the message of His mission has not changed our methods need some fine tuning to reach the world that sees no value in church, a Savior or a Lord. The world has done a great job of attracting young people from the message that in generations past had at the fore front the theme of Jesus Christ, Church and her importance and our responsibilities as Christians to that world that He came to “seek and save”.
I am not sure how or why churches feel that we are backed into some type of corner that has us bound to tradition that permits no reaching out, but a Wildlife Dinner with different game to eat and experience is just one of many ways to make a difference and reach new people. How about a checkers tournament? Sure, doesn’t sound like much, but why not? Winning one is worth it all, but even better is just presenting the message of Jesus is worth it all even if no response is seen. God grows seeds in the heart and you and I have a unique opportunity during this Season to keep people focused on the real reason for the season, the coming of a Savior for the forgiveness of sin.
Not sure what your church is planning during this time of the year, maybe it will be cantatas and children’s plays, which are all good, but why not a punch and cookie party too?
Until then
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving Week
With there only being 52 weeks in a year one would think picking a favorite week would be an easy task. I have only enquired into a few folks and their selections for favorite week of the year and my received responses have been varied. The number one response to my enquiring question has been a question in response, “why”? My response of course has just been, I’ve got a favorite week and was just wondering if you did? Most folks have considered it is a trick question or they look around to see who is standing around; as if mother was there it would be the week of her birthday of course!
For me I thought I would simple say I love 51 weeks of the year for riding a Harley Motorcycle somewhere and the other week of the year I love Thanksgiving Week. Truth is that’s not a bad answer but for some that will seem like an easy out, but I’ll hold to this line for now because I’m thinking it is the best way to spend a year without a doubt.
So what week are you saying is your favorite if you have to pick? Will it be a week of vacation on some island or resort? How-a-bout a trip that includes several stopping points each year like amusement parks and maybe a museum or historical point of interest? It could be just a week at home that you enjoy not really doing anything, or maybe it’s a main focus on what my family would call piddling, which means you are really doing nothing, but your way of thinking says you are doing something, even if there is nothing to show for it at the end of the week. Those types of weeks are not bad, we easily justify we were doing something no one else wanted to do, and it was so time consuming because of the many little task it took to make that shed look like it does now. Doesn’t that just make you feel so much better just having read that?
The weeks of the year are all different and there are many reasons for selecting certain days, or occasions, but have you answered the question yet, what is your favorite week of the year?
It is Thanksgiving Week for me for several reasons. While some will think of this as the biggest shopping day of the year for those special items, I’m not much into Christmas gifts so the week is more about resting and reflecting then the run down the aisle for that special something. I like Thanksgiving Week because of the food. While some will say their candy cooking is all for the Christmas Season, to me, since it’s cooked and ready now, it’s all about Thanksgiving Season instead. I would have to say my biggest reason for enjoying Thanksgiving is because it is the season to say ‘thanks’.
Possibly the hardest thing some folks will ever do is say thanks but I discovered it a great way of acknowledging others, their impact and influence as well as the peace that overtakes me when I know I’ve done all I can do.
Now sure what your favorite week is, or how you will reflect upon this Thanksgiving Week, but for me, I’ve already made my decision and to top it off I’ll probably take a Harley ride too.
Until then
For me I thought I would simple say I love 51 weeks of the year for riding a Harley Motorcycle somewhere and the other week of the year I love Thanksgiving Week. Truth is that’s not a bad answer but for some that will seem like an easy out, but I’ll hold to this line for now because I’m thinking it is the best way to spend a year without a doubt.
So what week are you saying is your favorite if you have to pick? Will it be a week of vacation on some island or resort? How-a-bout a trip that includes several stopping points each year like amusement parks and maybe a museum or historical point of interest? It could be just a week at home that you enjoy not really doing anything, or maybe it’s a main focus on what my family would call piddling, which means you are really doing nothing, but your way of thinking says you are doing something, even if there is nothing to show for it at the end of the week. Those types of weeks are not bad, we easily justify we were doing something no one else wanted to do, and it was so time consuming because of the many little task it took to make that shed look like it does now. Doesn’t that just make you feel so much better just having read that?
The weeks of the year are all different and there are many reasons for selecting certain days, or occasions, but have you answered the question yet, what is your favorite week of the year?
It is Thanksgiving Week for me for several reasons. While some will think of this as the biggest shopping day of the year for those special items, I’m not much into Christmas gifts so the week is more about resting and reflecting then the run down the aisle for that special something. I like Thanksgiving Week because of the food. While some will say their candy cooking is all for the Christmas Season, to me, since it’s cooked and ready now, it’s all about Thanksgiving Season instead. I would have to say my biggest reason for enjoying Thanksgiving is because it is the season to say ‘thanks’.
Possibly the hardest thing some folks will ever do is say thanks but I discovered it a great way of acknowledging others, their impact and influence as well as the peace that overtakes me when I know I’ve done all I can do.
Now sure what your favorite week is, or how you will reflect upon this Thanksgiving Week, but for me, I’ve already made my decision and to top it off I’ll probably take a Harley ride too.
Until then
Friday, November 16, 2007
Moses & Directions
What are the odds that the creator of the world really wants to use us to do His will? Good question that I’m certain we have each asked ourselves and no doubt we have considered ourselves to be alone in the question, but this is not the case actually.
Moses was the first recorded in History of the World to ask the question, “Who am I? A self asking question many continue to address inwardly as we live our lives from day to day.
The big deal with Moses in Exodus on this question was because of his resistance to God’s call and Moses refusal to say yes to the vision. It was hard for Moses to see himself someone to deliver God’s people from hardship. It was hard for Moses to see how God could use someone like himself as a leader, especially since Moses didn’t see himself as a leader or as someone up for the unthinkable challenge God placed before him.
Not sure how overwhelming life is in your world but I’m thinking asking “who am I” is not a bad place to start when evaluating our lives, and like Moses we have no doubt wanted Him to send someone else and accept our position that we are just not up to the task. If there is anything frustrating about God is has to be the fact that He doesn’t pay us any mind when we are double thinking ourselves, He just waits for us to stop.
Life is full of situations that create this sense of well informed “I can’t do this” attitude in us. How often? To often we think and feel we are over our heads and out of our field to accomplish things, but isn’t is amazing that God doesn’t think so?
What was the last project you were handed that put you in the frame of mind? What bad news had you last heard that gave you this sense of hopelessness?
Yes, it is hard to imagine that God, the creator of the universe wants to use us, but He does. We are reluctant to follow, but yes, He still calls and points a way. We are more inclined to hear the negative then are persuaded to stand back up and fight the odds, but we must. We must because He has asked us to in spite of who we are. Sure there are others that will be better suited for the task no doubt, but they; it appears are not the ones God is talking to. Skill and experience that others possess out shine our talents, but they are not here, it is us standing at the spot.
Today the expectation God has for us is to ask whatever question we desire, but for these questions not to be sticking points but rather move us to the next question that Moses asked, which was, “what shall I tell them”.
The items on your to-do-list, or the work that is before you is not positions as such to stop us but to cause of to stop and consider our next steps wisely, and those steps should be directions gathered from His will.
The roads we each travel are not always full of lights and direction signs that are easily seen from the roads we travel, but if we go forward with our eyes open, looking around, being observant, and attempting to not pass recklessly in life, I am confident we can all safely arrive from the resistance of His call to acceptance of His lead and find our selves in a new land too.
Until then
Moses was the first recorded in History of the World to ask the question, “Who am I? A self asking question many continue to address inwardly as we live our lives from day to day.
The big deal with Moses in Exodus on this question was because of his resistance to God’s call and Moses refusal to say yes to the vision. It was hard for Moses to see himself someone to deliver God’s people from hardship. It was hard for Moses to see how God could use someone like himself as a leader, especially since Moses didn’t see himself as a leader or as someone up for the unthinkable challenge God placed before him.
Not sure how overwhelming life is in your world but I’m thinking asking “who am I” is not a bad place to start when evaluating our lives, and like Moses we have no doubt wanted Him to send someone else and accept our position that we are just not up to the task. If there is anything frustrating about God is has to be the fact that He doesn’t pay us any mind when we are double thinking ourselves, He just waits for us to stop.
Life is full of situations that create this sense of well informed “I can’t do this” attitude in us. How often? To often we think and feel we are over our heads and out of our field to accomplish things, but isn’t is amazing that God doesn’t think so?
What was the last project you were handed that put you in the frame of mind? What bad news had you last heard that gave you this sense of hopelessness?
Yes, it is hard to imagine that God, the creator of the universe wants to use us, but He does. We are reluctant to follow, but yes, He still calls and points a way. We are more inclined to hear the negative then are persuaded to stand back up and fight the odds, but we must. We must because He has asked us to in spite of who we are. Sure there are others that will be better suited for the task no doubt, but they; it appears are not the ones God is talking to. Skill and experience that others possess out shine our talents, but they are not here, it is us standing at the spot.
Today the expectation God has for us is to ask whatever question we desire, but for these questions not to be sticking points but rather move us to the next question that Moses asked, which was, “what shall I tell them”.
The items on your to-do-list, or the work that is before you is not positions as such to stop us but to cause of to stop and consider our next steps wisely, and those steps should be directions gathered from His will.
The roads we each travel are not always full of lights and direction signs that are easily seen from the roads we travel, but if we go forward with our eyes open, looking around, being observant, and attempting to not pass recklessly in life, I am confident we can all safely arrive from the resistance of His call to acceptance of His lead and find our selves in a new land too.
Until then
Friday, October 19, 2007
Staying Focused
There are many games that people play in life, and I’m not talking about games that bring enjoyment and pleasure, I’m talking about emotional games that people play. Consider the game we’ve seen performed that is best described as the “self pity party”.
When you have witnessed this game in the lives of individuals you wonder what’s really happening in their lives. Since we’ve all seen or experienced this type of situation in our lives, the question for those that are Christians would be can a Christian have a “self pity party?
Certainly in life there are situations that will bring us down. There are moments that we will be disheartened. These moments will break our stride, they will cause us to turn our eyes and look away longer then we should. I would venture to say that we’ve all been there and experienced such that causes a let down in our energy or passion to do or get things done. Living life as humans has some elements to overcome. It is unfortunate that we are not already perfect but if that we’re the case then I think we would miss out on one of those great beneficent blessings of Heaven, being with the perfect Savior and the perfect Lord in the perfect place. Not sure about you, but I’m thinking I’ll hold off on my being perfect here and now for until then.
With such experiences happening in our imperfect world how is a Christian to respond to such adversity or broken spirit? Matthew 6:16 talks about fasting and it reads, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you”.
Now I’m sure that until He comes we are going to have some “self pity” moments in our lives, but I am sure from this scripture and others I think it can also be clearly said we need to learn to keep a happy public face during difficult times and trying moments, and by doing so earn more favor from the Lord.
I would say that their will not be many signing up to put on their happy public faces, but then again, as I’m thinking, I believe I know a lot of folks who have placed their discipline and confidence in the Lord and they are smiling and not attempting to disfigure their faces to show their present conditions.
The “self pity party” is an experience that we read about in the Bible from Jonah to prophets of old, and Christians are not exempt from the experience, but I believe we can see from the Bible some proper steps to take when the urge to stay in that party overwhelms us. It’s time to be a big sunflower seed and let our lights shine through every circumstance even when we do not feel like being a vessel of the Lord.
Yes, the Bible certainly says there is a time for everything, and maybe you like I would have eliminated this one, but He didn’t so we’ve just got to live with it and press on!
Until then
When you have witnessed this game in the lives of individuals you wonder what’s really happening in their lives. Since we’ve all seen or experienced this type of situation in our lives, the question for those that are Christians would be can a Christian have a “self pity party?
Certainly in life there are situations that will bring us down. There are moments that we will be disheartened. These moments will break our stride, they will cause us to turn our eyes and look away longer then we should. I would venture to say that we’ve all been there and experienced such that causes a let down in our energy or passion to do or get things done. Living life as humans has some elements to overcome. It is unfortunate that we are not already perfect but if that we’re the case then I think we would miss out on one of those great beneficent blessings of Heaven, being with the perfect Savior and the perfect Lord in the perfect place. Not sure about you, but I’m thinking I’ll hold off on my being perfect here and now for until then.
With such experiences happening in our imperfect world how is a Christian to respond to such adversity or broken spirit? Matthew 6:16 talks about fasting and it reads, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you”.
Now I’m sure that until He comes we are going to have some “self pity” moments in our lives, but I am sure from this scripture and others I think it can also be clearly said we need to learn to keep a happy public face during difficult times and trying moments, and by doing so earn more favor from the Lord.
I would say that their will not be many signing up to put on their happy public faces, but then again, as I’m thinking, I believe I know a lot of folks who have placed their discipline and confidence in the Lord and they are smiling and not attempting to disfigure their faces to show their present conditions.
The “self pity party” is an experience that we read about in the Bible from Jonah to prophets of old, and Christians are not exempt from the experience, but I believe we can see from the Bible some proper steps to take when the urge to stay in that party overwhelms us. It’s time to be a big sunflower seed and let our lights shine through every circumstance even when we do not feel like being a vessel of the Lord.
Yes, the Bible certainly says there is a time for everything, and maybe you like I would have eliminated this one, but He didn’t so we’ve just got to live with it and press on!
Until then
Friday, September 7, 2007
Football & Life
Today, the Rich Brooks fans are everywhere! Today, everyone loves Kentucky Football! Today, you just cannot be more proud to wear the white and blue! Today, is interesting but it was just a short time ago, like let’s say yesterday, that lots of folks were calling Rich Brooks an old man whose day as a coach had come and gone. Many were dispelling his coaching abilities and talking about why we don’t have more Kentucky boys playing on the team, and many were heard to say that the wins of last year were just luck and those types of wins will happen from time to time, but still, yesterday that was, there was not a lot of credit for Coach Brooks, until today that is.
It is so lacking in character the way we offer friendship. It is just amazing how fickle we are. I have often said that I don’t need any help when I am focused, centered and purposed. When one is strong and clear they are able to stand on their own and there is no need of assistance or a helping hand, but it is when you are down that one can use a helping hand up and truth is there are just not many that enjoy reaching down.
I attended football specialty camp at the University of Kentucky back in the day and my Kentucky Football History begins with Coach Fran Curci. Remember him, he was at Kentucky I believe something like 1973-1981. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, some of which I have never forgotten. The coach who taught line skills was Coach “K” and he preached one thing to win on the line, “wide base and short choppy steps”.
Anyone who has every played on the line knows that those skills have never changed. In all the years of football, a wide base and short choppy steps are still the number one techniques to be successful on the line of scrimmage. There are additional skills that will come in helpful like learning how to use your hands, learning to always keep your head up, mastering the first step or turn of the upper body is good technique in pointing yourself in the direction you want to go, all these are an added plus to you be highly successful when brought together.
Life is one of those things that you really need to be skilled at in evaluating the success of. Today, everyone is saying Coach Rich Brooks is a great coach. Today, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maybe in a state of shock as we have won four games in a row, there appears to be no ‘give up’ attitude and the team seems to be all that many have been dreaming about. If you are one of those and you have not remembered the team that it seemed could not win a game, you’ve missed it. It was that determination to not give up that we need to applaud. Remember the team that could not catch a ball, but they still continued to practice and the coaches still recruited, well, let’s give them applause.
Coach Brooks was not swayed by the negative comments; actually I can remember him saying when we lost games, “I take responsibility”, now that’s leadership. Not passing the buck, but accepting his role.
In the course of life sometimes we misjudge, sometimes we are quick to make a remark, sometimes we think we have it figured out when we are just looking at one aspect, or one play, one move. Remember that often when it looks like everything is going wrong the real true is that everything could be going right, the results are coming, they have just not over taken the negative yet, so give it time and wait and see.
In the end, the results are not about the Wins and Loses, while that maybe the first thing people look at. The real results are lives changed because people got involved, the difference made because folks cared to stick it out and became a part of the team.
Until then
It is so lacking in character the way we offer friendship. It is just amazing how fickle we are. I have often said that I don’t need any help when I am focused, centered and purposed. When one is strong and clear they are able to stand on their own and there is no need of assistance or a helping hand, but it is when you are down that one can use a helping hand up and truth is there are just not many that enjoy reaching down.
I attended football specialty camp at the University of Kentucky back in the day and my Kentucky Football History begins with Coach Fran Curci. Remember him, he was at Kentucky I believe something like 1973-1981. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, some of which I have never forgotten. The coach who taught line skills was Coach “K” and he preached one thing to win on the line, “wide base and short choppy steps”.
Anyone who has every played on the line knows that those skills have never changed. In all the years of football, a wide base and short choppy steps are still the number one techniques to be successful on the line of scrimmage. There are additional skills that will come in helpful like learning how to use your hands, learning to always keep your head up, mastering the first step or turn of the upper body is good technique in pointing yourself in the direction you want to go, all these are an added plus to you be highly successful when brought together.
Life is one of those things that you really need to be skilled at in evaluating the success of. Today, everyone is saying Coach Rich Brooks is a great coach. Today, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maybe in a state of shock as we have won four games in a row, there appears to be no ‘give up’ attitude and the team seems to be all that many have been dreaming about. If you are one of those and you have not remembered the team that it seemed could not win a game, you’ve missed it. It was that determination to not give up that we need to applaud. Remember the team that could not catch a ball, but they still continued to practice and the coaches still recruited, well, let’s give them applause.
Coach Brooks was not swayed by the negative comments; actually I can remember him saying when we lost games, “I take responsibility”, now that’s leadership. Not passing the buck, but accepting his role.
In the course of life sometimes we misjudge, sometimes we are quick to make a remark, sometimes we think we have it figured out when we are just looking at one aspect, or one play, one move. Remember that often when it looks like everything is going wrong the real true is that everything could be going right, the results are coming, they have just not over taken the negative yet, so give it time and wait and see.
In the end, the results are not about the Wins and Loses, while that maybe the first thing people look at. The real results are lives changed because people got involved, the difference made because folks cared to stick it out and became a part of the team.
Until then
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