Thinking Faith Cafe

The Heart of Lent at the Gym

2013-02-12T10:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I went back to the gym. and found some spiritual insight as well.

When I moved back in July, I left the membership in my gym behind with a promise that I would find one quickly after getting settled in our new community. I could argue that it took me nearly eight months to settle, but truthfully, getting back into an exercise routine got lost in a myriad of other activities. After realizing that a few of my lost pounds found their way back home, I knew it was time to get my routine back.

I confess that I was a little rusty. It took the first few minutes on the treadmill to feel comfortable again, but the rhythm returned quickly. I was not able to keep the pace I was at last February, but I was pleased with my stamina. The free weights were a little more challenging partially because of my time away and because for the last few years I've been using the machines. With the help of friends, however, I was able to make some good progress.

This morning, I hurt. It is a good hurt, the kind that tells you your effort worked. It seems my body is whining at the same time it is thanking me. I feel more energy, but going back to the gym today is a little more intimidating.

It is amazing how much our physical body is a reflection of our spiritual life. Sometimes, in the midst of the busyness of life, we can neglect our spirits. The disciplines of scripture, prayer, and worship can be lost in our work and family commitments and once they are, it is hard to get started again. When we do come back to the things that strengthen our spiritual journey, we face the same excitement and resistance I found as I started to exercise yesterday, but it doesn't take long before we feel the benefits.

Our journey to a healthier spiritual life will include a commitment to the task and a willingness to deny ourselves some things in order to gain better things. If you think about it, that sounds a lot like Lent, the season where we strengthen our commitment and practice self-denial in order to deepen our walk with Jesus and empower our spirits for greater things. And, like my experience on the free weights, we may need the help of some friends along the way.

I would love to tell you that, after restricting my diet for a week or two and working out at the gym, I am the picture of health and my added weight is gone. That would be awesome, but it is not realistic. Real heath goals take time and persistence. So do spiritual goals. One day in worship and a few days of prayer will not produce super spiritual strength, but they will be the first steps in the right direction.

As you enter into Lent this year, may your commitment and persistence lead you toward the deep, powerful spiritual life God dreams for you.

Our Advent Journey

2012-12-13T14:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas is less than two weeks away and many of us are busily preparing for its arrival. For several weeks, my staff and I have been addressing the details of that season, especially our celebrations on Christmas Eve. Our Sunday School children are working hard to prepare for their program and our outreach ministries are keeping us focused on ways to bless others.

Personally, our family, like so many others, is making its own preparations for the celebration. Food and presents are being purchased, plans to be with family are being made, and some decorating has begun. There always seem to be more details than time, but even that craziness is part of the preparation.

Things and events that really matter require preparation. A great holiday with family rarely springs forth from planning the day before. In fact, when we neglect or procrastinate our preparations, we are usually forced to make other, less desired arrangements. Yet, with adequate planning and action, we can find all that we need and maybe even a little more. Then, when the celebration arrives, we are able to enjoy it to the fullest.

This is the reason for Advent. Despite the carols being played in grocery and department stores, the Santas we see everywhere, and even the numerous manger scenes with the baby Jesus already present, we are not celebrating Christmas yet. We are preparing for that celebration, and it involves much more than scheduling and decorations. The season of Advent is a preparation of the heart and spirit; a getting ready for what God is about to do in our lives and the world. Yes, we know that the birth of Jesus already took place historically, but in preparation for celebrating that event, we make ourselves ready for his continued arrival in our world and look toward the day when he returns in final victory.

It is tempting to leap ahead and miss all of the waiting, but part of the blessing is found there. Like the blessing of delayed gratification in so many other parts of our lives, waiting for the full celebration of Christmas makes its celebration all the more special. It also gives us time to reflect, to contemplate, and to make ready the mangers of our hearts for a fresh experience of the Incarnate God in our lives.

I know it is tempting, but can we be patient and wait? Can we avoid scouring our spiritual homes to find our presents early and not peek at those wrapped gifts awaiting Christmas Day? It may be hard, but it will be worth it when, like children rushing down the stairs to see the magical display, we embrace the revelation of God with wide-eyed wonder. May we be blessed in our giving and receiving, but also in our waiting.

In the Light of the Season

2012-12-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

The weather is finally starting to change. It is hard to believe it was over 60 degrees on Tuesday. It certainly was not normal for early December, and while the warmth was enjoyable, it was a little disturbing to think that the natural order was so out of step with what should be happening at this time of year. Less than 24 hours later, however, the temperature dropped below freezing and snow covered the ground. It felt good to leave the summer-like temperatures for the weather appropriate to the season.

Sometimes, our seasons seem confused. Our life feels out of sync with reality. It may be Advent, but we fee like we are in Lent, Pentecost, or simply Ordinary Time. Times that should be filled with joy may have more than a hint of sadness, while times when we should feel weak and discouraged inspire and strengthen us.

We cannot always direct the timing of our life, nor can we control all of our circumstances. We can, however, take authority over the lens through which we view our situation. Changing the way we see our circumstances ultimately leads to changing them.

More than wishful thinking, choosing the proper perspective on our lives positions us to make better choices and to move in new directions. We break open the narrow vision of the past so that we can perceive new possibilities, and in the process, we begin to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be.

The Scripture encourages us to, "set your mind on the things above where Christ is." (Colossians 3:2) and to, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2) Clearly, how we think, and what we think about, impacts the way that we see our circumstances and shapes the way that we live. When we allow God to give us a divine perspective on our lives, we see more accurately and live more effectively.

Two days ago, as I walked to work in my short sleeved shirt, enjoying the warmth of the sun and beauty of the day, it was easy to imagine it was spring, but I knew better. My knowledge did not come from what I could see,. instead, it was my understanding of the seasons that helped me to see what was not directly observable. The right perspective made all the difference.

As we journey into this season of Advent, we may be full of expectation and hope, or we may be discouraged and lost. Whatever our circumstances, the truth is that God loved the whole world, including us, enough to send his Son to bring transformation. As we remember his first coming, we wait with expectation for his ultimate return, and in the process, we look with eyes of wonder for his advent every day.

Today, the light of Christ, the dawn from on high, breaks upon us. This is truly the day the Lord has made, and if we will seek him and his perspective, we can rejoice and be glad in it. Our joy may not come directly from our circumstances, but it will come from the One who is Lord of every circumstance. May his light direct your paths into the destiny he came to bring to you and to the world.

Spirit-filled Debate

2012-10-24T12:28:00.001-04:00

As election day draws closer, the aggressive nature of the campaign continues to escalate. There is a steady stream of venom spoken in the public sphere. A parade of television and radio messages declare the litany of reasons why opposing candidates are the apparent incarnation of evil. Every mistake is magnified and used to demonize the opposition, which inspires a multitude of loyal followers to enter into their own attacks on Facebook and Twitter.

I've listened to the cruel comments made in the media and read a myriad of equally vicious comments on my social media sites. I've also wondered if the authors of these words considered the impact of their comments on the individuals they attack, or their families. Then, I wonder if there was ever a moment of pause to consider the effect those words would have upon the people who support the candidates they so vigorously oppose.

Personally, I am amazed at the number of my social media friends who think nothing of making inflammatory statements that attack whole groups of people, often including me. These are people I know who stand up against injustice, cry out for equity, and take bold stances against aggression. Yet, it seems that their values are suspended when it comes to political debate. Gone is civil discussion, replaced by hateful attacks and vicious generalizations. It would seem that bullying is acceptable when you are the bully.

I can't help but think that this is not the way God desires we treat one another, and yes, many of the comments I referenced are from people who claim that spiritual relationship. In some cases, faith is the justification claimed for their words, or spiritual convictions laid aside because, "this is politics."

Instead of entering into heated arguments that fuel the fires of anger and increase the level of cruelty in these debates, let me offer a few guiding principles I believe are central to faithful civil debate:

1. All people are created in the image of God and are of sacred worth. This includes those who think like we do and those who do not. All people deserve to be treated as valuable, even when we disagree with them.

2. You cannot judge everyone by someone. Every political party has extremists and people who exercise poor judgment. This does not mean that every member of that party endorses those behaviors. Making sweeping generalizations of everyone because of the comments and actions of some is unfair and unjust.

3. Jesus is not Republican, nor is he Democrat. You cannot read much of the gospels before you realize that Jesus did not choose political sides. He simply stood for what is right!

4. Our world is not the whole world. Our national, state, and local elections affect the world, but represent only a small portion of it. Jesus spoke truth about national leadership, but always kept the perspective that the kingdom of God is where his true loyalty was fixed. Likewise, Christians should use their freedoms as good stewards, but not lose sight of the big picture.

5. Check the fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded that the fruit of the Spirit is, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Our lives are meant to express these virtues at all times, even on Facebook. As those who have given our lives to Christ, what we say represents him. Therefore, we must exercise our freedom of speech in ways that do not compromise these virtues. If what we are about to say, or write, would violate these standards, then we must not put it on our lips or on our social media walls.

There is great room for sensitive debate in our political discussions, but we cannot abandon our values in favor of our agenda. It is in the midst of these times and discussions, that we have the greatest opportunity to demonstrate the high calling of Jesus Christ. We are not called to look and sound like everyone else. Personal agendas and petty politics must always be placed below our witness as disciples of Jesus Christ. For when we stand before God to, "give an account of every idle word," the focus will not be if our side won, but if God was rightly represented in our lives.

May you have spirited, and Spirit-filled debate and conversation that leads God's kingdom coming here on earth as it is in heaven.

Praying With Confidence

2012-10-17T11:56:00.000-04:00

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." - 1 John 5:14-15

For many years, I struggled with the difference between confidence and arrogance. I would hear some statements and would think, "my, that person has great confidence," but at other times, I would hear something similar and think, "My, that person is arrogant." Even in my own words I found this dilemma, because confidence and arrogance sound so much alike. I wanted to have great confidence in my faith and ministry, but I have a real distaste for arrogance within the body of Christ.

The issue was even more profound when discussing prayer. We are invited to come "boldly before the throne of grace" and if God is who he claims to be, we should have great boldness in our prayers. Here again, however, there is a fine line between bold prayers and foolish, arrogant prayers.

Once, when praying for a dear friend who was battling cancer, I was approached by several people who suggested that I tone down my prayers because the bold prayers, expecting God's healing grace, I was praying could be giving the family false hope. While I am confident that God would desire that we pray believing for great things, I have heard many prayers that make outlandish claims that seem to come more from the person praying than from the Spirit of God. I have no desire to offer false hope, but I do not want to pray prayers that have little or no impact.

The difference I have come to make between confidence and arrogance in prayers, or in any aspect of life, is a matter of source and focus. Confidence rests upon God and God's power, calling, and gifts. I can be confident when I am leaning on God because that is where the real power and authority rests. When I am declaring the word of God, acting according to divine direction, or praying in the Spirit of Christ, I can be bold based upon my confidence in God. However, when the focus of attention is on me, my boldness is much more likely an expression of arrogance. When I think my thoughts, background, title, or position is what gives me authority to speak or act as I do, then I am potentially thinking too highly of myself.

When I pray with arrogant boldness, I have no reason to expect that God will answer my prayers as I've prayed them, for they are merely attempts to be on display or to strong-arm God into doing things my way. However, when I am led by God's word and promises, I have every reason to have boldness that comes, not from confidence in myself, but from confidence in God. This is why John could encourage us to have confidence when we pray that God hears us, and if he hears us, that the answer is already on its way. Such confidence is not based upon our strength, or how articulate our prayers are. Instead, we have great assurance because God faithfully fulfills his word.

We must stand between bold prayers formed out of over-confidence in ourselves and anemic prayers offered out of the fear they may not be answered. It may be hard to find at times, but there is good ground to stand on here. If we will humble ourselves and trust God, we will see the power of God released in our prayers, and with each answered prayer, our confidence will grow. May we have the confidence in God that our prayers are heard and that we already have that which we have asked for as we put our trust in God.

Good Soul Food

2012-10-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:2

I've read Isaiah 55 numerous times and even reflected on the blessings God gives to those who seek him. Earlier this week, however, as I read through this passage once again, I was struck by the latter part of verse 2, "eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."

Many people in our culture are waking up to the need to assess the quality of their food. People are asking where their food comes from, how it is handled, and how nutritious it is. There is greater awareness of the value of eating foods that are harvested and prepared locally, not only for freshness, but for a more intimate knowledge of the source of the food.

These concerns come for good reason. For a long time, we ingested food with little concern for its origins. We were busy taking fuel into our bodies that would become a part of who we are with no thought of where it comes from or what the effects of that food might be for our health down the road. With greater education and awareness, we are discovering better ways to healthy living and are maturing in our ability to make more healthy choices in our diet.

Interestingly, a similar struggle exists in our spiritual diet. All too often, we spend our lives living on meager portions of spiritual food, or on what is often little more than junk food. We give up spiritual currency to buy what will never truly satisfy, making us weaker than we were when we started. We ingest what looks like nourishment for our spirits without considering much of its source or its impact on our future, and find ourselves hungry and wanting in the end.

One simple, but illustrative example is the classic quote, "God helps those who help themselves." I cannot tell you how many times I've heard this said, and declared with the conviction that accompanies the word of God. The only problem is, it is not the word of God. It is instead, the words of Benjamin Franklin. While I am sure Mr. Franklin had good intentions in expressing this thought, the biblical witness suggests something completely different. If you read enough scripture, you quickly discover that the heart of the message is that God helps those who cannot help themselves. Instead of God expecting us to make the effort to be a little better, God invites us to allow his grace to transform us into new creatures, far better than we could ever become on our own. This is just one of many examples of ideas we receive as truth that may not be truth at all.

Isaiah makes the way to a healthier spiritual life easy to grasp, "eat what is good." If we will exercise some discernment in what we take into our spirits, we will see a greater health, strength, and depth come forth as the result. If we will consider the source of our spiritual food and be willing to avoid spiritual junk food, even if it is popular, we will be able to delight in the rich fare that only God provides.

Our bodies and our spirits may be weak and out of shape because of previous choices, but the good news is that small changes in the right direction have an impact right away and can lead us down a path to greater health more quickly than we think. Today is a good day to begin; a good day to test all things and hold fast to what is true, and to taste and see that the Lord is good. May today be the day we choose to eat what is good and celebrate the good health that follows.

Change

2012-09-18T14:50:00.000-04:00

As it turned out, there was more transitional work than I expected and unfortunately, my blogging suffered the most when it came to making needed cuts. However, now that the sermons are largely planned through the end of the year and the classes I am teaching are in order, my schedule is finding a rhythm that allows for more writing.

Transitions are not easy, but they can be wonderfully energizing. We often resist change out of the fear that comes from leaving what is known and comfortable behind, but the discomfort that comes in these times, can be the stimulus for great creativity and vision. When we embrace the opportunities before us in these challenging moments, not only does the change become more acceptable, but we position ourselves to unlock even greater possibilities for our future.

Recently, while teaching a course on Bible Basics, I used the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well in Samaria as a discussion point. The story is found in John 4:1-42, and it seems like everyone in the story is confronted with a change. Jesus shines light on the woman's circumstances and challenges her understanding of healthy living while demonstrating great compassion. The disciples are challenged by Jesus' willingness to break cultural norms and boundaries to make the Gospel real for others. The Samaritans in the area are challenged to rethink their understand of faith and worship as many come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

In each case, the change required those involved to let go of something significant they held on to in order to embrace something new. Yet, in each situation, the new was better, more life-giving, that what they were holding on to before. The woman gained a right view of her life and found true love and freedom. The disciples discovered the broad reach of the love of God, and the Samaritans discovered the eternal promise and life that is Jesus Christ.

When God leads us through change it is always to make us better. The process may be challenging, but, in the hands of God, it is a tool that leads to new life. Much like getting a broken bone set, the process may be painful, but the result is healing that prevents greater, chronic pain.

What change is God asking you to embrace today? What life-giving possibilities await you as you do? May you be blessed in the process and in the revelation of God's plan.

What is Truth?

2012-07-31T16:07:00.001-04:00

"What is truth?" Pilate asked Jesus. With the Son of God, the very living embodiment of truth, before him, he chose to enter into a philosophical reflection on the nature of truth. It is a stunning example of missed opportunity. Instead of debating the definition of truth, Pilate could have chosen to drink deeply of it from Jesus Christ.

It is clear from the story that missing the point was actually his intention. You do not have to be a theologian, biblical scholar, or psychologist to see that Pilate wanted to dodge the question. Jesus presence and words were searching him and he knew it. Rather than join in that process and come to greater self-discovery, he chose to redirect the conversation and remain comfortable where he was. Sadly, this is a very common, human response. Rather than allowing God to challenge us at a deep level we continually divert the discussion to something else and conveniently avoid that revelation.

I once received a letter from a person who attended the church that I served asking me to change the way I was preaching. She said, "sometimes I leave worship and I don't feel like a good Christian. I want to come to church, hear that I am doing well and that it is all going to be okay, and I want to leave feeling good." I feel for her discomfort, but I also know that sometimes we are not okay. Sometimes, the Spirit wants us to be uncomfortable and to look deeply at our lives. It is through this discomfort that we grow stronger in our character and deeper in our insight.

I've heard similar concerns about the personal nature of the sermon, or the praise worship, or the prayers. The implication is always similar, "Can't we just avoid anything that gets too close to home? Let's just get this church thing over with before it costs me anything or asks me to change." That, however, is not the way of Christian discipleship.

We dare not simply find people and experiences that tell us we do not need to change or grow. We should be looking for Spirit-led people and Spirit-filled experiences that lead us deeper into truth. Jesus said, "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. He also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." In Jesus, we experience truth and that truth will change us. It may not be the truth we expected and it likely will not be what seems popular, but it will be real.

Recently, a number of my Facebook friends posted links to articles that support their particular theological, or political beliefs. Some of the sources were very questionable and the arguments shallow, but they were presented with great passion. They were also affirmed with similar passion by a whole group of like-minded friends. I had two thoughts in response: first, this is very dangerous, and second, God show me where I do the same thing.

We ought to be challenged deeply, but we need to be challenged by the truth. The source of what we take into our thoughts and actions needs to be grounded in God's truth, not mere popularity. Real truth should lead us closer to God and to the revelation of God given in Holy Scripture and in Jesus Christ. If we are not careful, we can sound like Pilate as we attempt to redefine truth to fit our expectations and desires, to be popular, and to avoid the deep searching of God.

If, however, we will embrace real truth, we will discover the freedom it brings. Like the driver who finally accepts that they need directions to find their way, we may not like what we hear, but we will know exactly where we are, and the real pathway to where we are going. We will find that Jesus really is the truth and the way, and we will so much the better for it.

Truth can be frightening and uncomfortable, but it is also liberating and enables us to find our way to the destiny marked out for us. Pilate asked, "What is truth?" The answer is truth is God's perspective. Truth is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever, and that is a wonderful rock on which to stand.

House of Prayer

2012-07-25T13:27:00.001-04:00

Nearly every parent has a story of purchasing an expensive gift for their child, only to have them find the box and packaging more fun to play with. It seems easy for children to miss the main point of the gift as they focus on what was meant to be discarded. On one level, this is a great affirmation of child-like creativity, but it also reveals a human tendency to mistake the wrapping for the gift.

Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. There he found, not only worshippers, but people exploiting the spiritual needs of many who were there by using that experience to make a high profit. The faithful were not permitted to pay the temple tax in the common currency of the day. Instead, they were required to exchange it for the currency of the temple. It was at the point of this exchange that people would be gouged with an unfair exchange rate.

Seeing this travesty, Jesus turned over their tables and declared, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a robbers' den." It is one of the few times we see Jesus angry, and there is no mistaking his concern. Clearly, the money changers missed the point of worship and were exchanging the gift of God for the trappings of profit.

In our journey of faith, we too can miss the point. We may not be hurting others for our profit, but we can lose sight of the real gift of being the Church of Jesus Christ. We can replace an intimate walk with the Savior and with the world, for ritual and routine. We can replace the "house of prayer for all nations" with the "house of getting my needs met," sacrificing the call for our comfort.

We are meant to be the church for the sake of the world and to the glory of God. Prayer and ministry for our community, region, and the nations of the world is at the heart of our identity. Called to lift Jesus high we need to come in low, as John the Baptist did saying, "I must decrease that he might increase."

The good news is that when we embrace our true calling as the body of Christ we find the blessing of God. Like the child who learns to appreciate and value the gift more than the packaging, we discover that the valuable gift of God is found beyond the trappings of religion. In our faithful embrace of God's vision for his church, we find the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus, the beauty of community, and the power of a dynamic relationship with the world.

Let's not settle for the box and paper, but search deeper for the real gift of God. Let's be the house of prayer for all nations and see the world transformed by the love and power of Jesus Christ!

Finding Our Footing

2012-07-21T17:32:00.001-04:00

After nearly three weeks, we are beginning to feel settled in our new appointment. Transition between churches and moving to a new community in a new region shake up comfort zones and break most of established routines. These changes can be as simple as whether to call carbonated beverages “pop” or “soda,” or they can be the obstacle of navigating unknown roads to new destinations.

Last week, I was invited to visit a local nursing home to pray with a family that was facing the loss of a loved one. My new church family gave me great directions and I set off with a feeling of confidence. Three blocks from my destination, I encountered a water main break that forced a detour of all traffic. Normally, this would involve a trip around the block, but this time it meant about 25 minutes of driving unknown country roads. It was challenging, but quite humorous.

When we are in the midst of change, or when we are navigating our way in new territory, it is important to focus on the solid places where we can feel secure. In our physical experience, it can be as simple as following easy roads or, trusting our GPS to find our way home. Spiritually, it means keeping our focus on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. In the midst of all our chaos, he is the unchanging One who guides our way and helps us find our footing on the difficult paths of life.

In Psalm 18, David declares, “I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (18:1-2) This great King of Israel knew that life was filled with challenges from without and within. Having faced many difficult circumstances, even some he caused himself, David understood that the only solid, safe place was the Lord. Likewise, in our lives, safety and security are found in Christ alone. As the old hymn said, “All other ground is sinking sand.”

Jesus never promised us an easy path, nor was there ever the expectation that life would be fair. Instead, Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) Our journey will stretch us, but Jesus will be with us all along the way to give us an unshakable place to stand and to lead us into the destiny he plans for us. We can commit our way to Christ and hold fast to him as we make our way along the path. Indeed, he is our strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, and stronghold, and thank God He is! May we trust and find our footing in him!

How Great is Our God!

2012-06-01T14:36:00.001-04:00

On the way to our region's annual, denominational meeting, I was on the road for several hours. As I drove, I passed numerous cars, vans and trucks, and I saw a vast diversity of scenery.

Passing by an area of wetlands set against a backdrop of dense forest, I began to think about all of the life hidden from my sight as I continued to drive. I saw a few birds, a woodchuck and a cat, but I know the environmental areas I saw were filled with life. Add all the drivers and families around me on the road and the people in the towns I passed and it was clear that I was surrounded by life.

That is when it hit me, God saw and knew each person and creature I passed. Even the life I could not, and may never see, was known by God. The Scripture tells us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the knowledge of God, and goes on to remind us that God cares about that sparrow.

What an amazing reality! God knows and cares for all of creation. Nothing escapes God's sight or concern. It is a truth that draws our spirit to celebrate the scope of God's greatness and the closeness of God's presence.

I took away two great thoughts from my experience. First, God sees me, knows me, and cares about me. Nothing in my life is missed by God and he is working for good in and through the circumstances of my life. Even better, this is true for us all. Such loving attention from God is a blessing beyond words.

Second, I could celebrate that God is present and attending to all of the circumstances of life that, at least for the moment, I do not see. God is actively caring for all of creation and weaving things together that will only be seen when spiritual eyes are opened.

I recently heard someone say, speaking of their financial situation, "Sometimes things are difficult and we don't know what will happen next. We may not have much, but we have Jesus." That is good news for what we see and what we do not, for in every moment, God is there and every moment is in God!

Let's pray that our eyes will be opened to all that the Spirit would have us see and celebrate God in every facet of life.

Fear Not

2012-05-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

It was supposed to be a debilitating spring snowstorm, but for much of the area it was only frosting on the grass and a lot of rain. All expectations focused on broken tree limbs, downed power lines and plenty of ice. Thankfully, the expectations were wrong. What could have been the "April Surprise" was just surprisingly cold.

As the news media began reporting the forecast of a severe winter storm near the end of last month, people began to prepare for the worst. In spite of living in an area that sees plenty of snow, ice, and cold, people became increasingly afraid of what would happen. Maybe it was due to the way it was reported, or possibly because of previous experiences, nevertheless, fear was growing.

I went to the store the night the storm was to begin to pick up milk, bread, and a few other things we needed. I was not there to prepare for the storm, but it was clear many people already were. The cereal aisle was very empty as we're the canned goods. A quick conversation with an employee revealed that the store was slammed with business by people preparing for the worst.

We do that sometimes. We hear a negative report, our emotions take hold, and we begin acting out of fear. We forget our strengths and our trust in God and begin making rash decisions trying to protect ourselves from an unknown future. At times, those decisions are downright foolish. The grocery store cashier told me of numerous people who loaded up on perishable items in preparation for losing the power to keep them. Fear will do that.

The Bible tells us that God, "did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) It is easy to give in to the negative report. It is easy to follow the fearful path of the masses around us, but we are not called to that path. We are a people of faith in the power of Almighty God. It is God who, in the face of intimidating circumstances, gives us a sound mind and the power to act with love and faith.

The Great April Storm that wasn't is a prophetic image. All too often the negative, fearful report is wrong, and we find we surrendered much our lives afraid of what would not happen. As the people of the Resurrection, we can be prepared, but ultimately, our trust is in God. Together, let's go forward; laying aside our fears, trusting in God and embracing his vision and power for our lives.

The Power of Pentecost

2012-05-26T09:28:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is Pentecost. It is also two weeks since I announced to the congregation I serve that a change in pastoral leadership is coming.

As you can imagine, accepting the coming change is a difficult thing. Some people are ready to move forward while others are still trying to adjust to the news. For many this time simply feels like chaos, and questions about the future seem unanswered.

Yet, in the midst of it all, God is present and that is the whole point of what we celebrate on the Day of Pentecost. Some call it the "Birthday of the Church," but it is so much more. Pentecost is the celebration of Jesus' promise that God would send the Holy Spirit. It is a celebration of God's intimate presence with us.

I find it so appropriate that Pentecost Sunday should fall on Memorial Day weekend. In the midst of our national time of remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for our future, we celebrate the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life for our salvation.

Jesus told his followers that the Spirit would remind them of all he said to them and teach them everything. The presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives would allow them to remember all that Jesus did and said so that, from their remembrance, they would be able to look forward to God's future for them and for the world.

The Spirit does the same for us today. We too, are reminded of the teachings of Jesus' life and words, and we are equally empowered by his indwelling presence to fulfill God's destiny for our lives. By the Spirit's leading and empowerment we are able to face our fears and challenges, even an unknown future, with divine direction and strength.

As we remember those who gave their lives so that we might be able to live, and as we celebrate the presence and power of the Spirit of Christ within us, let us be good stewards of the lives we are given. Placing our trust in God and in the power of his strength, let us boldly embrace the future before us as we savor and celebrate each day. With the presence of God within us, may we walk by faith in such a way that we might leave a legacy of love and hope that enables others to experience the power of the risen Christ and embrace the promise of God for their lives as well.

What You Sow

2012-05-25T10:54:00.001-04:00

You reap what you sow! It is a biblical truth, and one worth remembering, just not always in a negative way.

The context of this quote does speak of mocking God and reminds us to consider that our work will be shown for what it is. This is an important caution, for all of us have times when we are a little "plastic," trying to hide our real feelings and motives behind a good image. We may fool some people at times, but God sees the heart and the fruit of our works will ultimately be seen for what it is.

This is a heavy truth, but it also points to a tremendous blessing. For if our poor choices yield a harvest of poor fruit, then it is also true that our good choices will yield a harvest of good fruit. When we sow good seed in our lives, our families and our ministries, we experience the blessings that naturally follow.

Someone once said, "Who you are today is the result of the choices you made yesterday." If I do not like where I am at today; if I do not celebrate my thoughts, actions, or harvest in my life, I can immediately begin planting the seeds of change by sowing into what I dream for tomorrow. Not all seeds bear fruit overnight, and there may be weeds to uproot, but the conscious decision to sow the seeds of life that come from God will lead to the life abundant.

Today is a good day to examine the fruit of our lives. It is a good day to be honest about where we are. It is a good day to celebrate our harvest of life, and to sow new seed in the areas that are dead or dying. This is the day the Lord has made and in it we can choose to plant something good for our tomorrows.

Simply Sacred

2012-05-16T21:28:00.001-04:00

As we continue to prepare for the upcoming move, we face that challenge of challenges - finding boxes. It is amazing how many you need to move a houseful of belongings, especially if you are a pastor with a healthy library. After commenting on Facebook about finding a particularly large number of good boxes, a friend commented, "Nothing like moving to make one appreciate the humble cardboard box!"

It is amazing how many things go under appreciated until we are in need. It is often these simple things that represent some of the most sacred gifts in our lives. Surrounded by divine blessings, we can walk blindly along and miss them all.

It is not without reason that Jesus chose to take the ordinary gifts of bread and wine and make them to be one of the most sacred meals we share. Out of the common, God creates the extraordinary. It is true of communion and it is true with countless details of our lives.

Every day we encounter simple, sacred moments and common, consecrated people. Life is full of God's ordinary blessings. They come in the form of cardboard boxes that enable to move forward in the ministry that awaits us, or in the kind word of a friend, even in the time to pause for a cup of coffee. Blessings are found in each breath of air, each gentle breeze, and each beat of the heart.

When we invite God to open our eyes to the movement of the Spirit, our senses become attuned to the presence of God in the tiny details of our lives. We see beneath the surface and find there is greater depth than we ever expected. Before long, we come to understand that every moment is a gift of God because God is with us in the moment.

Life is full of blessings. May the Spirit make us ever more aware of the blessing of God's presence in our lives.

Moving Faith

2012-05-14T19:55:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I announced that I was being appointed to another church. The congregation I serve did not expect that news and a few weeks ago, neither did I.

I already indicated my desire to stay where I was and the church shared their hope that I would remain their pastor. We were comfortable with each other and enjoying ministry together, then God stepped in with another opportunity to follow into something new.

Most of us enjoy being comfortable. We like the familiar and the predictable. There is a sense of peace that comes from knowing what to expect and where we fit in. In short, we don't like to change, yet change is a given and can be one of God's exciting blessings.

The church I serve, and the one I will be serving, are both facing a myriad of questions as we enter this transition. Likewise, I have questions of my own. In the past few days, as I began my advance planning, I realized I have little idea what my new worship services look like. I do not know what my weekly schedule will be, nor all of the expectations that will be awaiting me. I have only begun to become acquainted with the community and region and will have a list of questions when I arrive. My friends, my family, and everything I've known since I began my ministry will be hours away. My life is going to change.

It would be easy to be intimidated by all of the unknowns, but it is equally possible to be excited and energized by all of the changes. There will be new people to meet and minister with, new treasures to discover, new opportunities to share my gifts and to grow, and new encounters with God. The familiar will give way to the fascinating, and the comfortable to the creative. It will not easy, but it will be good, fun, and life-giving because God is at the center.

Too often we run from the blessing of being with God on the journey, by entrenching ourselves in what we already know and have. When we open our lives to God's ideas and plans, the possibilities are endless.

Two scriptures have been on my mind though this transition. The first has carried me though from the beginning, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good to give to you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) the second, is also a favorite, "Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

With the truth of these two wonderful promises at work, and placing all of my hope in God, how can the future be anything other than amazing?

Going Deeper

2012-05-11T19:51:00.001-04:00

Recently, I purchased a set of microfiber cloths. These are the extra-gentle wipes used to clean sensitive surfaces like computer and touch screens. Numerous people kept pointing out that my iPad screen could stand to lose a few fingerprints, so it seemed like a good investment.

I wanted to be sure that the ones I purchased had no cleaning products in them, so I checked the back of the package. They were exactly what I was looking for, but when I checked, I was surprised to see directions and I wondered what directions I would need to safely clean my touchscreen. They read, " Wipe desired area."

I actually laughed out loud in the office supply store. "So, it's come to this," I thought, "We are at a point where we need to be directed to use a microfiber wipe to wipe something." It was funny, and a little scary. Did someone really need those instructions?

The more I thought about it, I realized we are bombarded by shallow advice and information all the time. From near magical diet tips to another set of "Ten Great Secrets to Save Your Marriage," the priceless tidbits abound. Most of these offering little more new knowledge than the back of my microfiber cloths, but somehow making us feel like we have a deeper understanding.

Sadly, this cheap guidance frequently enters our spiritual lives, as countless voices attempt to reduce our faith down to a few simple directions. Don't get me wrong, Jesus was clear that the message of the Gospel could be expressed as, "Love God. Love people." It is a truth grasped in a moment, but learning to live it out takes a lifetime.

Our faith demands an investment on our part. There are no shortcuts or cheap advice, only a willingness to be led by the Spirit as we grow deeper in our faith. It is my hope that the people of God will never be satisfied with another round of obvious advice, but will seek out a deeper relationship with God. There, we can daily grow in the knowledge and love of God, and prepare ourselves to bring substance to a world drowning in the frivolous. It is a challenge worth taking for ourselves and for the world.

Today, let's choose to go deep; to move beyond a superficial relationship with church or religion, and take hold of the Savior of the world. Let's echo the words of the first disciples when they said, "Where else can we go? For you alone have the words of life."

Unexpected Blessings

2012-02-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was one of the better Valentine's Days I've experienced. We did not make any real plans due to a busy schedule, but we celebrated that we would be able to spend most of the day together which is always a blessing. After teaching a class and completing the work in my morning office hours, I was able to join my wife for a little time in the afternoon. It was then I learned that our son made plans for himself and our evening appointments needed to cancel. Suddenly, we had most of the day to ourselves. What an unexpected blessing.

Life is full of unexpected blessings which we can savor if we are willing to open our spiritual eyes and be attentive to what is happening within us as well as around us. Even in challenging circumstances, there are windows of beauty and reasons for thanksgiving. Jesus told his disciples that he would be with them always, even to the end of the world. Such knowledge is itself, an unexpected blessing.

These blessings are all around us, but they require attentiveness to see them. Certainly, some blessings are so large, so obvious, that we cannot help but perceive them. The majority, however, do not shout for our attention. They enter our lives unannounced and often pass by with no acknowledgement, leaving us unable to rejoice in thanksgiving for another divine gift.

So, how do we position ourselves to taken more of these blessings? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Slow down - everything around us in our culture, encourages us to live at a frenetic pace that makes it difficult to take in much of anything. Over-full schedules leave little room for anything else. Slowing down, even a little, gives our minds and spirits room to breathe in the goodness of God.

2. Make time to reflect - Along with a slower pace, scheduling time to pause and reflect, allows us to examine our lives for hidden blessings. Making this choice may be a hidden blessing in itself and will certainly give us intentional moments to appreciate things we would otherwise miss.

3. Live in the present - This is my favorite, and I believe the most beneficial. Too often our minds are on thing in our past, or concerns for our future. Our thoughts and attention is focused on another time than the time we are living. This kind of distraction is amazingly stressful and nearly prevents us from seeing the blessings that are happening all around us. The past is just that, past, and the future will be there when we get there, but this moment is where we are and we will never have it again. If we live in the moment we are in, there will be so much more to appreciate, and we will be more free to do just that.

Here's to the awesome gift of hidden blessings waiting to be discovered. May God grant us the grace to find more and more.

Back with Love

2012-02-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

It's about time I start writing again. It seems like I said this too many times before. Life has an interesting way of becoming overfull before you know it. Since my last post in 2011, we celebrated several major holidays, helped two of our children settle into college, and experienced a myriad of changes at church. It's been a time filled with excitement and with a few significant health challenges. Yet through it all, God has been an ever-present source of help and strength.

Now, with the bulk of those experiences behind us, it is time to begin writing again. I've missed the opportunity to share my thoughts, and I've missed the opportunity for all of the creativity that comes with sharing with all of you. As we journey together further into this New Year, I look forward to all that God has in store.

Today is the day to celebrate love and those we love. It will be marked with cards, chocolate, flowers, and numerous other gifts. Some of these will be purchased today, on the way home. People who procrastinated, or simply forgot, will run out to find something to show just how much they love that special someone in their lives.

I hope that last sentence sounds wrong to you, because it is. Thinking that a last minute scramble to buy anything that makes it look like we care falls a little short on actually caring. I would love to tell you that I’ve never done this, but that would be somewhat disingenuous. Truthfully, more than once I waited to the last minute, or forgot. I would like to tell you I was justified in those circumstances, but that would be equally untrue.

Loving is an action and it requires intentionality. More than just a feeling of affection, love is a choice to offer unconditional acceptance and compassion. We decide to love, and we make that decision again and again. This is where intentionality comes in. We ought not to try to slide by on yesterday’s decisions and actions, instead, we should reaffirm our love in word and deed every opportunity we find. Just as there is a large gap between finding time and making time for things, there is an equally large chasm between finding opportunities to show our love and intentionally planning to do so.

As you celebrate the gift of love today, and every day, may you do so with passion and intention. May the those you love never need to question your heart as they see your love in action, and may the world see the awesome power of the gift of love from a God who is love in you.

Happy Valentines Day

Strengthening the Core of Love

2012-02-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

This is the month our culture turns its attention to the celebration of the gift of love. Special dinners, chocolates and other special gifts become symbols of our emotions as we celebrate Valentine's Day. While some may say it is little more than a holiday created to sell more cards and gifts, at least there is a moment when we pause to reflect on the blessing of love in our lives and in the world.

Thankfully, as Christians, we do not limit our celebration of love to one day, or one month every year. We know that it is love that exemplifies the heart of our life of faith. After all, the Bible tells us that God is love, and that God loved the world so much that he sent Jesus to save the world and bring us back into right relationship with God. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said to love God with everything we have and are, then he said we should love others as we love ourselves. Love is at the core of our Christian life.

These days, there is a lot of talk about, "strengthening our core." Now, when the culture uses this term, the reference is to our physical core, those muscles at the center of our body. When these muscles are stronger, then our whole body is stronger, which is why there is such a growing emphasis on improving our physical health in this area. Likewise, when we strengthen the core of our faith, our whole spiritual experience is strengthened.

When we make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives and allow his amazing love to have its way in us, we live more fully in the image of Christ and we make a more significant impact on our family, our community and the world. Love is at the center and when our love is strong, so is our faith and witness. Love is the greatest test of our walk with Christ.

In 1 John 4:7-8 we read, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love, does not know God for God is love." These are powerful words! If we know God, we will be people who love, and if we do not love, we do not know God! What a test!

While the world around us is celebrating a annual festival of love, may it be a reminder for us that every day is a celebration of God's love in our lives and through them as well. So, know that you are loved by the Love of the universe, and remember that it is that love that flows through you in witness to the world.

Christmas Meditation

2011-12-13T10:11:00.001-05:00

I've always enjoyed Christmas lights, especially on the tree. My father allowed me to help with setting up the tree and putting on the lights and it was a big day when I was allowed to be responsible for the lights all by myself.

Sometimes, late at night, I would go downstairs and light the tree. I would lay on the sofa and just take in the the beauty of the tree, and admire my handiwork as well. This became a special holiday tradition for me, and I still make time to sit in the living room with the lights off, admire the beauty of the tree (now decorated by our children), and savor the wonder of the season.

It is true that there is something magical about Christmas. The smells of holiday baking, the pine and poinsettias, even the twinkle lights are all reminders that there is something special about this time of year. Whether it is driving around town looking at holiday displays or sitting quietly by the tree, there is wonder to be found if we are willing to look.

Jesus often encouraged those around him to have eyes to see and ears to hear, and oh, how we need them. Sometimes, the very thing we are trying to celebrate gets lost in the celebration.

I remember hearing the story of a child who was praying aloud with his family. As they listened in, he offered up his concerns for them and the world and then closed with the Lord's Prayer, just as they did at church each year. He was going well until he offered up the words, "and forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us."

We smile and laugh at moments like that, but there is much truth in that young child's mistake. Our Christmas celebrations can completely miss the peace on earth the angels declared as we clamor for more and more, reducing the season to the gifts and expense. Without time to slow down, we can miss what we need most.

There is a special blessing that comes from slowing down, looking at the Christmas lights and decorations, and pondering the real message of Christmas. Hidden in all of our hurry is the good news that God loves us and that God was willing to become like us so that we could know him more and that we could find in him, the life and peace that we so desperately need. As we pause for this Christmas meditation, we can find the the real, truly beautiful decorations of the season: love, joy, peace, hope and life.

To pass through this season without experiencing the wonder and life it brings will be much worse that the wrong present under the tree. This is God's present to us. May we receive it, celebrate it, and share it.

Reasons to Treasure

2011-12-12T10:45:00.001-05:00

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart - Luke 2:19

Mary often gets overlooked. This woman chosen by God to bear the Savior of the World and nurture him to adulthood barely gets more than a nod at Christmastime by many people. Of all the women throughout history, she is the one chosen by God to be the means by which Christ enters the world. What an amazing indicator of her availability to God and her willingness to be faithful.

There are many things we can learn from Mary, but one of the facets of her life that profoundly speaks to me and my life is this simple quote from Luke. Here, in the midst of all of the busyness around her that included crowds, a noisy stable, her new child, and shepherds declaring God's revelation to them, Mary takes it all in, holds on to these things as treasures, and ponders them in her heart. What a great message at Christmas and what a wonderful lesson for life.

The holiday season is always busy, sometimes far too busy. It is easy to get lost in the multitude of tasks and commitments that come this time of year. There is the list of family traditions that simply must be maintained, while new requirements and expectations are created. Work continues, and even includes more responsibility with year-end paperwork, planning for 2012, and more meetings and parties than any other time. In the midst of all of these activities, the other aspects of life continue. Things need repaired, bills must be paid and personal challenges still exist. All of these expectations and this activity can seem overwhelming at times.

The well-know psychologist Carl Jung once said, "Hurry is not of the devil, hurry is the devil." Profound words that speak to our lifestyle, not only at Christmas, but at all times. We fill our lives with activity and busyness, all the while edging out the time for reflection and meditation. We become so busy living our life, that we lose the time to appreciate it in the process.

Here is where we need the heart and attitude of Mary. Sometimes, we simply need to stop, take in what is happening in our life and ponder it quietly with God. Like Jesus, who would take time to go to the mountainside to pray, we need time to bring our life before God and receive God's direction for our next steps. We need the Holy Spirit to help us mine the treasures out of our daily experience so that we can see the holy treasures that surround us.

This morning, as I write this, I am facing a task that I do not want to do. I know it will take more time than I want and require a significant amount of mental and emotional energy to complete. My thoughts keep becoming caught up as I ponder the task and my desire to procrastinate. Yet, I am aware that as I actively ponder this task, I am missing numerous treasures that surround me.

Today will be what it will be, and what needs to be done, must be done, but I do not need to surrender my blessing in the process. Just as Mary found a way to hold fast to the blessing of God in the midst of her experience, I too can open my eyes to God's gifts in this moment. We all can, and that is the real beauty of our relationship with God. At any moment, we can look with God's eyes and see the treasures that surround us.

Here are just a few I am savoring this morning. Maybe, they will inspire you to find something similar in you day as well:

The sunshine flooding the room on this crisp winter day
The warmth of my home, both physically and emotionally
My family and the love we share with one another
The quietness of this moment
My friends who bring richness to my life
The coffee and bagel that nourished me this morning and tasted so good
The Scripture and words of life it spoke to me as I read it earlier
The presence of God calming my spirit and empowering me for the day ahead
The knowledge and hope that I can do all things through Christ
The joy that comes from knowing that I am a friend of God

Even as I write this list, I see more reasons to treasure this day. May you find them in your life as well and ponder them in your heart, and may the true spirit of Christmas bring life to your spirit and your busy schedule as well.

Practice Hospitality

2011-12-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

"What is the least I can do?"

It is not a question you will hear many people ask, at least not in such blunt words, but often it is the reality behind much of our motivation. With a world full of demands and desires, it is easy to look for the minimum investment required, but is that what God asks of us? Is that what God is like? There are many comments I have heard throughout my ministry about what the Lord requires of us. More frequently than I would like, or would expect, the heart of these comments are rooted in this minimalist mentality.

God, however, demonstrates a heart of extravagance toward us. We celebrate God's blessings in our life and anticipate God's provision in the future. In this divine generosity we find the example of the holy life. God blesses and cares for us, showing us great compassion so that we, having experienced these joys can share them with others. This is the heart of grace and hospitality that exemplifies the Spirit's presence within us.

Yesterday, a good friend invited us to her home for a Christmas luncheon. Her home was decorated for the season and the table was set for the guests to enjoy. She prepared appetizers and placed them around the kitchen so that we would all be able to visit as we gathered. Drinks were offered, special dishes prepared and love was shared. Her hospitality made everyone feel welcome and valued. Each piece of the celebration was an expression of love.

It was clear that much time was given to the preparation of the two hour event. All of the graciousness we experienced was the result of a lot of planning, decorating, and cooking. It was also an expression of our friend's heart, and each person was blessed as a result. Such a blessing warmed our heart toward our hostess and toward each other.

Sharing gracious hospitality is a wonderful expression of the joy of the Lord that is within us. Yes, it takes time, energy and commitment, and there are few shortcust along the way. Sure, it is extravagant, but so is the love of God whom we represent. Each act of hospitality says, "Welcome, you are loved, appreciated and valued." It is a witness that simply cannot be shared with a meager mentality.

Last night, we ended our day with a Christmas concert at the church. Every year, we invite a local men's chorus to share their gift of music with us and the community, and every year the people come to get in the spirit of Christmas. It is always a special occasion, but one of the highlights remains the reception that follows. Church members make a variety of finger foods from deviled eggs to veggie pizza for our guests to enjoy, and every year people stay and visit with us and with one another. It is a wonderful time of community and it is there that we often hear people say how welcome they feel.

We could make cookies and coffee and say, "thanks for coming," but that just doesn't have the same feel to it. When we take the time to make the little extras we are saying something about the God we serve and the people we love. Just like the Christmas luncheon we attended, it is all of the special details that share the heart of love with others. There is certainly more than making food involved in sharing Christian hospitality, but Jesus reminded us that even offering a cup of cold water in his name was great ministry, and when we offer ourselves to others in this way we share God with them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13) It is a simple command, but one with great power. When we practice hospitality, we demonstrate what God is like. It is a part of the Christian life that we need to make time for, and Christmas affords us many opportunities to practice. We serve an awesome, extravagant and gracious God. What a wonderful privilege it is to be like him as we serve others.

May your holiday season be filled with divine blessings and as you practice hospitality, may you be God's blessing to others.

Really Live

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I didn't complete the 50,000 words for the National Novel Writing Month challenge, but I wrote more fiction than I ever have before, and I learned a lot about novel writing, discovered some interesting plotlines, and even wrote a few good scenes. It was a great experience and I am ready to try again next year. I will be sure to start at the the beginning of November this time, however.

No, I did not make the goal, but on top of the learning that took place, I had a great time. I also enjoyed some wonderful ministry time with our church, developing some new outreach initiatives and a new Saturday evening worship service that will launch in January. I enjoyed getting ready for Thanksgiving and did some early preparation for Christmas. There was time to work with our seminary interns, care for people in need and help a family, and the church, through the loss of a dear saint. There was also time to be with my wife and kids, get our two youngest children ready to begin college, work through financial aid, and spend a lot of time holding our new grandson.

Many would assess my success by how well I achieved my goal. I am judging my success on what I learned and how I lived. It is all too easy to be caught up in accomplishments, but there is so much more than that to successful living. The process is much more valuable than meeting a goal. God created us to love and to live. We are part of the great divine plan to transform the world for good, not just by crossing finish lines and checking off "To Do's," but also by being a transforming presence along the way. Life is not just about getting there. It has a great deal more to do with the journey we took along the way.

Don't get me wrong, there is great value in goal setting, list making, and project completing. The danger is when we use only these tools to evaluate our success. A runner who finishes last, but breaks a personal best is hardly a failure. The student who scores a 70% on an exam, when that score is up from a 50% on the previous exam can certainly call that a success, even if the test makers do not. Success and failure are not so easily measured by such external tools. Sometimes, the greatest successes are hidden in the midst of amazing failures.

This season brings with it an enormous pressure to succeed in everything. We worry about our parties, our gifts and our commitments. We fear the judgement of others about our choices and abilities. We rush thought a myriad of activities to "make it a good Christmas," and miss the real meaning of the season in the process.

What really happens if someone gives you a better gift than you gave them? Is your relationship so fragile (and maybe shallow) that it would be damaged by the value or size of a gift? Does the world end if your cookies don't bake right, if the decorations fail to fully light, or if you miss a couple of holiday parties? Sure, all these things are important, but typically, not to the degree we think they are.

Several years ago, we came into December with our finances tighter than we wanted them to be. We could not see how we were going to be able to have the Christmas we were used to with our family. We prayed and talked, and we made a decision to make some difficult cuts. We talked with our children and explained that we needed to cut back, that we would not be able to travel and that we would have to postpone much of our gift giving until February or March. We shared how we believed that we should spend what we could on the holiday traditions that built our family: special foods on the Christmas buffet, time to be together, and fires in the fireplace.

The result was one of the best Christmases ever, even our children thought so. There were many homemade gifts on Christmas Day, great food, and great time together. Nothing was lost, but much was gained. The season was not a success by the standards of those who believe it is about what we get and what we can spend, but for our family, it was anything but a failure.

As you celebrate this season, and the many seasons of your life, be careful to look in the right places to determine your success. Often, what the world around us calls failure, God calls excellent, and it the latter opinion that really matters. Keep your eyes on what really matters, slow down, give yourself some grace and really live the life that you've been given.

Always Thankful

2011-11-24T11:33:00.001-05:00

Sitting here, watching the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade, smelling the scent of our holiday dinner, and enjoying time with family, I am very aware that there is so much to be thankful for.

Too often we wait for special events to appreciate the blessings of our lives, yet every day gives us many reasons to give thanks. Even when we face pain and challenges, there are blessings in our lives, we may just need to look a little deeper.

Yesterday, one of the senior members of our congregation went to be with her Savior. As I spoke with her daughter, I was struck by the mixture of emotions. There were tears and expressions of grief, and there was laughter mingled with treasured memories. Even as we made plans, there was a sense of trust in God and the faith that sustained them this far.

A thankful spirit does not deny the reality of pain, suffering and injustice. Instead, it faces such knowledge with the awareness that there is a richness in the moment that we cannot see with just a surface glance. It is when we allow the Spirit to open our eyes to the deeper thing of our lives that we can recognize more of our blessings.

So, today, as you enjoy dinner with family; as you cook, travel and rest, let God guide you to celebrate all your blessings. Celebrate life, health and family. Rejoice in beauty, miracles and wonder. Give thanks for your blessings and the many opportunities you have to be a blessing to others. Remember those people who give of their life to make your life better, and those people of the past who gave to make today possible. Bless God for God's presence in your life, for the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the love and power of the Holy Spirit.

As you make time to look deeply, celebrate the blessings and build upon them to make life sing. Find strength in the knowledge of what God has done and is doing in your life. Share your blessings with others and encourage one another on the way. You are blessed, loved, and special to God, and that is reason to be thankful.