Goodbye 2010

It's hard to believe that 2010 is about to be written into the history books forever. 365 days have literally felt as though they've flown by. Where did the time go?

Each day you've read my rants, listened to my complaints, pondered my thoughts and have been there to laugh and celebrate when God had shown up. This year was full of ups and downs. Sometimes, life's curve balls brought about humility, or developments in character (or revealed how far I have to grow). Thankfully, God saw us through each trial. Sometimes His blessings weren't in the format we anticipated, but He always made a way. We've made it!

Hebrews 13:5-6 (New International Version)

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

2011 is merely hours away, and it holds the promise of infinite possibilities. Anything is possible; it's a blank canvas that's begging to be painted. Dream a little. Talk with God a little. Ask what His will is for your life and make 2011 the year to begin doing what the Lord says. He'll help you through anything.

Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

My assignment is complete- I've finished the race! My 1 year commitment to journaling the daily walk of an ordinary Christian life is a success. I hope to reflect on these blog entries in the future; to glean wisdom, remember successes and learn from failures. I'm hopeful they were meaningful to you as well. God bless you.

Goodbye, 2010.

It Hurts When Family Isn't Near

I'm missing my family tonight. I'm thankful that we have my in-laws within driving distance, but my mother, father, sister and brother all live thousands of miles away in other states, so having access to them is pretty rare. Obviously, there are phone calls, FaceTime, iChat and Skype to help keep us "virtually" connected, but there's nothing quite like being there (or here).

Perhaps it's the Holidays coming to an end, and the new year beginning that's making me feel this way. I spoke to my mother a few days ago, as well as my father, sister and brother. In fact my brother and I spoke on the phone for quite some time this evening, but all that did was cause me to "ache" to spend time with him.

I suppose that's what it's supposed to feel like, when the people you love aren't physically present with you. You yearn for them. You love every phone call, letter or visit. Time is precious.

Maybe that's what the Lord feels toward us, on a global scale. He loves us, and He's eager for a relationship with each one of us. If God were to sleep, I'm sure that He would dream about us! We're always on His mind- He misses us, too.

Isaiah 30:18 (New International Version)

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

Perhaps before you drift off to sleep tonight, you can say a prayer and catch up with our Father in Heaven.

Good Night

Let It Snow (Please, Lord!)

I've not much to say tonight. I'm not necessarily in a bad mood, I just don't have anything to share. Thankfully, God is still on the throne (and THAT'S a good thing)!

The weather man said it might snow tonight. I'm surely hopeful- it could mean another day off over the New Year's weekend.

May God bless and keep you this cold, winter evening.

Good Night

Unexpected Blessing

After working a full day, there wasn't much on the radar except for macaroni and cheese and hot dogs for dinner. It was going to be a simple, yet uneventful night.

Imagine my surprise when my wife sent a text message late in the afternoon, indicating that a couple of friends of ours were coming over with a Microsoft Kinect and dinner! Games, dancing, laughter, lasagna (with bread and salad) and pie for dessert were had by all. Add in a DVR'ed episode of "Chuck" and the evening was complete.

It was exactly what we needed, even though we didn't know it. Thank you, Lord for good friends and unexpected blessings like tonight.

Good Night

Happy Birthday, Son!

I can still remember what we were doing this evening, a dozen years ago. My wife and I were watching a DVD collection I was given at Christmas, called "From the Earth To The Moon". Our eldest son was fast asleep and my wife and I were eating a cheese ball with crackers while catching the film.

What started out as what my wife thought to be indigestion, turned out to be labor late in the evening. After driving about 40 miles into town, my wife was admitted into the hospital and gave birth to our second-eldest son.

I can't believe you're twelve, son.

It has gone by far too quickly. You've grown into such a talented, good and honest young man. I'm so very proud of you! I love you.

Good Night

The Day After

No, I'm not referring to the made-for-Television movie from 1983. I'm talking about the day after Christmas. The gifts are unwrapped, the meals eaten and exchange of goodwill between family and friends are, for the most part, complete. We've only a few days left of 2010 and then the birth of a new year is upon us.

The Holidays will soon be over; decorations and lights will be taken down and songs of celebration will give way to the sounds of everyday life. Things will soon be back to 'normal'.

What does normal look like to you?

For me, it's a circular pattern of weekdays and weekends that intertwine work, (home) family and church. Quite predictably, I'm spending almost all of my time in one of these three places, doing basically the same things throughout the year. It's not a bad thing; in fact it helps keep me grounded as a Christian man. However, sometimes it's a good thing to plan on doing something new.

What are your designs on 2011? I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions that are often made in haste, and have no staying power. I'm talking about honest to goodness change.

Perhaps before you can honestly answer that question, you'll need to evaluate the successes and failures held within 2010. Would you do or handle any of life's situations differently now, if you were pressed to face them again today? Do you have any regrets? Are there lessons learned that need applying?

Ponder 2010 for awhile, and maybe write down some bullet points. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.

Now that you're back, what did you come up with?

I plan on spending more quality time with my wife and children. I'm not talking about just being in the same house or room, and calling it "quality time". More activities, meaningful conversations, meals, fun and laughter are in store for 2011. With each birthday, I'm reminded of just how quickly their childhood is fleeting- and I already have far too many regrets about what should have been. I also plan on being a much better husband to the wife the Lord has blessed me with. She deserves nothing but the best, and I feel that she often gets short-changed. I'll be a better friend to those who call me friend, as well.

At work, I plan on giving it my all- day in and day out. Even when nobody is watching. At church, I'll honor my commitments in volunteering. I'll work to be more reliable, and if I can't accomplish something within a reasonable time-frame, I'll learn to say "no".

Above all else, I plan on diving deeper into a relationship with Jesus. I'll spend less time placing my demands and more time listening and learning about Him through the daily expression of the Word (reading it myself, or via podcast).

So, what am I planning to do differently in 2011? Nothing. And, everything.

Perhaps you'll consider joining me?

Good night.

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time on this special day and share a work of art in the form of words, that my beloved wife wrote several years ago. She has a unique perspective (actually several) on Christmas, and the birth of our Savior. Enjoy.


THROUGH THE EYES OF ...
a donkey:
We've come such a great distance. She doesn't weigh much, and his demands are few. But I sense the need for caution. I feel a presence that is not a presence. So I go carefully, picking my way through the stones in the road, trying to keep the ride smooth and not to jar her.

The city is just ahead, and is very busy. Throngs of people and their beasts have gathered for what looks to be a celebration. The noise is deafening and I feel an urgency in both this man and this woman. She is so weary. I slow my steps as we enter the crowd, trying to shield her from the jostling mobs. Her voice is low. We must be patient. There are so many seeking lodging - - I am hungry and quite thirsty. She seems afraid. Is she crying? He's coming back from the innkeeper's door and in his arms he carries blankets.

AH, a stable! Some sweet hay and a little water! At last a place to lie down and rest! But I cannot rest. I prick my ears to hear the sounds she makes. A rustling. His soft murmur. And suddenly The Presence I have felt so long -- a lusty cry and He is here! With me! In this stable! I crane my neck around the corner of the stall and I see them! He covers the Child with soft wrappings. She holds Him close and kisses His head. She smiles as her tears fall on His blanket. Such a small Child, to change the course of the world! And the Light! The Light still shines amidst the darkness!
The baby sleeps and the light shines on. How blessed I am, a mere beast of burden, to have borne Him on my back. To have witnessed His birth. To have heard His first sounds. To have seen The Savior face to face. Thank you, Jesus!


II Through The Eyes ...
of an innkeeper:
My heart is sore within me in spite of the profits made that night.  They came to my door, the man and his wife, two among hundreds seeking admittance to my inn.  She was riding a donkey and looked to be near her time of delivery.  He was soft-spoken and anxious to get them settled for the night.  But what could I do?  My rooms were filled with others who had come for the census.  First come, first served.  How was I to know?
She held my sympathy for only a moment as she patiently waited on the donkey.  As a gesture of kindness and magnitude I rented them the stable - I even sold him blankets - and went back to my family who waited within, where there was warmth and food and water and comfort.

He made her a pallet of used hay and blankets.  A lantern was hung midst the beasts and the dung.  If they had food I do not know it.  If they had water I do not know it.  If there was warmth I do not know it.  But there was no comfort.  This I do know.  What comfort could be found in rancid hay and beast-fouled air?  And a Child was born - her first, they told me - and she called Him Jesus.
How was I to know He was the King of all the kings?  How was I to know He was the Lord of all the lords?  How was I to know He was the Light of the World and that nothing in the world would ever be the same?  How was I to know how the shame would overtake me?  How was I to know I would forever regret my brusque reply?
If I had known, I would have opened my doors to them, would have welcomed them in with much celebration.  If I had known, my concern for their comfort would have driven the greed right out the window and would have taken first precedence.  If I had known, the Light would have shown upon my heart and upon my humble dwelling - the peace of the ages would have entered my soul!

If I had known, I'd have given my own bed, would have given my very best to Him.  I'd have given my ALL to Him ...
If I had known ....


III Through the Eyes
of Joseph:

He has been born, and Mary named Him Jesus, as she said she would.  This has been a trying and wearisome time for me.  I'm glad this part is over, but I sense there's more to come.  How do I father the Prince of Peace?

Will this Child grow as children grow?  Or will He be an oddity - a strange one - a millstone round my neck?  Will I be expected to be perfect, as He will be perfect?  Can I finally be a husband to my wife?

So many questions as I lie here in this barn.  Who would have thought God's Son would be born?  He is a pretty child - not uncommon - and He lies quiet in the feed-box, allowing His mother a time of rest.

God only knows what the future will hold for us.  It has been written we will be persecuted and pursued.  Perhaps this child, Emmanuel, Almighty God, will be the One to save us.  Perhaps this child, the Messiah to our people, will rise up and bless us, his mortal parents.  Although I don't expect any special favors, of course.  My days have been pre-planned, it seems.  But I can't help but wonder if all this is leading to something greater.

How will this baby Jesus save us from our sins?  Is there a plan?  Does He yet know of it?  Will He speak of it with me?  Will he love me?  Will He let me love Him?
So many questions, as I lie here in this barn.  I pray God will protect us.  I vow to keep my promise.  With God's help I will raise this Child as a member of my family.  With God's help I will teach Him my trade and will guide Him to His manhood.  With God's help I will nurture Him in the scriptures and will live for Him, an example of a man of God.  With God's help I will provide for Him His earthly needs and protect Him from His earthly enemies.  With God's help I will uphold Him as my Redeemer, the Messiah, the Counselor, the Savior of mankind.  With God's help I will do these things.  And now I pray for sleep.  It's been a long journey and a long, long night.  With God's help I will rest until the morning, when He will show me how to do what He has planned for me to do.  Praise your name, O Great Jehovah!
Mary stirs in her sleep.  I will blow out the lantern, though a Light still shines.


IV Through the Eyes
of Mary:
There is a worried look on my husband's face as he returns to me, waiting on the donkey, just outside the inn.  I see he carries blankets, and my spirits sink as I realize we may have to sleep outside again tonight.  The pressure in my back increases and I re-adjust my weight on this poor donkey's back.  The journey has been so far - - and the trip has taken a long time, it seems.  But we are here at last.  And soon I will be able to lie down.

Joseph has been so very good!  I know he doesn't fully understand what's going on ... I don't fully understand myself ... yet he believed in me, and has done his best to spare me from discomfort and from criticism.  He lights the lantern in this stable as darkness falls over the city.  The pallet he has made for me is soft and fragrant.  The Child will be born soon, I think.  I need to rest, but I'm getting so excited -- the Son of God -- MY son as well!!  As I try to imagine what He will look like, I can only praise God that He chose me to be the one to bear this precious child.  Oh -- there's a light out there that beams through the window -- could it be a star that shines so brightly?  How pretty!!  Joseph has come over to comfort me, and we speak of the star, and of our journey, and of this baby boy whom we shall raise together ....

Joseph is such a strong man.  It seems strange to see him cry.
 
At last the Little One is in my arms.  He is so tiny!  His fists wave at us as if to say, "Hello!  I'm here!  Now feed me!!"  His perfect little fingers curl around my thumb.  As He snuggles closer to my heart I feel my own tears well up and spill over onto His blanket.  How sweet He is!  My first-born son!  My baby, Jesus!  - - MY LORD!!  Incredible that one so small could be the one to change the course of the world forever!  I kiss His downy head and place Him gently in the feed box.  Such a lowly beginning for such a Mighty Savior!  His eyes open slowly ... He has such beautiful eyes ...

He sleeps.  It's so quiet in here right now, I think I hear my own heart beating.  So many questions, as I lie here in this barn.  I pray God will protect us.  I vow to keep my promise to Him.  With God's help we will raise this Child to be the King that He is meant to be.  How will Jesus save our people from their sins?  Is there a plan I don't yet know about?  Does Jesus know?  Will He speak of it with me?  Will He love me?  Will He let me love Him?

I'm very, very tired.  It's been a long journey and a very long night.  With God's help I will rest until the morning, when He will show me how to be the mother of this child which He has given.  God's Gift to mankind.  Praise your name, Jehovah!  You have blessed me with your Son.  You have blessed my people with their Savior.
I can't help myself -- one last look before I go to sleep.  I touch His cheek and He smiles.  Oh, Baby, I love you so ....

Jesus stirs in His sleep.  The lantern is not burning now, though a Light still shines.


God Bless you this Christmas!

Good Day/Night