Christmas and New Year

 Christmas and New Year

Twenty-twenty three has come to a close, and Twenty-twenty four is in full swing! I started to take down the outside decorations at the office but I wanted to give the wisemen a chance to get to the manger. 😁

Why are we so quick to move on? The radio has stopped playing Christmas Music. Family gatherings and gift exchanges are over. The tree, lights and other decorations come down the day after Christmas. It just seems that it was a lot of build up for one day. 

Now we're focused on the new year. New goals, new year, new you. That's usually what we hear. New habits, new diets, new clothes, new looks, new.... 

New is not bad. Jesus said that he came to make all things new. (Revelation 21:5) Yes, in Christ we are new creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Do we really want something new, or just a different version of the old? 

New requires the old to die. That's how change occurs. Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. Change is hard. So when staying the same hurts more than the process of change, then I'll do something. 

In July I began a journey to change my lifestyle. Several years of completely ignoring my physical health had led to a gain of over fifty pounds, clothes that don't fit and no energy. Bonnie looked at me in July and basically said, "I'm tired of you begin fat." My words, not hers. Thanks to her encouragement then, and a friend that challenged me in October, I have been on a journey. Thankfully up to this point I have dropped about twenty seven pounds and developed some better habits. I praise the Lord for answering my prayer to have the desire to focus on my health. Note not just my physical health, but my entire health: physical, mental, spiritual and emotional.  

Much like the Christmas Story, it's just a beginning. 

The Walk

 I had the privilege last week to spend some time with Bonnie at the beach. With Avery at college it has been really cool to reestablish our identity as husband and wife and not just as mom and dad. 

As most married couples do, we enjoy the beach differently. I am perfectly content with just setting on the beach listening to waves and people watching, or sitting on the porch reading or on the dock fishing. Bonnie enjoys long walks on the beach, and shopping. 

On this last trip, she invited me to join her on her walk to the pier. I knew that this would not be a short walk, but about a 2 mile round trip walk. Even though I am out of shape, and knew that I would be lagging behind a bit, I agreed to go. As we began, it was obvious that she was on a mission. Her mission was to walk to the pier and back. My only goal was to be with her. We were on the same journey, but different goals. She kept her eyes on the goal, which was the pier. I kept my eyes either on her or the scenery that was around me. 

This brought a couple of thoughts to my mind. 

1. Do we realize that even though we may be on the same journey with others, that our goals may different? We really need to take this into account especially in our marriage. Make sure that we communicate what our goals are. We should be helping one another meet our goals as well as making sure that we have some common goals.
2. Are we taking in the scenery? Could it be that we are so goal driven and focused and that we miss the journey? It has been really cool to see where we are after twenty six years of being together and nearly twenty one of those being married. There have been MANY ups and downs, and the scenery hasn't always been pleasant. However, it's our journey, and we've been on it together! 

As many of you know, I also serve a Baptist Association which is a family of churches. All of this applies in that context too! Make sure that everyone knows what the goal is. Everyone should be working toward the same goal, together. We also need to enjoy the journey! Take in the scenery! Don't be so goal driven and focused that you miss what's happening around you! 

So, admittedly the walk back from the pier was more difficult for me. Not just because I was tired, but because there was not visual ending. On the walk to the pier, there was at least visual goal. On the way back, there was just a beach that seemed to go on for miles! 

Keep encouraging one another! Husbands, encourage wife. Wives, encourage your husbands! Husbands, encourage other husbands! Wives, encourage other wives! Follower of Christ, keep encouraging other followers of Christs! Church, encourage other churches! 

'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. '
Hebrews 10:23-25

Ramblings

 It's Friday. I'm doing laundry, cleaning up around the house, and doing some work. Well, really I'm sitting at my computer, thinking. 

Crazy to think that I just happened to think about this blog, and went to see that there are some who have actually read a few a these. 

So now that you know my state of mind and what I'm doing, then you will find today's thoughts very random. That's why I've titled it, "Ramblings." 

Here are some questions that I'm finding hard to answer. 

1. Why are eggs so expensive? The average cost for a dozen eggs right now is $4.25. That's double what it was in 2020. 

2. What is up with the labor shortage? Unemployment rate is supposed to be the lowest that it's been in years and yet every business is hiring. My local Dollar General closes at 5pm every night because they do not have enough people to work. Restaurants have made major changes to their schedules due to lack of employees. Companies are offering big signing bonuses to entice employees. It's crazy! 

3. Why is everyone moving to North Carolina? The Real Estate market in NC, especially Western NC is insane. When I searched this question, it seems that NC is a great place to live for outdoor enthusiasts. Ok, I'll buy that. The article said that the state saw a 9,000 person net increase in 2021. 😯  

4. Can the Tarheel's beat Duke on Saturday? Let's hope their loss to Pitt on Wednesday night at home will fuel them to play harder and better! Go Heels! 

5. How bad will the next Presidential Election cycle be? 

6. When will the war in the Ukraine end? 

So, if you've been thinking the same the questions, you're not alone. I'm thankful that no one is really looking for me to have the answer to any of these questions. I guess these are really 1st world problems. Maybe even just 1st world, Southeastern United States problems. My heart goes out to those in war torn countries like Ukraine and Russia. My heart also breaks for Haiti. I'm thankful and blessed to live in the mountains of North Carolina. I shouldn't be surprised that people want to live here. It's a great place! 

'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ' Hebrews 12:1-3

God, help me to see that you are working in the world. Give me courage and boldness to follow you and join you where you are working. Let me not loose sight of the fact that you are the creator of everything and that you are working things to your glory and my good. 

Choices

Setting at the drive thru, it came to mind that I had a choice to make. A choice among many choices. I saw MANY options. Some good, some bad. I knew that I needed a salad, but those chicken strips smelled so good! I'll not say the choice that I made. Let's just say it smelled good! 

As I drove away from the window with my food, feeling some what remorseful of the choice I made, my devotion from this morning came to mind. 

I have been reading an Advent Devotional written by the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. This morning was entitled, "Joy To The World!" the focal passage was Luke 2:11, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." The statement of the angels to the shepherds. 

I love this portion the writer shares. "Today, you can choose to be discouraged because, truthfully, there's a lot to be discouraged about. You can choose to be angry, because there are a lot of things in this world that will push you in that direction. You can choose to be cynical. There's a lot to be cynical about. However, when you look to the Christ of Christmas, you can be filled with joy because, in Him, there is so much to be joyful about. It's your choice." 

Did you read that last statement? It's your choice. Wait, you mean I have to choose? Yes, you have to choose. Just like setting at that drive thru I had a choice of a salad, something that would be good for me or chicken strips and french fries, something that is not so good for me. Joy is a choice. It's good for everyone. 

However, just like the angels shared with the shepherds, only Jesus brings great joy! We will not find true joy in anyone or anything else! Jesus came that we might have joy. Not only did he bring joy, he is joy! 

These verse came to mind as I reflected on joy today. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your may be complete." John 15:11 

I have a choice everyday. Everyday I choose Jesus, I choose joy! 

What's going on here?

 What's Going On Here? 

That is usually the question that my brother and I got just before we were reprimanded for doing something we were not supposed to. As I write this, realizng this would be my second blog entry in the month of November would be another reason to ask this question. Seeing as how I usually only write two a year. Keep in mind that  I'm more of a talker than a writer. This tends to get me into trouble. You have to be careful who you think out loud with today. Who am I kidding, you have to be careful what you say or write today, especially that which is posted on a blog or social media. The only safe place today is a private journal! 

It is the year 2020. We are in the middle of a world wide pandemic. Things are tough. I am currently in vocational ministry, serving churches; both pastors and church leaders. These days are very difficult for them. It's difficult for everyone, but one of the reasons the church lays heavy on my heart today is not only because I love the church, it is the Bride of Christ, but I also work with and serve the church and its leaders on a regular basis. 

Currently, the Center For Disease Control, and other health officials have pretty much said that the best way to slow the spread of this Coronavirus is by wearing a mask, keeping your distance from others and regular hand washing. For some reason, the answer to which I am really not clear on, people have taken an issue with the mask. I've heard the reasons for this from, "The virus isn't real, some I'm not listening."  to "This is America, I don't have to wear a mask, it's  free country." The logic of which I do not understand. 

What I have really taken issue with, is that to wear a mask or not wear a mask has become so political. "You're just being politically correct if you wear a mask." Really? What's going on here? How did a world health crisis, where countries all over the world are taking similar precautions to slow the spread of a virus become about political correctness? 

People are losing friends, and moving churches because of how the church is handling or not handling this issue. It's very disheartening. Pastors who have poured their heart and soul into people and families are hurting because these people are walking away mad, over a mask. People are coming or not coming to church based on what others are doing. "I'm not coming if you make me wear a mask." "I'm not coming unless you make everyone wear a mask." What is going on? 

I began thinking about how we as the evangelical church approach missions in foreign countries. When we go into a foreign country, we study and learn the language and culture. We want to know how the meet the people where they are. In some areas we will dress a certain way, follow certain customs, and do what ever we can to help show the people that we love and care about them and want them to hear about Jesus. We know they will not even want to listen to the great message of the gospel if they do not see that we care about them as a person. We will even try to meet physical needs so that they will be able to both hear and experience the gospel. Sacrifices are made. We lay our personal preferences aside to show love, mercy  and grace so that they may come to faith in Jesus Christ. 

Why not here in America? Why do we not have that same mentality and heart in our own homeland? 

What's going on here? 

I hear Pauls words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23-24, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." 

So why are we arguing over a mask? Why are we allowing this to divide the church and get in the way of sharing the gospel? 

What's going on here?  

Seasons

Seasons

 I have spent the past months thinking about and reflecting on seasons. Why? I have recently realized that seasons in our lives are not exactly like the four seasons of weather in a year. Those are somewhat predictable. Seasons in life are not very predictable. 

So for the first time in my life, I find myself relocated to another area of the state. I'm thankful to still live in North Carolina, but my family and I have moved the farthest from our point of origin that we've ever lived. 

It wasn't until this move that I began to reflect on the forty one years of living in that area and all the relationships that had been built in that time. The number of people who have invested in me and the number of people that God has allowed me to invest in has been really moving. I do not really know how people who move often do it. It is really physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. Shout out to those in our armed forces who move frequently. 

Admittedly, I'm trudging through this season with sadness, mourning, and excitement and expectation.  Leaving friends and family behind, to meet new friends and engage in new lives and ministry. Thankful that God is leading and with me each step.

Another reminder in this season, that the harvest season does not just come. There is work that is done prior to the harvest. There is work in relationships and friendships. The harvest will come. 

Again, I am thankful. Good time of year for that. 😀

Come Ye Thankful People Come (Alford)

1 Come, ye thankful people, come, 
raise the song of harvest home; 
all is safely gathered in, 
ere the winter storms begin. 
God our Maker doth provide 
for our wants to be supplied; 
come to God's own temple, come, 
raise the song of harvest home. 

2 All the world is God's own field, 
fruit as praise to God we yield; 
wheat and tares together sown 
are to joy or sorrow grown; 
first the blade and then the ear, 
then the full corn shall appear; 
Lord of harvest, grant that we 
wholesome grain and pure may be. 

3 For the Lord our God shall come,
and shall take the harvest home; 
from the field shall in that day 
all offenses purge away, 
giving angels charge at last 
in the fire the tares to cast; 
but the fruitful ears to store 
in the garner evermore. 

4 Even so, Lord, quickly come,
bring thy final harvest home; 
gather thou thy people in, 
free from sorrow, free from sin, 
there, forever purified, 
in thy presence to abide; 
come, with all thine angels, come, 
raise the glorious harvest home.

United Methodist Hymnal, 1989

In the year 2020

Its obvious that I'm not a regular blogger. You can look at my previous entries and see a pattern. I am an every once in a while blogger. So, here is my yearly or sporadic blog post.

In my forty years of life, the year 2020 has proven to be probably the most challenging of them all. A midst my own personal challenges, the world around me is experiencing several perils. On March 13, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the COVID-19, Coronavirus, as a world wide pandemic. The United States had seen China, then Europe, experience the effects of this virus, now it was on U.S. soil.  Quickly, the normal activity of Americans was halted. Shut downs began and carried on for months. At the writing of these thoughts, there are still areas of the country that are on lock down. Restrictions are slowly being loosened. Unfortunately, as things loosen up, we're seeing the virus continue to make an impact. An impact greater in some areas now, than in the beginning stages.  This was only the beginning.

What followed that announcement and lock downs, was a season of distrust in the government, and a revealing of fear and selfishness among Americans. As information is released, many do not know who to trust. Both information about the virus and its spread, along with how to reduce the spread became political. Both parties in the U.S. trying to capitalize on the moment and divide America, creating sides. Not only is the nation divided, but states, communities, churches and families become divided. Yet, there is more to come.

On Monday, May 25, 2020, the video of the death of George Floyd was released. Just weeks after the video of the murder of Ahmad Arbury. These, among a list of other black citizens, who died a wrongful death, stirred emotions and reminded us that racism remains a problem here in the United States. This set off a series of protests, that led to riots. Cities torn a part, and burned. Many have died. Lots of anger and hurt have been stirred up and outwardly displayed. This also dividing America.

I have asked myself several times how hard it would have been to be a pastor or church leader in the sixties, during the Civil Rights Movement. Though many currently lived through that, there aren't many leaders of that time around, to my knowledge to consult with. These are very difficult days.

What can I do as a leader? What can I say as a pastor? I continue to ask that question, and seek the Lord. The Book of James, Chapter One says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:1-4. The wisest king in the scriptures, King Solomon writes in Proverbs Chapter Two, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding--indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:1-6

Right now, I believe it is important to listen and learn. I have prayed, and searched the scriptures. I have watched a couple of movies, and TED talks. I have asked questions of my brothers and elders. I have engaged in difficult and uncomfortable conversations. I have asked the Lord to open my mind and ears. I have asked him for wisdom and compassion. I pray for boldness.

Ironically, one of the reasons I do not blog much, is because I would rather speak than write.  This has been a problem for me for some time. Even though I have heard, "Think before you speak," all of my life. I usually speak my thoughts aloud as I'm processing and thinking. This can be a problem.  During this season I have tried to be intentionally quiet. The Book of James Chapter One, verse nineteen, instructs the reader, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." James 1:19.

So, here I am. Listening. Praying. James goes on to say in verse twenty two of Chapter One, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22. I realize at some point there will be action. My prayer is that my actions are an overflow of the Holy Spirit, and not a reaction of my flesh. I pray for boldness.