Post Christmas

Well, my parents left for home today.  The house is back to just the normal family.  Preston is still home from college so it is not quiet...  But Christmas is over.  We build up to it, plan on it, prepare for it, and then bammm it is over.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Christmas this year incredibly.  Reading the Christmas story as a family, worshiping together the Christmas day with blood family and church family, the sparkle in a kids eye opening a special gift.  All beautiful and wonderful to me.  But now what?  The great thing is Christmas is really something we can celebrate year round, because God is with us!  Now people may look at you funny if you try and play Christmas music all year long, but they may be the Grinch in disguise.  The reality of Jesus is a daily reality in our lives!  The joy of Christmas is not about December 25th - most likely not even close to the birth date of Jesus- but is the joy of knowing we serve a God who is willing to come at just the right time in history and at just the right time in our lives.

Fasting in 2012 - Video Message #3

Hey - Hope you take a few minutes and listen to the final video message about Fasting.

Thanks Pastor Dale

The Honesty and Joy of Kids

It was a great joy to work with the kids last night at church.  I love how honest a kid is with you.  They just tell you what is on their minds. "That pizza looks funny."  "This is hard."  "This is boring."  Do you want to sing one more song? "NO!"  It is pretty simple to know how a kids is doing or what they are thinking - just ask.  I have the opposite approach to life.  I tend to hide my emotions and my feelings.  To try and display my strength by being totally under control.
Kids are full of joy!  They can take the simplest game and make it the best time ever.  "Let's play tag.  Your it."  Then the laughter and the joy is displayed.  I have been trying to look for and enjoy the simple joys of life lately.  Still working on this one!

Peace on Earth or Ba Humbug

The Christmas season seems to bring out two things in people.  A real joy and peace.  Or a real negative attitude towards all the Christmas has become.  I think in some ways we can easily experience both of these things during this December.  Greed and selfish behavior can still our joy.  To see people who only are concerned about what gifts they will receive and will they be the right gifts to make them happy - can wear on us.  To see people miss the joy and peace of Christ because of the crazy schedule of activities - is a shame.  But to look beyond the greed, selfishness and business - to see the amazing love of God to send his Son - Jesus to the world as a child, now that is amazing.  Fight the ba humbugs by giving, serving and worshiping the Christ of Christmas.

Fasting Two

Here it is!  Your next video about fasting. I hope you take a few minute and listen.

Starting the New Year

Check out this video message about the New Year -

Thanks Pastor Dale