Meaning of Christmas

I know it's been a while since my last blog post, but I felt compelled to post today while I had a few minutes. As it is Christmas Eve and I am the parent of a 5 and almost 3 year old and their insatiable hunger for destroying wrapping paper and discovering its contents- I have found myself constantly asking my kids, "Why do we celebrate Christmas?" Now granted they are the children of a pastor and probably feel obligated to give this answer, but I am happy to report their answer is almost always, "Jesus' birth." Even though the presents and the excitement they bring gets a lot of attention, it's still important to get back to the core of what we are to be focused on.

Last night we had an amazing worship experience at our church. Our creative department did an AMAZING job of programming a night that would be memorable and enjoyable for the whole family! Almost 3,000 people filled the seats in three different services and we had TONS of volunteers giving of their time and energy to make it all happen. Our people serve God with excellence in everything they do and our Christmas Eve Eve is one of the reasons that I love Christmas and why I love my church.

But there's another reason I love my church even more. Now please do not give me any credit for this or think I am bragging - I just want to share something at the heart of these people I call my church family. Several times this season I was approached by individuals, families, and small groups that wanted to buy presents for families in need and help make their Christmas a little brighter. Some purchased and wrapped gifts, while others gave generous amounts of money to purchase the gifts as needed. Very sweet, right?! But you know what's really interesting about all that? They all wanted to be anonymous. None of them wanted it to be known who bought them, or who wrapped them. They just wanted to love God by loving other people. Because of that humility and selflessness, I had the privilege of delivering those presents to several families. These givers - these generous folks didn't get to see the eyes of mothers well up in tears because their kids were going to have a nice Christmas this year. They didn't get to hear the joyful sounds of children giggling and laughing at the idea that presents were going to be under their tree this Christmas.

I didn't deserve the opportunity to do that. It shouldn't have been me delivering those gifts. I didn't buy them. I only even wrapped a few. It cost me nothing but I still got the blessing. But isn't that what Christmas is truly about? Jesus Christ stepped down from His royal throne to go through the 9 month birthing process to be born in a barn of some kind. He lived a difficult life so that He could sympathize and empathize with every hurt and need we could have. He died a criminals death, even though He was sinless, so that I may have life. I get the credit for His labor. I benefit from His actions.

So I will always enjoy and be encouraged by the 'big experiences' when thousands get together to exalt the King of Kings, but I will always be moved by the day to day sacrifices of a few that show me Christ's love in how they live their lives. Merry Christmas!

Memories Are Just That

I think every '9/11' will always make us all dip back into our memory banks. People will often say, "where were you when 9/11 took place?" I was outside of Altgeld Hall on a concrete bench with tons of music students watching the news on a small black and white TV with bunny ears. Even though I was almost a thousand miles away - I remember it felt so surreal. To think that people in a city I had visited but a few years before were dying a terrifying death was a lot to soak in for a 21 year old. That day in 2001 has impacted how I view our country, our safety, and how much I respect those who's profession it is to run towards danger when the rest of us are running away from it. Memories have the power to impact our outlook.

All of us have memories that 'stay with us.' Some may be good and some may be not-so-good. You might remember your first day of school or that fight on the playground. You might remember your  first kiss or that first break up (and if you're like me you wrote first song about it). The home run you hit in the big game or the season you spent more time on the bench than you would've preferred. You might remember your wedding day or the day you heard the words, "I want a divorce." You may remember the day your first child was born or the day you had to bury a parent.

No matter which camp your memories falls in - they are just that... Memories. They are images from your past that God has and is using to mold and form you into the person He's artistically crafting you to be. Think about all the greatest experiences from your past. How have they shaped who you are today? Now think about some of the most difficult seasons in your life and how has your perspective on life been altered because of what you've gone through? Do you appreciate your family more? Can you love deeper? Can you see past any scars that memories have left on your body or heart and see the healing and growth that's come in spite of them?

I can't imagine what those who lost loved ones 13 years ago feel like. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and Tuesdays. I can imagine that every day the memory of that dreadful day in September probably brings up more painful memories than I'm sure they can bear. But if I could offer any encouragement it would be this: When the tears fall at the memories of loved ones lost, think of a memory that reminds you why you are sad in the first place. Something that brought you joy before the hurt. And when that memory comes to mind... Smile through the tears. And always remember - difficult memories often come because they followed a good one. Don't forget all the good ones...

Educated or Learned

This past week I started something that I haven't done in almost 13 years. I started a college class! I have been back and forth on whether or not to go 'back to school' for years now and I figured there's no time like the present. My kids aren't in any activities yet and my job is not super demanding on a regular basis so it seemed like the opportune moment.

Thanks to the wonder of modern technology this particular Master's program is done entirely on-line. That's right! I can go to class in my pajamas or sweat pants and a T-Shirt. Oh wait - that's exactly what college kids go to class in! (except for freshmen girls, but that's a different blog for a different day.) It is a 36 hour program and I should be on track to finish it in 2 years with a Masters in Bible and Theology. My undergrad degree is in music (which I've used well having been a music teacher and a youth pastor) but if I progress in the 'preacher world' - I thought I'd need to educate myself a little more. And I know a 'college degree' is not going to make me an amazing preacher or pastor, but I can't imagine it will hurt, though. All of our experiences, whether in the field or in the classroom, mold us into the person(s) we are and who we are to become.

Jesus' disciples weren't 'educated' men - but they sure were 'learned' men. They didn't go through the rabbi schools of their day like some Jewish men like the apostle Paul (Acts 22:3). But they did get a 3 1/2 year intensive program with Jesus of Nazareth. And that seemed to have made all of the difference. This rag tag bunch of blue collar fellas ended up speaking so confidently and powerfully, that the religious leaders that had just killed Jesus couldn't stand up to their truth. They were scratching their heads at where these simple fishermen came from. They hadn't seen them in any of there classrooms before! But then they made a very astute point. They had been with Jesus.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

While I am excited to continue on with my journey in scholastics - I am also aware that the greatest way to prepare to share Jesus Christ with others is to spend time with Jesus Christ. I could easily educate you on stuff I do almost every day! I could teach you how to make pizza dough or pancake batter. I could show you how to play the C scale on the piano or guitar. I could tell you tricks for starting a weed eater or lawn mower. It's not that complicated when you do things on a regular basis.

I can tell you all about Jesus' love,  His mercy, His kindness, His forgiveness if I am learning about it everyday, too. I can share with you how He can pull you through the long nights when you are fearing for your life the next day or for someone that you love. I can tell you how to be faithful even when the checkbook starts leaning to the red. When you walk with Jesus - you learn to live like Jesus.
When you see Jesus' love - you learn to love like Jesus. When you see Jesus give - you learn to give like Jesus. When you witness His sacrifices - you learn to sacrifice like Jesus. You don't need 'school' to teach you that. You just need to be with Jesus.

Getting Away From Me

As Summer has zoomed by (as per usual) I finally noticed that I hadn't sat down and jotted down any thoughts for my daily dose in a while. In fact - the entirety of August, thus far. But let's be honest - sometimes I am super busy time just gets away from me. I don't mean for it to happen. I don't plan for it to happen. I guess I do, however, expect it to happen.

It seems like in our current age that EVERYONE is busy. Nah - let's call it what it truly is. TOO BUSY! Even people that don't do anything 'extra' are still too busy. We don't have kids in school activities and clubs yet. Aside from the life at our church, we aren't involved in civic or school organizations. But sometimes it still feels like we're going a mile a minute. How do we try to combat that? What are we doing to be intentional about 'slowing down'? Well - for starters - we eat together. At a table. As a family. Several times a week. And if we really want to shake things up - we even turn off the TV. I know, right?

We also take family walks and play out in the yard as the sun begins to set and it cools off. Being outside in God's creation with my family is one of my favorite things to do. Plus - we get the chance to visit with our neighbors that are outside doing whatever. It's neat to feel part of a community. You just need to slow down and take time to do it.

This idea of time 'getting away from us' is very prevalent in the church world. It was so encouraging to see our attendance on the rise after Easter and on through Spring. And then... Memorial Day hit. Summer had started and those numbers began to drift back down. People aren't home in the summer. People must vacation more than ever, I guess. Or they're playing baseball, softball, basketball on most Sundays. At our church we even try to accommodate those that either are busy on Sundays or take that as their only day off for the week by offering a Friday night service. It's great! Finish work - go to a high energy worship service - go to Applebee's - and go home! It's perfect! But some folks would rather just not attend a service at all. They're too busy and their free time could be better spent.

Of all the things in this life that we give our time to - how many will take us through the next 5 years? 12 years? Will it pay for college? Will be make it to the pros? Will the choices we make now effect anyone else's lives? Or how about this one... Are our priorities making what's 'eternal' our focus? Are we focused on living for Jesus and sharing Him with the world? Or are we too busy doing other stuff? Is time getting away from us? Let's make time...

A Special Summer Treat

One thing that I've always thought was fun about summer is trying to find creative ways to 'beat the heat.' As a boy - a special summer treat for me was hitting Dairy Queen late after playing a baseball game. Blizzards always tasted better in dirty, grass stained pants. Or we might hight Tropical Snow before playing around of miniature golf. Or if someone had access to a pool - that was always an effective cooling agent, as well.

Now that I'm an adult the solutions aren't much different. We still go for 1/2 shakes at Sonic after 8 PM. We may snag the occasional snow cone from the city park. We may take a dip in the pool (okay it's more like cannon balls, but you get the point.) Some days I just praise GOD that we have air conditioning and then I pray that my kids won't ask to go play outside!

But it's always nice to have a special treat to help cool you off during those blistering summer months.

As I thought about that today - I realized that GOD has been giving us several special summer treats this year. I had the chance to play golf with a friend of mine for a couple of hours and it was 78º outside. On Tuesday, July 29th, 2014 in the cusps of Global Warming (hehe) it didn't even get into the 80's. How amazing is that?! It's been so nice out lately that my wife and I have to say, "It's too cold to go to the pool - why don't we go to the park instead…" That doesn't happen often.

God will often give you and I relief, too. Not only with beautiful weather in peak heat months - but in the moments when the world is getting darker. When our situations are getting tougher. When our marriages are holding on by a thread and animosity fills our hallways and bedrooms. When the relationships with our children seem to be straining to the point of breaking. God is always there to give us rest, to give us comfort - to give us peace. You see - you are His child and He wants to bless His kids. What (good) parent doesn't want to bless their kids? It's instinctive. But with our Heavenly Father He knows exactly what we need (and when we need it) to help cool off the heated situations in our lives. It may be a text or phone call from an encouraging friend. It may be a picture on Facebook that makes you smile. It may be a song that 'takes you back.' The heat of life can, at times, be more than we can bear and you just need a special treat to bring it all back in perspective.

So while I enjoy a good milk shake, snow cone, or dip in the pool - my Heavenly Father knows how to really spoil me. And I'll take this special summer treat anytime!

"They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD's good gifts - the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone." Jeremiah 31:12 NLT

Misty at the Waterpark

Each year the Redman Family ventures down to Panama City Beach, FL for a week in July. We stay together, play together, eat together, and do all kinds of fun activities. One of our favorites is when we take the kids to a water park. Now - it's a little over-priced and they charged us for our 2 year old (unlike Holiday World who did not!) - but we always look forward to it each summer. It's a 'pirate theme' which means Fender is automatically enamored with it and if he's enamored with it, his little sister is enamored with it.

This  year was different for a couple of reasons. First - it rained on us the first hour and a half we were there. Granted we were already wet at a water park, but it's way more fun when the sun is shining. But the rain definitely added a new dynamic to the day and certainly made it memorable.

And secondly there was a group of 'burn victims' that were enjoying the day as well. I'm not sure about why they were meeting at this water park that day, or who organized the event, but there was enough of them there that everywhere I went there was a different group there. Man, woman, boy, girl, white, or black: all different, but all united by their circumstances. It was so beautiful to see these people unashamed by the scars that life had dealt them. I kept thinking that that's what 'the church' should be like. Real people with real pain and real scars from their pasts gathering together unashamedly to celebrate the life they have in Jesus Christ. The barriers of race and socio-economic separation banished and all united under the banner of forgiveness. Unfortunately - we often don't take down our defenses and truly join each others team. We don't want to accept others with their faults even if our scars are far worse. We often pretend that we have it all together. That our families are perfect, our finances are in good shape, our marriages are solid. We don't wear the scars of disappointment, divorce, abuse on our sleeves for the world to see. We try to appear to be someone we're not. At least I know I often do…

But what I saw later was almost more than I could take without getting 'misty eyed'. As Lucy and Journey and I were headed toward one of the big family rides that you walked up several stories via a ramp or stairs to get to the top I saw 4 from this group. One was a teenage girl, one was a white guy probably in his mid 30's, one was a well-built black fellow in his mid 20's, and the last was a teenager that was in a wheelchair. He had lost one of his feet and had severe burn scars on the other. I saw them at the bottom of this ride and thought to myself, "How sad that boy has to sit here while his group goes up to the top ride this ride." But that's not what happened! The well built black man picked him up out of the wheel chair and put him on his back. (some of you reading are already getting misty aren't you?) We followed the group all the way up. The line wasn't moving too fast, either. We all had to wait several minutes in line. But he never complained. He never rested. And he never asked anyone else to do only what he could do. They were all part of the group and they were in this together. No one was going to be left behind!

I think what got me the most is quickly we often write off those people that are damaged goods. We may feel sorry for them at first and may even make a little effort to encourage them - but we don't stick with it. We aren't willing to bear the weight that they bring to the table. Jesus called His disciples to love each other and the world would know by that love that they were His disciples. The same is asked of us. We are to go through life together - helping each other up the hills and steps of life - even when our feet have been knocked out from under us. We all have scars, we all have hurts, and we all need each other.

Float Like a Butterfly... Sting Like a Bee

Probably like most of you I am not a fan of pain. I don't like stubbing my toe. I don't like getting a paper cut. I don't like getting shots at the doctors office. I don't like getting hit by a baseball traveling at high speeds. I do not like it here. I do not like it there. I do not like pain anywhere.

Today I had a surprising bout with pain. As I was mowing the front yard this afternoon I felt this sharp, searing pain in right above my left heel. Naturally, I swatted back immediately - as my normal response to something attacking me is to attack back. I couldn't see if it was a bee or a wasp, but I could see where it stung me immediately. It started to swell and get red pretty fast. At first I thought I would just immediately start back to mowing and then each step really got tough! I had to bend over and give myself a moment. It really hurt!

As I was kneeling down in my front yard feeling sorry for myself and totally hating whatever stung me - I couldn't help but think about what I've been studying these past few weeks. You see - I'm preaching on Jesus' trial and crucifixion in a couple of weeks at our church and I really examined the medical studies on Jesus' suffering. The pain and affliction He endured during those short hours is (literally) unimaginable. The Romans were such a cruel society and they had perfected the art of torture. And Jesus had to feel so much pain at the hands of Romans soldiers and religious leaders. And He didn't try to respond to them. He didn't try to swat them like the bugs they were to Him. He was silent! And He took that on for me. And for you, too!

After that realization my little bug sting didn't seem so bad. Now granted - it still hurt at the time and it still hurts now. But the way we view a situation effects how we respond. If we always think about our feelings and how things hurt or benefit us - we'll often be disappointed or upset. If we keep our 'attitude of gratitude' and thank God for all things - our perspective will often be a lot more positive and selfless. God has already done WAY MORE good for us than we could ever deserve! So if a little sting comes along the way - remember it could be way worse!