Advent 3, December 14, 2014

We put lights on a little tree outside our house for the first time this year and I was amazed at how many lights it took to cover the tree. It looks festive but it’s not even that impressive. If you are going to go to an outdoor light display there are some much better local options . . . with much more wattage and many more lights!  I think you can measure the “wow factor” of a holiday light display by the number of lights.

Read Full Post »

Advent Evening Prayer 2, December 10, 2014

Comfort and joy are things we all want . . . and need.  Christmas time seems to accentuate our deficiencies in many areas of our life making us really desperate for more comfort . . . more joy!  And since the whole message of this season is tidings of comfort and joy – that’s what Jesus came to bring — so it’s just the right time to get some.

Read Full Post »

Advent 2, December 7, 2014

I don’t know how long it’s been since you played “Hide and Seek,” but I bet you remember what the seeker announces after hiding his face and counting to ten and before he begins to look for his hidden friends.  He says:  “Ready or not, HERE I COME!”

Read Full Post »

Christ the King, November 23, 2014

A lot of sporting events for young kids end up with everyone who participates getting a ribbon or medal without really recognizing a “first place” champion.  This “everybody wins” mindset is pretty common.  A new soccer league in England has taken this to a new level.  In an effort to relieve the pressure of competition and the embarrassment of losing, this league is limiting scoring for all teams with youth under age 16 to 1 point.  So every game ends up 1-0 or a draw.  For kids 11 and under, scoring is being eliminated all together.  Some think this will focus on the “fun” of the game and athletic development without giving so much emphasis to winning and losing.  But here’s the thing that most parents know:  no matter what the rules say, kids know the score.

Read Full Post »

Advent Evening Prayer 1, December 3, 2014

COMFORT and JOY Part 1

“The PEACE of Christ”

Comfort and joy.  These two words go together in a familiar Christmas carol.  That’s the whole Christmas message — tidings of comfort and joy.  So it makes a great theme for Advent:  Comfort and joy!!  Let’s all have some!! We need it!!  I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a big serving of comfort and joy this season than a bowl of figgy pudding, wouldn’t you?

Read Full Post »

Thanksgiving, November 26, 2014

“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.”

God of abundance

He is very generous with us

OT reading – overflowing with good things . . . they will lack nothing . . . eat your fill – there’s a good Thanksgiving Day image for you!

Their herds … their silver and gold .. . all that they have is multiplied

Not just material things . . . He reminds them of his abundant grace in leading them to freedom out of  Egypt . . . rescuing them from dangers . . . providing them food and water when they were in need

This same gracious, generous God provides for us in abundance

Read Full Post »

Advent 1, November 30, 2014

Sounds and images from Ferguson, Missouri this week are filled with rage and violence, disappointment and confusion.  People on all sides shaking their heads at a situation that looks out of control and difficult to resolve.  Local community members were calling for calm; Authorities trying to do what they can to maintain peace and order.  The Governor bringing in support. Even the President addressed the situation at TV trying to help.

Read Full Post »