This is the season for gifts and giving! It is one of the reasons Christmas is so fun and exciting. Speaking of gifts and giving, there is a story my wife loves to tell about her favorite Christmas gift.
It was the year of the Cabbage Patch Doll, one of the greatest phenomena of my generation. Television and radio stations held contests and auctions so parents could get their hands on the commodities. Want-adds displayed the lengths desperate parents would go to commandeer one of these toys. And of course, there were those fortunate enough to buy up several at once to sell them at unbelievable prices to moms and dads who would stop at nothing to see the looks on their precious one’s face on Christmas morning.
My wife was once one of those dreamy-eyed children with her heart set on a brand new Cabbage Patch Doll. To hear her tell the story today you can see her light up as she recalls that special morning. As many children do when they have their eyes set on a particular item, she bargained with her parents as she declared she didn’t need a single other present as long as there was a Cabbage Patch Doll under the tree.
Christmas morning rolled around and the gift-giving extravaganza commenced. As she would tear into each package, she did so with baited breath for the hope of finding her new doll. Package after package was opened but it yielded no doll. As her hopes began to fade, she tried to focus on the gifts she did get and not on the one she did not receive. But as luck would have it, after she thought all hope was lost, her father told her to go to the closet. It was there, hidden in a place she would never expect, she found her Christmas dream come true.
She got her brand new doll, but to hear her tell the story today, the toy was not what was most important. In hindsight, that year brought her the greatest gift to memory because her dad picked it out and gave it to her out of complete and total love. It did not necessarily come at a time or in the manner she expected, but it came nonetheless, and to this day remains the greatest gift she ever received. Sure, there have been fancier and much more expensive gifts through the years (I should know!) but it was that doll that has meant the most.
Friends, I hope you find that your heart’s greatest desire is fulfilled this Christmas. But in the midst of our worldly dreams we can ill afford to overlook the gift that was given long before any of us were ever born. For in a time when it was least expected, in a place where no one even dared to look, God with us, Emmanuel, was born to set us free. A tiny baby born of a virgin and laid in a feeding trough is still the best gift we could hope for. After all, “Jesus is the reason for the season!”
The same God who gave us the gift of Jesus that special night is still in the gift-giving business. Sometimes God’s gifts are difficult to see and even understand, but God is still in the gift-giving business. As we come around to this Christmas season each and every year, we are reminded that the One who gave His Son to be our Savior, the Prince of Peace in a world full of peace-less-ness, still gives us gifts of hope, joy, and love.
So as we have a great time exchanging gifts with those we love, in the midst of the dolls, action figures, clothes, jewelry, and video games, may we also remember that every dream we could ever have has been given in the form of the baby Jesus. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and after all the paper has been torn away and before the thank you notes are written, may we each and every one pause to remember that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Holiday Blues
The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of good cheer and optimistic hopes. Yet it is not unusual for many of us to feel sad or lonely during the holiday period. This has come to be known as “The Holiday Blues” or “Holiday Depression.”
The Holiday Blues may occur at any holiday or vacation time, but most commonly happens during the December holidays when it seems just about everyone in the world is celebrating in some way. There are many causes for the holiday blues, but the most typical are the loss of a loved one, loss of job, separation or estrangement from family, a move away from a familiar home, or even a change in family traditions.
The symptoms for the Holiday Blues mimic clinical depression: sleeplessness or constant desire to sleep; loss of appetite resulting in unwanted weight loss; binge eating resulting in unwanted weight gain; difficulty in concentration; difficulty in functioning normally at work and/or at home; feelings of anger, ambivalence, or hopelessness; slow reaction times and an inability to make decisions; an emphasis on the negative; low self esteem; isolation from others; and some very real physical ailments such as headaches, backaches, and melancholy facial expressions.
While these symptoms might be intense and unsettling, The Holiday Blues are usually short-lived, lasting for a few days to weeks before the holiday. The good news is the Holiday Blues usually subside after the holiday as daily routines resume. If they do not, however, it is important to find someone who can help you through this difficult time such as a family member, friend, pastor, or other health care professional. Below, you will find a list of recommended DO’S and DON’TS for managing your Holiday Blues. The most important things to remember are: it’s a normal response to a stress-filled time of year, and you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.
DO:
Do follow the three basics for good health (eat right, get plenty of rest, & exercise)
Do set realistic goals to organize your time, make lists, prioritize, and set a budget
Do let go of the past and find new ways to celebrate
Do allow yourself to feel sad and grieve—this is a normal response
Do something for someone else and spend time with people who care about you
Do enjoy activities that are free (like at a local church)
DON’T:
Don’t overindulge in alcohol or fatty and sugary goodies
Don’t have unrealistic expectations of self or others
Don’t always count on others to remember your loss and pain
Don’t focus on what you don’t have
Don’t spend money you don’t have
The Holiday Blues can be a very difficult and sometimes unwanted guest at the holidays, but if you follow some of these simple suggestions and remember the words of Jesus, then you will be well on your way to a holiday season that will be merry and bright!
And remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) and “Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.”(Luke 6:21)
Resourced from the University of Maryland Medical School and The Stephen Ministry Training Manual
The Holiday Blues may occur at any holiday or vacation time, but most commonly happens during the December holidays when it seems just about everyone in the world is celebrating in some way. There are many causes for the holiday blues, but the most typical are the loss of a loved one, loss of job, separation or estrangement from family, a move away from a familiar home, or even a change in family traditions.
The symptoms for the Holiday Blues mimic clinical depression: sleeplessness or constant desire to sleep; loss of appetite resulting in unwanted weight loss; binge eating resulting in unwanted weight gain; difficulty in concentration; difficulty in functioning normally at work and/or at home; feelings of anger, ambivalence, or hopelessness; slow reaction times and an inability to make decisions; an emphasis on the negative; low self esteem; isolation from others; and some very real physical ailments such as headaches, backaches, and melancholy facial expressions.
While these symptoms might be intense and unsettling, The Holiday Blues are usually short-lived, lasting for a few days to weeks before the holiday. The good news is the Holiday Blues usually subside after the holiday as daily routines resume. If they do not, however, it is important to find someone who can help you through this difficult time such as a family member, friend, pastor, or other health care professional. Below, you will find a list of recommended DO’S and DON’TS for managing your Holiday Blues. The most important things to remember are: it’s a normal response to a stress-filled time of year, and you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.
DO:
Do follow the three basics for good health (eat right, get plenty of rest, & exercise)
Do set realistic goals to organize your time, make lists, prioritize, and set a budget
Do let go of the past and find new ways to celebrate
Do allow yourself to feel sad and grieve—this is a normal response
Do something for someone else and spend time with people who care about you
Do enjoy activities that are free (like at a local church)
DON’T:
Don’t overindulge in alcohol or fatty and sugary goodies
Don’t have unrealistic expectations of self or others
Don’t always count on others to remember your loss and pain
Don’t focus on what you don’t have
Don’t spend money you don’t have
The Holiday Blues can be a very difficult and sometimes unwanted guest at the holidays, but if you follow some of these simple suggestions and remember the words of Jesus, then you will be well on your way to a holiday season that will be merry and bright!
And remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) and “Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.”(Luke 6:21)
Resourced from the University of Maryland Medical School and The Stephen Ministry Training Manual
Monday, October 29, 2007
the joy of times like these
Halloween has always been a time I enjoy. It does not seem to be the same anymore because of all the threats to children’s safety, but you have to admit, there is just something fun about dressing up in costumes and going around “Trick-or-Treating.” I still get excited about October 31, wondering what I would go as if I still could get away with donning a costume and begging for candy. Fortunately, I have a little boy who I can live vicariously through and enjoy the true joy of a holiday where you dress up in cute costumes and ask for candy.
As my wife and I began wondering how we would dress up our little boy, we could not help but reminisce over some of our favorite costumes. For me, it had to be the year my Dad made a Ghostbusters suit out of an old jumpsuit and a vacuum cleaner. I would probably still wear it today had it survived multiple trips through the neighborhood during my hay-day.
As I sit here working on this blog post after dropping my boy off at school, I cannot help but think about some of the costumes he’s worn that have been my favorites. There was the year he was a pumpkin, then the one when he was Tigger, not to mention a Power Ranger and The Flash. But my favorite had to be the year he dressed up as Superman! What better way to dress up my little fella than to resemble my favorite superhero? So as I got the suit, took it home, unfurled the cape, and placed it on his little body with that distinctive “S” emblazoned on his chest, I began to well up with pride thinking of just how proud I was of my son. But the really special thing was about to take place….
As he grew bored with just looking at himself in the costume, I took him downstairs to watch a Superman cartoon. I was preparing to explain the Man of Steel’s background, abilities, and weaknesses to someone who was just learning the difference between a dog and a cat; still, it was something that had to be done if he was going to represent the essence of Superman on Halloween! As the show started and Superman began flying around, my little guy looked at the screen with a puzzled expression. He looked down at his shirt and then again at the screen, doing this a couple times before he looked back at me with these eyes of pure excitement. And as he looked at me, he pointed back at the television and exclaimed, “ME!” It was a simple association, but I could not have been a prouder Papa.
Perhaps that’s how my Dad felt as I donned my Ghostbusters suit for the very first time. Regardless, it is fun for us to think back and remember the times we had soaking up the pleasures of childhood. These days, Halloween just isn’t the same. We have to scan our candy and watch around every street corner. But one thing remains, the joy in a child’s eye and the pride in a parent’s heart when a costume turns out just right.
So this year for Halloween, whether you are dressing yourself, a little one, or no one at all, remember the times like these when life is full of joy. Then, think about how you can make it joyful again, for yourself or someone around you. It might be something as simple as a little kid becoming his favorite Superhero for an evening or a Dad reliving the better parts of his life. But whatever it is, let’s make this October 31 one that we all will remember with joy and pride. And above all, be safe!
As my wife and I began wondering how we would dress up our little boy, we could not help but reminisce over some of our favorite costumes. For me, it had to be the year my Dad made a Ghostbusters suit out of an old jumpsuit and a vacuum cleaner. I would probably still wear it today had it survived multiple trips through the neighborhood during my hay-day.
As I sit here working on this blog post after dropping my boy off at school, I cannot help but think about some of the costumes he’s worn that have been my favorites. There was the year he was a pumpkin, then the one when he was Tigger, not to mention a Power Ranger and The Flash. But my favorite had to be the year he dressed up as Superman! What better way to dress up my little fella than to resemble my favorite superhero? So as I got the suit, took it home, unfurled the cape, and placed it on his little body with that distinctive “S” emblazoned on his chest, I began to well up with pride thinking of just how proud I was of my son. But the really special thing was about to take place….
As he grew bored with just looking at himself in the costume, I took him downstairs to watch a Superman cartoon. I was preparing to explain the Man of Steel’s background, abilities, and weaknesses to someone who was just learning the difference between a dog and a cat; still, it was something that had to be done if he was going to represent the essence of Superman on Halloween! As the show started and Superman began flying around, my little guy looked at the screen with a puzzled expression. He looked down at his shirt and then again at the screen, doing this a couple times before he looked back at me with these eyes of pure excitement. And as he looked at me, he pointed back at the television and exclaimed, “ME!” It was a simple association, but I could not have been a prouder Papa.
Perhaps that’s how my Dad felt as I donned my Ghostbusters suit for the very first time. Regardless, it is fun for us to think back and remember the times we had soaking up the pleasures of childhood. These days, Halloween just isn’t the same. We have to scan our candy and watch around every street corner. But one thing remains, the joy in a child’s eye and the pride in a parent’s heart when a costume turns out just right.
So this year for Halloween, whether you are dressing yourself, a little one, or no one at all, remember the times like these when life is full of joy. Then, think about how you can make it joyful again, for yourself or someone around you. It might be something as simple as a little kid becoming his favorite Superhero for an evening or a Dad reliving the better parts of his life. But whatever it is, let’s make this October 31 one that we all will remember with joy and pride. And above all, be safe!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I'm Baaack!
Boy did we have a wonderful time on our little trip to Disney. We LOVE that place! This morning as I was driving Ethan to school, he was really moping. I told him the best thing about coming home from a trip like this one is looking forward to the next one. I'm not sure if he bought it.
Perhaps it's because this was a momentous trip for him. You see, with his growth spurt over the summer, he is now tall enough to ride all but a very few rides at Disney. That meant he was tall enough to ride the famous Space Mountain--something he had been looking forward to for the last year-and-a-half. Tiffany and I debated it and decided we would allow him to ride, making his trip.
We spent two days in the Magic Kingdom. The first day, Space Mountain had been shut down for technical difficulties. He was devastated. The second day, however, the ride was up and he was ready. With a pounding heart, the three of us walked up to the ride and stood outside the entrance. He looked up at me and I captured the expression on his face in a picture. It was a moment he'll never forget. Neither will I.
After the ride, he was ecstatic! A dream had come true and a rite of passage reached. Unfortunately, in a small way, it was all down hill from there. So now we look forward to the next one...
As for me, I hate getting back into gear after a trip...especially to Disney. It's so hard when my mind has been logged off for a couple days. But things are going very well at Lighthouse right now and I'm eager to see how God will bless us this week!
I hope you have a great day and I'll blog again later when my head is back on straight.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Stand & Deliver
I woke up this morning a little bruised...literally and figuratively. Our men's softball team had their first game last night. I had a 2-4 night at the plate with a couple of RBI! In fact, I hit the ball pretty well, much better than most games before. The exciting thing is my last at bat drove in two runs to tie the game. But I have to admit it was more of a relief than cause for celebration.
You see, in the previous inning, we were winning big, 8-0. Playing 1st base (which is my best position, or so I thought), I committed two BIG errors that not only helped the other team score some runs, but take the lead. One ball was thrown a little high, making me have to leap for it. The second one...well, there was no excuse for it. It was a soft grounder back to the pitcher, who fielded it cleanly and lobbed a soft toss over to me. I was trying so hard to make a great play, I totally botched it, dropping it, and helplessly watched it roll out of reach. All I could do was lay face first on the ground, pounding my fist in the dirt, and HOPE no one saw me. No such luck.
When we returned to the dugout, the rest of the team did what they were supposed to do. In the midst of their disappointment, they told me to shake it off and make the play next time. They reminded me that it happens to men who get played gobs of money to play the position. But all I could think about was the literally HUNDREDS of similar plays I've made before and those two that got away. I was disgusted and embarrassed. I was wearing it on my face so much that our coach came up to me saying I needed to clear my head a bit, and that someone else would be manning 1st for the rest of the game...that is if there was a rest of the game. We were now down by a couple of runs at our last at bat.
Fortunately, when I came to the plate with a chance to tie the game, I came through! I hit the ball about as hard as I have--a line drive in the hole between first and second base. Runners on 2nd and 3rd scored on the play. As I stood on first base taking it all in, I heard one of the team leaders holler out from the dugout, "Way to redeem yourself, Mark!"
We went on to win the game, in large part because I came through, even after playing terrible defense. But such is life, I suppose. As I woke up (still reeling over making the errors) my wrist ached from hitting the ground so furiously in my angst. The fact still remains, we won the game, and I played a big part in it. I have to admit, I'm still crying over the milk I spilt.
In life, we mess up all the time...it's called sin. If left to our own devices, we'd mess things up so royally all we could do would be lay on the ground, pound it in humiliation, and HOPE that no one sees us. But you know what, we're aren't left to our own devices. In Jesus, we are more than game winners; we are heirs, brothers to the living God. Despite our failings and shortcoming, in Christ, we are still part of the team, given every opportunity to stand at the plate and deliver in the clutch. That is if we allow Jesus' eternal strength to become our own.
Are you banged up this morning? Is your body worn and bruised? Is your heart tattered and torn? Take Jesus and allow His strength to become your strength. Know that with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances, you can STAND & DELIVER!
You see, in the previous inning, we were winning big, 8-0. Playing 1st base (which is my best position, or so I thought), I committed two BIG errors that not only helped the other team score some runs, but take the lead. One ball was thrown a little high, making me have to leap for it. The second one...well, there was no excuse for it. It was a soft grounder back to the pitcher, who fielded it cleanly and lobbed a soft toss over to me. I was trying so hard to make a great play, I totally botched it, dropping it, and helplessly watched it roll out of reach. All I could do was lay face first on the ground, pounding my fist in the dirt, and HOPE no one saw me. No such luck.
When we returned to the dugout, the rest of the team did what they were supposed to do. In the midst of their disappointment, they told me to shake it off and make the play next time. They reminded me that it happens to men who get played gobs of money to play the position. But all I could think about was the literally HUNDREDS of similar plays I've made before and those two that got away. I was disgusted and embarrassed. I was wearing it on my face so much that our coach came up to me saying I needed to clear my head a bit, and that someone else would be manning 1st for the rest of the game...that is if there was a rest of the game. We were now down by a couple of runs at our last at bat.
Fortunately, when I came to the plate with a chance to tie the game, I came through! I hit the ball about as hard as I have--a line drive in the hole between first and second base. Runners on 2nd and 3rd scored on the play. As I stood on first base taking it all in, I heard one of the team leaders holler out from the dugout, "Way to redeem yourself, Mark!"
We went on to win the game, in large part because I came through, even after playing terrible defense. But such is life, I suppose. As I woke up (still reeling over making the errors) my wrist ached from hitting the ground so furiously in my angst. The fact still remains, we won the game, and I played a big part in it. I have to admit, I'm still crying over the milk I spilt.
In life, we mess up all the time...it's called sin. If left to our own devices, we'd mess things up so royally all we could do would be lay on the ground, pound it in humiliation, and HOPE that no one sees us. But you know what, we're aren't left to our own devices. In Jesus, we are more than game winners; we are heirs, brothers to the living God. Despite our failings and shortcoming, in Christ, we are still part of the team, given every opportunity to stand at the plate and deliver in the clutch. That is if we allow Jesus' eternal strength to become our own.
Are you banged up this morning? Is your body worn and bruised? Is your heart tattered and torn? Take Jesus and allow His strength to become your strength. Know that with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances, you can STAND & DELIVER!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
It's A 'We' Thing...
So they did it...the Atlanta Falcons won their first game today! Based on the responses from my first poll, I see they're already 1/3 of the way to their season total.
All teasing aside, it was great to see them win one…and not just pull one out, but win one! It seemed they had just about all aspects of their game together--offense, defense, and special teams. Not even the ghosts of 2 former quarterbacks and all the other hoopla of this early season could tarnish the sweetness of victory.
As humans, we enjoy games, sports, and such. Perhaps it's competition, pride, or simply the nature of play, but we enjoy games. And for those like me--who with the exception of a church softball game--are relegated to observers, there's just something about identifying with a team during the big game or after an exciting victory. Though it was the athletes who made the plays, we all share in the excitement of the event.
When I refer to my teams (Bulldawgs, Braves, Falcons, & Thrashers), I typically do so with the "We" moniker. Sure, I did nothing in the game, but I get so wrapped up in 'fandom' that I feel as though I'm part of the team. After all, with the time, energy, and money I invest in the teams, I am part of it.
We all want to belong to something bigger than ourselves. That's another big part of human nature. We all want to know that we make a difference; that we matter and what we do matters. The truth is we do matter. You matter to God. And when you're on His team, you BELONG!
So may you be blessed today with the notion that you belong; may you know that you can make a difference to God and those you love. And in the end, you'll realize we all share in the sweetness of victory in God's amazing love!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Beginnings
This is my first blog. 'Bout time, I suppose. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, but simply didn't take the time/effort to begin working on it. So many new things are happening now, though, I figured it's time to get off the schnide and venture into a new frontier!
Speaking of new things, I find this time of year quite interesting when the networks traipse out their new programming for the fall. It's a time to catch up on favorite shows from last year and get hooked on new ones. It's also a time to break some tired habits and make the difficult decision to part ways with shows that no longer tickle my fancy.
And then there's the always aggravating and inevitable reality that a favorite show got cancelled due to lack of interest. For example, FX had a show out a couple years back called "Over There" about a company of soldiers in the current Iraq War. It was raw, violent, and best I can tell, realistic. That was it's appeal as well as its downfall. Apparently people didn't feel comfortable watching a show about a controversial war currently being fought. Regardless how you feel about the war, I thought it was a good show that met a premature and unfortunate ending.
Life is full of these kinds of endings. Almost a month ago my beloved uncle (and undisputed patriarch of my dad's side of the family) passed suddenly when he fell out of his boat and drowned while fishing. Our family was caught off guard to say the least and left to wonder how this could happen to him and us. He literally lived his life on that lake and fished every single day. He logged more hours on that boat than I have on this earth and for him to meet his maker in such a way is as confounding as just about anything can be.
My Uncle Billy was a man of great faith. Because of this, I know that his tragic death is not the end. Jesus said that he makes all things new and because of the gift of his own life for you and me, we can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is hope for tomorrow even when it seems all is lost.
The proof of this came just last weekend as our family gathered for the first time since his funeral for a couple birthday parties--my mom's 60th and my grandmother's 86th. Though his absence was significant, our family got together with a piñata, quesadillas, candy and cake. We played and celebrated the life that we share, knowing that it's always darkest before the dawn and there's more hope in love and togetherness than there is hopelessness in grief!
I am sure that as a new fall TV lineup begins I will grow attached to a story line and group of characters that won't last forever. But alas, nothing ever does. For every "Over There" that comes and goes in the blink of an eye, there is a "Friends", "Seinfeld", and even "The Simpsons". All things come to an end, but are able to love and celebrate the times that we have.
Take this day to make a new beginning; for yourself, your friends, your family, and whoever else that deserves your best. And if you are stuck in the premature and unfortunate loss of something dear to you, be comforted by the words of our Lord..."Behold, I make all things new."
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