The Christmas Story

When trying to keep Jesus the focus this holiday season, it is vital that He gets your attention. I've realized that shopping, wrapping presents, hanging decorations, and many of the activities that go along with Christmas time is a perfect opportunity to remember Christ.

For instance, why do we shop for presents and wrap them? Like a birthday, we want to give gifts. It's Jesus' birthday. I know Micaiah doesn't quite understand it yet, but while we were shopping I was telling him about Jesus' birthday and we get to give presents to others in order to celebrate His birthday. The same with hanging decorations, like a birthday party we hang decorations...you get my picture.

Finally, over the last few nights we've been reading the Christmas story. I do use children's material in order for it to relate to my almost 2 year old, but I also have been reading the Christmas Story from God's perspective...His Word, the Bible. Even though his is only 1 years old, it is vital that he starts hearing God's Word, especially from his parents.

So this Christmas season, take the time to remember why you buy those presents, wrap those gifts, and hang those decorations. Also, be encouraged to read the Christmas story from God's Word (and don't be afraid to do it every night. repetition helps remembrance). Merry Christmas!!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December is upon us and that means that Christmas is just around the corner!

I love Christmas. It is and has always been my favorite holiday and not just because of the presents! But last year Christmas meant a little more. It was the first Christmas that Cyndi and I had with our son, Micaiah. It made me realize that I have a vital responsibility to teach my son about the true meaning of Christmas. Over the next few weeks I will be posting on how to keep the meaning of Christmas at the focus of your Christmas season.

Before I do, I want to know your thoughts and your ideas on how you keep Jesus the center of your Christmas?

Change

Tonight as I right this post I am sitting here and reflecting over changes. This probably has something to do with listening to Tupac earlier...

Let me confess something. I used to hate change! Growing up anytime we would change youth leaders, I hated it! Anytime some sort of programming changed, I hated it! When our Pastoral staff changed at my home church, I hated it! I hated moving, changing schools, and anything else to do with change! I wanted things to stay the same.

However, this cannot be! In order to grow up and become much more mature as a human being, and as a Christian we must change. I feel that change is necessary in church as well. Does this mean that we change God's Word to fit what we think? No! Does this mean that we just change things up just to change, maybe sometimes! But the reality is that if we are going to reach the next generation (which statistically Generation Y, those people 30 yrs and younger, only 4% of them go to church) WE MUST CHANGE!

Thinking towards what is ahead in our lives, I see a church that is willing to change in order to reach people. I see a church that puts people ahead of programs, relevancy before religion, and lost people the #1 priority. It is time that we see a generation rise up! I am looking forward to what is in store and the changes that are ahead!

You Matter!

Since the age of 16 I have known that my purpose in life is to develop passionate, whole-hearted followers of Jesus. In other words, I know that my calling in life is to create a generation of people who love Jesus with everything in their beings and strive to live daily for Him.

This has not been an easy task. I have had several great ministries that I have been a part of that has allowed me to make a difference for the time being. And to be honest with you, I've had some major successes along the way! However, what most people don't confess is that I have failed along the way as well. These failures are where I have learned the most!

So, what is the point for this post? Here goes...you are called to be who you are! There will be failures along the way, and people who will tell you that what you have done previously doesn't matter. But the reality is that everything matters to God. Your successes and your failures, because YOU MATTER TO GOD! So as I prepare to step out in the next phase of my life, this is more of a reminder to me that I MATTER TO GOD, and He cares more about my faithfulness than my success!

Tech Geek

If any of you know me very well, you know that there are several material things that I absolutely love: Tools and Technology! Seriously, I am a bit of a geek when it comes to these things.

Well recently, I have acquired a Flip camera. I have lots of digital cameras and video cameras, so I definitely did not need another one. However, it was on sale and my wife thought said it was ok. So I bought one. I have only had it for a day but I love this thing. Here are a few reasons why.

1. It is smaller than my cell phone, so it is able to be taken with me everywhere.
2. It is High Definition. It shoots better looking footage than my previously owned Canon XL1
3. I can "flip" it out and record on the moment without having to drag it out of a camera bag and wait for it to warm up. From the time I take it out of my pocket to the time I start recording is under 3 seconds.
4. I don't have to carry extra cords with me because it has a built in usb.
5. Lastly, IT IS MAC compatible!!!

For less than $200 you can get an awesome HD camera! Here is just a short video (of my son, of course) that I filmed today with this camera.