You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2008.
This is New Year’s Eve. The last hours of 2008 is a mere few hours away. It’s been meaningful to reflect over an amazing year.
Family rates up at the top of my favorite memories. Long talks, serious discussions, and fervent prayers pepper those relationships. Decisions that alter the lives of my children have not been uncommon this year. Each time the Lord has blessed, guided, and given affirmation when we have sought His wisdom together.
One of my hardest decisions was saying Good-bye to our Lhasa Apso, Dusty, after fifteen loyal years. He was such a character. But, in the end cancer won and a mercy decision was the right thing to do.
Friends shape and mold my soul more than any other situation in life. Laughter, provision, help, encouragement, advice, consolation, warning, smiles, tears, hugs, surprises, gestures, unspoken gazes, cheers and prayers are all a part of deepening what already exists between hearts knitted together with eternal threads. What would any of us do without our friends?
2008 was the year for privileged travel. My frequent flyer miles took me to Israel, South Korea, Quebec and South Africa. In those very special places I walked the land and met great people and experienced the blessing of God that before I only thought would be in my dreams.
I was also back in one of my favorite places in the world, Oregon. The beauty of the NW was refreshed in my soul. Visions of hikes below towering Douglas fir, gazing at majestic Mt. Hood, skipping along the shores of the vast Pacific Ocean, combing for sea shells on the endless beaches and smiling at jet skis spouting up giant rooster tails on the mighty Columbia River all contribute to the serenity that fills up my senses.
Back at home I love thinking about the lives of special people. Joint Heirs are members of the Adult Bible Fellowship that I teach. It is a treat to be their teacher.
Michigan Theological Seminary was a highlight. It’s an amazing collection of great people who are all deeply devoted to the Lord and determined to make a difference with their lives. God’s transformation of lives is a regular occurence in this place.
When it comes right down to what made 2008 special, it was all about people. I am grateful for those people that I love. Of course it is a blessing to also be loved by them. Happy New Year!
Christmas this year was very special. Yes, I know, Christmas is always special. But, for me this Christmas had a very memorable moment.
My son and daughter-in-law moved 2,000 miles away nine months ago. We have emailed and text messaged each other here and there, but there’s nothing like face-to-face time with family. This is a connection like no other human experience.
My daughter and her husband live three states away. It requires a long eight hour drive for them to come here or for us to go there. Any way that we slice that drive, it’s a huge effort for some family time.
Our third legacy of a lifetime is here at home with us. He fills our days with laughter and joy while he workss hard in his Graduate studies. Some day too, he will discover that it is time to fly away from home. Who knows where he will land.
But, this Christmas was a time for our entire family to celebrate. Each of our kids headed for home. The weather made the rendezvous a little more dramatic than we would have liked, but in the end all came together for a few amazing days.
My wife put on a feast for our Christmas dinner. Her prime rib was perfect: moist, flavorful, and succulent. That entree was enhanced with Scottish style potatoes, sweet potato cassarole, crescent rolls, and a green salad to-die-for.
After I prayed and thanked God for His generous provision as well as for the joy of family, it was time to “Amen!” the prayer and dig in. That’s when I gave everyone the nod and the food was passed around with gusto.
Each of my children took special portions of their favorite dish. Mom’s cooking was a treat for these who live many miles away. The laughter was deafening.
It was time for a personal pause. Every weekend for countless years I envied the men who could enjoy any weekend that they wanted with their children. There is even the option of extending the weekend with a partial Friday to begin the two day fest with family memories.
The ministry doesn’t afford that luxury. That limitation called for a great deal of creativity. But now, I would bask in the joy of the sounds of a house full of children. The fun, joy and teasing was remarkable. This was a delightful “Father moment.” I love my family!
Christmas is winding down. New Year’s is quickly approaching. The time between these two special days is a great opportunity to put away our decorations.
This is that moment when I am so pleased that I chose to get an artificial Christmas tree. My nostalgic days to insist on a live tree have long past. It’s a wonderful memory but that’s when our house was filled with our children still being kids.
They kept insisting on a real tree for years. Even when they moved out of the house they would look at me in horror when I suggested that we would switch to an artificial tree. Each one who had started a new home tried to shame me with news that they had a real tree in their homes.
I laughed at them! That was one of those moments when children turn into adults and feel quite free to tell their Father what to do. It made me chuckle.
Then we began rotate homes where we celebrate Christmas. Add to that shuffle the myriad of early Christmas parties that we would host in our home. An artificial tree would be so much more convenient.
Instead of driving out to a tree farm, taking half of a day to enjoy the experieince, and making the trek back home with the forest sample strapped to the roof of our car, it was much easier to walk down into our basement and assemble our tree. It was so easy. Then, once the tree is decorated and I switch on the lights it’s still a favorite moment for my wife and me to sit on the sofa and quietly admire it.
In addition I don’t have to remember to water the tree. Sure, I miss the fragrance of a live tree. But, at this time of the year I don’t miss vacuuming the dropped needles. Nor do I miss the massive clean up when I have to haul the tree out of the house and look back at the trail of boughs, bark, and slimy water leading out to the driveway.
Hmmm…now I have another thought. I wonder how I could leave my artificial tree intact without breaking it down into its box. Maybe I can even figure out an efficient way to leave it decorated, covered for a year of storage, just to bring it out completely ready for display! Ouch! Who hit me? Kids?!
Sunday I had to make a second commute to our State’s Capital to fill the pulpit of key church. The commute from my house is about an hour and 15 minutes. That ’s when the traffic doesn’t present a problem.
For my own peace of mind I leave early and allow plenty of time for such a journey. The anxiety from preaching is tough enough. But, add to that a natural tendency on my part to insist on being prompt and I do much better by arriving early.
My children were home viisting over the Christmas break. The church offered me a hotel for the night. But, that would have meant that I would have spent less time with my living legacy. Voluntarily, therefore, I declined the generous offer for an all-expense-paid hotel-stay to spend more time at home with my children.
The forecast for Sunday morning included a severe weather advisory. After clicking on that warning notation I read the disconcerting news. A rapidly diminishing low pressure would be pushing its way through our state.
This was a sure-fire recipe for high winds. Temperatures in the low 30’s combined with the high winds meant for hazardous driving conditions. That would be tough enough for local travel. But, I had a 70 mile commute in the dark.
Travelling alone I closely followed my GPS map and instructions. It was bit nerve-racking. The winds were blowing at sustained speeds of 30 mph. Strong gusts registered over 50 mph.
Just about everyone was driving slower. I certainly was among them. Even in my full-sized pick-up truck I felt jostled and jerked around while en route to my appointed service. 18 wheelers were taking their journey very slowly. Nervous drivers were driving with great care.
Occasionally, a car would blown into another lane, seemingly without warning. Those drivers subsequently greatly reduced their speeds. The commute was accident-free but still took an extra 30 minutes with the slow speeds.
Once I arrived safely, it was time to be grateful that there were no mishaps on the road. My ministry regularly puts 25,000 miles on my vehicle each year. That’s over twice the average of my fellow drivers.
For each journey safely completed, I am very grateful. It’s a little thing, I realize. That’s why I make it a big thing, because it is little and has never been allowed by a merciful God to be a big one.
On Christmas Eve I was honored to deliver the Christmas message at Ward Church in Northville, Michigan. That is an amazing church consisting of thousands of faithful members. In order to accomodate that large congregation there are four services that are held on December 24. Yes, I was their guest speaker and preached ALL four services.
Between the first and second services, I received some very shocking news. Perhaps it was the festive mood of the season that made the news so stunning. I’m sure that I was concentrating on what I was to preach and not expecting any emergency news.
David King has been a friend for nearly a decade. Together we have shared many laughs, explored many topics, and shared our latest adventure of serving as Deacons at our church. He chairs our Deacon board.
The sad news that I received on Christmas Eve was about Dave. En route to a destination, driving alone, Dave had a heart attack and went home to be with Jesus forever. All of us who knew and loved him will miss him.
Dave had a gift. It was the gift of giving cheer. No matter what anyone was facing or how difficult their circumstances, Dave had a way of making people smile, be encouraged, and realize that someone really cared for them.
Personally, I’m not sure if his gift was encouragement or service. From the stories that I have heard, Dave was a man who did not allow an opportunity to help someone else slip by him. If he could not give aid himself, then, he would make sure that others did.
That attention to deliver genuine care alone made him an excellent Deacon. He communicated with our large board of Deacons with precision, timeliness, and encouragement. As busy as all of the Deacon’s are, Dave found a way to keep in contact with us all.
During our meetings he was efficient and fun-loving all at the same. I don’t need more meetings to attend. However, these Deacon gatherings are a joy to attend.
The task of serving the church family is not ony delightful, but serving with quality men is a thrill. Dave provided a kind of leadership that I do not often see. His whimsical, good natured, get-it-done balance has served so many well. He will be missed but now he is in eternity and has begun a new life with Jesus forever.
One of my favorite places to shop is at a big-box store. Selection is limited but the quality is great, prices are excellent, and quantity-for-value is superb. But, I don’t like crowds.
Crowds aren’t my favorite thing. In fact I will avoid those busy times of shopping even if it means putting-off getting something that is on my list. Large gatherings of people almost always means grouchy people. Some times one of those grouchy people is me.
OK, I said it. Grumps and sour dowers are born in crowded places. Impatience and selfishness abounds. If I’m not careful their unpleasant disposition infects me.
But, I had to go to that store during these busy holidays. There’s no pre-selection of times when the crowd is lighter during this time of year. It’s always busy.
It was difficult to find a parking space. I still exercise courtesy to other drivers even when they choose to race me for an available parking spot. Shrugging my shoulders, I move on to the next space.
On the longer walk into the store, I am stunned by the man in a suit, driving an expensive European car with his cell phone clamped to his ear, slamming on his brakes and throwing his arms up in the air like he has been deeply offended. In front of him is an elderly couple picking their way carefully through the snow is trying to get from the parking area to the side walk. The driver must be Scrooge’s protege.
Inside the store, the normally full shopping cart area only has a few baskets available. One woman is struggling to pull two carts apart. She isn’t too happy. I helped her separate them. All she can do is mutter a complaint about the lousy service at this deeply discounted “self-service” store.
Wandering around the crowded store is a quick reminder of my dislike for hordes of people all trying to accomplish their individual agenda. If anyone impedes the progress of someone else, there are eyes that roll, heads that shake, and curses that pass over frowning lips. Naturally, there are bumps and clashes of buggies too.
I was sure that I had the right of way. But, she was pushing quickly and looking at a product behind her. She ran into me while I was stationary. “Humph,” she grunted while tossing me a discourteous look. “Merry Christmas?” I offered to her.
For many years I have been a fan of Mannheim Steamroller. Their Christmas music is a part of my annual season melodies. From the first time that I heard their music, I have been hooked.
While I enjoyed their sound I never quite knew what the band would look like. The sound, timbres, and harmonies are all fascinating. There is real talent behind the orchestration, composition, and performance of this music.
So much of the Christmas season is celebrated with music that is similar. That’s not at all bad. We all like the familiar during this time of year.
Mannheim Steamroller struck out on its own. It presented to the world a new sound. Music aficionados are hard pressed to describe it.
The music is not rock. It is not classical. Nor is it pop. In so many ways it is a combination of styles and truly is a unique blend.
Friday night my wife and I went to a live concert of Mannheim Steamroller. Everyone around was very friendly. The weather was very bad but the show must go on and so it did.
Chip Davis the creator of Mannheim Steamroller greeted us on video. He was home recovering from neck surgery, but he wanted to at least do something unique with his personal greeting. That was the beginning of a fabulous evening filled with creativity and cheer.
After Davis introduced Mannheim Steamroller one of his signature songs began to play. Behind the screen a band of five musicians was revealed on a beautifully decorated stage. Supporting the five key musicians was a seven piece orchestra.
At first I was shocked that so much sound could come from such a small group. Yet, the more the familiar tunes played the more it made wonderful sense. My wonderment grew, my smile broadened, and my mind drank it all in.
The concert master was a violinist. He was joined by two percussionist, a bassist and keyboardist. Each of these five also played various other instruments. They were all so talented and passionate in their performances.
In years past I would listen to their music and enjoy the sounds. Now, and for years to come I will do more than listen. Because of this live experience, I will also see with my minds eye what I witnessed and experienced on a very cold and snowy night. Live is a fabulous experience.
Michiganders have a resiliency when it comes to inclement weather. Every year winter is the “hot” topic of discussion. It’s not because bad weather is novel, rather it is something on which we all have an opinion.
Our Great Lakes meteorological opinion is not flipant, rather it is experiential. Every winter it is not a matter of whether it will snow but how much it will snow. Of course we also chime in on how cold it will be.
This morning as I write I am surrounded in my office with decorations for Christmas. The mood among my staff is optimistic. Even our guests on campus are cheerful.
But, the cheer on campus today is tempered. Tonight and for most of tomorrow we are expecting a winter storm. 6-10 inches of snow are bearing down on Michigan.
Christmas is just around the corner. The wonder of a white Christmas doesn’t have to be a dream this year. Every Meteoroligical journalist is predicting one this year.
Our out-of-state guests are leaving town early. They have already booked themselves on earlier flights. We smiled with deep understanding.
For our own team we reviewed our inclement weather policy. Some teased that we should just pre-announce the closing of the seminary office. I just laughed, avoiding any answer to that exploration.
Finally, our policy-maker suggested that everyone pay attention to the news. We have made calls on the weather too early in the past. This time we would be patient and make a good call once the weather revealed itself.
In any case my truck is ready for whatever comes our way. It is a 4×4 with three options for extra traction. My tires are new. They have specially designed treads for extra traction.
I also have a telescoping brush and ice scraper. My emergency equipment is safely stowed. That includes jumper cables, essential tools, first aid kit, flash light, cell phone, automobile club memebership, gps, and flares.
Perhaps the best emergency equipment is the remote garage door opener. That’s something I use after I have moved my truck safely into the garage. Then, I close the garage door and block out the inclement weather.
Once I’m safely inside I love the view out of our windows. The winter wonderland is stunning. With the Christmas lights twinkling and decorations glistening, the day of celebrating Jesus’ birth with a white Christmas from inside of a warm cozy house is amazing.
Yesterday I was exploring several hundreds of acres that a friend recently purchased. He wanted me to enjoy what he has added to his homestead. It was a wonderful moment of solitude.
Once I pulled into his field, I brought my truck to a stop. Then, I shifted my transmission into neutral so that I could lock in my four-wheel drive. That brings a smile to man’s face, four-wheelin’ is a treat.
Gripping my steering wheel with leather driving gloves, I moved over hills, around stumps, and circumvented boulders. That brought me to a place to prudently stop. Now, it was time to walk.
The very cold temperatures were not a problem. I had the right clothes, excellent boots, and very effective head gear. My hike took me about a mile into the woods.
Woodpeckers resounded with their percussive drilling for insects. Canadian geese honked overhead flying in perfect “V” formation. Sand hill cranes added to the variety of big birds in the sky.
A flock of wild turkeys entertained me. They were all hens, bobbing their heads, darting back and forth, and scratching for bugs in the grass. Soon a flock of all Toms marched by with their beards bouncing in the wind.
Twenty minutes before dark, it started to snow. Just a few flakes floated down at first, but then it came down thick enough to impede my vision. For a moment I was threatened. Would I get snowed in by a white-out blizzard?
I was alone in the woods. But, the fear was quickly assuaged by an assessment of my equipment. I had everything that I needed to stay warm and safe even in the most inclement of weather.
It was fun to walk through the snow storm and safely reach my 4×4 truck. Peeling off layers of excellent outdoor clothing, I settled into the driver’s seat. On the long drive home I was blessed by the Lord with safety. Big trucks were sliding all around me and cars driving too fast were spinning out of control.
After safely walking through snowy woods, driving long miles surrounded by spin-out traffic, I ended up safely at our mailbox. I collected my mail, thinking that I had made the dangerous journey home without any mishaps. Then, I took one step on to the road, slipped on the ice, lost half of my mail in the air, and landed hard on the-seat-of-my-understanding. What does the Bible say that goes before a fall?
Christmas is a special time of the year. It’s a time for celebration. Personally, I don’t think we can celebrate without a large dose of Christmas music.
Programs centered around the theme of Jesus’ birth are every where. Just about every church on every corner of the street has a Christmas pageant. Most of them still are “free of charge.”
Most of us love Christmas music. We can all quickly list our favorites. Then, every year our talented musicians debut their newest songs for the season.
Some of the songs are just plain fun. No one really finds it offensive to have an active imagination around fables. At least no one with whom any of us want to spend much time.
We all chuckle at Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch that stole Christmas. The bandits in the Home Alone series, both sets, are laughable. Mr. Potter in the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, is an image of someone that we prefer to avoid.
Yet, the villains of Christmas and the ornery sour pushy person in the stores are exceptions to the cheer of the season. Actually, they help us highlight what we all love about this time of the year. Contrast is a great way to put the spot light on the good.
But why dwell on the bad? Why give a platform to the negative? We might as well enjoy the season of celebration and concentrate on the joyous.
So, strike up the band and let the Christmas songs play. Some of the old time carols never cease to stir my spirit. Handel’s great oratorio “Messiah” is a perennial favorite. Yet, the modern talents of Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller always makes me smile. Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker is delightful but so is Michael W. Smith’s varied renditions of Christmas songs.
I love to go to church during this time of year. Our auditorium is decorated in festive colors and lights. The Christmas program is part of our month-long celebration.
Yet, I look forward to going to the theater too. This year I will take my bride to enjoy Chip Davis and the Mannheim Steamroller. It is sure to be a great memory for a lifetime.
Christmas and the true meaning of this season is Jesus Christ. He makes life worth living because He has given me eternal life. Everything about that great gift is worth singing about this time of the year!
