It's Christmas Eve, and already the Spirit is moving among us.  It does not seem to matter as you look around at all of the busyness that seems to be happening -- people are getting ready for Christmas, even in spite of the current economic state of things.  There is something special about today -- and there are children anxious for tomorrow morning to come.  Families everywhere will be gathering tonight, tomorrow, and the coming few days to celebrate together and enjoy the spirit of family.

However, human needs being as they are, I found myself involved in a family intervention situation last night that meant sharing my home with a teenager so there could be some cooling off time for a rather stressed out family.  Here it, Christmas Eve, and beneath the surface of life, there lies family strife, anger, hostility, and other things worse.  For some folks, they would ignore what is happening -- glossing over what is really going on and think other things and not be aware that there are people crying out for help.  So, we opened our home.  

This morning, when the dust had settled and there was some semblance of sleep between last night and this morning, we called a truce for three days with and for this family.  Your prayers are REALLY needed now.  I am asking you to join with me and asking special prayers for this family in need.  I prayed that the Lord would place His healing hand upon them and to watch over them during these three days.  My hope and prayer is that we can help them discover that an attitude change is necessary in order not just to survive, but to learn how to live in peace with each other.  

So, as we continue this day of Christmas Eve, and gather together for services everywhere, may we all remember that Christ came to offer peace ... and hope ...  and love.  My wish for all of you is to experience a blessed Christmas, and then offer to Him yourself as you make a difference in this world.

Take care, my friends.

Alan

It's Almost Here...

Advent is more than 2/3 through, and I feel as if I am tethered to the kitchen at home.  I am not trying to break any records, mind you, just being sure I can share the baked cookies with as many as I can.

The season of giving has grabbed me again as Barb and I try to figure how to help this small family: mother and son.  They barely are making it; and, the young son needs a winter coat -- groceries would be a good thing because then the mother would have enough money to at least buy something for her son for Christmas.  It sure brings it close to home when you make a choice between a present under the tree or food on the table.  I know.  I have been there in my life.  When I was about this boy's age, my parents informed me and my half-sister and brother that there wouldn't be much of a Christmas.  My Mom told me that maybe we could make some things that we could give.  So we did.  At the last few days before Christmas, food arrived and some presents for each of us kids came, too -- graciously provided by a scout troop.  But the making of a gift stuck with me, so that is why I make cookies and give them away.  In fact, some people like to buy the cookies I make to give to others!  The money raised goes right back into more ingredients.  The feeling I get by giving the cookies away is a special feeling I hold dear -- thanks to my Mom who told me she so enjoyed something I made rather than something I bought.  It has stayed with me until this day.

This great season, coupled with my coming back to work and the feelings that has unleashed have given me a whole new perspective about my life and witness.  Thanks be to God for all the good things that are happening.

So, make something for someone else -- see what you think.

Take care, my friends.

Alan

Transition Continues with Advent

My apologies for those who have been following the blog ... I had promised to write something each week; however, putting both feet on the ground really meant keeping pace with all the activities and events that have come my way since I am back at work.  

I sure picked a great time to come back to work!  Thanksgiving/Christmas and all that has been planned out thus far -- not to mention playing a catch-up game with what has happened with the youth groups and the church in general, has kept me very busy.  The Session has received my paper -- both sections.  Of course, there is a whole lot more to share, but 36 pages, single-typed, is probably as much as anyone could digest at one time!  The essence of what I wrote is played out in the first section: namely that the Ministry of Hospitality and the Ministry of Mission are key points for us to continue to work on and improve.  We have such a wonderful church with very caring people that make up the body.  That has been so evident across the years.  We, of course, have our days when we doubt that -- but is that not true in all families?  When you look at the larger picture, it becomes evident that we have a caring, benevolent congregation that works hard at helping others as well as caring for their own.  The ideas shared (second section of my paper) has some possibilities for us to seriously consider that are aimed at making what we do even better.  Lots of new things that may strengthen our congregation and its outreach to the community.

On the personal side: as I come to work each day, I have tried to discipline myself not to jump back into old habits.  I have made considerable effort to step back and let others be in charge.  For the most part, that is working.  With Dinner Theatre looming, I have purposefully placed more responsibility with the two co-producers from the youth group.  They need to be accountable or more than before; however, I also know that I cannot expect everything to be the same as before.  I gave them the tools to work with; the directors have had very good input in the discussions and decisions of who plays what part on stage for the program, and I believe we are off and running.  This year, we are pulling more people into the project than ever before.  We'll see what it's like as we venture into the new year... Dinner Theatre '09 is the first Friday and Saturday in March.

This week also means a cookie blitz of sorts -- that way, I will be able to keep up with the demand of cookies from various parts of the area!  Many events coming up; opportunities to share; some decorating at home; and, most importantly, my daughter Erin comes home this week which I so look forward to.  She and I have wonderful conversations about church life, her future, and what is happening in my life.  We also get to laugh and giggle over life issues and situations -- seeing the humor in some things which takes the all-too-seriousness away for a while.

I promise to be diligent in my writing. 

The transition continues. Take care, my friends. 

Alan