Well here we are, just 4 days away from Christmas. I'm truly looking forward to the service on Christmas eve and then worship on Christmas morning. Pretty awesome to think that Christmas falls on Sunday this year. It will be interesting to see how many people are here on Sunday morning because of it being Christmas. I know that many will be out of town with family and friends. That's okay because it always good to be home for Christmas if at all possible.
For my family it is hard to say what "home" for Christmas means. Where is "home" anyway? Is it at our house (which actually is the church parsonage)? Is it at my parents in Marion county with my brothers and their families? Is it at a central location in the state with my wife's family? And what about my kids? What does "home" for Christmas mean to them?
Well this year "home" will be in Las Vegas, Nevada. That's where the middle son and his wife live and on the 26th, my wife and I and our other 2 sons are heading west for some time together as a family. For that's what's really important for us. Not so much the location, but the fact that we can be together. That doesn't happen very often for us and that time is precious so whether it's Vegas, Salina, Marion, Leoti - wherever; home is where our family is.
So I pray that wherever you call home, you will have a very Merry Christmas and a most blessed New Year.
Signing out for the year 2005 - P.R.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
GIVING OR GETTING?
In light of S. M.'s children story Sunday morning I wonder how many of us really believe that it is better to give than to receive? After a little reflection (ouch) I've noticed that some of the giving is not necessarily positive, you know what I mean? Some people like to give their advice when it's not advice at all but their judgment. Some people like to give their opinions without thinking through the tone in which they are said or the impact they may have on thoise who are possibly going through difficult times. Some people love to give the latest news that they've heard without ever checking out the facts. And some flat like to give others a hard time, a regular burr under the saddle, no matter the occasion. I don't think that's the giving that this time of the year (or any time of year) represents.
As far as receiving presents, compliments, pats on the backs, affirmations - you bet, we all like that. And if we enjoy being affirmed and appreciated, don't you think others do as well? Of course they do.
As we move closer to Christmas day, may I suggest that that we give of ourselves to others. Give graciously of our time, our words, our deeds. People "get" enough of the negative stuff out there. Let's not be those who perpetuate that kind of giving. But let us be observant of those around us, those who have lost loved ones, those who are struggling with cancer, those who are facing financial difficulties, those who just need a word of encouragement, even a hug. Let us make a consious effort to give of ourselves in a loving manner that best exemplifies who we are as Christians. It may be our best Christmas ever.
As far as receiving presents, compliments, pats on the backs, affirmations - you bet, we all like that. And if we enjoy being affirmed and appreciated, don't you think others do as well? Of course they do.
As we move closer to Christmas day, may I suggest that that we give of ourselves to others. Give graciously of our time, our words, our deeds. People "get" enough of the negative stuff out there. Let's not be those who perpetuate that kind of giving. But let us be observant of those around us, those who have lost loved ones, those who are struggling with cancer, those who are facing financial difficulties, those who just need a word of encouragement, even a hug. Let us make a consious effort to give of ourselves in a loving manner that best exemplifies who we are as Christians. It may be our best Christmas ever.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
JUST for kids!
Okay, I'm JUST checking to see if any kids are reading this here blog thing. So I would like to offer the first 3 kids a prize for the correct answer to some questions I have as they pertain to some of the blogs I've written in the past. A few weeks ago I wrote about going to Wichita to lead some music at a spiritual event called ________ ___ ___________. What was the name of that event?
Earlier in the year I wrote about moving my middle son to a city out west. There is a song that I referred to that was the title of the blog regarding the city he lives in. What was the title?
Speaking of songs, I used a song by Willie Nelson which referred to my being gone a lot as I was preaching in various locations in September and October. What was the name of that song?
And recently I wrote of a phrase that I despise that is used a lot during the Christmas season. What is it?
Okay, you can only win if you comment on this blog. The answers must be right and you must give me your first name and last initial on the blog comment. Ready, set, go!
Earlier in the year I wrote about moving my middle son to a city out west. There is a song that I referred to that was the title of the blog regarding the city he lives in. What was the title?
Speaking of songs, I used a song by Willie Nelson which referred to my being gone a lot as I was preaching in various locations in September and October. What was the name of that song?
And recently I wrote of a phrase that I despise that is used a lot during the Christmas season. What is it?
Okay, you can only win if you comment on this blog. The answers must be right and you must give me your first name and last initial on the blog comment. Ready, set, go!
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