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Black Friday

Anyone get up at 3 in the morning to participate in Black Friday?  What was your best deal?

It seems odd that the day after "Thanks"giving is named Black Friday.  So morbid.  It's also a bit odd that the day after we thank God for all the things in our life - and generally, we have this realization that money and stuff don't buy us happiness, but that we're just thankful for family and friends and health and a roof over our head - that we immediately go out the next day on a buying frenzy for stuff that we won't even remember in a year or two.

How did we get here?

Remember this Christmas to be part of the conspiracy:  give more, spend less, worship fully.

Happy Turkey Day!

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow and get stuffed with stuffing and all the other good stuff.  We have so much to be thankful for.  My prayer for you, is that in the busyness of meal preparation and football games and family, that you will be able to take some time and reflect and thank God (the "Giver of all good gifts") for all He has blessed you with.

I'm so very thankful for a wonderful wife who loves me and our kids well, and pursues Jesus.  For kids who are growing up to be fine young men and are starting to really live the Jesus way.  I'm thankful for the home I live in, for the wonderful friends and ministry partners that I have.  I'm even thankful for big blue!  And, I'm so thankful for each of you who call The Journey your home church and invest your time and money and talents into the vision of the church and to helping people take their next steps.  It blows me away.  I could not say thank you enough.  So often we list person after person who serves and extends themselves.  I wish we could have every one of you over for dinner and just express our gratitude.  Thank you!!

Oh, and I'm thankful for our groups that we're a part of.  And, I'm really proud of our group that is stepping up to provide a great Thanksgiving for a family that is desperately in need.  Way to go!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving (I would suggest that if you're really going to enjoy it, don't watch the Lions tomorrow).  So, it's your turn . . . what are you thankful for?

40 baby!

 
Jennifer turns 40 today!  It's a big milestone.  And, for those of you who are wondering . . . yes, I married an older woman (so what if it's only by 8 months!).  Jennifer is an incredible mother and wife.  She strives to live her life selflessly.  She invests her time into me and into our boys.  She's wonderful at taking advantage of teachable moments.  She's sensitive to others needs.  She is committed to growing in her relationship with Jesus and is consistently spending time with Him and looking to grow in her relationship even when it requires making difficult changes.

You know the kind of woman she is, by staying married to me over these last 17 years.  I am so proud of who she is and who she is continuing to become.  And, I'm so proud to call her my wife and my best friend!  Happy birthday Jen.  I love you more than my words could ever begin to express.

God, where are you?

Yesterday, Mark tackled the biggest issue many of us face.  It was the #1 question asked in our Skeptic series survey (by far).  I know he did a great job and put in a lot of time to prepare, and yet, I'm sure for many the answers seemed inadequate.  That's natural.  Simply because there is so much about God that we don't understand, that we'll never know.

And, it often seems like in the midst of our biggest questions, and deepest pain, that God is silent.  He may seem silent to you in those times, but rest assured He is not.  He is moving, and working, and leading us to a time when there will be no more pain, or sorrows, or tears.  In the mean time, He knows what you're going through and it matters to Him.  In those times that seem silent, keep praying, keep seeking, keep begging - because all of that can draw us closer to Him - more connected to Him - more desperate for Him.

At the end of the day, that's what God wants.  He's all about the relationship, and in the hard, difficult times, we seek Him and our relationship grows.  Don't give up.  Keep seeking God.  HE IS THERE.

Friday Fun

So, how do you think they marketed this house?  Waterfront?  Home with a view?  And would you ever feel comfortable sleeping in that house?

Christmas is coming!

I know it's before Thanksgiving, but I've got to tell you - I'm pumped up about our Christmas Eve service this year!  We're only doing one at 5 pm - and hopefully packing the place out.  But, it's going to be off the hook!!  We've got some great stuff planned, and the creative elements of it I think may be our best yet.  So looking forward to it - so make your plans now.  You don't want to miss it!  And, be thinking now, about inviting some friends and family.

oink, oink

This is what my wife wants to do with anyone who has the swine flu.  Although if she were in this picture you would also see a giant spray mist of lysol!!
 

Questions

I never understand why so many churches and religious people are scared of questions.  You almost get the sense that they are afraid of what they might find.  That makes no sense to me.  I've studied Christianity, and I've studied other religions (not nearly as in depth as Christianity though).  If the God of the Bible is God, if Jesus is who He says He is - He can handle our questions. 

The X-Files tag line was "the truth is out there".  The truth is there when it comes to faith.  Honestly, if someone wants to check out Hinduism, or Islam - I'm okay with that.  As long as they give Christianity a fair shake.  Because, at the end of the day, Christianity will hold up. 

If yesterday's topic at The Journey was preached in 10 other churches that were Bible believing, Christian churches - I guarantee you that at least 9 of them wouldn't have even talked about other religions and if they did, it would only be to disparage them.  That doesn't help anyone.  It creates a wrong attitude with the follower.  And, it creates a sense of political manuevering and hiding for the seeking person.

So, keep asking questions, investigate, don't be afraid of what you might find.  "the truth is out there".

weekend toilet fun

Oh . . . that's where you're supposed to aim at?!  I'm so glad they have signs for things like this.  Of course, there's also this one from Japan . . .

 

New Banner

So, I've got a new banner at the top of this blog.  Thanks Matt for designing it!  So, what do you think??