Miracle On N. Liberty St.

After serving our fourth Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Meal for the community, my response is, "It is worth it!" I am really proud of our church as we try to better serve people with the love of Christ. You have touched many lives serving with the heart of the Master.

Last night Renee and I watched the Hallmark Presentation, "Christmas in November." In this heart wrenching story about a little girl with leukemia, the parents moved the celebration of the holidays up. It was a reminder to me that we need to celebrate Christ every day, not just a few days at Christmas or at Easter.

In the movie there was unconditional love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and families sticking together when things got tough. That is a picture of a church and what Christ does.

As you watch some of your favorite Christmas movies this year, don't forget to thank the Lord for he really is doing a Miracle on N. Liberty St., one life and one family at at time.

Merry Christmas!

The Day After

Have you ever shopped and stood on the outside of a store, just looking in through the window. For me suits always look better on mannequins than they do on me, but I like to look. People often allude to the statement that is easy to criticize, or coach, or lead, when you are on the outside looking in.

Today, the day after my birthday, I met a pastor at Applebees for lunch. The parking lot was unusually crowded for this time of the day, and then it hit me. Today is November 11th, Veteran's Day. I saw the commercial and they were blessing all Veteran's with a free lunch. It was wonderful! It was packed!

My dad did not have to serve and I haven't served, so sometimes I feel like the outsider looking in when we honor our vets.

I made my way to the table and we had a good meal, and as I scanned the room, there were older men and women, many with canes or walking aides. There were men my age, and a younger group as well, some in uniform. I was reminded once again that a price has been paid for our freedom, and for most, I don't even know their names.

I wanted to stand up and shout "Thank You, Thank you" to all of you and for those who gave their lives in battle.

I have done a number of funerals with military Honor Guards. There is nothing quite like it. It helps you understand the dignity and discipline of those who serve. I hope you have the privilege to witness this in your life.

The Bible likens us Christians to soldiers in God's army.

2 Tim. 2:3-4 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter.

Thank you to all of our men and women in uniform now, and for those who have bravely defended our country. To those who have given thier lives and to loved ones who never saw their family member come home, or perhaps saw a flag draped casket unloaded on American soil thank you. Every year on my birthday I will remember and not forget you on the day after.