It' the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I don't think of it quite as commericalized as Christmas and maybe that is part of the reason why.

I have often used the phrase, "The mark of a mature believer is a thankful spirit." First off, I trust that I live that out more than I just say it. I have a good life and am grateful to God for all of His blessings in my life.

The other thing I think about is this: I like hanging out with thankful people. They acknowledge that whatever they have is because of the goodness and kindness of someone else. They have a proper perspective of God and life. I like those people.

But I face a dilemma. My life is supposed to be about developing people. Helping people grow. Helping those who need to get it--to get it.

So while I enjoy being with those who are thankful, part of what I am called to do is teach people to be thankful.

And maybe that is why I like the Thanksgiving holiday. It helps me accomplish one specific thing I know the Lord has called me to do.

So count your blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!

Let It Snow

This has been an interesting week. I feel like I am doing well and excited about life. Glad to be over the gross sickness of last week... There have been great highs and some very concerning lows these past seven days.

Many of the youth ministry students with whom I get to rub shoulders challenge and encourage me and I am blessed by our conversations and interactions. Same with many teens with whom I get to work at our local church. Good stuff going on. Our family seems to be doing well too.

But I am equally concerned over some students with whom I have worked through the years and the decisions they are making. Some with some pretty devastating repercussions to their choices. While I am not directly involved with them any long--their choices impact many people including me. So much for the idea, "Oh, my actions are okay as long as they don't hurt other people." Peoples actions always impact other people. Most are just too selfish to admit it...

So why "let it snow" as a title? I was reminded looking out the window about God, His grace, and His mercy. The snow is covering up all the ugliness of the brown grass and nasty leaves here in northern Indiana. The snow has made it beautiful and replaced the distasteful view. What is even better, is that God's grace doesn't just "cover up" the ugliness--he removes the gross parts completely. That's good news.

So here's to looking forward to a great weekend and celebrating life that comes through Jesus.

A Great Weekend

Two of the most encouraging things I have been involved with intersected this past weekend. The Urban Hope Training Center celebrated its tenth anniversary on Saturday evening. I was not ready for the evening to be as emotional as what it was. But hearing testimony after testimony of lives changed by Christ through that ministry was unbelievable. Talk about encouragement. Wow. There is still much to be done at Urban Hope, but Philly has people who know Jesus that are making a difference in the inner city and it is a blessing to be involved in it in some small way.

The other part of the weekend was the second OB ministry reunion. This too was held at UHTC. Always a great time to see students who ministered so faithfully through the summer and then get to talk with them now that they have returned home. Some are flying high. Others are struggling. Others in between. But what an opportunity to minister once again! I am so proud of our adult leaders and for the way that they continue to pour into the lives of young people.

So now I am home for a while and have time to rest up. But this past weekend was a beautiful celebration of work that God continues to do in and through the lives of young people.