thoughts on the abstract and concrete
December 25, 2011 1 Comment
I hope all of my readers have a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping me learn and grow on this journey we’re on together. I hope you enjoy this Christmas, and know that you’re truly loved by me and by the one we’re celebrating today, Jesus Christ. Emmanuel. God with us.
December 22, 2011 Leave a comment
I have to be honest about something. As much I’ve been blessed with and have to celebrate this Christmas season, I continue to have the feeling and see so much around me that creates a fight for joy. More than any other year, I’ve watched tragedy accompany triumph into these days. While we have a multitude of good things in our lives, there have been so many losses, scares, threats, and just a general feeling that anything can fall apart at any minute. This has truly been a battle for Christmas.
And as I think about that, I also think about the events that surrounded the birth of Christ. Herod tried everything in his power to kill the Messiah. He didn’t want his birth to take place, and that forced Mary and Joseph to head to Bethlehem and give birth in a dirty, filthy manger.
Even leading up to Jesus being born, Joseph was ready to leave Mary because of her pregnancy. There was family conflict that was only resolved by God Himself through an angel.
The first Christmas was not an easy time, and there were plenty of things in place to make it not happen. However, God had one good, pleasing and perfect plan, and because of the faith of His people, a way was made and our Lord and Savior came to this Earth to make it possible for us to be with Him for eternity.
Maybe you find yourself barely getting there this Christmas. For me, it seems like every chance I get to breathe a breath of fresh air, tough decisions are having to be made, people in my life are hurting, and Satan is trying everything in his power to be discouraging.
This most wonderful time of year–and perhaps the most special Christmas in my life–has also been one of the most discouraging.
Are you there? Can you relate?
Personally, I see December 25, 2011 as a day of celebration forthcoming. I really can’t wait for it because it seems like the enemy doesn’t want anyone to be happy. I also can’t wait to be in church tomorrow night, celebrating the birth, life, and Almighty name of Jesus Christ.
I pray Christmas is also a special time for you this year. God is at work. He is blessing people and changing lives. Persevere, and know that He is with us.
I love you all.
December 22, 2011 Leave a comment
I’ve tried so many times to start a Christmas-related post, and each attempt has failed. I have a variety of thoughts that could have been spread out in multiple posts, but I didn’t want to run with and one thing as an entire subject. To that regard, I have compiled all of what’s going on in the ol’ noggin for one big post.
I must warn you, though, head on, one of the main reasons I wanted to separate these topics is due to the fluctuation of emotional tone each requires. What I’ll do instead is place either a “:)” or “:(” at the beginning of each section so you’ll know what to expect. That way, if you want to skip all the sad stuff, you can. If you want to only read the sad stuff, well… what the heck???
Here goes…
:( Pebbles. Monday was an especially sad day for me as I had to say “goodbye” to my dog since childhood, Pebbles. She lived a great life of 16 years, and had given the family plenty of wonderful memories. As she got older, leg problems and other pain really began to set in. This wasn’t going to be an easy decision, but having to make it so close to Christmas also was challenging. You always wonder if you’re doing the right thing. I felt we were, for her sake. I find comfort in knowing she isn’t suffering anymore, but I do miss seeing her everyday.
}:< Wrapping gifts. Okay. I apologize for throwing a knew emoticon into the mix like that. For the past couple of years, I’ve been teaching myself how to wrap my own gifts. Some people make it look so easy. I’m slowly learning that it may always be frustrating and there will always be those who can do it better than me. Perhaps I’m too much of a perfectionist for paper.
:) Done. On a related note to wrapping gifts, I’m done. The Christmas shopping is complete. Everything’s ready to be opened. Life is good. Okay, so there always seems to be one more thing. Regardless, the main stuff is done.
:) God provides. This Christmas season, I’ve watched God come through and make things happen in some incredible ways. Financial blessings. Family togetherness. A genuine spirit of love. I’m so thankful for all He’s done to make things come together this Christmas.
:) / :( but mostly :D God heals. I heard my mom say this Christmas is really special to her because she’s here for it. That’s because at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This whole year has revolved around that pretty much. And after five chemo treatments (with a sixth to boot), God brought her through cancer and she is still in remission! My mom was given a second chance at life here, and I love watching what she’s doing with it.
Even most recently, a good friend who is slightly younger than me had a heart attack. He is now home from the hospital with his wife and four-month-old daughter. Praise God!
I hope when you read this you know what an incredible and awesome God I serve in Jesus Christ. This Christmas, I have a new appreciation for His birth. The celebration of this time of year is for His leaving Heaven and taking the most innocent and helpless form as He came to Earth to make a way for all of us. He began His ministry as a baby, and His coming was a holy time in which the angels declared, “glory to God in the highest.” It was during this time that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to us.
Thank you, Jesus, for the gift you gave us on the first Christmas. It’s one I’m still unwrapping today.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
P.S. Regarding my mom’s survival, I am forever thankful to the American Cancer Society for all they did in providing money for her treatments. I encourage anyone to give what you can to the organization that gave so much to her. My mom still being here is my favorite present this Christmas.
December 7, 2011 Leave a comment
It was this time last year that I really got into the Christmas spirit, and it was thanks to an annual event centered around making life better for patients and their families at the Georgia Health Sciences (formerly MCG) Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, GA. Once again, it’s that time of year, time for the Cares for Kids Radiothon.
For the next three days, mornings and afternoons on the radio will be filled with stories, interviews, and on-air personalities telling you more about the needs of the medical center, and more importantly, how easily you can help. Volunteers will occupy the phone banks on-hand, happily taking your calls and cheering for you as you make the decision to contribute to the well-being of children who are spending their holidays in hospital beds, incubators, getting frequent treatments, and living out a childhood where all of this is “business as usual.”
The purpose of the radiothon is for you to help provide the best care possible and also make life as normal as possible. You will not only be giving these children hope, but also enjoyment.
Any amount (ANY) you give to Geogria Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center–one-time or recurring–will be completely worth it.
For more on this cause, and to make a donation, click here.
December 5, 2011 4 Comments
It’s been over a month since I was last employed in the radio industry, and today began a new venture: my first-ever job schedule that saw me getting off work at the same time as everyone else (at least the multitude of cars would have me believe it).
From Evans, GA to North Augusta, SC, I made my way home in five o’clock traffic.
Today was a full day of orientation for a seasonal position.
A lot of information was absorbed.
There’s four days of orientation left.
And twenty minutes into my commute home, I found myself grasping what it was like being on the other side of the radio.
I am now working in a customer service position for a financial services company. And after starting today, I officially felt separated from my previous endeavors.
I am now a radio listener. An audience member. An individual in a demographic. Someone who is hearing the music without seeing it on a playlist.
And I still love it.
No matter what side of the radio I’m on (and I’ll never be fully disconnected from it), I still love it.
I was entertained by the music.
I relied on my presets to accompany me on the ride home.
Radio is great.
I’m glad it’s there… even when my new job doesn’t allow listening to it versus my old job where listening was a priority. I only wanted it more.
What a ride home. What a ride!
November 28, 2011 4 Comments
… than the eye can see because His Spirit lives inside of me.
Those words were embedded in me at church several years ago by my pastor, and tonight, I think about them and cling to them.
No matter my time of rest…
No matter my funk…
No matter my screw-ups, faults, and sins…
I am a new creation in Jesus Christ…
I am whole in Him…
There’s more to me than even my own eyes can see…
Because the Holy Spirit of the living God dwells inside of me.
Amen.
November 25, 2011 Leave a comment
The Christmas season produces a lot of messages that leave us so far away from the greatest treasures in life. For example: I am writing this on the morning of Black Friday. Some shoppers have now been at it 10 and a half hours, having camped out in front of or inside a store before then. With deals starting sooner this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the atmosphere of a Thanksgiving meal at the dinner table was traded in for a tailgate party for some. And honestly, that seems a little fun to me. When I think about it, I picture families in their Snuggies, under their football tents with the deep fryer cooking a delicious turkey to go with the sides everyone brought with them in disposable pans. And since the event is “BYOB,” everyone’s beverage of choice is on hand. There’s laughter. There’s fellowship. There’s family holding places in line for bathroom breaks. It’s just great. Even grabbing carts and running around the store when it opens sounds fun, as people load up on Christmas gifts and still have enough left over to treat themselves to a big, juicy flatscreen. What an excellent way to kick off the season of family togetherness and goodwill to all men!
I’ve almost painted a Normal Rockwell Black Friday experience above. In fact, I know some people truly have fun waiting in line and shopping. Like I said, it can be like a tailgate party. Still I wonder, how many people are getting ready for the “big game”?
Consumerism is one nasty bug that infects many of us this time of year. Our “it’s the thought that counts” efforts can turn to anger, and we must have what it is we want. Mixed in with the Christmas spirit that fillls the air is that nasty desire to feed our lust for mere products. We become unpleasant. We hurt each other. And quite literally, some don’t even live to see Christmas.
Maybe this, more than anything, is was gives the biggest sales day of the year its negative connotations. It’s no loner about saving money in an effort to budget smart, or a warm and fuzzy shared experience among family and friends. It very quickly can cut to the core and become all about us.
For the second year, I’ve become all too familiar with the lady in the Target commercials who is gearing up for the 2-Day Sale (dear Target executives: please email me about where to send my advertising check). Although the commercials are incredibly effective in promoting what they’re advertising, they often get on my nerves. However (and I don’t really know how), I can see the good in the Target lady. Through all her screaming, gingerbread “store” building, mirror-talking and “shop-training,” and even in their final ads where she is basically seen celebrating and in awe, I see the good in her.
Yes, when I look at the Target lady, I picture her as a wife, mother and daughter who finds happiness in putting thought and dedication into her Christmas shopping. I see a woman who, on Christmas morning, will smile and applaud her family as they unwrap the gift they’ve really been wanting. She, like so many others, reminds me that a day like Black Friday isn’t all that bad. (Side note: This analysis of the Target lady also reminds me I watch entirely too much television.)
And then I get up and go to a store. When I get there, I see that what I want is sold out. When I ask if there’s more “in the back,” an associate tells me they were all put out. I leave disappointed, as well as more than a little angry. I can barely muster up enough kindness in me to hold a door open for a lady coming in as I am leaving. I don’t like that side of me.
How has your Black Friday gone? Have you focused on the things that matter? Can you see any good in a day like today, or do even the sales papers bring out the worst in you?
For more Black Friday thoughts, check out this fine post with the most delicious looking turkey pictured on Gene Jennings’ blog here.
And remember, this Christmas season, to stick with what matters (and although I didn’t get into it in this post, on “who” matters.)
November 21, 2011 2 Comments
Christmas shopping. I’ve been at it in full force already. Why? Because I would really like to get it out of the way and just enjoy the season, for one. Before Christmas gets here, there’s Black Friday Eve. You may know it better as Thanksgiving.
I’ve watched my share of Thanksgiving specials on TV growing up. There was a time when most of them included everyone going around the table and saying what they were thankful for. I’ve never seen this pulled off in real life, other than a few awkward-feeling attempts. And maybe that’s why: it feels awkward.
I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, though. I would like to share here:
- My mom was delivered from cancer.
- New opportunities are coming my way.
- I completed eight years of employment at the same company.
- My family and I have been blessed time and time and again.
- Wonderful friends have gotten married, and two others brought a beautiful child into this world.
- I got to add “wedding DJ” to my resume.
- I’m surrounded by family and friends who love me.
- I have watched God do so much to those who mean the most to me.
- I got to see my 95-year-old great-grandmother one more time.
- As I continue to follow God, He continues to provide.
- God is forever faithful.
And most importantly, I am closer to God than I was at the beginning of the year.
I hope you find that you have a lot to be thankful for as Thursday approaches.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 14, 2011 Leave a comment
I just had the thought come over me that anything could happen at anytime, and that’s a a total OMG moment!
(I’m a Christian raised in a Southern Baptist church, so we’ll just say that “OMG” means “oh, my grits!”)
It’s like… whoa!
I can dream.
I can set goals.
I can plan.
I can take action.
I can make progress.
I can be moving along just fine and then…
*BAM* Anything happens!
What in the world?
Cheese grits, that’s a tough one!
Where I live right now could change.
The church God wants me at could become somewhere else.
I could walk through a store and meet the girl I’m going to marry.
I could be saying, “peace out, Earth!” and called up into Heaven.
Anything… at anytime.
About the only glue that holds together the combustion thoughts like this can cause is knowing God knows exactly what’s going to happen with me, and knowing that as long as He’s in control, I have nothing to worry about.
Blessed is me.
November 12, 2011 Leave a comment
We are all investing into something. And since we all reap what we sow, the question I have is “what?”
What are you spending your time contributing to?
or…
What will be the result of the way you’re spending your time?
When you think about living a missional life, and you think about what’s at the root of your purposes, you may still be wondering if what you’re doing is going to get you there.
First off, if you are doing what the Holy Spirit is leading you to, you are always on the right track. But as you continue in your obedience, especially in long seasons, you may not always see clearly if you made the right choice.
What you need to know is that as you sow your time, money, resources, etc. in to something, your confirmation will ultimately come.
- If you’re sending your resume to company after company, one will eventually contact you for an interview.
- If you’re partnering with your church to give a child a gift for Christmas, you can know that he/she has received a blessing, and you have made a significant impact in the life of the child and his/her family.
- If you wake up on a Saturday morning to volunteer in your community, you are sacrificing your time and showing them you care. If you do this under the banner of Jesus Christ, you are pointing them to Him.
- If you help a friend in need, you are showing that person your love.
What are you sowing?
I write this at a time where I find myself serving in some capacities a lot more than I have been. I’ve been involved–voluntarily or involuntarily–in giving my time and resources to others. I’ve been inspired and motivated to go further in my faith, and God has taught me to have more in the process.
And let me be clear: I don’t always hit my mark. I still selfishly choose my desires and comforts over what others could really use from me. Even if these times of rebellion, God is teaching me about my nature and how He wants me to be. I really feel Him working in my life, and that, in itself, is a benefit I am reaping when I give for His sake.
No one can do your part the way you can. God made you for what He wants from you. It may get done, but without you, it want have the mark on it that was intended.
What are you sowing? What are you investing your time, money, prayer, support, and resources in?
God will lead you, but you need decide if you’re going to sow into the things He wants you to in order to reap what He has for you.
Go with God.
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