The Threads Blog

In my circle of online blogging friends, there is a distinct trend calling for a change in how we do Christmas. But… I like giving presents. And I like receiving presents. For me, it’s no selfish thing or a materialist thing… it’s the way I express love and receive love best.

This weekend, I had an unexpected opportunity to go to Cincinnati for Over the Rhine’s annual Christmas concert. I’d been recovering from a cold, but thought I was getting back on track. After several hours of conversation over road noise and rain, my throat gave up the ghost. Ummm, my voice.

I certainly hope you sang the title as you read it because that way I won’t feel so silly about singing it myself. The idea for this week that is sticking with me is, celebration. We celebrate everything from kindergarten graduations to our teams latest victory over the Dolphins. Very often it seems that I get excited over trivial celebrations, and then I find myself not truly celebrating when it matters. The idea of celebration is that something incredible has happened and we need some way to show our joy.

So you want to quit lecturing, but you are not sure how? This is a good starting point. These are several insights into leading discussions that I have learned along the way that will help make the transition from lecturing to leading a little easier.

The trilogy is complete. Definitely not as fascinating as The Lord of the Rings or Pirates of the Caribbean, but hopefully it has conveyed a few thoughts about LifeMatters. Continue the conversation as we work together to communicate God’s truth to this generation.

For all of you crazy young adult people out there eagerly awaiting the next installment of the blockbuster “LifeMatters Unplugged,” here it is. Check back tomorrow for the last segment if you have successfully survived the first two.

Now that we are three weeks into the new study, the thought hit me that some people are not quite sure what to do with LifeMatters. Alright, so it wasn’t my idea - it was because of a few emails I have received. Leaders that were expecting to receive LifeAnswers were quite surprised when this new material showed up in their box. I know change can be difficult, even if is for the better.

Have you ever let an opportunity to help a person in need slip past you because you didn’t care?

As I sit here typing on this blog, I am thinking about a person I failed. She died this week. How do I honor her memory? How do I make sure it doesn’t happen again?

Last Sunday, I got to partake in worship at my church in a way that I never have before; I got to help lead with the worship band. I don’t sing or play any instrument, though. Instead, I got to read. Now, that may not sound innovative or different or special. I mean, I’ve read scripture before in services… pastors usually read quotes and what not… but this was a little bit different. It was more of a spoken word piece, where the band played music and I read along, integrated into it.

I love driving around this time of year and looking at the lights and all the Christmas decorations. Alright, I admit it, my wife and daughter love it, so I gladly drive them around. One thought that came to mind Monday night as we drove past a small shed that had been turned into a well decorated nativity scene is how unlikely that whole scene must have been to Mary and Joseph. We always picture them either standing side by side holding baby Jesus between them completely doting over this child that has been born or standing around as the Wise Men present their gifts. The scene always has this peaceful and beautiful aspect to it but I can’t help but imagine the actual events not being so serene.