Resolution or Revelation.

2016 is upon us. A new year, New opportunities, New challenges and yes- New resolutions.  I won't waste the fonts and characters to list all the resolutions that typically go by the wayside by around day twenty.

Instead of another rusty resolution I would suggest we need a God-given revelation.
Something profound, something simple, something where there is a conviction, a depth of knowing that this one thing is indeed what God would have you fulfill, pursue, accomplish and focus on for the next twelve months.

I personally believe that God speaks in many different ways. The primary way in which He speaks is through His Word, the Bible. The psalmist declared in Psalm 119:105- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Super Bowl XLV Anticipation

A lot is made over Super Bowls. This years matchup is no different. All of the pre-game hype that fills the airwaves is intended for primarily one thing. To create anticipation. This drive to create expectation, a desire to watch, engage in and vicariously become a part of american sports history is the biggest reason, not to mention the revenues generated that drive the big media machine.

Now I'm not against all of this media frenzy. If I don't want to watch it (or hear about it), I can just turn the channel. Easy enough. I actually enjoy some of it to a point. The human interest stories, the history, the dedication and preparation it takes to be a world champion are all of interest to me.

In case you are wondering, yes, I will definitely be watching the game today. I love sports and enjoy watching athletes compete at a high level.

This whole notion of anticipation is worth mentioning again from a different perspective.

What is it in you day, week, year- your life that you anticipate? Is it the next game, the next sport, the next season. Is it a raise on your job, a graduation date, a business acquisition. Maybe the first steps of a baby, the smile of a child, the celebration of a milestone. From simple anticipations in life to the complex, life of full of anticipation.

In the busyness, and competition that invades our lives let us not forget to anticipate the greatest one who ever lived. Jesus Christ. He came, He lived, He died but He said He would come again! He lives today, He sent His Spirit to help us overcome and live out this life with meaning and purpose. Perhaps we could look forward to a Super Soul. Just as the Super Bowl will crown a new champion, a victor so do we who anticipate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

When Tragedy Strikes

Our community was recently impacted by a terrible tragedy. On January 19th, a 15 year old girl was struck and killed by a car while attempting to cross the road. The accident was witnessed by two of her friends and several other witnesses. Such a tragedy. A young life snuffed out so quickly. One of the ironies was that the accident occurred right in front of a church. It happens to be the church where our family attends.

Immediately the church made themselves available in any way possible. Yesterday the church was filled to overflow capacity as well over a thousand people attended this young ladies funeral.

The minister mentioned something while he was conducting the funeral. He said that it's in moments like these that all we seem to be able to offer are words. I pondered that statement and looked around the large auditorium. No, I thought, we can offer more than words. We can at times offer silence. That's right- silence: the complete absence of sound. Hardly seems possible in todays world. Oftentimes it is in the utter silence of time and space that it faces us to deal with our own... life, mortality, problems, hopes, dreams and fears. Many times, we offer a "moment of silence" to memorialize a person or event!

Another thing that we can offer are symbols. Again, I looked around the auditorium and saw symbols. You see the young girl that was killed happened to be a cheerleader at the local High School. Her favorite color appeared to be bright, lime-green. So the cheerleaders all wore a bright green ribbon or some other token to remember her. A symbol. Other symbols were flowers, a moving video filled with still photos of her with friends and families. In fact, symbols flooded the auditorium and continue to do so in a roadside memorial set up by students, friends and other people in the community. Balloons, candles, posters and more flowers- all symbols to offer help, hope and healing.

After all, that's what is needed in times like that- help, hope and healing. One last symbol that I could not help but notice on the stage was a large wooden cross. I hope that the cross was noticed by the thousand-plus caring and concerned people that filled the auditorium. For it is in the cross of Jesus Christ that we truly can find help, hope and healing. As the young people, friends and family members continue to heal remember we can offer more than words.

May God bless the family, friends, school and community of this young lady.

I watched the ball drop last night from Times Square. Pretty cool- but all of it a bit overhyped in my opinion. What's more important than live music, party favors, noise makers and a free flow of drink of ones choosing is new opportunities and our destiny being fulfilled in Him.

Setting goals and scheduling are great ways to see dreams and plans fulfilled. What I have also learned over the years is unless the goals are laser-focused they often don't get accomplished. Also, there are times when the Lord may have another plan which is not our plan.

Well, stop reading this and get out pen and paper or your new Ipad and flesh out the new goals for 2011. I worked on mine over the last several days. Time to hit the treadmill for 30 minutes!

Blessings in 2011

2010- What does it hold for you?

2010- I'm just saying 20-10 instead of twothousandten. It's a whole lot easier. Plus is sounds cooler. So now that we are a three weeks (17 days to be exact) into the new year of hope how's it goin'?

I have read a lot of FaceBook posts that reflect lot's of hope and new beginnings. That is a good thing. I am challenging my three kids to set forth goals, work hard to achieve them and pursue their dreams. I know from experience that it just doesn't happen though. There has to be some "sweat equity" and I also believe some favor from above. Be careful not to separate the two.

My Pastor recently said that there are only three things basically that we can offer to God. Our time, talent and treasure. This is generally pretty well accepted and rather than look for other things or trying to argue the validity of these I'm just gonna' focus on these three.

All of our time- is not really ours to begin with- rather it is a gift from God. An allotment. As for talent, the same could be said. Countless thousands of talented people will credit God as the giver of the gift. And lastly, our treasure- well probably lot's of different opinions on this but the Lord is the one provides skill, strength, intellect and ability to earn income therefore; ultimately He is the source of this third thing.

So as you and I go about our daily stuff, work through the goals, ambitions and challenges keep Him "in the mix" and see if He doesn't help you accomplish some amazing stuff!

DON'T HAVE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?

The close of 2009 is creeping in on us like a Chicago wind chill. Only a few days remain on the 2009 calendar.

A thought occurred to me as I ponder the dreaded New Years Resolution. You know we all must have one so you can try to convince yourself and others that you are really committed to some sort of change for your life/lifestyle.

I thought- why not just resurrect one of my previous resolutions. So many unfulfilled intentions. Blown budgets, diets destroyed, gym equipment rusting away. You have said "adios" to the language tapes and c.d.'s and the new business opportunity in a box never "opened for business". The list of "lapses" could go on but I will save it.

So don't labor over putting together a nifty new resolution- just shake the dust off of one of the previous years and truly stay committed to that endeavor.

Let me leave you with a final thought. We are reminded in scripture to "commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Ps. 37:5). So go ahead and Resurrect a fallen Resolution and commit it to the Lord who has the ability to help you succeed in 2010!

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"- FOR SOME

I love to watch the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". It is rich with so many themes. No doubt that James Stewart played a great part as George. I have been reading many of the posts from my FB friends and it's so refreshing to read so many enjoying family, life and all the specific favorites. Many speak of tantalizing food, their favorite beverage (many are Starbuck's offerings), shopping excursions, sporting events, scads of photos from babies to classic memories. Some speak of how much they love their work while others can't wait to be off for the weekend.

Overall, it seems like my FB friends enjoy A Wonderful Life. That's a good thing! May we be reminded during this time of year when God the Father GAVE His one and only Son to ALL. Truth be told - not everyone has a Wonderful Life. There is social injustice, hunger, famine, homelessness, addiction and needs of every sort abounding. One need not look far to find an urgent need. Not a guilt trip- just a reminder that if you have the ability to respond with compassion, grace and guidance then do so. Maybe this week you can be the one who helps someone else experience "A Wonderful Life" too.

In the end, the most wonderful life is one that has been surrendered to the Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).

A Merry & Blessed CHRISTmas to All.