HCLM BLOG

So this year's Thanksgiving was a little different. Yes, it was the first one that Margaret and I celebrated as husband and wife. And it was the first one where we used our fine china for the first time. We also had the opportunity to host to Margaret's father who was down for a few days visiting from Lake City. He hadn't been feeling well and by Friday morning, we were on our way to the VA and from there to the hospital. He had to have his gallbladder removed. We were so glad that he was with us. I would have hated to think about how long he would have waited in pain before he took himself. I was also very thankful for the doctors, nurses and all the equipment, tests, lab work that goes on when you bring someone in. It was amazing how it can put your mind, at least a little more, at ease.

In the time waiting in the hospital, I was thinking about another book I had just finished, Fearless by Max Lucado. Life, death, economy, violence (need I go on?) permeate our thoughts. One of Max's thoughts really gave me pause. He spoke of pregnancy and all the things that are happening to a child in the womb. They are growing hair, a nose, a tongue and many other things that, from the perspective of the womb, are totally useless. It's not until we are out to we realize their benefit. Could this life have some of the same features? Could there be some things in our life that seem meaningless now but will show to be of great benefit in eternity? It's worth thinking about. And while the weather is cold (at least by Florida standards), it's worth curling up with a good book. If you struggle with fear, this would be a good book to get you on the road to freedom.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! And Margaret's dad is doing much better now.

I finished reading "The e-myth revisited" by Michael Gerber. I heard about the book on a podcast that I was listening to and because I was on-line at the time, was able to check out the Seminole County Library and put a book on hold (what a great idea). The book is essentially a business book talking about how to take a business from infancy through adolescence to adulthood. As I was listening to it, I realized that there are a lot of connections with the church and even life itself. It is far too easy to get passionate about an idea only to have that idea soon control you. (How many small business owners do you know that own a job rather than a business?) Jesus has a much better model for life...and it is summed up in a word...freedom. So many reasons to give thanks, a beautiful wife, a great home (thanks to the dedication and decorating skills of the aforementioned wife), authentic relationships with friends and a mind that craves to understand the mysteries of God.

Many thanks to a member who after the service this past weekend went to Home Depot and replaced my stolen weed trimmer. I am often just humbled by the generosity of the people here. Did you hear that Holy Cross gave out over 300 Thanksgiving Baskets? Judging by how it all came together, it was truly a new version of a few loaves and fish. So what a great gift to give the community, over $12000 worth of food. I am so proud of what God is doing in the hearts and the lives of people. I can really see people maturing spiritually (infancy through adulthood). Which brings me back to the book...if you have found yourself in a rut where life seems to be controlling you, pick it up. It's worth a read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was a month ago when I was driving up to Gainesville to visit Margaret's father who was in the VA Hospital. Kevin Keelan called me and asked if I had any book recommendations for him since he was getting ready to go on a long road trip. I gave him two (I can't remember what titles I recommended) and he really enjoyed one and said I should blog about books that I have written. "I'm not Oprah and who would care what I like?" I said to him. "Think about it." I did, and finally, I'm taking the time to write a few thoughts.

My goal is to read (or listen) to 52 books this year. I did 40 last year and 35 the year before that. So I've come across some really good ones and some that I didn't think were so great. So if you are looking for some reading material, I'll post some thoughts on the books that I am reading.

I just finished reading my fourth book from Andy Andrews. All ("The Travelers Gift" "Mastering the Seven Decisions" "The Noticer" and "The Lost Choice") are based on his life story, having lost both parents when he was 19. Through a series of decisions he found himself living under a pier. Considering the meaning of life, it is just a roll of the dice to see who gets what, he began to read biographies, a hobby that changed his life. He discovered some universal principles that have guided his life. Each book takes a new look at these principles in creative ways. He is a much sought after speaker and his books have been on the NY Times best seller list. I give all of them my READ THIS category. But remember, I'm not Oprah.

I came across this quote: “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” – Mother Theresa. Lauren, one of our confirmation mentors I believes embodies this idea. Following confirmation this past Wednesday she hung around and waited for me to finish conversations with students and parents. She opened with this phrase, "what a great night!" I know the thought of spending the night with middle school students would scare some. But she is not just doing a ministry but rather investing in the lives of four young girls and it is already starting to pay off. As she described the authentic level of personal sharing of their lives and the faith discussions and their spiritual growth, I could literally see the joy in her eyes. I can't help but think this comes from her being a joyful person. Now she has caught souls. If only I could travel down the corridors of time to see how the investment she spends with her team makes a difference for eternity. For all the Lauren's out there, keep up the good work.

Wrapped up another night of confirmation. Just finished locking up the building and had a compelling feeling to share a few thoughts on the night (something I haven't done in a LONG time).

 We started the prayer packet tonight (the third packet in a series of seven). As we closed the night, I asked the kids to grab their Bible and spread out over the upstairs walkway. They were to spend the last ten minutes in quiet, just listening for God. No ipods, no cell phones, no talking. It was quite a site, 25 middle school students in complete silence wrapped all around the balcony. It brought to mind Psalms 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."

 Honestly, I needed that quiet moment more then they did. It was refreshing. A great way to end the day. A great way to start the day as well. While wallowing in the endless quagmire of busyness and activity, a still moment with God might be just what you need tonight as well. I need to do that more often.

Chris and I have been talking about how much he's enjoying leading children's worship. He has some good thoughts one why he likes it, and it's affected how he thinks about service. It's changed from a task to a joy. Rather than paraphrase, I thought I'd give you him in his own words.

I had a long conversation with a Lake Mary Police officer today.