Bring on 2014!

Happy New Year!

I look forward to welcoming 2014 in our new home in Sheldon.  As I look back at 2013, I am amazed at all that God had in store for my life.  He truly is a wonderful God.  I find myself in

Is He Your Everything?

As we come out of our Advent season, it’s weird to switch back to “normal” worship songs, like those not about a tiny baby that has come to save us all.  It’s easy to make a disconnect between these season specific tunes and those that we use for “real life.”

Not Enough Change?

Any time we talk about change, whether in our workplace, or our family, or especially our church, it is met with mixed reactions.  In our churches specifically, it can be terrifying for some, as the one constant in their life, the place that has been steadfast through births,

Lifted Spirits at Christmas

 

My spirits have been lifted this Christmas!

I watched a sermon with James Merritt (here is a link to that sermon:  http://www.touchinglives.org/ ).  It was about living, giving and resending the greatest gift of all, and that is LOVE.  He included the most well-known bible verse, John 3:16, and explained it in ways that anyone would understand, relate, and prayerfully come to Jesus.

I saw “giving” in my own neighborhood these past two days.  And my heart has been filled (again) with joy.  I am thankful for these moments, and I know the families who received will forever remember and be thankful.

God bless you this Christmas time.  And may you all be blessed in God’s greatest gift ever, His son Jesus Christ, His love!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve is always a special time for me.  I recall many candle light services in Kalona, Iowa, where we would gather and sing songs, and then as we sang “Silent Night” I

Joy to the World

 

Yesterday’s worship service, based on the theme of “How Great Our Joy,” screamed to include “Joy to the World.”  To be honest, “Joy to the World” has always been one of my least favorite Christmas songs, although I have no idea why.  Even as a child, I never cared for it.

I feel that the words are very meaningful, if you pay attention to what you’re singing.  The lyrics tell of why we as Christians celebrate in the first place.  The very first line, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come,” should be reason enough to love this particular carol, but something about the song makes me want to turn it off every time I hear it.

Until I heard Chris Tomlin’s “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” while preparing the sanctuary this past week.  He and his fellow writers have added a chorus which totally changed my view of this song.

Joy!  Unspeakable joy!

An overflowing well

No tongue can tell

Joy!  Unspeakable joy!

Rises in my soul

Never lets me go

These words, as simple as they seem, make me happy to sing this song.  I knew immediately that this song needed to be included in our worship service.  I hope that you find as much meaning in them as I have.

Moving Forward With HCI

As most of you that read the Friday blog know, our church began the process for the “Healthy Church Initiative” just under a year ago.  Our pastor, Kevin, along with myself and two other laypersons, began

Love, Peace, Hope, Joy

 

JOY was the feeling that was felt throughout the congregation this past Sunday evening.  Our Children’s Christmas program was indeed a memorable, joyous occasion.  The children were all dressed, rehearsed and ready.  They took the stage and sang their little

Chicken Sandwich of Christmas Cheer

 

Last week in youth group we talked about Christmas.  What are your favorite family traditions?  What is the best Christmas present you have ever received?

God Sent His Son

In the Exodus 3:14 God is speaking to Moses from the burning bush. “God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”  In John 6:51 Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone