Its hard to believe 2005 is gone...the older I get, the faster time flies. So much happened this year, around the world, close to home, in me- Its been a whirlwind.
Now as I look to 2006, I feel like there is a whole new world of possibilities & pitfalls in the new year. Many folks make resolutions, then never keep them. I don't know what 2006 holds for me, my family, my friends, and the ministry I'm called to, but I know God is already there. I just want to be true to Him, true to those I love, and true to whatever He calls me to. Life is an adventure to be lived, not a burden to be endured. So with some trepidation, but more hope, I choose to step into 2006 holding the hand of the One who holds me. A good place to be....
Happy New Year!
Rob

With all the holiday rush and clamor, I just want to stop and say-
Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus, we remember, celebrate & worship You.
Merry Christmas to all-
Rob

This morning I spent some time reading a Christmas story called, "The Other Wise Man." I've read it before, but it had been several years. Its an amazing fictional story about another Magi who was left behind by the main group of Matthew 2. He spends the rest of his days trying to find "the King", yet using up all his gifts for the Messiah to do good for the needy he meets along the way. After 33+ years, the other wise man arrives in Jerusalem, and....Well, find the story and read it for yourself this Christmas! It was written by Henry Van Dyke, and is a beautiful story of what true devotion to Christ is- love for Him that shows itself in love for those who need Him. Christmas- God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life, and we must give of ourselves for those we can help.
"...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for Me." Matthew 25: 34-40
Merry Christmas!
Rob

I really love Christmas, at least when all the insanity of shopping, traffic, eating, crowds, etc. dies down, and you can actually enjoy the time. I heard a story recently about a frazzled mom out trying to finish her Christmas list, in all the stores, fighting the crowds, with two demanding kids in tow. Upon pushing into a crowded elevator at a dept. store, she blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be arrested, hung, then shot!" From the back of the elevator a quiet voice replied, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him." You could have heard a pin drop the rest of the ride.
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started "this whole Christmas thing" in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be. I certainly want to make room for Him. Just a thought-
"But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord..." 1 Peter 3:15
Rob

Tonight I had the privilege of taking my family and some friends to see an early showing of the "Narnia" movie, and it was fantastic! Everything I hoped it would be. It closely follows not only the storyline of the C.S. Lewis classic, but his spirit of Christian allegory in it, as well. Disney and Walden should be commended for such a faithful movie version of the book. So much Biblical symbolism throughout, it vividly pictures the Jesus story of redemption- but I won't steal the thunder for anyone by giving details! All I can say is, GO SEE IT! No one who ever loved the book will be disappointed. I certainly wasn't, and plan to see it again.
"Aslan is on the move..."
Rob

It's hard to believe December is already here. Time seems to just fly by the older I get. I always love December, though- its like a celebration the whole month. Its also a time I struggle to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront in my life, my family, even in my work. It seems every year there is more to take away from the truth- more stuff to buy, more commercializing, more crowds, and sadly, more who want to erase the season's real meaning. There are more and more efforts to be "culturally sensitive" and call the time, "Winter Holiday"; to say "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". Yet no one would consider renaming Hannakuh or Kwanza or Islamic holy days. It seems the only ones certain people don't mind offending are Christians and those who love Christmas, a Christian-based holiday.
Well, whatever the world does this time of year, whatever noise, lights and busyness tries to crowd out the real Christmas, as for me and my family, we'll remember and celebrate - The God who loved this world He created so much, that He took on human form and entered human history Himself in the form of helpless baby, born to a teenage mother, in an unsanitary barn, in a desert outpost of the Roman Empire. That baby was Jesus the Messiah, who radically changed the world forever. We'll keep Christmas, and worship "the new-born King."
"For to us a child has been born; to us a son has been given. The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Rob