12.31.08

On Standing Out…

Posted in General Blog Post at 11:34 am by Pastor Don

1 January 2009

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!

Question:  Other than standing outside in a snowstorm, wearing a red parka, what makes you stand out?  Your physique?  Your intellect?  Your pink shoe laces?

In 2009, where will you stand out?  Pushing the button a little farther, where will you stand out for God?  It’s interesting as I read the Bible, I come across such terms as, Found favor with the Lord, Did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, and had a heart for God.

As we move into the year 2009, there can be a tendency to somehow neglect God and ultimately seek to stand out among peers, others, and society.  However, God does call us to march to the beat of a different drum in our compassion for the weak, our empathy for the hurting, and our sensitivity to the struggling.  Each of us will be making choices; choices that will affect how we stand out.

My prayer for you is that in 2009, you will stand out for God in how you speak, how you live, how you give, how you love, and how you believe.  May it be such that others would be drawn to God and the Lord we serve because of the way that you stand out for Him.

Have a great year.  Stand out!  Stand out for God!  As you do, come on by!  The light’s on and the coffee’s fresh.

Your friend, Pastor Don

12.03.08

Snowed Under

Posted in General Blog Post at 3:57 pm by Pastor Don

3 December 2008

Dear Friends,

A delightful December to you!  Here at NHUMC we just got snowed under.  Typical for the year…snow, blowing, altered plans.  It happens all kinds of ways…concerts, gatherings, things to do at the house, shopping, baking, cards, and just an endless list of things to do beyond the normal.  And before you know it, you’ll be snowed under.

You have to be careful at this time of the year.  We live in a culture that seems to define what a Perfect Christmas is.  The Norman Rockwell pictures and other cute and schmultzie advertising tells us also.  Be careful that you don’t let culture define Christmas for you.  If so, you’ll get snowed under, stressed out, and perhaps even have your own pity party after awhile.

Actually, I only know of one Perfect Christmas and I had nothing to do with it.  I give thanks to God for it.  That’s why it’s good to just go and stand by or sit and think with the Real Christmas.  Go look at the manger scene or read Luke 2, and understand that a very kind and compassion-filled God loved you enough to give his one and only son.  Do it regularly.  Stop and reflect, slow down, and think.  Let God’s business with Jesus and you become a part of your December schedule.  It just might be the best Christmas you’ve ever had.  It could just keep you from feeling snowed under.

Come on by; the coffee’s fresh.  The lights are on.

Your friend, Pastor Don