It’s a game she has played all of her life. In fact, my personal research indicates that this is a game that has been going on in families in the South for 200 years or more.

The first one to say “Christmas Eve gift” on Christmas Eve gets a gift. The one hearing the phrase has to give the gift.

The gift does not have to be fancy or expensive. It could be as little as a couple of cookies, a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. Most often the recognition that she was the first with the phrase is sufficient. I offer to buy her lunch when she returns. She accepts. Game over.

In 35 years I have managed to defeat her only once. Now I am fully awake. My mind rehearses the events of the past few days. In the same way that a coach accepts responsibility for his team’s loss, I accept responsibility for this year’s resounding defeat. It is my fault after all. When we dropped her at the airport a few days ago I threw down the gauntlet. I told her I would to be the first this year to say “Christmas Eve gift.” I should have known better. This is a game of stealth. Never advertise your strategy to your opponent – especially one as skilled as Doris.

I cannot defeat her again until next year. But I can get you. So, “Christmas Eve gift!” Ah. Satisfaction. Merry Christmas, my friends!

Moved any mountains lately? Where is your faith?

Try Wordle on your site and let me know how it goes.

Happy wordling. 8o]

I shared in an earlier post about Christmas being my favorite holiday. I have also commented about my desire to wish everyone a “Merry Christmas.” If you haven’t read those posts you might want to “catch up” before reading on.

It has been a while since I have posted but the Christmas season seems to stir the communicator in me. A lot has changed in our lives. Joyce and I have returned home to Alabama where I am pastor of Bethel Worship Center in Wetumka, AL. We still miss our friends and family in Central Florida, but are confident that God has brought us home for His purpose. We both love this new assignment and the many new friends we have made. Wetumpka is in many aspects a long way from Orlando; not as many cars on the rural Alabama highways, not as many houses for sale, not as many folks jamming the crowded malls, not as much sunshine, but the feeling of home brings so much peace, joy, and comfort, especially at this time of year.

Recently, it dawned on me that those sensitive members of our society who do not wish to offend others by uttering the term, “Merry Christmas” and have substituted the term “Happy Holidays” are in need of my assistance. Your decision to be non-offensive is honorable but you are continuing to offend some members of our society. No, it isn’t the Christians; we got over your “political corrections” a few years ago.

However, there is a segment of society that I believe you are hurting. It is the unhappy crowd. That’s right! You are wishing happiness on some folks who do not want your brand of emotional tyranny. There are many legitimate reasons to be unhappy at this time of year. It is the winter solstice, (“Solstice Greetings” by the way unless of course you are into equinoxes and you folks will have to wait a few months.) The lack of sunshine alone is enough to make grown men cry. Never mind all of the loneliness, loss, and grief that seem to be so profound this time of year.

So please cease and desist from your wishes of happiness upon the “happiness challenged” of our land. Your thoughtless verbal barbs only serve to remind them of their joyless existence. How could you be so callused? So in keeping with the spirit of true political correctness, a simple “holidays” should suffice.

Wait, I forgot about the workaholics. I am not at all sure how they would receive a “holiday” greeting. Besides that, I think that “holiday” is actually a combination of “holy” and “day.” I am not sure how to correct that one. I’ll have to get back with you…

In the mean time, please accept my best wishes of a “Merry Christmas” and the hope that all will find the true happiness that can only come through the gift from God that came through Jesus Christ on that first “holy day.” May the love and peace that filled the manger on that first Christmas morn fill your hearts as well.

We are finding old friends, new friends, and a wonderful way to keep up with family. You’ll have to sign up with FaceBook to see our profiles, but I think you will enjoy it, too.

I also heard today from Jenn and Keith and Jon and Stephanie. We got to celebrate with them several days early when we were visiting Alabama. Great steak dinner! (Thanks also for a great time with the RC airplane, Jon.)

I was once asked what I considered to be my greatest accomplishments. I didn’t have to think even a moment. Our kids. No, I am not taking full credit here. No accomplishments are ever achieved alone. There are always others involved. Most of the credit for our kids must be given to God. His abundant blessings are readily evident in their lives and loves. Joyce and I were blessed with family and friends who have all added so much to the formula for perfect kids. Yes, perfect. Mark Rutland, jokingly, remarked about the perfection of his grand kids, “It is amazing how such perfection can come from such imperfection. It seems that perfection skips generations!” He was kidding, but I am sure that many fathers must think that. Our kids are perfect in the best possible way, they are all living fulfilling lives, have found phenomenal life mates and they and their spouses are serving God. What more could a Christian parent ask? Each of them have surpassed their parents in almost every way. They are extremely talented. Many of the things that I dreamed for my life I have been privileged to experience through them. Their zeal for God is inspiring. Each of them found the perfect person to augment and encourage them in their relationship with God. Together with their spouses the are all mature believers in Jesus Christ. I am a man most blessed.

Of course, our kids did see some perfection in their parents. 100 % from mom and 2% from dad. Making perfect kids is easy if your start with the perfect wife. We will celebrate 33 years of wedded bliss on June 21. Thanks, Joyce, for giving me so much more than I ever dreamed possible! I am a man most blessed.

Since last Father’s Day, David and Missy brought Andrew into our lives. Jonathan graduated from TSU and married Stephanie. Jenn and Keith moved to Mobile to join the staff of Saraland A/G. I am so proud of them all! I am a man most blessed!

There are at least a hundred other things that I could praise God for, but since it is Father’s Day, let’s just say that these seven have given Joyce and I an abundance of reasons to thank and honor our heavenly father on this day. So to my father in heaven, I’ll say, “Thanks, Father, for so many things, but thanks most of all for these seven! You have given me so much! Because of you I can emphatically express, I am a man most blessed!”

We are so thrilled to have Stephanie in our family!  Thanks, Jerry for reminding me…

Grady

hay! I’ve been waiting for your update for months. How are you doing recently? China experienced a great deal of crisis these days: the earthquake, torch relay protest, etc. Life is hard but work has to go on!

I came cross a sentence from a website last week and I don’t understand, could you do me a favour, Grady?

“The American temptation is to believe that foreign policy is a subdivision of psychiatry.” Henry Kissinger quotes (American Political scientist. b.1923)

Thanks a million!

My reply: Any political science majors feel free to wade in on this one…

I am so sorry, Jerry. I have been distracted lately. I hope to resume blogging soon.

I will attempt to explain the phrase; “The American temptation is to believe that foreign policy is a subdivision of psychiatry.” Henry Kissinger quotes (American Political scientist. b.1923). Sadly, it is only my opinion and I must remind you that I am not a politician.

I believe that Mr. Kissinger was implying a common attitude among American citizens, and elected leaders, that assumes relationships with other countries require an understanding of Psychiatry which is a branch of medicine that studies and attempts to treat disorders of the mind (mental illness). The implication is that Americans see all foreign countries and people groups as needing analysis and treatment for their perceived disorders.

While I don’t believe that his assessment applies to all Americans, certainly not those who have travelled and met the people of other countries and traditions, I do understand His frustration. As a political scientist he is understands that foreign policy has more to do with building social structures and developing processes between differing groups of people or nations. An attitude which assumes “disorders” is a very detrimental to strong and lasting relationships. How can I build a trusting relationship with those I think are not normal?

I believe that this analogy might help. I understand that men in China see women in very different ways. When a man is pursuing a wife, he sees her beauty and desires her company and affection. Once a man has a wife, he sees her value for service and support. He sees her differently even though she is the same woman. She has not changed. Please forgive me if I am wrong, but if I am right wouldn’t it be better to treat all women with respect? (I believe that I should treat my wife better than all other people in my life. We will soon celebrate 33 years of marriage and we are both happy because we value each other.)

So, Mr. Kissinger sees the relationships between countries in much the same way. If Americans will value other nations and peoples as much as they value themselves, they could develop and maintain stronger and longer lasting relationships with them.

Now I will add another opinion regarding the statement. The very term “foreign policy” is becoming very outdated in our language. The word “foreign” has begun to have a negative connotation. Who would want a “foreign” object in their head? Not me! It seems to magnify the differences. Another term that is similar is “alien” which can refer to creatures from other worlds or people from other countries. Not a nice group to be in, right? In much the same way the word “foreign” puts other people or nations in the same group as little green men from outer space! [No offence is intended for any little green.] I think a better term would be “world policy.” That phrase seems to give us all equal status since we are all part of the world.

I hope I helped you. It is good to “hear” from you. I love the World Wide Web!

I know that things have been difficult there. We are praying for you.

Stay tuned and take care,

Grady

click here for more!

Attaboy, Jonathan!

In his seemingly unintelligible expressions, we hear God telling us that all is well with the world. Through the innocence of a newborn grandson God speaks “peace be still.” Worries fade, fears subside, joys arise, hope is renewed. Our grandson speaks and all I can think is, “ahhhhhhhhh.”

See an abundance of photos of our grandson, Andrew Everett Russell, via our son’s flickr site.

www.jennblog.com

There cannot be a better job on the planet than mine. I am leading a brand new congregation of God hungry believers. SonPointe Church is a great work! Nehemiah spoke of his work in the same way. Nehemiah is a great study in the importance of work. In Nehemiah 6, he answers his inquiring enemy with the statement, “I am doing a great work!”

Everyone who is actively involved in the work of the Lord is involved in a great work. From the moment Jesus directed His disciples to go into all the world, the work of the kingdom of Christ has grown and prospered. It is a great and worthy endeavor. It has no equal! God’s book is the #1 bestseller of all time and His work is the number one work of all time!

Here are two powerful truths: it is great and it is work. The task before Nehemiah was a great task. He and his followers rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days. (Personal note: I am 52. On Saturday, September 1, we begin canvassing neighborhoods and doing the work of launching our church. Including Saturday, there are just 52 days before I turn 53 on October 22^nd. Is God getting me ready for a really happy birthday? Who knows! Yet, I cannot think of a better way to spend the last 52 days of my 52^nd year than working for the Lord.)

Nehemiah’s work was a great and worthy task. It also required great effort. The task before our church is also great and will require much labor, but a dear friend reminded me today that the “fields are white unto harvest.”

Work is a good thing. God never intended for mankind to get by without work. Even God works! He worked to form the world. Six out of seven days God worked. We should do the same! We should honor God’s day of rest by working the other six to earn that rest.

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Theodore Roosevelt

There is no greater work worth doing than the work that God intends for you. If you are in the will of God you will be working 85% of the time (six of seven days). God works and expects you to work as well. God is not pleased with those who refuse to do their share of His work.

Work saves us from three great evils: boredom, vice and need. Voltaire

I don’t agree with everything that Voltaire had to say, but in this statement, he is right. Nothing is better for an individual or group than work. You defeat the enemy when you work. Boredom, sin, and need creep into groups and individuals that are not focused on their endeavors. God’s work is challenging and rewarding. Jesus said, “…I must be about My Father’s business.” Luke 2:49 (NKJV) Jesus knew the significance of doing the will of God. It was also vital to Nehemiah and should be important to every follower of Jesus Christ.

How can we work for God? Work! Earn a living. Tithe on your income. Support the work of God. Give to missions. Faithfully attend church. Be a model of Christ in all of your endeavors. Participate in the outreach endeavors of your church.

Work at keeping the peace of your church. Work at being a peacemaker.

Jesus declared that certain folks were blessed. However,

I don’t recall Jesus saying blessed are those who are bitter in spirit.

I don’t recall Him saying blessed are those who frown at others and refuse to greet their brothers and sisters in Christ.

I don’t recall Him saying blessed are those who are constantly offended.

I don’t recall Him saying blessed are those who refuse to support the work of the local church.

I don’t recall Him saying blessed are those who hinder the work of God.

He did say blessed are the peacemakers!

I can assure you that making peace is hard work!

Jesus did say that those who would be known as the children of God were the peacemakers! Want to be called a child of God? Make peace!

Jesus did say “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.” If you are hungry for justice you will work!

Our church is a vital part of the work of God. Every believer who attends a church should enter into the work of that church or find a work they can enter into. Our church motto is, “Find your place in the Son!” There is a place for you in SonPointe Church and it is a place of work. After all…

Whoever does not love his work cannot hope that it will please others. Anonymous

Do you want to please the Lord?

If you love the Lord of the work, you will love the work of the Lord!

The work of God is a great work, and anything or anyone hindering the work cannot be pleasing God. When you grasp the greatness of the work, you will get involved! God’s people simply cannot sit on the sidelines when they understand the great task before us!

Do you love your work?

As Pentecostal people we are empowered to serve God when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. This marvelous experience changed the early disciples in a powerful way. It has powerfully affected believers in every generation. I was reading an article about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that came over 100 years ago. The article on the CBN website said in part, “Right around the first hour of the first day of the new century — January 1st, 1901, Agnes Ozman asked Parham to lay hands on her and pray for this baptism and the gift of tongues. Swiftly, the prayer was answered. Phil Johnson covers the religion beat for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He said, “Agnes Ozman became the first person in this century to speak in tongues and that started the Pentecostal movement as we know it today.” Johnson added, “Agnes Ozman, it was said, spoke in Chinese for three days straight. She couldn’t speak in English at all.” “ You can read the complete article for yourself here. There is another compelling account on the Assemblies of God Enrichment Journal site.

That event began a revival that swept the world. The Holy Spirit broke down barriers that men could not. Men and women of all races and aspects of society were equals in the early days of this movement. There were certain attitudes that characterized the revival; a sincere love for all mankind, fervor for evangelism, and a great commitment to missions. Just over 100 years after that humble beginning, there are tens of millions of Pentecostals in every region of the world.

God poured His Spirit upon that generation just as He did on the first Pentecostal believers. Today we are praying that He will do the same for us. I want to be a part of a church that models the same attitudes as the Azusa Street believers. I believe that God is sending people to us to catch this vision and impact our world for Christ. It must begin in our community.

Would you pray for us? Next week we will start distributing informational packets and meeting our neighbors. Please pray for favor and for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon our endeavors. We intend to plant seeds of the Gospel and water what others have planted and expect God to provide a bountiful increase. By adding your prayers to ours you will help to multiply our efforts.

Jesus said, in Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) … “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Would you ask the Lord to send us workers to help us reach our community? Would you also ask your church to pray for us?

I am praying that every believer reading this will pray for miracles for SonPointe Church. I am also praying that you will walk your neighborhood and pray for the lost souls living near you. It is time for the church to get out of our comfortable homes and tell others the Good News about Jesus Christ! He is coming soon!

Stay tuned! Great reports are coming!