The Michigan-Nebraska game was an exciting game. It had lead changes, blown plays, amazing plays and a finish to give a coach a heartattack. The last play will also give the Michigan fans something to argue about till next year. It will surely make the highlights. Ten different Michigan players touched the ball on the final play and got to the Nebraska 13 before being tackled. whew!

Christmas Happenings

I can't believe its been a week since I have written anything. A lot has happened so I better get started. Last Wednesday was our 36th wedding anniversary. We "celebrated" by going to our regular Wed night fellowship dinner, but this one was special as a couple of members decorated the room, the tables and fixed a special meal. They do this every Dec. Being together every Wed for an informal meal and gathering is so good. It provides an opportunity for relationships to develop that are important to an healthy group.

Friday, Carol and I took off for Denver to spend Christmas with all our boys and their families. Our newest grandson Adam is growing and Kim says he is such an easy baby. The weather was really nice and as a result there wasn't enough snow to go sledding, so we spent 2 hours in the car bonding (really it was fine). The Christmas eve service we attended was enjoyable and inspiring. We had our traditional Christmas eve supper, chili and seafood chowder. We try and cover all taste. As usual Carol did an outstanding job. In fact it seemed as if we were always eating. Kim and her Sous Chefs did a great job.

We left early Tuesday so Carol could get home and perform that night. Her small group Driftwood and Roses was a big success. It was actually a paid gig.

To finish out, I am back at work with not too much happening this week so far.

Goal of Leadership

Based on a question Kmiv asked,(see it in comments) I am expanding my thoughts on the second half of yesterday's post.

I do believe in holding others accountable (including myself). Leadership is to make everyone aware of sin and help them overcome it Gal 6:1. I guess one of the problems I have experienced is what we call sin, strange as it may seem. I don't believe the violation of tradition should be classified as a sin. I believe sin only includes items that are harmful to us. If that is true, then whatever God tells us to do will be for our benefit. Leaders whose actions are filtered through the concept of "I must be in control and have power" don't have a good understanding on what is harmful and beneficial for others.
Maybe another way of saying this is, what is a leader's goal. Is it to make sure everyone is obeying all the rules of the church, or is it to help everyone experience all the blessings of God and avoid harmful actions? It is a matter of attitude and the heart.

Sunday services

Last Sunday went quite well. All of the kids were good. We didn't have any sheep wondering off or even rolling around on the stage as during the practice. Two new songs to me were sung Mary's Song and Mary Don't You Know. We had to use two teenage girls to sing so they could support each other. I am about halfway through Ron's book and throughly enjoying it. I don't know if enjoying is the right word due to the topic. It is informative and encourages the reader to get involved. As with pornography I am sure it is much more prevalent than we know. It is so sad that churches have avoided helping the victims and allowed abusers to twist the scriptures to help them control others.
My view of God has always been one of a loving and compassionate God. But I didn't fully realize that all of God's will is for our benefit. Any intrepretation that results in harm to people is not of God and usually comes as a desire for "power and control" over others.

Bits and pieces

It has been pretty quiet in the store today, in fact all this week has been quiet with only a few sales this week. Looking outside right now it has started to snow very lightly though. I made some telephone calls today to checkup on some friends and everyone is doing better. I received Ron Clark's new book and have started reading it. It looks interesting and I am sure it will be worth the read. This Sunday we are doing a drama based on Luke 2. Two years ago we did one before the official start of services and it was good. This one will be during services, we will have to see how that goes. Only a week till we get to head to one of son's house for Christmas. Three out of four of our sons and their families will be there so it should great.

Brrrrrr - Winter has arrived!!!!!!

It is cold and snowy here this week. According to the forecast the storm is moving east, our good fortune but bad for them. It has been below zero all week but will warm all the way up to freezing this weekend :>). one benefit of the extreme cold is that the snow is too dry to stick to the highway and I have to drive 25 miles to work everyday so the road hasn't been bad. The picture is a local road that doesn't get much traffic. You just have to dress warm all the time or have lots of money to pay the extra heating bill. None of this is as bad as Jason's tragedy though. His tree house fell but thankfully no one was hurt. I am pretty sure he will rebuild it, only better. The exclamation marks are for Kristin.

Scary Questions

The following questions were asked by Sam Middlebrook on another forum based on Rom 2:17-29. How would you answer these? Here are my answers.

1. Do you ever boast that all is well with you and God? Do you boast because of things you've done, or for things He has done? (v.17)
I thought I was doing pretty good in this area several years ago until a young guy I was trying to talk to told me I was smug and arrogant. Wow, was that a wakeup call. Since then I think I have had a change of heart,(putting my trust in Jesus not myself) that has also hopefully changed my demeanor. Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are doing what you want. This is where friends that hold you accountable can be of help.

2. What is one thing in your ministry that you "preach" but have a hard time "practicing"? (v.21)
Being relational outside my close circle of friends.

3. What is the heart change that the Spirit has brought about that is identifying you as a believer and follower of Christ? (v.29)
I think it involves my other answers. I am a disciple of Jesus not some group. My salvation is in Jesus not my membership in a religious group. Don't misunderstand me I am a member of a group and think it is beneficial but my trust is in Jesus.

Great Beginnings

Since this is Friday, it starts off with cooking breakfast for a men's Bible study. This morning we had biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs with mushrooms and cheese, good healthly :>) food. What makes this so great is the fellowship, the joking, the laughing. We truly enjoy being together and sharing a portion of God's word. We have men from several different groups come and the unity is so encouraging.
Thanks God for my brothers