Sunday Night Unwind

I'm sitting here in my almost empty living room looking around at some boxes and packing material. We are almost completely ready for the truck tomorrow. It has been a long day and a long week. It will be a huge relief to get into our house in Columbus and start settling in.

This morning was our first at Capital City. One word - awesome! God is so good!

The spirit of God was very real and very evident in the service this morning. When we allow Him to do what He wants the results are always great. To end with a spontaneous testimony of what God is doing in one family that fits right in with what I spoke about is something only God can orchestrate. It was obvious that the Spirit was speaking and touching lives throughout the day.

We didn't get a chance to speak to everyone this morning, but look forward to getting to know each one of you better. The hospitality we have been shown thus far has been incredible and there isn't much more we can say besides, "Thank You!"

2009 is going to be a year to remember as we see God work the fullness of His plan in and through Capital City Church. It starts with the individual. It is fueled by prayer. We will start the year off with a week of prayer starting Monday, January 5. Each day through Friday we will be at the church from 6 - 8 am and 6 - 8 pm giving people the opportunity to come and join us in prayer and seeking God's presence and Spirit for 2009. You are welcome to come and be a part of this meaningful time each day. If you can be there for a few minutes or for much longer, we will have prayer guides available and look forward to seeing you there.

We are going to go all out in spreading the love and good news of Christ in Columbus this year. We will take advantage of every opportunity that we can to know Christ and to make Him known.

Thanks

Just a quick post today. It is the morning after Christmas. Our family had a great time yesterday. The girls were surprised and they have showed real gratitude, which is something we work hard to instill.
In spite of all the packing yet to be done, we didn't yesterday. We simply hung out and enjoyed the day and relaxed.
Last night we went to see Marley & Me. While, in typical Hollywod fashion, there were some elements in the movie that could have been left out and were a bit uncomfortable for a parent to have their 7 & 9 year olds sitting next to them asking questions, it is a good movie. The movie is very family oriented in it's themes. It portrays sacrifice, love, faithfulness, endurance, and forgiveness.
It is refreshing to see a family on the big screen that works things out even in the difficult times. It is gratifying to watch a family in which the adults are loving and caring and actually in control and doing what is best for their family. So much of the time the parents are presented as moronic at best and uncaring at worst. This is not the case in this movie.
The other thing that I found great about the movie is the way it brought it down to gratitude. In the end, you see a family, a man on screen who is truly grateful for what he has. A man thankful for his family and his life, as imperfect as it may be. He sees the blessings of his wife and his children and the lessons he learned from the world's worst dog. Lessons of loyalty and love and enthusiasm for life.
We could all use a reminder to live more grateful and realize the blessings that are in our lives.
Thank you and may God reveal His richest blessings on you.

(Quick warning on the movie, it is heavy and not a light-hearted comedy all the way through.)

A moment of random

Maybe it's too late at night for me to blog, but here are some random thoughts from inside the mind of Shane:

• I can't believe it is week 16 of the NFL. The season has gone quick.
• Arizona looked horrible. Maybe clinching things as early as they did was a bad thing. That, or the NFC west doesn't belong with the rest of the NFL. Of course, the Jets and Brett Favre can't beat the NFC west... Whatever, the Cards looked pathetic against the Patriots.
• Miami wins the coldest game they have ever played in? Oh yeah, it was against the Chiefs. Does that really count as a game? Almost like playing the Lions.
• 15 degrees BELOW zero windchill this morning! Forecast for Wednesday - FIFTY degrees. What?!? If you don't like the weather in Ohio, wait a few minutes, it will change.
• We downsize every time we move. This time we have gone through things pretty aggressively. We still have way too much stuff.
• Making another trip to Columbus tomorrow to drop off some stuff. By the time Monday comes we will have only furniture to move. That would be cool.
• The move has thrown off our normal Christmas flow in our family. Doesn't really feel like Christmas around here.
• I am looking forward to Thursday though. Since having children, Christmas morning has a whole different meaning. I love seeing their faces and experiencing their excitement.
• Also, I can't wait to see Elena's expression when she opens what I got her. I think I did well this year.
• Get to spend Friday evening with some very good friends. This is a tradition for us with these friends. I am very much looking forward to it. Always a great great time.
• Mark Batterson gives a great post on a simple, yet profound strategy to parenting. Here
• I'm letting my girls pick what we read in our family devotions and my youngest picked Thessalonians. We will be going through these two letters for a while and then back to Psalms. Parents, if you don't take time to read the Bible with your children, I highly recommend you start. Let them read aloud. There is not much that compares to hearing your children red God's Word. Our girls ask if we can do devotions if they are worried that it is getting late and I haven't started them yet. Awesome!
• That's enough for now. Until.........
  

Christmas Sunday

Got to spend this morning at a church pastored by a friend of mine. It is highly unusual for a pastor to experience Christmas Sunday at another church. With the timing of our transition it worked out.

I love getting new perspectives and seeing how others do things. I learn from it. Experiences like today also give me the chance to see what it is like going to church as a visitor.

We enjoyed the service and the worship. It was relaxed and pointed and comfortable.

We were home by noon and my wife made a comment about being home so early. I think she was implying that normally the preacher at our church goes too long or something, I'm not sure.

Two thoughts from this morning that will stay with me:

• First, transitions in the service are very important and do not happen by accident
• Second, less is more when it comes to the elements in the service. Making the most of the time and not allowing anything to come in that is filler or fluff are vital.
• Third (I know I said two, but I'm a preacher and you knew there had to be at least three), we need to make sure that things are adequately explained so that guests understand what is happening and what is expected.

Well, I'm going to relax for a while longer before getting back to packing and cleaning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Living Rich For Less

Time for another book review. This one is a bit different in that it is not specifically a Christian life book. However, it is very much Biblical.

Author, Ellie Kay, strongly advocates a tithing principle of giving away at least 10% of your income to worthy causes. She specifically states the local church as one of the best options. She even goes so far as to encourage participation in a local church beyond simple attendance. Her well-rounded approach to giving includes time and talent and not just finances.

One of the things that most impressed me about this book is she wrote it from their own personal experience of achieving financial stability and success on one average middle class income. This isn't written by someone who got out of debt through a series of unusual business dealings or windfalls. We aren't presented with the opinions of someone who never experienced the stress of too much consumer debt and more month than money.

The Kay family's story is one that most any average American can relate too. They even had to deal with child support payments. They had a larger than average consumer debt level. Through all of of this they were able to change their habits and their thinking and find a good balance of spending, giving, and saving.

This book is practical and it is doable. It is not out of reach or out of touch as some financial books can be. It is not a get rich quick scheme or even a become the next millionaire book. No, this is a book that will motivate you to make the most of your resources and find that you can do more with what you have than you ever dreamed possible. It is easy to follow and gives real answers and real ideas without presenting a plan that most cannot live with.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to infuse a better balance to their finances. If you are drowning in debt and can't seem to catch a break, this book will help you. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, this book will help you. For those who are making it fine, but just know they are not doing all they could, pick up a copy of this book. If you look at your finances and wonder why you don't have more at the end of this month or just aren't sure where your money is going, read this book.

I have two copies of this book I would like to give away. Here is how that is going to work: one will go to the first person to email me (shane@capitalcitychurch.org) with your name and address where you would like the book sent. The second one will go to the first email I receive from a high school junior or senior that will promise me to read the book. The principles in this book should be taught and given to young people to help them avoid the traps that grip so many adults. Again, send your emails to shane@capitalcitychurch.org and don't forget to include your mailing address.

Book summary from the Publisher:

You really can be rich in every way, every day.

So you want to own the home you love, make memories on wonderful vacations with family or friends, finance college educations, and help others too?

You can—starting here and now.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Living Rich for Less helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay’s entertaining and enlightening examples show you simple steps to save, spend, and give smart, and her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha-Ching Factor™ tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

Ellie knows what it’s like to be financially-strapped or struggling, wanting to be the Joneses but feeling as poor in spirit as in pocketbook. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and within fifteen years able to pay cash for eleven different cars, give away three of those cars, buy two five-bedroom houses (moving from one to the other) and nicely furnish each, take wonderful vacations, dress her family in fine fashion; and support more than thirty non-profit organizations in more than a dozen different countries, giving away more than $100,000.

Isn’t that the kind of transformation to a rich life that you want?

Living Rich for Less helps anyone get there in our taxed-out, maxed-out times. Because financial security doesn’t mean just genuine prosperity, but being able to live luxuriously, give generously, and care for yourself as well as the others around you.

Why keep up with the Joneses when you can be them?

Purchase this book at Amazon.com

Talk or Practice

"My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love." 1 John 3:18 The Message

Jesus also told us that the mark of being a disciple is our love for one another. I don't know how it happened or if it just human nature getting in the way, but there is way too much animosity among churches and church goers.

We say we want to glorify God and we say that we want to experience all He has for us. If this is true, we must follow the most basic principles of His Word. It does not get more basic than love. If we can't get this right, then I'm not sure we can get much else right. There are way too many churches and people in churches tearing down others because of differences in philosophy, doctrine, and style. It's terrible when one church tears down another, but even harder to comprehend when it is within a single congregation.

We will never win this world through arguments, criticism, jealousy, or bitterness. We will only accomplish what God has called us to when we love. We must love God and love people. This is John's message in all of his writings.

Find a way today to practice love. To really practice it best, try it on someone you don't normally get along with, the unlovable, even the one you disagree with.

First Day

My last post was about my last day at Word of Life.
Today is my first official day at Capital City. I arrived this morning just before noon. After unloading (but not unpacking) some boxes, I jumped right in. I have been spending the afternoon starting to get organized and get my mind focused. It is a relief now to be able to focus in on one church.
I am looking forward to a great week. I have lots to do this week and many details to take care of, so I will most definitely not get bored. Not that that is usually much of a problem for me, but there is no chance this week.
God has an incredible plan for Capital City Church and to say that I am thrilled to be a part of it is a great understatement. I am honored.

Last Day

Tomorrow is my last day at Word of Life. It is also the last day for having two churches splitting my thoughts. I will miss people at Word of Life and there are some that I will have in my prayers for some time as they are going through things that I know are before them. I will pray for Word of Life during their transition.

However, these last few weeks as I have worked to wrap things up here as best as I know how and trusting God through the process, I have also been looking forward to what God has next at Capital City. Ending at one place while preparing the beginning at another is an incredible journey, but like all journeys, it will wear one out.

I am expecting a good day tomorrow. I am expecting a God day. We have some great things planned with our musical ensemble and some special Christmas elements. We will have an opportunity to hang out with people and say goodbye. We will encounter what God has for us.

Two Weeks

Two weeks from today, it will all be over.

The presents will be unwrapped. The garbage will be taken out. The food will be eaten. The kids will be overstimulated on sugar. The parties will have taken place. All of the preparation and hype and overspending will have come to end for another year. Unfortunately, much of the peace on earth, goodwill toward men talk and sentiments will also be finished.

Over the next two weeks we will see signs and hear people talk about the reason for the season and the spirit of Christmas and charity and giving. On December 26, most of that will cease and the focus will be back on self. People will be making their plans and heding out to exchange the gifts they didn't like. Children will have already decided what they will play with and what they won't. The allure and excitement will be gone.

I don't say any of this to be negative or to depress anyone. It is reality. I say it as a reminder to stay focused on what matters. Family, friends, time together, and most of all celebrating Christ and the greatest gift ever given. Let's not stress over gifts and all the trappings of commercialized holiday. The greatest gift we can give someone is time, attention, love, and care.

I know how stressful the holidays can be. We are moving in the midst of them and that adds stress to it all. I understand. I also know that we need to slow down and relax and not put our families at risk financially or relationally because we got caught up in the selfish and materialistic side of this season.

It really doesn't matter how much you spend or that the decorations were perfect or the food was looked like a magazine spread. No, none of this will really be the memories that are cherished. What will make this a memorable Christmas is the love we give and the time we share. My girls remember the things we have done to touch the life of another more than they remember the gifts they have been given in the past. They remember the feeling of being loved and being important to their parents.

Let's make this a memorable time for someone by including the lonely. Let's create traditions in our families that are centered on Christ and not on stuff. Let's strive for peace in our families and not add stress. If we miss a sale, oh well, if we miss an opportunity to restore or strengthen a relationship, we have truly missed out and blown it.

Let's make Christmas a birthday that honors Jesus.

Humility

Humility is not something we are very good at.
This photo is framed and hangs (for one more day anyway) directly above my desk. It has 1 Peter 5:5 as its caption. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Without going into extreme detail or getting overly theological, there is one part of that which stands out to me today for whatever reason.
The phrase “gives grace to the humble” strikes me as part of this verse I have never really dwelled on before. This is one of the verses where most of the common translations use the same wording. A couple of exceptions:

• The New Living Translation & Good News Translation “shows favor”
• The Message Paraphrase “But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.”

The Greek word for grace here is, of course, ‘charis’ which is where we derive our word charity. Here is a copy of the definition for this word from The New Testament Greek Lexicon: “good will, loving-kindness, favor: of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, creases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues”
This is a gift from God to those who are humble, down-to-earth, unassuming to self. Humility is not self-defacement, nor is it self-hatred. Those are not of God. Jesus clearly told us that we are to love our “neighbors as ourselves.” We can’t love our neighbors very well if we hate ourselves. The Bible also tells us we are created in the image of God and that He formed us in the womb. To deface , despise, or hate ourselves is to hate that which God intentionally made in His image. No, humility is not any of this.
Humility is simply having a realistic view of our humanity and knowing that life is all about God. That is slightly oversimplified, but true. Humility is knowing that others are important to God. Humility is the understanding that God knows what He is doing and His will is perfect. To be humble is to want God to receive all the credit for everything good in life. It means we simply and politely say “Thank you” to a compliment or gift. It causes us to seek success in the things of God for others. It removes personal ambition for the spotlight or prestige. A humble person is one who is focused on the purposes and Kingdom of God.
That person receives God’s gift of grace kindling them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. Simply put, as we serve Him in humility, He gives us what we need that makes it easier and more natural to serve Him in humility and effectiveness.

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:3-5

The old expression is, "Confession is good for the soul." Truth is, it is good for every aspect of our being. The Psalmist shows us that here in verse 3. The New Living Translation says it this way, "When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable."

I am not one to suggest we walk around and barf our emotions and weaknesses and shortcomings out onto every one we meet.

I also do not believe we have to walk around in shame before God all the time. The Bible also tells us we can stand boldly before the throne because of Christ.

I do want to suggest that we must be willing to ask the hard questions of ourselves and then be willing to deal straight with the answers. We are imperfect. We must be able to confront our own shortcomings and as God enables and strengthens us along with our decisions and willpower, we must overcome our shortfalls and sin. But, it can only happen after we confess and get it out in the open. We cannot bottle it up or suppress it. This will only cause us grief and pain. Besides, God knows about it anyway, so the only one we are fooling is self.

Getting things out in the open is a relative term. The confession should not, in most cases, go beyond the level of the sin. Meaning, we don't need to confess sin to someone who is not aware the sin took place. There are exceptions, but they are few. Most of the time we only need to confess before God and those few who witnessed or are keenly aware of our transgressions.

In leadership, there are times when the sin is well known. The sin of pride would be a perfect example. When a leader is filled with pride and has stopped receiving correction, it is usually obvious to everyone around them. This is a case for public confession.

Most of the time, we simply need to be honest with ourselves and open before God and get it out and dealt with so we can move on in Him. He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Just a few quick thoughts that come to mind as I read Psalm 32 last night.

Merry Christmas

I know I'm about to hit a subject that causes people's emotions to rise up. Hopefully, we can look at this without the emotion factor too much.

I caught someone's opinion that other day about where they shop at Christmas being based on whether or not the employees say "Merry Christmas." They went on to express that shopping there was somehow betraying God because of this. This particular store chain is very benevolent throughout the year and does more to help local communities and schools than any other retail chain that I am aware of. They also happen to sell many items that are Christmas related and even say the words "Merry Christmas" on them. This store also is a publicly traded secular company trying to get ahead and survive in a volatile and secular marketplace.

If a person chooses not to shop there for any reason, fine. That is none of my business and I really don't care if they do or not. The problem is, they want to make it their business that I do shop there. It happens to be my favorite department store. It bothers me that someone is willing to judge how spiritual or how "Christian" I am based upon where I shop. The truth is, if we applied their logic to all companies, we wouldn't be able to shop very many places if any that were not run by people of our individual denominations. Even then, there would be issues I am sure.

I do think it is sad that America is so politically correct and worried about offending an extremely small majority of the population that stores have to set policies about the words their employees use at this time of year. I also think it is sad that Christians are so quick to get on a soap box and a high horse to think that every one has to act as we want them to based on our sensibilities. A store employee or government employee may not be able to "Merry Christmas" to us while they are working, the First Amendment still gives us the right to say it to them. As we do, let's make sure we say it in sincerity and love and not with attitude, a chip on our shoulder, or any kind of sarcastic and holier-than-thou kind of way.

Christmas is the time when people are most likely to accept an invitation to church, most likely to listen to someone share their experience with Christ, most likely to be open to the truth of God's Word. Let's not blow this opportunity with a social political agenda. Instead, let us, the children of God and followers of Christ, do everything we can to spread the love and peace of God that exists within our hearts because of Him.

Monday Brief

Normally I take Mondays off, but as I wrap up my last week at Word of Life and set up for my first full week at Capital City, there is so much to do that I am working every day for the next two weeks. I will be back in Steubenville for the 19 for my daughter's Christmas program at school and then will take a week to pack and get our family ready to move. It's going to be a whirlwind three weeks. We will be moving in to our house in Columbus on the 30th.

Today was a wild day with a wide range of things happening, but it was good to accomplish a few things that needed to be done and get some others moving along the process.

God is teaching me some great things through this transition process. He is so faithful as He leads us through life to use each opportunity to bring us growth and wisdom and guidance. Hopefully, I can learn from Him and use opportunities in life to teach and train my children the way God does for me and see them become what He has destined for them.

Dear Lord

I am amazed by you! Your love, Your faithfulness, Your patience.

You take us from the depths of ourselves and raise us to the heights of You. You give us life worth living. You grant us possibilities of what is yet to come.

You are God. You are my God. Personal, true, real, present.

Move us, move me, from the place of status quo and stagnation. Move us past relying on what was and even trusting what is to a state of believing what could be, what will be in the grand design of You.

You are God. That is all I need know. You have the future in the palm of your hand. You have the details worked out. You alone know what is best.

You are God.

Send forth Your people, send us into the possibilities that You have laid out in front of us that others may also know that You are God. Let us go into the everyday mundane and bring the divine of You. May we be the answers to the prayers of others who are asking that someone go to their loved one. May we become the answer to the prayer that there would be more workers bringing in the harvest.

Thank you for the privilege of Your presence. Thank you for the awesome gift of being Your ambassador, Your voice to those around us. Help us to proclaim the message that You are God.

In Jesus’ Name
Amen.

Our Tree

Just wanted to follow through with the photo of our Christmas tree 2008. This tree was giving to us fully decorated last year by a woman here at WOL. It is beautiful and makes a great addition to Elena's normal decorating. This year it will serve as the whole of our decorations.

Randomness Again

Just a few random whatevers as I sit here in my leather chair.

Because we are moving in a couple of weeks, Elena is not covering the house top to bottom with Christmas decorations. In fact, she isn't even putting up our big tree. (Tomorrow, I'll post a photo of the tree we are using this year.) I am shocked. Who is this person and what did she do with my wife? Please understand, I'm not complaining, this is all less work for me and the tree we are using was the girls' idea, so they are fine. I just am amazed at the restraint and practicality Elena is showing toward this issue. Christmas decorating is one of her favorite things.

Had a great trip to Columbus the last couple of days. I am so looking forward to what God has in store.

Speaking of being in Columbus - Panera Bread's chicken tortilla soup absolutely rocks!

Got to spend some time yesterday with one of my former students. She is now an RN living in Columbus right around the corner from Capital City. Cool.

Still trying to wade through the mounds of paper in my office as I prepare everything here for the transition.

When will the NCAA stop letting outside businesses dictate what is going on in college football and finally institute a REAL playoff? Dan Wetzel writes a fantastic article on this. Here.

I am an Alabama fan this weekend. No way do I want to see Florida anywhere near the title!

Hopefully I'll get to go skiing in a couple of weeks.

Paper or plastic? One of those great dilemmas of life that plagues us all. :o)

I know we are technically and actually in a recession, but Americans did spend 11 billion dollars on Friday. That's up 3% from last year. Not stellar growth, but it is growth. Point is, seems the problem is on the government end along with a few morons at the top of some of the laregst companies. I don't have the answers, that is for sure, but is more debt the answer to solve what really is a crisis of debt and fueled by debt?

It is 11:11 right now. Looks funny on the clock on our cable box.

Good night.

The World is Calling

Like most boys growing up, Superman was one of my favorite superheroes. I saw the movies with Christopher Reeves. when they came out and was a definite fan. I even watched reruns of the original TV show. Of course, I had to catch Justice League cartoons on Saturdays.

It's no surprise that I have seen the more modern version “Superman Returns.” I was reminded of something from the movie recently. Without reviewing the movie or really making any comment on the movie itself, I want to focus on a line that caught my attention.

Superman meets up with Lois Lane on the roof of the Daily Planet. He had been gone for 5 years exploring space trying to find remnants of his home planet Krypton. During his absence, Lois wrote an article entitled “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman” for which she received a pulitzer prize. After an awkward exchange, Superman invites Lois to go with him so he can show her something. In the conversation, she makes the comment, “The world doesn’t need a savior...”

As they fly high above overlooking not just the city, but most of the Eastern Seaboard, Superman stops and asks Lois what she hears. Her answer is nothing. He replies, (I may be slightly paraphrasing as I did not write down word for word what he said) “I hear everything. The cries, the terror, the violence. You say the world doesn’t need a savior, then why do I hear them calling for one?”

In the midst of writing a Hollywood film, the writers of this movie got something profoundly right. There are many in society today that would espouse the idea that the world doesn’t need a savior. Everywhere we turn, the voices are clamoring that human ingenuity, intelligence, science, entertainment, success, achievement, or any number of other things will solve our problems. The political parties are constantly blaming the other for the woes of the world and desperately hoping we will believe they have the answers. Many are saying, no, many are screaming that the world doesn’t need a savior. Like a child throwing a temper tantrum that they don’t need their parents, stomping their feet, and slamming their door, there are those that want us to believe we can do this on our own.

Calmly, quietly, Jesus asks us what we hear and what we see. Then He reminds us that He sees and hears it all. He lets us know the world is calling out for a savior. If we will just listen and if we will open our eyes and look, we, too, will see the fields are white unto harvest. The world is calling and He is trying to answer and show up, but He has to wait on us to go and pray that God will raise up laborers for the harvest and then be willing to go ourselves.

While Superman can fly fast and get around quickly, almost seeming to be everywhere, he can be only one place at a time. Superman cannot save a soul. Most importantly, Superman does not exist.

Jesus, however, is everywhere and He is right here all at once. Jesus died to bring true salvation, eternal salvation for all. Jesus is real.

The world is calling. The world needs a savior. It is our privilege to introduce the world to Him.

Unbelievable

I just read what may be one of the most disturbing stories of the holiday news season (click here for the story). A Wal-Mart worker was trampled to death in NY as angry, anxious, and outrageously materialistic shoppers crashed through the door trying to purchase something they probably don't need and don't have the cash for. I don't know that I have the words to express my outrage at the selfishness and absolute inhumanity of these people.
First of all, I am not that eager to spend money on things to spend all night in line in front of Wal-Mart. Second, there is nothing that I can think of that is worth getting into a shoving mob situation in order to get inside of a store.
Have we become this self-focused? Has our society really reached the point that being the first to get a bargain on a TV is more important than human life? Are things so vital to our identity and self-worth that we have thrown out decency and respect? Or is this an isolated incident in a place that is worse than the rest?
Whatever these answers, our country needs prayer and it needs an awakening of God's presence and reality.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We just wanted to wish each of you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you for being a part of our lives.
and...
Praise God for His blessings.
Praise God for His love.
Praise Him for His salvation.
Praise Him that He is the King of Kings.
Praise Him for the day.
Praise Him for your family.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

With Love,
Shane, Elena, Kiersten, Breanna Hart

Thanksgiving Eve

My daughter's didn't have school today and yet were still up at 6:30 am. All morning they have been drawing Thanksgiving pictures and are making a banner for their grandparents who are coming up later today.

The news was on and one of them heard someone use the term pre-Thanksgiving. My daughter's response was, "It's not pre-Thanksgiving, it's Thanksgiving Eve."

While today is not commonly referred to in that way and it definitely does not get the attention as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, it is still an important day. It's preparation day.

Like most people, we set out the turkey this morning to get it ready to be roasted tomorrow. Tonight, my wife and mother-in-law will begin preparing dough and potatoes and stuffing and all kinds of other things. The kitchen will be organized and the refrigerator stuffed like the turkey. Time and energy will be expended to put everything in place for tomorrow. Today is one of the busiest shopping days for grocery stores. It is also the busiest travel day of the year. People are getting ready for tomorrow.

Why all the fuss and preparation? Because it is a day we have been anticipating and we don't want to miss out. I believe there is a spiritual principle that can be applied here. We are on the eve of some of the most spectacular spiritual things in history. Just around the corner is a great move of God as He pours out His Spirit in unprecedented ways. Are we truly anticipating what God has in store? Are we making the preparations? Are we positioning ourselves so that we don't miss out?

Just a little food for thought.

Random Musings

I am feeling a bit random today. Maybe it's the cold, maybe it's just me being me, but here are some thoughts bouncing around in my mind.

It's snowing hard right now, but only sticking a bit. Supposed to get more tonight. White Thanksgiving? Just makes the time inside with family more cozy.

If we do get a few inches of snow tonight, the girls want to play outside and sled tomorrow. I'm sure we will.

Been checking out the ski resorts, they are getting some good natural snow. I would love to head up for opening weekend on Friday or Saturday, but it will probably have to wait.

Great offensive explosion last night in the Saints/Packers game. I can't believe the Saints pulled out such a decisive win in that fashion with Reggie Bush on the sidelines and not in uniform.

Can't wait until Thursday. I can almost taste the turkey and gravy now.

Watching the news this morning made me want to scream. Why won't the government take the common sense approach to all of this that Americans have to every day. Spend less than comes in and the crisis will work itself out. Same goes for the automakers and banks. Ridiculous.

My daughter's second grade class had a little Thanksgiving presentation in their class this morning. It was cute. Of course, I think she stole the show. So does she.

I started packing up some books and things in my office yesterday. I will be in Columbus the first of next week and am going to take a load up with me. I'm not a big fan of packing. The good of it is that I go through things and thin out what I don't need or is outdated.

I think I finally figured out what to get my wife for Christmas. She is not the easiest person to shop for.

I can't wait to get over this cold, it is driving me bonkers.

Spoke with a friend who pastors a church outside Cleveland. They had a total God experience at their church on Sunday. Awesome! I love hearing the great things God does!

I'm really getting into this Twitter thing. Even Facebook has become a regular part of my routine throughout the day. I'm connecting with people that we haven't in years. Pretty cool.

I'm going to an Apple Computer store Monday; I'll have to try not to go overboard! :o)

That's it. Gotta go brave the snow to deliver some tables a nursing home is borrowing from us.

Thanskgiving

I love this week! Thanksgiving is such a relaxed holiday. Outside of the grocery stores it isn't very marketed, yet most people get extra time off to spend with family. Even more than Christmas it seems that people slow down, at least for a hours, to relax and have fun and enjoy each other. The food is great, the football is great, I love it. Although, I will miss my big screen TV which died earlier this year. :o(

I believe we have some family coming up to spend a couple of days with us. I know we will have a good time and eat well. My wife, Elena, does an incredible job with the Thanksgiving meal. My part is to carve the bird. Other than that, I stay out of her way.

Hello

Hello Capital City!
It's great to have you join me in this blog. I look forward to hearing from you and getting the chance to meat or re-meet you in the next few weeks.

So tell me, what are your big plans for Thanksgiving?

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken

This book at first glance is intimidating due to it’s shear size. Once you get past that, it is a fantastic resource. When I say resource, I don’t mean just in the vein of a concordance or commentary, though it fits that category as well. I mean resource as in life resource. To have the words of Christ organized in this format and compiled together by topic is wonderful.

This book isn’t just a compilation of copied scripture, it is an organizing of the words that form the very foundation of who we are as Christ followers. The Bible can be a bit disjointed when studying one subject due to the fact that it is a group of letters and writings of different authors. Steven Scott joins together each topic into a fantastic cohesion that shows the context of what Christ said about each subject. At the beginning of each section Mr. Scott gives a short explanation of that section and some insights he has gained in his vast studies. These are well thought out and well executed in form on the page.

This is one book that I will go to time and time again in my studies as a follower of Christ and as a pastor in sermon preparation. Most of this book is the Word of God organized in a very usable form with some commentary and added thoughts along the way similar to many study Bibles, yet much more focused.

In the introduction on page 4, Mr. Scott writes a statement that I believe deserves to be repeated, “Many Christians have built their beliefs and values on the words of Bible teachers, authors, and television and radio preachers rather than on the words of Christ. As wonderful as the words of preachers and writers may be, they can’t begin to compare in wonder and power to the pure, undiluted words of Jesus Christ.” Well put. Mr. Scott does not dilute or hide or in any way hinder the words of Christ.

In the introduction, Gary Smalley makes a statement about giving a copy of this book to each of his family members and associates as Christmas gifts. That seems like a very good idea to me and one that I will take to heart and will be giving this book out as well.

The summary of this book from the publisher is as follows:



The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott


Genre: Christian Living – Released 9/16/08 – ISBN 978-1-4000-7462-4

• Every Word of Jesus Right at Your Fingertips

  Haven’t you wished you could ask Jesus any question and get his immediate help with the biggest problems you face? Now you can.

• For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know his will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you are desperate for his encouragement, comfort, or wisdom–you can easily find the help you need.

• The moment you turn to the appropriate topic heading, you will have access to the breadth of Jesus’ teaching on that subject. You can also use this book as a guide for studying Jesus’ wisdom on any topic of interest, such as prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptation, relationships, grace, or knowing God.

• As you immerse yourself in Jesus’ words, your life and relationships will be transformed, and your faith and spiritual passion will be renewed. Let the greatest words ever spoken bring new vision, power, and joy into your life–one statement at a time.

Purchase this book at:

Amazon. com

A quick about me kind of bio

Adopted at birth, Shane had to deal early in life with the issues of rejection and anger toward a biological father who abandoned him and a biological mother who gave him away.

Raised in church by a loving couple who adopted him, he found the love and acceptance of Christ and encountered that full reality as a teenager.

Shane was called into the ministry at a youth rally at the age of fifteen and has never turned back. After High School, he moved to Arizona to attend Master’s Commission at Phoenix First Assembly of God. From there, Shane continued his ministerial studies through Global University School of the Bible.

He served as youth pastor in the Bronx, NY; Alton, IL; and Youngstown, OH as well as working in inner-city ministry in Louisville, KY.

He met his wife, Elena at a youth workers’ conference in Kentucky. They married in September of 1995 and have been partners in ministry ever since.

Elena, also adopted, was raised in church as well. She surrendered to the reality of God at 18 and immediately got involved as a worship leader in her church youth ministry. Elena plays keyboard and recently taught herself to play the bass guitar. She currently leads the women’s ministry and the young adult ministry at Word of Life. She graduated nursing school in 1995 and works in a doctor’s office.

Shane and Elena have two wonderful daughters who are constant reminders of the love and grace of God.