Body Life

Small groups have been a part of Denbigh Church of Christ for many years and on September 16 we begin our 11th Body Life season. I came across a quote that I believe sums up the purpose of Body Life small groups.

Small groups are a PLACE TO BE and not just another THING TO DO.

To me being in a small group is a no brainer. I've been either a leader or a participant in a group for almost 20 years. During that time I've gotten to know other group members more intimatly and they have gotten to know me. Had it not been for these groups the deep sharing of our lives would not have happened had I just relied on Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday night church gathering.

In the 1980’s sitcom “Cheers” their theme song mentioned the bar as a place to go where everyone knows your name. We all need relationships and our reason this ministry exists is to provide a place for relationships to grow. Whether you choose to connect with an affinity group, or with an intergenerational group you will find family. It will be a place where everyone will know your name. It will also be a place for you to be ministered to and to minister to others through friendship, service opportunities, prayer, and bible application. Paul said in Ephesians that when we share with one another our gifts out of love we build up the body of Christ and grow to be like Him (Eph 4:14—16).

True friendship is not to be taken lightly. It is a risky adventure that draws one into the life of another. Jesus told his disciples that no greater love exists than to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:13). This is the opportunity we have in Body Life, to lay down our life needs so that the needs of others are met. It was not just a nice bit of teaching on Jesus’ part because he goes on to tell them in chapter 16 that that is exactly what he was about to do for them…and us.

When you commit to a small group you commit to serve and be served. In the show Star Trek Mr. Spock would sometimes say “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” but another episode he said “the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many.” This is true in small group ministry. At times service is giving your needs up for others and at other times it means allowing others to serve you.

A third opportunity in Body Life is the privilege to pray for one another’s health (physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually). Spending group time in prayer is an important task but everyone is also encouraged to pray throughout the week for the group concerns mentioned.

Finally, spending time together and sharing with one another what we’ve learned from God’s word is immeasurable. When we allow God to make us new through his word we will come to live more like we were always intended to live. This year many groups will use the Sunday morning sermon as a discussion starter and seek ways to apply the message to their daily life.

Your Response Desired:
Have you ever participated in a small group? If not why not and if so do you plan to be a part of another group?
What have you gained (good or bad) from your small group experience?
What would you change about small group ministry to make it more effective?
What are some common mistakes you've witnessed or heard about in a small group setting?

Roger, over and out!

City of Children Mission Trip

What a great week we had at the City of Children. I want to thank all our teens and adult staff because without them and their efforts the mission trip to the City of Children would not be the same. Our oral report will be given next Sunday, August 26 at 6 PM.

If you have never gone on a mission trip let me give you an idea of what our week looked like at a glance. We all gathered Friday morning at our church building at 3:45 AM. Len Causey, Byrdie Hawley and Tressa Tucker transported our group to the Richmond airport for our flight out at 6:40 AM. After arriving in San Diego we were shuttled over to the Holiday Inn for a nights stay.

On Saturday we boarded the bus and headed to the local In-n-Out Burger for lunch. I wish we had one of those in VA! Good fast food with an efficient work crew, what a great concept! Anyway, after lunch we headed for the border and crossed without any problems. We arrived at the City of Children around 2 PM because of the quick lunch and border crossing.

After unloading luggage we went to play with the children. It is so much fun to see and play with them again since our last visit.

On Sunday we enjoyed church in Spanish and realized once again that God’s Family is composed of many people from many cultures and languages. Following morning worship we had a tour of the facilities and lunch prepared by the women at the City of Children.

On Monday through Wednesday our groups were divided into three teams to cover the three areas of service (home construction or visitation in Maneadero, painting Mexican staff quarters and picnic areas at the orphanage, and dorm cleaning and playing with pre school children). While concrete was in the dreams of our group, painting was joyfully done instead…oh well, maybe next year!

Thursday morning we went to La Bufadora for some shopping. The familiar call “give me a chance to rip you off” was heard as we walked the gauntlet of vendors down to the blowhole. Ashleigh Blackwell and I enjoyed a fish taco but no one else seemed interested in one at 10:30 in the morning. I don’t get it!!!

Our week went by quickly as we closed out our time at the orphanage with a devotional at the amphitheater and the tucking in of our Lil Amigo’s. On Friday we started our long trip back home and arrived back at the church building around 3 AM.

Thanks again for all the support you provide so that we may serve our great God through this mission effort.

Saying Goodbye!

One of the hardest things to do is say goodbye. Whether it is a parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling, a friend or a neighbor it does not matter, saying goodbye is tough. Next week we must say goodbye to our neighbors across the street who just happen to be great friends and more importantly our family in Christ. Bob, Kate along with their son Jack and yes even Hailey their dog will be moving on to Houston, TX. They have made a lasting impression on our congregation and on me and I am eternally grateful.
It will not be the same around here without the Looney’s. From Kate providing me with weather updates, or assisting Bob to acquire the need for a new ladder, or helping Hailey go potty, or just enjoying getting to hold Jack for a few minutes. Yes, things will be definitely be a little different after they move away.
But they made an even bigger impact on our church. From the very first time they walked into our building they got involved and added some spice to our church. Bob and Kate worked together in most everything they did, and they did a lot. They led the Teens4Him high school youth group, took them to youth rallies, mission trips, service projects, and taught in Sunday School. Both Bob and Kate could be found serving on the Praise Team or behind the scene in the control booth. If there was work to be done at the church building they got involved. They also help move people in to their home by helping unloading their boxes and furniture, as well as helped pack up boxes and furniture for those moving away. They are truly servants in their attitude and speech, their sacrifice of time and effort, and their love.

When you get a moment please leave a note or blessing for them on this blog or maybe better yet give it to them directly.

For me I say thanks Bob/Kate/Jack/Hailey for the blessing of being family with us. Thank you for being my friend! You will be missed greatly at Denbigh but will be without a doubt a blessing wherever God leads you to serve.


Paul’s words to the Ephesians says it all.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT) When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. 17 And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. 21 May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.

Love and learn

In my years of going to church I have sat through many classes and Sunday sermons that expressed scripture in theory but with little, practical application. Because of that I tend to lean more toward the practical side of things, relying on what I’ve been taught growing up to support what I want to apply to living the Christian life. The problem is not everyone has had the teaching background (good or bad) that I’ve had. What those who sit through my classes or small group meetings probably hear from me… more often than I want to admit… is lots of how-to advice and less scripture. I think I/we need more balance in this area both scripture and application. For example I ran across this marriage tip posted by Debbie Simler-Goff for better communication in relationships.

Nonverbal signals carry five times the impact of spoken words. So understanding your mate's body language can go a long way to avoiding arguments and strengthening your relationship. Here are six strategies for communicating without words.
1. Watch your mate's shoulders. Hunched shoulders may indicate defeat, or that she's feeling overwhelmed. Squared shoulders convey confidence and could mean he's ready for battle. Observing the difference can defuse potential conflict before it strikes.
2. Sit and tilt your head when asking your mate to share what's upsetting him. Sitting shows you're open and ready to listen, and inclining your head indicates sincere interest.
3. While making dinner, puttering around the house, or when on a date, lean your body toward your spouse. Leaning conveys, I want to be closer to you.
4. Pupils dilate when you experience attraction, so gaze deeply into your mate's eyes to signal your love.
5. If you're arguing, hand over a glass of water. Gestures and emotions are directly linked. If your wife is defensive, her arms will likely be crossed. Getting her to uncross them (to accept a cold drink) will help dissipate tension.
6. Smile. Science has proven that smiling causes others to react more positively to you. Just smiling at your mate can generate good feelings for you both.

It is good to have tips and suggestions like those mentioned above when looking for practical advice on what to do. But we cannot get the cart before the horse in any relationship. There must first be love and concern for the other person. Without love all the practical advice in the world is only at best, manipulation (if I do this they will do that). Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that all the efforts, gestures and words we express end up ringing hollow and manipulative without love.
Good communication including reading the others body language whether in marriage or in any relationship begins with concern and care for the other person(s). That is when practical advice will make a difference. I like how Romans 12:9-10 reads in The New Living Translation.

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Now, which listening technique will you try next? I like number 5.

Roger, over and out!

Jason's Return

It has been an interesting five months since our son, Jason left his home and family to go to Iraq. In some ways it was a blessing for Keri and me as well as Brittany's mom because we got to see a lot of Brittany and Ethan while Jason was deployed. But the time was bittersweet in that he was sent away to war.
While the communication lines were open for us to email him we mostly waited for his phone calls...which BTW he was able to make frequently. Hearing his voice was so much better than reading an email.
This past Sunday he made it safely back to American soil in Baltimore. Keri and I spent about $80 in gas traveling Sunday afternoon for four hours through heavy DC traffic and then turned around Monday morning and did it all over again just so we could see him for a few brief hours. And believe me it was more than worth it because seeing the look on Keri's face when she saw him at the airport was priceless.
Maybe that is a shadowy picture of what it will be like when Jesus returns. As good as it is to have his written word and as wonderful as it is to have the Holy Spirit to comfort us how far greater it will be when he comes again...and He will come back again!!!

John 14:1-3 (NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

I'm back!!!

Well, it has been a while since I last published to this blog. I am sorry for all of you who have been enslaved by my blog and have been checking it daily since the last entry only to find it has not been updated. Thank you for your patience and guess what, it has been updated.
This past weekend was our annual Marriage Retreat held at the Glen Allen church of Christ just outside of Richmond, VA. Eight couples from church attended and enjoyed spending the time away from home focusing on their marriage.
Terry Lafferty, my good friend from Western PA came down for the weekend and did a terrific job facilitating our discussion time. He used material from the book GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME by Barry and Emily J. McCarthy to focus our attention on some key components of a successful marriage. What Terry was able to add to the message of the book was a spiritual approach and some personal examples from his marriage.
Terry mentioned that respect, trust and intimacy are core to any marriage (chapter 2) but that a marriage lacking God could not be as successful as one that included God.

Questions begging for response:
1. What do you believe constitutes a successful marriage?
2. Do you believe that have a successful marriage you must be one with God? Why or why not?
3. What do you do to make your marriage a success?

Do Something, Take a Risk

I think for a time we in America believed that as long as we did what we were supposed to and stayed away from a reckless lifestyle, harm would not befall us. I know that is how I thought when I was growing up. But now I am sure it was just an allusion. Even if there was no such thing as natural disasters or even accidents we still have to deal with ourselves.
Man has always gone out of his way to harm others. From the time Cain killed his brother till the disturbed young man took the lives of all those college students and professors mankind has been in harms way.
I suppose we could try like some families in the 50’s and bury ourselves in an underground shelter like the comedy "Blast From the Past" dipicted or a more modern version hide in a safe room in our home and never come out. But that just means we die to others while we are still technically alive. It may be the safe thing to do but what kind of life is that?
If holing up (being perfectly safe) is not what we were put on this earth to do then what are we supposed to do when life is dangerous? Some people believe vigilantism is the way to stay safe (fight fire with fire). Others, through demonstration believe they can bring about a better and safer world, and still others, say forcing or outing people will call attention to the problem and bring peace and safety through understanding.
The Apostle Peter gave us his spiritually devined plan for life in the face of danger. He says in 1 Peter 4:7-11 that we are to stay clear headed so we can pray. In chapter 5 Peter tells us to cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for you.
We are to also love others above everything. 1 Corinthians 13 says that love keeps no record of wrong, in other words it forgives. Through love we also show the world that we are His disciples.
Finally Peter tells us to be hospitable toward others and use our gifts to serve one another.
These are what Peter says to do in our daily life. They may or may not seem to you all that big a deal, but to a world that is afraid and in need of hope and comfort they can be a true lifesaver. Why not be a risktaker and just do something?

Virginia Tech

I sit here at my computer not knowing what to say in the face of yesterday’s senseless tragic shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech with more than 30 students and professors losing their lives. May God bless each of their families during their grief.
Please, in your prayers don’t forget to pray for those God is using and will use to minister and counsel those affected.

Chocolate Jesus

A few weeks back Keri and I along with Brittany and Ethan traveled up to Washington, PA to visit with Keri’s parents and to bring back a pick-up truck for Aaron. While there we decided (read I decided) to go to Sarris’, our favorite homemade chocolate shop. There is no where that I know of that compares to the smooth mild milk chocolate that they produce. Anyway, while we were at Sarris’ I came across their Easter section of shaped chocolates and was taken back by what I saw. Along with the traditional Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs of every size there were other items for consumption, but the one that really made me wince was the chocolate Last Supper. While I do not find the Leonardo da Vinci painting especially sacred, I for some reason was offended by this edible version. Of all the things you can mold chocolate into why the Last Supper scene? Nothing new here, but I feel that we have, like Christmas, rendered Easter a consumer product. And although he is a “sweet” savior he also is our judge. Check out the passage below and notice how the Holy Spirit describes the Son of God.

Hebrews 10:29-31 (NIV) How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

While molding The Last Supper into chocolate is in my opinion “poor taste” what we do with His name and how we represent Him in our daily life is more important. I know for one that I am guilty of using the name of God and Jesus lightly in conversation and in joking around. I have been graced by God with His patience and I do not want to test the length of it any longer so I have decided to change how I represent Him in my speech and actions. Why not consider doing the same starting with this Easter and maybe the world will notice the change and if we are blessed maybe, just maybe they will ask us why we believe and do the things we do. What an opportunity!!!

Happy Easter

Roger, over and out!

American Idol

The top rated TV show this time of year is American Idol. For those who have been living under a rock it is a show all about promoting unknown wannabee singers. During the many weeks and months while it is on the air each performer gets a chance to sing in front of a panel of three judges (Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell) and then listen to their critique afterwards. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul often side with each other and are usually nice in the way they critique the singer but Simon is another story. He is abrasive and harsh and his analogies are off the wall and often demeaning. No one is exempt from listening to his comments as everyone ends up having a bad week it seems at some point.

As the selection process continues usually the cream rises to the top and the lesser singers are weeded out …except maybe this year. 17-year-old Sanjaya Malakar is still one of the contestants remaining. He is a good looking soft singing teenager that will not go away. Each week the viewers have to watch him muddle through his song and then listen to even Randy and Paula dis him in front of millions of viewers. So why is he still in this so called singing competition? The rumor is that an underground movement is a foot to make him the winner of this competition in spite of his bad reviews from the judges. Due to this unwise movement this nice young man continues to get through week after week and causes a lot of disbelief and laughter at his expense.

The premise of the show is that the American audience knows who they want to listen to and will call or text in their vote based on who they like. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, and Fantasia Barrino are just a few of the success stories in the years this show has been around. But if the movement to keep Sanjaya in the competition continues it may be the undoing of an otherwise thriving show.

The Bible says in Proverbs… “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” Prov 14:12-13 (NIV)

Humans have never been perfect in judging what is best for them. We tend to be rebellious when we even know that the outcome will be bad for us. I don’t know if this show will survive this situation, but I do know that in the competition for our soul those who put their trust in God will move on eternally.

Romans 7:21—25a (NIV) So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!

BTW: Who do you think should be the winner in this years American Idol? I think it will be… Melinda Doolittle. When she was asked what her personal goals in life are she said “to represent Christ well and do everything 150%.” I kinda like that!

Roger, over and out!

You Want Fries With That?

'McMissile' Lands Mom in Jail
Driver Gets Felony Conviction For Tossing Cup of Ice Into Car

The above headline appeared in The Washington Post a couple of weeks ago and adds a new twist to Jesus' statement of "giving a cup of cold water..." How often do we allow ourselves moments of frustration like this mom experienced and do something we would not ever consider otherwise? Ms Hall's actions last July has landed her in jail since Jan 4. The judge was merciful and reduced the sentence from a potential 2-5 years in prison to 5 years of probation and paying of all fines/court costs. In my opinion I do not think she will allow herself to react the same way again.

When we are honest with ourselves even Jesus' simple statement to "turn the other cheek" or the more difficult one he tells us in Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" are superhuman. These verses make for nice comments in bible school but living them out daily is beyond us. It truly is a God thing! So next time you are tempted to say/do something out of anger remember the lesson of the "McMissile" and let God lead you to respond gracefully instead!


Roger, over and out!

The Prize

The message at Winterfest last weekend revolved around Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Through worship songs led by Watershed, drama by Unbound, comedy by 3,2,1 Improv, to testimonials from an astronaut and another one by a two time Olympic gold medalist, and talks from Jeff Walling and Mitch Wilburn the theme for Winterfest was reinforced. We have a God who loves us and has promised us a “Prize” far beyond our wildest imaginations.

It reminded me of the Geico Insurance commercial with the Gecko spokesanimal telling the interviewer that not taking them up on lower rates is like being asked to stand up if they want to save loads of money and the interviewer choosing to remain seated because he already is so rich. Who would do such a thing? But don’t many do just that when they are given the opportunity to become a child of God. We become content with the material trash in our lives and do not consider the real treasure of Heaven.

These are some of the things that I will remember as I participated with our chaperones and teens at Winterfest 2007.

For those who attended last weekends rally, what impressions did you have from the largest gathering of churches of Christ in the world on Sunday?

For those who missed out on this youth rally what were some of your memories from previous years?

Roger, over and out!

Winterfest 2007

The Prize
The weekend was great and the teens and adult chaperones had a wonderful time together with 14,000 of their closest friends in Gatlinburg, TN. Jeff Walling presented terrific lessons from Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. For those of you who have never had a youth rally experience as a teen or chaperone it is a little hard to explain…but let me try.

We gathered Friday morning at 6:45 and left the church parking lot at 7:00 AM. By the time we made it to Richmond we had to take one of many bathroom breaks and this one took over 20 minutes before we were back on the road again. We stopped again to pick up Bob and Kate in Charlottesville, VA. His parents live there and they were going to watch the baby while we were at Winterfest. We again spent about 20 minutes at their home for “potty break” and then filled up with gas at a local service station. From there we traveled down the road for a couple of more hours and then stopped for lunch at Subway. Again we loaded back into the van and continued our journey to Gatlinburg stoping one more time in Sevierville, TN for gas, and of course another bathroom break. Are you getting the picture yet??? The remaining 18 miles to Gatlinburg took over an hour due to traffic from the other 14,000 inconsiderate attendees who thought to arrive at the same time we did. Finally after checking into the Best Western Motel (they gave us the Honeymoon Island rooms because the management thought that it was probably best for us to be separated from their regular cliental) we walked into town towards the convention center and got some dinner. We decided to meet at the convention center about 30 minutes prior to the beginning of our session (this became our standard time to meet) and stood outside until we were allowed into the building for the second of the two sessions that night. Many of our group then realized that it can get quite cold in freezing weather and that there really is such a thing as a wind chill factor…and the next morning brought snow on top of the cold weather.

After enduring these conditions four times during the 36 hours we were in town we were back in the vans heading home for another repeat journey, but this time with a crew of cranky tired kids and adults. Actually I was very pleased with the attitudes of all those who went this year. We finally arrived back where we started around 10 PM at the church building.

What would cause a group to endure such a trip? The experience, adventure and hanging out together is one reason why but mostly it is the message of the gospel delivered in a “teen friendly” environment. Was it worth it you ask? You bet and if God blesses me with the opportunity again next year I will once again get in the big green pickle and drive.

Roger, over and out!!!

Romance Is In The Air

I heard this morning on “The Daily Buzz” that the average guy spends around $160 on his Valentine while the average woman spends around $70. I don’t fully know what that means other than maybe guys try to make up in one day what their sweethearts do all year long. WHat do you think?

For you married couples in blogland let me pass along a great Passion Plan that will improve your relationship with your spouse. I cut and pasted the article below from Jim Burns “HomeWord" email I received this morning.

Have a romantic day!!!

Roger, over and out!



Here’s The Passion Plan:
1. Kiss passionately for at least 15 seconds every day. This releases feelings about each other that say, “I love you; I want to be with you; you are special to me.” This is not about sex, it’s about romance. Also, there is no rule that you have to keep it to fifteen seconds – go ahead and splurge!
2. Take 15 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week to connect and talk. Frankly, if there is not emotional intimacy or connection there will be little interest in healthy romance. The kids can take a 15-minute break, your church doesn’t need you for those 15 minutes and this investment speaks volumes to your spouse.
3. Date and court your spouse for at least 1.5 hours a week. This is not a time to talk about insurance, the bills or your work problems, but rather to focus on each other. The question I have to ask myself as I prepare to go out with Cathy is, “Am I only giving Cathy my emotional scraps?”
4. Schedule into your life 1.5 hours a week for sexual intimacy. I know the word schedule probably caused you to stumble, but marriage authorities do agree that a scheduled regular time for sexual intimacy can bring a spark back to the relationship quite quickly. Believe me, if you do this you will suddenly get past the word schedule!

If you aren’t winning in the romance department you can improve very simply as you become more proactive about your romantic relationship. These four easy steps can also been found in my book, CREATING AN INTIMATE MARRIAGE.

Jim Burns, Ph.D., is President of HomeWord and host of Homeword's 30 minute daily radio broadcast, 30 minute weekly broadcast, and the 1 minute daily broadcast. Each weekday in cities across America, over a million people hear Jim through his radio ministry to families. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives. Jim is a three time Gold Medallion Award winning author and has written books for parents, youth workers, and students. His books include The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family, The Youth Builder, and Devotions on the Run.

Valentine’s Day

Have you thought about how you will treat to your loved one on Valentine’s Day? I just finished reading the Christian Chronicle and on the front cover was an article on marriage around the world. The opening lines begin… “To the Makua people, buying flowers for your wife isn’t romantic. It’s absurd. If you really want to please your wife, you need to bring home rats for her to eat, me from the tribe in Mozambique told missionaries during a discussion of Christian marriage.”

The article’s point is what works for most marriages in our Western culture may not work in another. Not only are cultural ideas on marriage different but each individual marriage is different from another. As married couples we need to learn what works and does not work in ours. So I ask you how will you treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day?

Keri has never been impressed with flowers and I never really knew why, now I do and I am looking for a good buy on rats. Any ideas? 

Roger, over and out!

To LOVE and GIVE

Recently through Bible Class, Small group discussion and daily bible reading I have been reminded of my purpose as part of God’s family. In my Sunday morning class we discussed the idea of our relationship to our heavenly Father. God is the giver of all good things and I am the receiver. John 3:16 is all the proof I need to be reminded of that fact. “For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE…” Because He loved and gave I have life!

God has called me to do the same for my wife, family and for others. I am to LOVE and to GIVE just as He did. In Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT) it says

Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with LOVE for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and GAVE himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.

It is only through LOVE that we can GIVE the gift of forgiveness. Peter wanted some clarification on the idea of this type of giving when he asked Jesus how many times he was to forgive someone. In Matthew 18 Jesus told Peter that he was to do it basically without limit. That is what LOVE does. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. We probably all can relate to Peter’s question on forgiveness. We want protection from abuse. We desire limits on how far we should reasonably love and forgive. But when we ask God, He just reminds us of His example to follow.

Can you think of a certain person (spouse, child, brother, sister, friend, co/worker, etc.) who needs your love and forgiveness? Why not follow God’s example today? Through love and forgiveness we show that we are God’s children and God is honored.

Roger, over and out!

Play Nice!

In last Sunday mornings Parenting class we discussed the idea that most of what our children learn from their parents is “caught and not taught.” We often teach our children unintended lessons such as “how to raise your voice in an argument’, or “how to belittle the other person while proving your point”, or “how to be ungrateful when given a gift that you did not like.” Our children are always observing and often pick up on what they hear us say and see us do.

In a two parent household our children’s first observational experience is the relationship between mom and dad. If they see constant stress, confrontation, and hear “bad language”, and threats then they will begin to put into practice those same relationship behaviors with siblings, parents, and friends and later on, if not corrected their spouse. What they are picking up may be the same behavior their parents were exposed to when they were growing up. As much as we hate to admit it we tend to repeat what we grew up experiencing. The good news is that teaching bad behavior can end with us. Instead, by being aware that little eyes and ears are open we have opportunity to lovingly show godly behavior. Paul knew this was important and told the Philippians to live out what they saw in him.

Phil 4:8-9 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

Why not make a commitment today before God with your spouse that you will intentionally put into practice what Paul suggests to those at Philippi many years ago? Your changes will make a difference in the lives of future generations.

God Bless!

Just A Few More Chapters

There are only a few days left in 2006 and I am only a few chapters away from finishing my second year of systematically reading through the bible. Prior to that I had no plan and so I typically ended up reading from the New Testament (mostly Romans-Jude). I am ashamed to admit it but I was worried about getting bored in the Leviticus type books of the Old Testament to read them and I thought I had a good handle on the gospels to spend time reading them. Also, the book of Revelation was just a bit too weird for my taste, can you believe it, and so I stayed away from it too. I mean, who can understand it anyway?

Keri will tell you that I have always loved the end of a book. When I pick up a book I tend to look at the last page to see how many pages are in it and maybe read the final paragraph or two just so I know what to expect. My goal is not so much enjoying the story but completing the process.

I am telling you all this because maybe some of you can relate. For whatever reason in the past you may have never really had a plan for reading God’s word. Being this is a good time of the year to make a commitment why not decides to read the bible cover to cover in 2007? You will not be disappointed because it will bless your life!

So, go ahead, I dare you to look at the last page of the bible while you are thinking about it. I’ve been waiting to read those words all year long!

Roger, over and out!

Merry Christmas!!!

Are the holidays a time of fun or stress for you and your family? Checkout the youtube answer for families that need a break.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9-ctuBFAUg&NR

I have always enjoyed the holiday season. From the time I was a little boy I have longed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. Often we would travel back to WV for Thanksgiving and I remember hoping for snow to be on the ground so that I could go sledding down the big hill across from Grandma's house. Too often though it would not be cold enough and only rain would fall, but every year I still had hope.

Christmas Eve was next on my thoughts during the season. I dreaded the month of days that would follow Thanksgiving. Each day passed in slow procession. We did not have an advent calendar to help, and for me I am not sure it would have helped. Finally December 24th would arrive and of course the day would pass very slowly with the anticipation growing minute by minute. I don't know how my mom got through that day with all us kids (read me) getting on her nerves. Five o'clock would strike and mom had dinner ready on the table. We would enjoy a peaceful (yeah, right!) family meal together and then get in the car for the annual drive to look at all the Christmas lights. Dad was very good about taking his time and it drove me nuts. But, to be honest I really did enjoy the time in the car. Finally we would get home and open the wrapped gifts from one another. We had a tradition of everyone tearing into their gifts at the same time. No waiting around to see what each other got until after all the gifts we opened. That is my kind of Christmas Eve!

Evening passed and it was time for bed. Mom always made sure we had cookies, carrots and milk to set out for a Santa (surely he didn’t have enough to eat at all the other millions of homes he visited) and his reindeer who needed a little something to eat too! Then a sleepless night would follow. I thought it very good if I could hold out till 4:00 AM. It seemed like a reasonable time to me to get up because I had been awake the entire night! What came ever so slowly to me though for some reason came all too quickly for mom and dad. My role it seemed in the family was to annoy dad into letting us get up with questions like "can we get up now?" When I look back on it now dad anticipated Christmas morning as much as I did. Anyway, dad lingered in bed for a few minutes listening to my barrage of questions until he, and mom would get up and make their way down the hallway to the living room and light the Christmas tree. For some reason I was always pleasantly surprised that Santa considered me a good boy and each year would refill the Christmas tree area with toys. Mom and dad drank lots of coffee as we had a glorious morning together as a family.

I had the best family in the world growing up and I still do to this day! BTW: I still find it difficult to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.

What was your Christmas like when you were growing up?

Roger, over and out!

Chad Huggins

I have been struggling with how to express my emotions concerning the news I received Thursday evening and Friday morning. Chad Huggins, a 17 year old high school student shot himself Thursday around 5 pm. He was a member of the school rifle team and was in the stadium locker room by himself when it happened. Chad was life-flighted to a hospital where a medical team worked to save his life, but at 2:30 AM he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to his head. It has yet to be determined whether it was an accident or a suicide but either way the outcome is the same. A young man’s life is gone and I don’t know quite what to think or say.
I have known Chad Huggins since he was born. I remember the smiling cherub-like little boy that ran through the church building on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s when he was a preschooler. I remember after leaving Washington, PA and moving to Newport News that every time I returned to PA that he would come up to me and want to talk. He always made me smile just looking at him but now, when I go to church there, he will be missing and I don’t understand how to feel. Should I be angry with Chad for ending his life way too soon? Because I am. Should I be angry with those that were closest to him for not noticing something different about Chad that day? Because there must have been something different. Why didn’t they do something about it? Should I be angry that he was left alone with a rifle in a locker room? Where were his fellow teammates, coaches, trainers??? How can you leave a teen by himself with a loaded gun? There may never be answers to these emotional questions I struggling with this morning and I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional questions and heartache his parents are experiencing. I ask that you please pray for Chad’s parents, Ron and Loretta Huggins and for Trisha Huggins, his sister as well as the extended family. Also please pray for the church family in Washington, PA and especially for Richard Walton, Chad’s youth minister as they all strive to cope and help one another through this tragic time.
I’ll miss you Chad

Roger, over and out!