Notify Your Face

The following story has been around in various forms for many years, but it seem like a good thought for today. So here we go...

A preacher stood in the pulpit on a Sunday morning and faced his congregation. He welcomed them with words from Psalm 100- "Make a joyful noise to the LORD!" He told them that his heart was FULL of joy as he stood before them, so happy to be in God's house of worship. He told them that a life spent following Christ was a life filled with joy, now and for all eternity. He quoted scripture, reminding them that even in their giving they were called to be joyful. The entire time he was speaking, his face was somber and his voice was unemotional. He delivered those words of joy with the countenance of someone suffering from acid reflux. He finished by saying to the gathered crowd that anytime he was in the presence of God, his heart was filled with great joy and happiness. With that, one of his more vocal parishioners could not take it any longer. She rose to her feet and shouted for all to hear,"Well if your heart is so full of joy, could it PLEASE notify your face!"

Too many times the world sees the face of Christianity as one of somber piety. The impression we give is that God is a great cosmic killjoy, and that following Jesus is really hard and sucks the joy out of life. Following Jesus IS hard...but it gives joy, it doesn't take it away! Far too often we Christ-followers tell the world that we doing okay under the circumstances. What are we doing under any circumstances? Jesus went to the cross and rose from the dead so that we might live ABOVE the often depressing details of life.  The Bible's letter of joy, the book of Philippians, was written by Paul while he was in jail! Believing in and following Jesus means that we are "more than conquerors"- no matter the situation! So today, as you go through your paces and face a world that often beats us down, remember- we worship a God of joy and love. Feel that in your heart, know it in your mind- and don't forget to notify your face!!!  SMILE- Jesus loves you! And the world needs to know...

Because of Jesus,

True Joy

Last night, while walking the dog in an amazing evening breeze, I found myself thinking about joy and how to define it. A blissful image entered my mind. I was transported to North Myrtle Beach, SC, and one of my favorite places in the world- the three story house known as The Betsy B. I was sitting on the oceanfront porch, starring out at a full moon over the Atlantic Ocean and playing my guitar while people I love gathered around me. And I thought about how happy those moments always made me. But is that truly joy? Today I bring you words from Lois Cheney's 1969 devotional masterpiece God Is No Fool (Abingdon Press) that seek to answer the question- what is joy?

Joy is a old-fashioned word. What did it used to mean?

Like "happy" maybe? Or was it "silly" and "giggly?" Could just anyone get to it? Or was it buried in book and brow?

I wish I knew what it used to mean,  for I need a word- a good, solid word that shows how I feel when the day is over, and I've worked well and I'm so glad to be tired.

I need a word for when I've spent hours and hours with those I love, and I'm talk-sore and smile-aching. I need a word for when I'm alone, and over the miles are parts of my heart, deep in others who are warm, safe and at peace.

I need a word for when a job looms like a greyhound and I can do it, and I want to do it, and I tingle to get at it. I need a word for that warm, gentle flow that covers every corner of my being. And says, "Lo, I am with you always."

I need a word. Real bad. And I think it might be "joy."

Or maybe it's God. Then again, maybe they're the same word...

Because of Jesus,

Advent: Unspeakable Joy!

Today is the third Sunday in Advent, a time for many congregations around the world to light the candle of JOY. We talk a lot about joy in this season of the year. We sing Joy To the World. We talk about the joy of being with family and friends. We share in the joy of Christmas parties and special worship services. But let's be real for a minute. Sometimes the joy we speak of is hard to find during the holiday season. There is merriment, festivity, laughter, happiness and excitement- but often very little joy. My favorite definition of joy is "a contentment that satisfies the soul and clears the mind." In all of the stress of Christmas time that kind of joy is often in short supply. We worry. We want too much. We expect too much. We try to please too often. We search for happiness-  and we lose the joy.

When the angels appeared to the smelly shepherds in Luke 2, they made it clear that the arrival of the Christ-child was all about joy. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people!" The Wise Guys saw the star in the east and "rejoiced with exceeding great joy!" It seems that that they knew instantly that life had changed forever. Jesus would later explain what that kind of joy really meant in John 10:10- "I came that you might have life, and life abundant!" Joy is not about emotions or feelings- joy is a lifestyle! It is understanding that because love came down on that first Christmas, EVERYTHING changed. Our search for things that make our hearts tingle may never end, but our search for things that give us that contented soul could be at rest. Jesus is our joy.

A fairly obscure 1970s recording artist named Lobo wrote a very obscure song called Stoney- which of course is on my iPod. In the chorus it has this great line- "The joy that you can find in living everyday, Stoney how I love your simple way." To my mind, that is the abundant life Jesus talked about bringing us- living each day with joy and purpose. Life is seldom what we want it to be. Some days it just flat out sucks. But in every day- even the suckiest ones- we can find joy in loving our family and friends. We can find joy in serving those who need our help. We can understand that joy is often not in the destination, but in the journey. And we can discover the joy- the unspeakable joy- that comes from knowing that each of us is so loved by the Creator of the universe that God sent his Son to be our guide, our friend, and to forgive our sins before we had ever committed them.

Today is a great day to be alive. And tomorrow will be as well. Find the simple joy that Jesus brings in living everyday. If we understand that Christmas is all about a story that brought good news to ALL people,  then the Nativity will fill our hearts each day of the year. And that, my friends, is a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a blessed Sunday.

My Deliverer is Coming,

I Need A Word

Last night, while walking the dog in an amazing evening breeze, I found myself thinking about joy and how to define it. A blissful image entered my mind. I was transported to North Myrtle Beach, SC, and one of my favorite places in the world- the three story house known as The Betsy B. I was sitting on the oceanfront porch, starring out at a full moon over the Atlantic Ocean and playing my guitar while people I love gathered around me. And I thought about how happy those moments always made me. But is that truly joy, or is joy something deeper and greater? Today I bring you a selection from Lois Cheney's 1969 devotional masterpiece God Is No Fool (Abingdon Press) that seek to answer the question- what is joy?

Joy is a old-fashioned word. What did it used to mean?

Like "happy" maybe? Or was it "silly" and "giggly?" Could just anyone get to it? Or was it buried in book and brow?

I wish I knew what it used to mean,  for I need a word- a good, solid word that shows how I feel when the day is over, and I've worked well and I'm so glad to be tired.

I need a word for when I've spent hours and hours with those I love, and I'm talk-sore and smile-aching. I need a word for when I'm alone, and over the miles are parts of my heart, deep in others who are warm, safe and at peace.

I need a word for when a job looms like a greyhound and I can do it, and I want to do it, and I tingle to get at it. I need a word for that warm, gentle flow that covers every corner of my being. And says, "Lo, I am with you always."

I need a word. Real bad. And I think it might be "joy."

Or maybe it's God. Then again, maybe they're the same word...

Because of Jesus,

So Blessed...

There was a little old lady at one of the churches I served who would often stop by my office to say hello on weekday mornings. We would exchange pleasantries and when I (or anyone else) would ask her how she was doing she would always respond, "So blessed I can hardly stand it!" What a great approach to life! I freely confess there have been days where I couldn't offer up praise to God with such enthusiasm. But the past few days have been filled with so many blessings that I am left weak-kneed and tongue tied as I try to thank my God, my family and my friends for all the blessings in my life. But I do want to attempt to recognize a few of those blessings this morning, because I am indeed so blessed I can hardly stand it!

• Yesterday Judge DeVane in Waycross, GA terminated my 7 year old probation, thus eliminating the final 3 years of restrictions, curfews and supervision. This was done with the help of many people and many prayers. It hasn't quite sunk in yet what this means, except knowing that I have a lot of catching up to do on visiting people and taking road trips!
• My attorney, Jim McGee, was a man I had never met until I walked into court yesterday. But he fought for me, and I would have not have been able to share that first blessing without his work.
• It was suggested that I take a witness with me to testify if needed as to my character and my rehabilitation, and as he always does Jerry Hanbery stepped up and went with Marilyn, Will and I to Waycross. I can't tell you all the ways Jerry was a blessing to us on the trip- they are too numerous and occasionally inappropriate! He sacrificed much and wound up not be called upon to testify. All I can say is everyone needs a friend like Jerry. Love ya, Sundance! And Melissa- thanks again for loaning him out to us. Remember. there is Ghirardelli's in your future!
• Marilyn was called upon to testify, and was a rock despite being a little unnerved. Plus she and the judge got to talk shop for a moment when he asked her what sort of law office she works in. She and Will have been and will continue to be constant blessings in my life.
• Our old buddy UBD (David White) and his wife Tina from Trinity UMC in Waycross took us to dinner on Tuesday night and then David sat with us at the courthouse all Wednesday morning. I can't express how much it meant to us to have him there.
• I asked for letters of support and reference to share with the Judge, and my extended family came through in bigger ways than I could have ever imagined! So many amazing friends- people like Steve Semmler, Denise May, Tammy Doggett Foster, Susan McBane Tuggle, Marie Allen Duke,  Millie Simmons, Jamie Robinson, Ashley Goad, Ann Saunders Hale, Wayne & Jane Gless, Patsy Hill, Karen Chester, Ashley Miller, Jill Painter Watson, Todd & Kristin Willis, Lauren Carr Cacciatore, Cindy Martin, Jennifer Minnigan Kuramochi, Jacob Lupfer, Lisa Kraus Spires, Teresa Reep Tysinger, Lisa Jewett, Joanne Gastler, Jim & Linda Swenson and Ron & Kristy Starcevic and no doubt a few I have missed- sent letters, texts, notes and offers to write letters. It was so touching. And many of the letters...wow. I firmly believe they helped turn the decision in my favor. Let's just say that even if the petition to terminate had been denied, I would still be feeling incredibly blessed today!
• In addition to those mentioned above, countless others let us know they were praying for us through Facebook and Twitter. We coveted those prayers and could feel the support, and what's more I think the Judge felt it too. He's a part-time pastor. Praise be to God!

In May of 2007 I entered a wilderness from which I was sure there would be no return. I knew God would offer grace and forgiveness; Jesus had already taken care of that. But I never expected to feel the kind of grace, forgiveness, support and love I have had from family and friends over these past 5 years since I came out of hiding and told my story. I can never really repay the blessings I have been given. But I wrote a song once for a stewardship campaign at FUMC-Kissimmee called Blessed To Be a Blessing, and I firmly believe that is true. With my new freedom comes new opportunity to serve the family of God in new ways. I continue to ask for your prayers as I try to find where God wants to use me. And now, more than ever my dear friends, I am here for you. Call on me anytime. I am bursting with joy this morning. That's what happens when you're so blessed you can hardly stand it!

Because of Jesus,

Unexpected Joy

Many of you know that I wake up most every morning excited (and sometimes obnoxiously perky!) to face the new day.  There are just so many things to be happy about!  But some days are even better than others. Yesterday was one of those days.  It really shouldn't have been.  My family is still travelling, and that can be a bummer.  In a conversation on Twitter Saturday night, my dear friend Stacey (@NomadStacey) was reminding me that when things get tough, I can always turn to the wisdom of Kermit the Frog for help.  We were mostly joking, but turns out that the wisdom of Stacey was dead on- Kermit helped make my day.  So yesterday, my dog let me sleep until 6:30 AM.  That's late for him, and a great start to any day!  After a nice walk with him, I returned to post my blog, and as I proof read it one final time I realized that what I had written was not what God wanted me to share.  I just "knew" that I was supposed to share John Fisher's Bleeping Jesus.  Never mind that I had done it before- I was supposed to do it again.  So I did.  I then sat down to a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  How can you not smile when you're eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch?  Next came my morning prayer time, where I was reminded of the incredible blessing of the love of my family and friends.  I lifted prayers for friends who are travelling, student ministries on mission trips and my dear friend Ashley who was heading out to Haiti.  And finally, I prayed for myself- that God would continue to use me in whatever ways He sees fit.  I just want so serve Him in Jesus' name.  With my prayers done, I took a shower and headed off to church- the first time I have gone without my wife since our lives turned upside down over 4 years ago.  After getting my praise on, I came home, walked the dog again, and then headed out to see Captain America, having been given permission by my son the night before- he had finally seen it!  The movie absolutely ROCKED!  I came home, made a sandwich and jumped on the computer and responded to a few friends, and then...I clicked on a Twitpic from one of my Disney friends and found a surprise.  You think you know what things in life will bring the biggest smiles to your face, but the truth is, you can always be surprised.  And THIS...this made me smile big-time!

The Muppets are coming back to the big screen in November. I already knew it, but this poster just reminded me that it's real, and it's coming.  There is indeed joy in the journey.  Almost nothing makes me smile more that Kermit- and my friend Stacey called it ahead of time!  As the afternoon went along I worked in a nap, one more dinner with my dear friend Lisa Jewett before she leaves town, some TV and some ice cream.  Later on in the evening it was my privilege to e-mail with and pray for a special friend who is dealing with some very stressful circumstances right now.  By any standard it was a great day.  Throw in The Muppets, and it became an extraordinary day!  Joy is like that.  Life with Jesus is like that too.  It surprises and overwhelms you- if you are open to it.  Count your blessings today.  Live with unexpected joy!


Because of Jesus,

Defining Joy

Last night, while walking the dog in an amazing evening breeze, I found myself thinking about joy and how to define it.  A blissful image entered my mind.  I was transported to North Myrtle Beach, SC, and one of my favorite places in the world- the three story house known as The Betsy B.  I was sitting on the oceanfront porch, starring out at a full moon over the Atlantic Ocean and playing my guitar while people I love gathered around me.  And I thought about how happy those moments always made me.  But is that truly joy?  Today I bring you words from Lois Cheney's 1969 devotional masterpiece God Is No Fool (Abingdon Press) that seek to answer the question- what is joy?

Joy is a old-fashioned word.  What did it used to mean?

Like "happy" maybe?  Or was it "silly" and "giggly?"  Could just anyone get to it?  Or was it buried in book and brow?

I wish I knew what it used to mean,  for I need a word- a good, solid word that shows how I feel when the day is over, and I've worked well and I'm so glad to be tired.

I need a word for when I've spent hours and hours with those I love, and I'm talk-sore and smile-aching.  I need a word for when I'm alone, and over the miles are parts of my heart, deep in others who are warm, safe and at peace.

I need a word for when a job looms like a greyhound and I can do it, and I want to do it, and I tingle to get at it.  I need a word for that warm, gentle flow that covers every corner of my being.  And says, "Lo, I am with you always."

I need a word.  Real bad.  And I think it might be "joy."

Or maybe it's God.  Then again, maybe they're the same word...

Because of Jesus,

Exceeding Great Joy

Luke 2 8-18 (The Message): There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."  At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights,  Peace to all men and women on earth who please him."

On the TV show Rules of Engagement this past Monday, one of the main female characters was beginning a new job.  As she visited with friends over breakfast, one of the male leads, commenting on her low cut dress, wondered aloud if her new job was in "the world's oldest profession."  Another male friend, Adam (who is a little slow on the uptake), chuckled under his breath.  He then said, "HA!  He just called you a shepherd..."

Shepherds have long been laughed at.  It has always amazed me that God chose to make His big birth announcement to shepherds.  Uneducated, smelly and all alone out in the fields, loved only by the sheep they looked our for, shepherds were pretty much at the bottom of the social barrel.  It certainly seems an odd choice, and their initial reaction- "they were terrified"- must have had them looking for places to hide.  But it was to them that the angel appeared and explained where to find the Christ-child.  It was to them that the angel choir sang the magnificent words "Glory to God in the highest!"  And it was them who ventured into Bethlehem to worship the newborn King and spread the word of His birth.

But of course God knew exactly what he was doing and chose exactly the right people.  He chose people who were faithful.  They listened to the angels and responded.  They understood the exceeding great joy this announcement would bring to the people.  And perhaps most importantly, they were common, unimportant and needy.  They represented the very people to whom God was sending the gift of his Son.  Jesus did not come just for the rich and the powerful- He was a gift to us all.  The fact that God chose shepherds as his target audience for the only "flashy" part of that holy night speaks volumes.

The third Advent candle we light today is the candle of Joy.  Once they got past being terrified, the shepherds certainly felt great joy.  And today, those who understand the gift we were given that night so many years ago know that joy as well.  We live in what is so often a joyless world.  To know Jesus is to understand that we can find joy even when we don't know happiness.  To follow Jesus is to understand that there is joy in the journey.  As you go through this week, remember that the message of the angel's visit to the shepherds is that no matter how unimportant, powerless or smelly you feel, Jesus came for you.  Despite my sin and failures, Jesus was born so I could know God's love.  Talk about exceeding great joy...

Jesus- the only hope for me is you...and You alone!