Merry Christmas 2023

Merry Christmas is such a wonderful season’s greeting. I think that would be wonderful if we said it year-round and not just during the holidays. It is a blessing to share with friends and family the wonderful joy we have experienced this last year. Here’s a throwback for ya! (A graduation with Cindi’s parents.)

🎅 _________________ 🎄

Certainly, it is not without difficulty at times, yet we can thank the Lord in each circumstance, because of his abiding presence in the midst of those times. This year has been a powerful reminder for me to remain patient; that is to wait on the Lord.

Toward the end of 2022, the Lord impressed on me, but it’s OK to be in a spirit of advent all year long. I even posted my Facebook profile telling the world. Here are a few things I thought I’d share with you.

The year kicked off in its usual way, with much to be done in the journey of each day. God has walked with me and my family reminding me that Jesus is with me, which calms my stay! 

I’ve been serving with Youth for Christ in northern Indiana for a year and a half now. Wow, God has a strange way of showing me how to depend on him. Having to raise personal support is no easy task, but God reminds me that all I need to do is take his hand and he will guide me the rest of the way. 

We moved to the Marion area in 2006. Cindi has served at Taylor University ever since. Her role there as Program Assistant for the psychology department and testing office has been very fulfilling for her. That was over 17 years ago. Our kids have graduated both from high school and college in those years. 

This last year has seen exciting experiences. It’s hard to believe that all of our children have not only purchased their own homes, but it called upon me on many occasions to help repair those things that were broken. I think that’s what being a dad means.

Recently, Jeremiah has married Destiny. In October we celebrated the addition to our family. We are grateful to join in on this occasion and I was even the preacher for the wedding.

Celebrations abound in our family. We make everything a celebration from birthdays to accomplishments that only, through God’s, divine intervention, have been accomplished.

Jon remains a Sheriff deputy, K-9. He has been serving for nearly 10 years and is specially trained as a canine handler. His partner is  Jaeger. It’s been cool to see how he is raising our Grandchildren, Ellie and Jase. They are now ages, nine and eight years old. They are full of energy. We get to have them on several occasions over the weekend, which is great joy! 

Our daughter-in-law, Staci, is graduating from the law-enforcement Academy. It was a terrific time to celebrate in July when she was sworn in as an officer for The Elwood Police department. Of course, I had a little bit of fun.  I gave her a gift and her expression says it all. She has been a tremendous blessing to our family. Her wit and smile make for enjoyable get togethers and we appreciate all that she represents in the lives of our grand children.

As many as you know, Josslyn graduated with her masters degree in social work. It is never easy growing up as a young adult and taking on responsibilities, but we are blessed to have her in our lives. She has so much potential and it’s exciting to see the love and compassion she has for people. She’s reminded often of the people that she has served that tell her that they were impacted by her work in their lives.

Of course, we have a few animals, including two cats and a dog. The newest edition was a gray kitten. He has seemingly chosen me, which, if you know me, is quite funny. He cuddles with me. He does bite Cindi but I think it’s because, when we took him in, he had a tail that needed to be surgically removed. I don’t think the cat has forgiven Cindi. 

Over the year I have had the opportunity to write weekly columns in the local newspaper up until the last couple of months. Good Words is a short, spiritual-focused article. I now try to publish them on my Facebook and my blog to keep this small ministry going. I also have opportunities to preach on weekends. It’s a joy to be able to share the word with different congregations.

Cindi continues to teach Sunday school at our local church. She has been doing this for over 15 years consecutively. The elementary age students run up to her on Sundays and hug her. She puts a lot of work into it and has had terrific mentors in her life.

Of course, much can be said, but Facebook is one way to keep up on our busy lives. We enjoy attending our weekly Bible study group together, as well as being together with family and friends.

God has been teaching us to be patient this year. I’m always going back to my life verse of Philippians 1:6. “He who created a good work within you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”

Use of Appropriate Pronouns.

There is much being said about the use of pronouns today. Identifying the correct use of appropriate words that describe people and concepts is highly debated. Today, I want to address the essential use of the correct pronoun. It is essential that the correct pronouns be used to describe the essential element of people and leadership. 

No, this is not an article on the use of pronouns to describe a person’s self-identified language. I am not addressing the use of a politically correct pronoun. It is not an article on how to apply the use of pronouns that people demand be used to address their preferences. Many want their sexual orientation to be properly used when speaking to someone. 

I would only say that those usages are summed up by the pronoun “I”. Almost all self-identified pronouns that are debated today are elements of individuality! It does not, despite the criticism I may receive even stating such a position, identify a community. It is a personal use of self-identifying language that many may say builds community by way of diversity. Yet, all such use of these type of pronouns are self-based, therefore a form of me-ism.

Today’s blog deals with leadership at its basic core. It is neither dictatorial or meant to create hierarchy in organizational structure. The proper use of leadership pronouns does create a unity however. 

The Bible talks about the proper use of pronouns. While this blog entry is not debating whether we should change gender-based language in the scriptures. While many will debate the dominate use of man in the Bible, I contend that this too is a related issue where gender-based interpretation is argued as a form of self-identified use of me-ism. We want the Bible to speak exact language use without any contextual understanding of the original language used.

Inclusion is important when interpreting the Bible. It is a book written to include everyone with the message of the gospel. While this is not a blog entry to debate these arguments often debated in terms of egalitarianism or sexism accusations. I am not debating these points because they too are argued as part of me-ism, no matter how articulate one may be in their point. 

The Apostle Paul is often identified as a sexist. His writings are argued as male dominate focused and therefore sexist! Yet, I don’t find these arguments as without personal bias on the part of those debating these ideas. Therefore, I find them lacking and can be labeled “me” centered; self-centered in nature.

So, that is the point of today’s post? It is a post on the importance of inclusion. It is important to understand that the Bible is meant to be a declaration of the voice of God and the message of the Gospel story; the saving message of God’s love for all. 

When God calls us to faith, it is with the intention of unifying the body of Christ. 

Consider the writings in Thessalonians.

Look at how many times Paul includes his disciples in describing his ministry to the church of Thessalonica:

• "OUR gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power." (1:5)
• "OUR coming to you was not in vain." (2:1)
• "WE proved to be gentle among you." (2:7)
• "WE were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also OUR own lives." (2:8)
• "WE wanted to come to you." (2:18).
• "But now WE really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (3:8)
• "For you know what commandments WE gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (4:2)
• "WE urge you brethren..." (5:14)
• "Brethren, pray for US!" (5:25)

The use of the pronoun that is inclusive not exclusive is key to understanding the point of scripture. The body of Christ is a unit. While each one must receive the personal means of salvation, the unity of the body is important. 

The use of the proper pronoun is important. It is not I but we and our. Proper use of pronouns matters.  

A Christlike leader doesn't have to be the center of attention. A leader whose ego has been crushed by God doesn't push his own agenda, nor does he crave attention. - J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years before he launched into full-time ministry in 2010.

Much of my thinking here today comes from reading the following article.