“I watched Honey I Shrunk the Kids with the kids and they liked it. I forgot the fun parts and the fantasy of that movie. Who wouldn’t think being small was cool until you realize the peril of the larger world you have to encounter?” I have been so thankful over the years that God, in His wisdom, has not answered every one of my prayers. That sounds surprising doesn’t it? Who is thankful for unanswered prayers? I am. Let me explain. There was a time when I wanted to be a musician full time. More specifically I wanted to be a rock star. I wanted the big stage; televised concerts and such. Looking back now I know if my prayers were answered it would have destroyed me. Also, I would not be where I am at today. My life is so much greater than I ever could have imagined. If I had my prayers answered I would be empty and might end up shipwrecked concerning the faith. One more prayer that I am glad wasn’t answered? Well, I remember praying about a girl. It just got personal but I know many of you have prayed about a relationship. I was praying that God would make it happen because we would be great together. Now in hindsight I realize that it would have been terrible. We would have killed each other. Don’t get me wrong, she is a great person and her life is where God knew it needed to be. We would have never made it or we would have been miserable. I know that God had my perfect wife waiting for me now that I have her. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else. We are so in love that I am very thankful that God didn’t answer that prayer.

“It is Christmas Day! When we woke up I stayed in bed and prayed for a while and read the Bible and then went down where everyone was. Breakfast was in full swing and the smell of bacon was in the air.” This was the ideal Christmas morning. It started with prayer and the Word and then for breakfast was bacon. Anyone who has been to our men’s ministry meetings at our church knows that there is a special place in a man’s heart for bacon. Even the vegans chant ‘bacon’ with us though they won’t partake.

In many ways Christmas Eve has become as memorable as Christmas Day. Families host gatherings, parties happen in the workplace and amongst friends. Christmas Eve has also been popularized by movies and stories of what happens on that night. Growing up I remember opening gifts on Christmas Eve and then enjoying them on Christmas Day. I don’t think we did that every year but it was fun when we did. In the same way I am sure you may have fond memories of things that happened on Christmas Eve. Family traditions and celebrations that happened may have significance or special memories. I would encourage you to look for the beauty of the day. I think of the feeling in Heaven on the day before Jesus was born on the earth. The Son of God was physically formed in Mary’s womb and only Heaven knew the following day would bring Him into the world and change history forever. I can only imagine the anticipation of the angelic host as they looked on the events on the earth. I can imagine the watchful eyes of the Father as He looks on at the events unfolding. Joseph and Mary traveling and making their way to Bethlehem and the pains and discomfort of a full term pregnancy.

There are many people whose lives will never be the same after December 2, 2015. Fourteen individuals are now gone from our lives. Their families and friends left in the wake of terror. I am sure many questions and sorrows still linger. Only in Jesus will we find rest for our souls. He alone has the answers. He alone can calm our fears and give us peace amidst the storms of life. He was acquainted with sorrows and if you listen to some of the statements He made regarding current events of His day you will find that there was plenty of tragedy and many questions.

We are very excited for this weeks podcast with a very special guest, John Wineglass. John has been a staple of our Women Rock events and was here with us again for Girls Night Out 2016. John is an accomplished husband, father, composer, and musician. Listen in as we hear about his recent composition and an upcoming commission from our very own San Bernardino in 2017.

“At the end of the night the kids watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and then we drove home and looked at some Christmas lights on the way before getting the kids in bed.” Every year looking at Christmas lights with the kids has been a tradition that has kept our family close. I enjoy hearing the kids ooh’s and ah’s and seeing their faces light up with the large displays. There is a street in a neighborhood close to our house we have gone to a couple of years in a row that everyone on the street puts up a huge display. It is actually all linked together and they have their own radio transmitter so you can listen and watch from your car as everything moves and switches on and off in time. During this season we need to remember the words of Jesus that we are the light of the world. We have something to shine this season. Don’t hide your light under a basket but put it on a stand for everyone to see.

“Today was supposed to be light and easy.” Thanksgiving. I often picture the Norman Rockwell paintings of a dad setting the turkey down in front of his family. Everyone at the table is happy. They all are dressed well and look like the meal they are about to share will only reflect the perfect lives they are already sharing. It looks effortless. That picture doesn’t look like my Thanksgiving. There will be turkey (and ham and spaghetti and enough food to feed a small army) and the family will have that wonderful moment when we are all around the table with our plates piled high with food and we pray and thank God for our many blessings. Where we stray from the picture is the before and after.

We are excited about what God is doing in the hearts and lives of the people in the Inland Empire. We as a church family have an opportunity to give beyond ourselves for others. You are invited to join us in all the different venues of outreach this Christmas season.  Thank you so much for being willing to be a part of His miracle in loving people back to life.