What Could Be?

Actually a pretty good Sunday morning. This is usually one of the harder Sundays of the year. There's a post-Christmas let down and people are tired and mellow. Many people are still out of town. But worship was great and a good crowd too.

We did a beginning of the year challenge of "What Could Be?" Rather than focusing on the negatives of what we didn't do or need to do, we stepped back in grace and asked God what He desired to do in and through us in 2008. Grace and Growth by Faith. If the same Spirit that raised Christ form the dead lives in us, imagine the possibilities!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 30:4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know!

Scripture of the Day: Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Quote of the Day: “To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” G. K. Chesterton

Christmas Complete

After a Christmas Interrupted with Sonya and the kids leaving early for a funeral, we were all rejoined at home last night for a belated Christmas today. A fun, lazy day of presents, a big brunch, and snow all day long. Not bad for Christmas 3 days late.

We hope you all had a blessed Christmas season. Joy to the world, the Lord has come.

There are a few benefits to a Christmas delayed.
-The reunion is sweeter.
-Everything else is over, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
-You can get great deals on late gifts during the post-Christmas sales.

Merry Late Christmas!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 2:10-14 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Quote of the Day: Selfishness makes Christmas a burden, love makes it a delight. Unknown

One Size Fits All

The Magic number this December is 4. That's 4 Sundays in a row of lousy winter weather. Today was snow and 30-40 mile an hour winds. Fortunately many braved the weather to make it out 2 days before Christmas.

This morning we looked at One Size Fits All. The greatest gift ever, the coming of Christ, was for every one of us. Shepherds, wise men, Jews, Gentiles, white, black, slave, free, rich, poor, everyone. Have you surrendered to the true God? He's just what you need and you were created to have a relationship with him.

Tradition of the Day: We'll miss out on a few traditions this year with Sonya & the kids having to leave early. Driving around one evening to see the lights. Listening to the old fashioned Christmas eve programming on WGN radio while we travel after the Christmas Eve service. Caroling at Sonya's boss's house.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 4:4-7 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Quote of the Day: "Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree." Charlotte Carpenter

The Light Has Come!

What an appropriate day for the first day of winter. Gloomy and overcast with a thick fog that has been hanging around for days and probable snow tonight. But the good news is that the days begin getting longer! If we could see it, the sun would set at 4:26 today and then 5 seconds later tomorrow.

Just three more worshiping days to Christmas. A sneak peek at tomorrow is One Size Fits All. As a 6' 5" man, I can guarantee you that those tags aren't always true. But when it comes to the hope of Christ and His work on the cross, it is sufficient for all.

Tradition of the Day: I'll be heading for my parent's house for Christmas after our church's Christmas Eve Service. My mom will have a stocking for me filled with nuts and fruit. That's what we always got when we were kids and we were giving her a hard time years ago about never getting toys in our stockings but mixed nuts in the shell and an orange or apple. So now she has started it again to give me a hard time.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 9:1 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Quote of the Day: "There is no evidence of any kind regarding the date of Jesus’ birth. His nativity began to be celebrated on Dec. 25 in Rome during the early part of the fourth century (AD 336) as a Christian counterpart to the pagan festival, popular among the worshipers of Mithras, called Sol Invictis, the Unconquerable Sun. At the very moment when the days are the shortest and darkness seems to have conquered light, the sun passes its nadir. Days grow longer, and although the cold will only increase for quite a long time, the ultimate conquest of winter is sure. This astronomical process is a parable of the career of the Incarnate One. At the moment when history is blackest, and in the least expected and obvious place, the Son of God is born…" Joe E. Pennel, Jr.

Christmas Interrupted 2

2 1/2 weeks ago I preached on Christmas Interrupted. It came from the story of Joseph and Mary who had big plans for their lives until God interrupted them. The challenge was to let God interrupt your life and Christmas plans for something greater because God's plans are always bigger and better than ours. Aren't you glad God interrupted them and they said yes? Eternity will never be the same.

I've thought and prayed that a few times the last couple of weeks, but God tapped me on the shoulder this morning in Walmart to remind me of my own sermon. Sonya and I had just had a talk about our changed Christmas plans. She received a call this week that one of her cousins had been killed in a motorcycle accident in N. Texas. He was the same age as Sonya and they had been close growing up. He was one of the few strong Christians on her mom's side of the family. Sonya really felt strongly that she needed to be at the funeral this Saturday in OK. We had planned to drive to my parent's house after the Christmas Eve service to spend Christmas with my family and then her and the kids would travel on to spend some time in AR with her family. Now they'll head out tomorrow and we won't be together for Christmas. While I was very supportive and encouraging since I'm such a good husband :) I still was sad. Then God reminded me of the sermon. Would I be willing to let go of some of my traditions for the year so others can be brought closer to Jesus and ministered to in their time of loss? So while I'm still sad, the big picture always makes the valleys seem smaller. (Be careful what you preach too.)

On a lighter note check out this video from comedian Tim Hawkins on homeschoolers.

VIDEO

Tradition of the Day: I always read the full Christmas story (Matthew & Luke) before we open any Christmas presents on Christmas morning. This helps set a nice tone for the day and reminds us what's really important. (It drives the nephews crazy too.) We'll do this tonight or in the morning as a family since they'll be leaving in the morning.


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Quote of the Day: "It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Jesus do not run from the secular; rather we try to transform it. It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas just as the early Christians baptized the Christmas tree. And we do this by being holy people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas rush…" Fr. Andrew Greeley

Do You See What I See?

We spent Sunday morning in Isaiah looking ahead to the Messiah. Israel (the 10 northern tribes) was on their way down for the last time. Judah (the 2 southern tribes) was backslidden again. Then here comes the prophet Isaiah with hope for the future. (9:2) "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." And then in 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The good news for us today is that we don't have to wait 700 years like Israel, hope is here for us today.

We had an awesome time with a full house Sunday night at the Bethel Family Christmas. With the third Sunday morning in a row with snow or ice, we may have had more out in the p.m. than the a.m. (Free food helps too.) Here is a picture of Jeremiah and Elizabeth quoting Ephesians chapter 6 during the open mic time.


Here's a picture of one of our youth, Megan C. She lost her mom a few years ago and it has been a hard road at times, but here she is singing a song during the night. She heads to Costa Rica this March for a missions trip. We are very proud of her. God is faithful.


Tradition of the Day: We hit two traditions yesterday (Monday). One is we always go out to eat at The Olive Garden. I'm sure that sounds odd, but about 10 years ago Charlene W. gave us a gift certificate from there. The closest Olive Garden is probably about 30 miles, so we went in and hit the mall too and did some Christmas shopping. It was so nice to get away for 1/2 a day in the busy Christmas season we've done it every year since.

We also give the kids their ornaments for the year when we get back from the Olive Garden trip.
-Ethan got a cell phone ornament. He bought a LG Chocolate cell phone with his summer wages. (Which went through the wash twice in the first few months. Now he uses dad's old one.)
-Isaac got a mailbox ornament. He always has to check the mail and wants to know what's going on.
-Jeremiah received a cross ornament. He went on a mission's trip this summer and was also baptized in water this fall.
-Elizabeth got an ornament in the shape of a Christmas tree made with soccer balls. She had an awesome year in soccer this fall.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 1:30-33 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Quote of the Day: A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bethel Family Christmas Eve

The little Mills' elves are busy scurrying around prepping for our annual Bethel Family Christmas. Here they are dipping marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkles. Next come the pretzels. We just took two pies out of the oven and I'm mixing up 5 lbs of ham and cheese ball. In the end we'll wind up with 20 feet of goodies to say thanks to our church.


Here's a picture of Ethan from his game last night. It was a rare occasion where we had Isaac & Ethan with back to back home games on the same night. It was the first win of the young varsity season.

Tradition of the Day: Tomorrow is our Bethel Family Christmas. Or as I like to refer to it, Congregation Appreciation Day. My family cooks all the food and goodies as we say thanks to our awesome church. We then have an open mic time where families sing, share a memory, do a skit, tell a joke, and other miscellaneous offerings. We end the night singing in circles around the Christmas tree (an old Norwegian tradition). We used to hold it at the house but we outgrew that and now fill the fellowship hall. (This idea was a blatant ripoff from my former presbyter Bob Maddox.) We started this our second year here and it's one of my family's favorite parts of the Christmas season. If your greatest joys of the holidays are what you'll get or what gifts you buy, I offer my condolences.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Scripture of the Day: Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "

Quote of the Day: Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. Washington Irving

Sports Center

Only 12 worshiping days till Christmas.

It's been a while since a sports family update...
Both Ethan & Isaac are playing basketball at the local Christian school. Neither played last year so it's been a year of catching up for both of them, but they are working hard. Isaac's season is about 3/4 over. They had a slow start but are coming around. They won in overtime tonight in the first round of the conference tournament. Ethan's team lost tonight. Both E&I had scores in their games over the weekend.

Tradition of the Day: We always open one gift on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition that goes back to my family when I was a child. I'm not sure why we did it then or why we do it now, but it's tradition so we have too!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 9:6 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Quote of the Day: Ask your children two questions this Christmas. First: "What do you want to give to others for Christmas?" Second: "What do you want for Christmas?" The first fosters generosity of heart and an outward focus. The second can breed selfishness if not tempered by the first. Anonymous

The Great Communicator

In the Old Testament God spoke in a variety of ways. Prophets, judges, priests, miracles, plagues, captivity, and even a donkey. But then God came Himself, God with us, Immanuel. Born of a virgin. The Incarnation. God became man. The Word now flesh. And the world would never be the same.

John put it like this, (1:14) "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

And now Hebrews tells us of the benefits. 4:14-16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Thank you God. Thank you for loving us so much that You came to live and die among us. Thank you for showing Your love by not just saying, but doing. Immanuel.

Tradition of the Day: The kids always build their own ginger bread houses. Well, actually it's graham crackers and the buildings vary. Supplies include gummi bears, red hots, licorice, gum drops, cookies, and other miscellaneous candies. Last night Elizabeth built a manger scene, Jeremiah a train station, Isaac a house, and Ethan a train. They put them on display at the Bethel Family Christmas.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Scripture of the Day: John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Quote of the Day: Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. Laura Ingalls Wilder

Snow Day

With the impending ice storms, just about everything is canceled today. That's the bummer of homeschooling and laptop computers, snow days just aren't the same. Although when we got that nice snow last week Sonya and our kids were out on the slopes at Russell Woods while all the "traditional students" were at their desks.

We had a great weekend! The weather was mediocre, but the kids put on an awesome children's musical at church. I know when your kids are involved they are always good, but this really was one of the best I've ever seen. Probably the best.























Sunday morning we looked at the wiseman and talked about The Best Christmas Ever. It's all about what you seek (worship the King) and what you give (yourself). Those will never disappoint.

The bride of my youth celebrated her birthday yesterday. I'm still the best gift she's ever received. She is more beautiful every year. It was this time of year 19 years ago that I was out shopping for engagement rings. I am blessed.


Tradition of the Day: We have an advent calender we do each night as a family before we go to bed. It has a Scripture for each day that walks us through the Christmas story. It's a nice daily reminder of what it's all about and it helps us to end each day on course.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 11:16 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Quote of the Day: Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. George Matthew Adams

Christmas Psalms

We looked into the Psalms again in Wednesday night Bible study. I was hoping to pull out some Messianic Psalms with a heavy dose of Christmas, but there wasn't a whole lot. We did take the night to go through about 7 Messianic Psalms that told of the hope of the coming Messiah though. Psalm 2 & 110 were really good. It's interesting how Psalm 110 is used in the New Testament to prove the claims of Jesus by Jesus, Peter, and Paul.

Tradition of the Day: Every year we buy a new ornament for each of the kids. The ornament signifies a memory or something from their year. (bike: learned to ride a bike, etc.) I saw a Hallmark commercial this year that shows a similar idea. ( I think they stole it from us)

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 5:18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 2:6-8 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD : He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Quote of the Day: The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart. Helen Keller

Let It Slow

A nice slow evening after the birthdays. Sonya & Isaac are at Rochelle at a BB game. The rest & I stayed home due to the beautiful snow coming down. The kids are watching Rudolph and I'm sitting by the tree with only the Christmas lights on and some mellow instrumental Christmas music on. Sometimes uneventful is a good thing.

Tradition of the Day: On our main tree the kids each have their own section of the tree for their individual ornaments. The tree has red and white bulbs, gold beads, and white lights all over, but it's also sectioned off for them. Check tomorrow for part 2.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Scripture of the Day: Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Quote of the Day: Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday. I thought it might be odd to put in my own picture though. Sonya said she should write the blog entry today, but she doesn't know how to access the account and I wasn't going to tell her (at least not today). Thanks to everyone who has poured into my life these past 42 years. I am blessed.

Some sad news today. A former college basketball teammate, who is now a Wycliffe missionary to the Congo, and his wife lost a baby several days ago. She went into labor and they found no heartbeat when they arrived at the hospital Their names are Jeff & Michelle. Please keep them in your prayers. They are currently in the states for furlough.

Tradition of the Day: The kids are putting up their personal Christmas trees tonight. They each have an artificial 4 foot tree that they get to decorate however they want just for themselves. Most keep them in their room and use them as nightlights too.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 3:3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

Quote of the Day: The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Burton Hillis

Happy 13th Isaac!

Isaac is a teenager!

Our second son, Isaac, officially became a teenager today. We had a little party this afternoon and all us boys went to see Casting Crowns in concert tonight at NIU. It's been a long good day. We love you Isaac!

The theme this morning was Christmas Interrupted. How often what we view as interruptions could really be great opportunities if we allow God to have His way. Joseph and Mary had big plans and dreams until God interrupted their plans and eternity will never be the same. Make your prayer this season to be sensitive to how God wants to interrupt your Christmas plans for something greater.

Tradition of the Day: In our manger set, one of the sheep always goes on the roof of the stable. Back when Sonya and I were dating I used to stick that sheep (same set) on top of the manger just to annoy her. She figured it out and would leave it up there just to prove it didn't bother her and it's gone up there every Christmas since. I think all 4 of our kids have cried when they were young because we wouldn't let them put the sheep down where it belonged. But tradition is more important than the mental health of my children.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 3:7-8 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 3:20-21 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Quote of the Day: Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. Francis C. Farley