Don't Miss The Moments

I am beginning to sign Christmas cards this week, and soon will begin receiving some.  I love this time of year!  It brings back so many unforgettable memories. So, as I plan ahead, I can't help but think back, too.

As I go through the preparations for the Advent Season, I am constantly reminded of Christmases past — the church services, family times, travel experiences, shopping days and the planning that went into making this time of year meaningful for all who looked to me for leadership.  I can also recall the stress that seemed to accompany any holiday season. Can't you? If we are not careful, we will miss the moments of greatest joy.  Some suggestions:

1. Make sure all of your family issues have been resolved. Don't enter the holiday without peace at home.
2. Set your calendar in such a way that there are "gaps" for advent surprises. Don't miss the moment. They are most likely non-repeatable.
3. Tune your heart afresh to the heart of God. Hear Him speak to you about your advent messages. Don't be mechanical. Be open to the moments of divine revelation. Quiet your heart.
4. Find three or four people on your block who really need to know they matter. Bless them.
5. Finally, laugh a lot. Joy begets joy.

These moments you will long remember. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

When Your Team Loses

On Monday (Nov 26th) I was watching the NFL game between Pittsburg and Miami.  It was a terrible evening to play.  Rain, wind and even lightning delayed the game for 20 minutes.  Needless to say my team lost 3-0.  Now Miami is 0-11.  They lost with 17 seconds left to play.  I was bummed.

After the game was over I was thinking, "Man! A lot of my teams are losing!" The Broncos lost, the Giants lost.  Kansas lost.  The Denver Nuggets lost, and the memory of the Colorado Rockies losing the World Series is still a vivid reality.  What is going on?

And then I thought, "Why is this such a big deal?" I don't know anyone on the teams I was rooting for. They don't know me.  The sun will come up the next morning and life will go on.  So what is the big deal?

Well, for one thing, we all need something or someone to cheer for.  It is important to develop loyalties. It keeps your life interesting. For another, when you root for a team it helps you to appreciate all the effort that goes with winning. And one more thing! Life's a lot like an athletic contest — you win some, you lose some. Most of the time you learn more from losing than you do from winning. You just can't take it so seriously that you forget it's just a game that grown men are playing.

So how's your team doing? If you don't have one, pick one. Remember Niebuhr's prayer .. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."

And when you lose, you walk across the field and congratulate the winning team. No sense being a sore loser — we'll get 'em the next time!

Don't forget to listen to our Advent teachings on the podcast found at podcast.hblondon.org. Talk to you next time.

World Class

Here at Focus on the Family, we have a directive to do what we do for you, the clergy and for all of our constituents, in a world class manner. What that means to us is "give it your very best." In other words, if it is worth doing — do it right.

With Thanksgiving behind us, I found myself reflecting back to last year's opportunity to attend the Notre Dame/ Southern California football game. I arrived early at the stadium to soak in all the drama and pageantry that surrounded such an event. It was great. The game was exciting, but the thing that impressed me so much was the attention everyone gave to detail. The bands were topnotch, the teams looked immaculate before the game, the coaches were in their respective places, the timing was perfect, the stadium was packed, the well-stocked concession stands were open and the ushers were friendly and helpful. The "rowdy" were not allowed to detract from the game. People around you in the stands were friendly and did a lot of high-fiving. They booed and cheered in all the right places. When the game was over, people by the thousands stayed around for the "after game" pep-rally band concert. The tickets were expensive, but all who attended would long remember their night in the Coliseum. I know I will.

What's my point? You are now in the Advent Season. There will be many and varied activities under your "watch." You will probably have more people attending your services than at any other time of the year. Be ready for them: Be prepared, be friendly, be respectful and be world-class — in other words, do what you do the very best way that you can. Be God honoring in every respect, and as Paul wrote to the church in Colossi: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17).

You are world class — so do what you do in a world-class manner. We are proud of you.

And now it is on to Christmas.

Around The Thanksgiving Table

My memories of Thanksgiving Day are vivid, especially those that centered on the dinner table.  For as long as I can remember, our small family put great emphasis on the togetherness of the holidays.  We came from near and far, and met in places like Maplewood, Mo., Bethany, Okla., Little Rock, Ark., and San Benito, Texas.  We were a family of preachers, and we placed high priority on family time.

When I was a boy, there seemed to be a different empty place at the table each year.  A great-grandmother passed away; an uncle and his wife divorced; one year several family members didn't make the trip because of an unexpected crisis. But through the years, we maintained our Thanksgiving tradition.  Same menu, same smells, same full-to-the-brim feeling topped off with turkey sandwiches. 

My mom and Dr. Dobson's mom were the glue that held us together, even after they passed away.  The tradition continued because the next generation followed the recipes and kept the family together.  Our families have grown and new traditions have been established, but we still celebrate this time of year.

As you and your family sit around the Thanksgiving table this November, take time to be thankful and appreciate the people who mean the most to you.  Treasure those moments; laugh and enjoy one another.

I remember one of my uncles would say as he left the house for his trip back home, "We may not have this chance again."  Some years later, he was right.  Like so many things in life, we can take our most precious everyday gifts for granted.   Let your family know how precious they are to you, and whatever you do, if there are complications in your relationships, use this wonderful season to patch things up.  Thanksgiving offers a great opportunity for reconciliations — plus a whole lot of good eating!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.  let the redeemed of the Lord say this" (Psalm 107:1-2)

Reunions

This past weekend I had the privilege of returning to my college alma mater, Point Loma University, near San Diego. It is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.  The Pacific Ocean is it's border, and from any place you can look west and see the endless expanse of God's beautiful creation.

I had not been back to a college reunion in many years,and it was a fun experience.  I caught up with friends I had not seen in forty years.  Talked careers, grandchildren, and recalled events both meaningful and painful ... but all-in-all it was wonderful.  I don't think I would want to do it every year, but once in a while it's really fun!

It occured to me that you and I have been blessed with friends we have not talked to for a long time.  Think about it.  Colleagues you went to seminary and Bible college with.  Staff members you may have worked with over the years.  Family members you have not talked to for sometime.  My point is you may not have a formal reunion — but by using the telephone, cell phone or email you could reconnect with someone and as you do, encourage and bless them.

It is Thanksgiving season — a time to reflect, (remember "the measure of a man is the number of his friends"), so have a reunion this week — one person at a time.  I will be doing some of that myself. 

Thanks for reading our blog.  Hopefully you will tell others about it .. and our podcast.  A new one was pushed today at http://podcast.hblondon.org/  It deals with the "Attitude of Gratitude".  Why not give it a listen?

Happy Thanksgiving!!  "A friend loves at all times" (Prov 17:17)

Check Your Gauges

I give a speech to clergy couples called "Check Your Gauges." It pertains to 1 Timothy 4, in which the apostle Paul told Timothy to watch his life (verse 16).  One of the gauges I suggest that pastors stop to check is the physical gauge.  Have you checked yours lately?

When the Lord called you into the ministry as co-laborers with Him, He made an investment in you.  Like parents sending their children off to college, He launched you into a world that would take its toll not only emotionally and spiritually, but physically as well. 

I remember a physician saying that all clergy live high-risk lives.  He helped me to see how pastors live in a world of the urgent, often fail to eat right and rarely get enough rest or exercise — but I knew that.

Then he told me to tell the pastors with whom I meet to be mindful of several things.  First, pastors need to watch their weight.  They shouldn't eat until they're full, he said, and they should never eat another french fry.  (Fat chance, I thought.)  Second, he suggested every pastor should know his cholesterol balance and blood pressure.  Third, every male pastor needs an annual prostate screening exam after his 40th birthday.

He said if pastors can keep these three levels in check, they most likely will have a healthy, productive life and ministry.  Good advice.  I thanked him for his interest in pastors and said I'd do my best to pass along his cautions as I meet with and encourage other clergy.

One more piece of advice: Take a day off — regularly.  Go for walks with your spouse.  Sleep seven or eight hours each night, listen to good music and do not let the sun go down on your anger.  Why?  Because you usually begin a new day the way you ended the last.  End of my sermon.

So, to my dear clergy friend, whom I love in the truth, "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John2)

Don't forget to check your gauges.  And feel free to comment on this or any other post we write.  We enjoy hearing from you.  Were you aware we have a weekly podcast you can access at http://podcast.hblondon.org/?  I just shared this past Monday, on the Seasons of My Life.  Feel free to listen in. 

Veteran's Day ... A Salute to Brave Warriors

This past week, I sat next to a wounded, but recovering, soldier. He was very young, very polite, and obviously in pain. His crutches were stored overhead and I had not noticed he was limited until I needed to get to my window seat. With some effort he let me pass by.

When we were settled, I asked him how he was doing and thanked him for his service. Later he volunteered that, while on a mission in Iraq, his vehicle was struck by an IED (improvised explosive device) and both of his knees were severely damaged. He had had three surgeries and was anticipating another. He seemed very thankful to be alive and was working half-day shifts at a Fort Carson desk job in Colorado Springs. The rest of his day was in rehab.

Traveling in and out of our city, I see a lot of young men in "my soldier's" condition. I wonder about their families and agonize with them over their futures, without even knowing what that might be. Will they be able to get an education? Live a normal life? Play basketball?

I also hear a lot about the symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Things I have read tell me that 15 percent to 20 percent of those who suffer the disorder will never recover. I wonder if we really take the consequences of war as seriously as we should?

My point of this note to you on this national holiday to remember our veterans is a simple one. Please do not overlook the near 4,000 families that have been forever influenced by the war-related death of a loved one and the multiplied thousands of men and women whose lives will never ever be the same due to battle-related injuries ... and they all seem so young.

Perhaps, as the Psalmist requested of his God, we can live in our world when we cross paths with men and women whose lot in life has left them with everyday challenges we can scarcely imagine.

"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me" (Psalm 40:11).

Have you checked out our podcast at podcast.hblondon.org? Please do. Let me know what you think, and have a really good day!

Adoption

I remember hearing the story of a young man who was talking about his family, and more specifically his brother.  He said, "I know one of us is adopted, but I forget which one."  Most likely that would not be the politcally correct method of discloser today, but it does point out the fact of unconditional love and the value of embracing the orphan.

At Focus on the Family one of our "hot button" initiatives is encouraging pastors to motivate their congregations to look into the value and blessing of adoption.

On our staff here in Colorado Springs several of my colleagues have adopted children from far away places — yet we have been reminded of the thousands of children in our own state of Colorado who are parentless.  One of my staff members is soon to be the 'new' grandfather of foster-adopted twins.  The adoptive parents have faced a lot of challenges with their new children, but just think what the lives of those babies would have been like without the loving, caring, and even sacrificial attention given by this devoted couple.

I know adoption is not for everyone, but it is a viable option.  One of the ladies who works with me and has an adopted son said to me one day, "Remember, it is not like getting a puppy." She is so right!

One of the things about adoption is that not only does it provide a loving home for children, but it becomes a tool for evangelism.  Just think .. not only are we given the privelege of helping to mold a life and set that child on a life course, but we have the blessing of becoming "spiritual parents" as well.  Many adopted children will never know Jesus as Savior if someone who knows Him as Lord is not given access into their lives. 

Again, adoption is not for everyone, but there might just be a person in your congregation who could open up their homes and hearts either as a foster or adoptive parent.  Please feel free to access more information about orphans on our website www.icareaboutorphans.org. Who knows what God might have in mind.

Say It Ain't So ...

Yesterday there was an item that came across my desk entitled Senate Panel Probes 6 Top Televangelists.  It went on to read, "Sen. Charles Grassley asks ministries to turn over financial records within one month."

The story was written by a CBS news investigator, and indicates the Iowa Republican senator is trying to determine whether or not six ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles.  The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn.  It was also interesting to note that three of the six — Hinn, Copeland and Dollar sit on the Board of Regents for Oral Robert's University in Tulsa.  You know about the issues at ORU?

And yesterday I also received a 6-page letter attempting to justify the activities of a very large church in mid-America. 

Focus on the Family has just come through a very extensive review by the IRS related to our 501(c) designation.  It was claimed that Dr. Dobson jeopardized our tax-exempt status by statements he made relative to political candidates.  We came through with flying colors and were given a clean bill of health — but it was time consuming and very expensive.

I may not agree with what and how the six ministries operate but I sincerely hope they are not found to be corrupt in any way.  Can you imagine what that would say to a suspicious world?  To the millions they address each week on television?

Yet nearly everyone of these ministries has been under investigation before. 

Caution!  The church should have an "open-book" financial operation.  If possible they should belong to the 'ECFA".  Check out their website at www.ecfa.org

Paul writes to Timothy, "Keep yourself pure." (I Tim 5:22) I would think that would include your church and ministry as well. 

Oh, by the way, none of the six are required to file form 990 with the IRS because they are designated as churches.  Huh? 

I hope it ain't so — Until next time. 

Answering The Critics (be very careful how you do it)

**Note .. If you receive the Shepherd's Covenant Encourager, you've already read what's posted below.  Forgive the repetition, but I believe it's important enough to restate.  And here on the blog you can comment back.  Feel free to do so.  I value your opinions.

I am under some scrutiny from self-appointed "watchdogs" regarding a conference I will be speaking at in January. I don't want to go into all the details now — I will later — but for the time being, suffice it to say I feel like I am back in the pastorate again, where your every move and decision is up for debate.

This whole scenario has brought back memories of a time when we had decided as church leadership to begin a school. To be open with our congregation, I held a meeting to discuss the pro's and con's of the new endeavor. Before that meeting was over, you would have thought we were a terrorist threat to our city, state and nation. How dare we even consider a school!!

Well, we took a step back and let emotions cool a bit, and then we moved forward with the school — and it is flourishing and creditable some 20 years later. I still shake my head when I think of that situation.

Now, I assume well-meaning colleagues are concerned that I will compromise my values and ethics because they do not agree with either the premise of the conference or the sponsoring group. Who knows?

What I do know is that the church really needs to wake up and realize that our effectiveness and creditability comes from "the church being the church" and not a finely tuned image campaign that creates a mirage. In many ways, the church is a mile wide and an inch deep. There are going to be lots of folks who have been so deluded by our "feel good" approach to the gospel that they are going to miss the "born-again" experience.

I will continue to be nice and respectful of my critics (I have learned a lot from James Dobson), but I will not allow the "watchdog" mentality to stifle a message that I believe is from the Lord.

I often agonize for you and the "power players" you must deal with on a weekly basis, but you cannot allow yourself to be emasculated or let the message God has placed in your heart be weakened, even if it does make some people feel uncomfortable.

Paul wrote, "To the weak I become weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Cor. 9:22).

So there you have it.  Stay focused and have a great week.

Loving God's Way

Who is your biggest fan?  That question should cause you to consider how your spouse would answer it.  Husbands and wives should be the biggest fan of one another.

What does that mean?  It means we pray for one another.  We protect one another.  We show genuine compassion for one another.  We want to be a part of the solutions rather than creating problems.  Further, it is crucial that we cheer for one another.

I remember a time a couple years ago, when I was speaking at a conference with some high-profile religious leaders.  Beverley, my wife, could tell I was nervous and that this engagement was important to me.  I delivered my message and gave it my best.  As we were walking out of the convention hall, Beverley slipped her arm through mine, looked at me and said, "I was proud of you tonight."  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.  The one who mattered most had affirmed me. 

Take a few minutes to think over the last few weeks through a relational lens.  Did you affirm your spouse and your children regularly? Did you look for the positive in each of them rather than the negative? Did you take the time to ask, "How are you doing?" Did you, by your words, actions and deeds, express unconditional love?  Did you live your faith as an example?

As I write these thoughts, I cannot help but reflect on the words of the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (I Corinthians 13:4-7).

As God has chosen to love us that way, let us seek to love one another as He has loved us.  When we do, we'll find that we've become our spouse's biggest fan.