Life with The Swell Guy!

Day 365

New Year's Eve. It's the one time of year we can be sappy and most people will not think less of us. I'd try to say something deep with an essay, but there is no need for that today. Instead, I'm going to toss out a few random things that I may have considered for posting or are just rolling around in my head. And some things are just an opinion that I have taken. I make no claims that these are original, yea, even worthwhile comments.  If you read through I hope you enjoy. If you do not, well that is OK, too.

-If the horse is dead DISMOUNT.

-I believe in a fully lived life you see the sacred and the profane. In fact, you may see the sacred in the profane. This is especially true at Christmas.

-Over the last year or two Denine and I have worked to simplify our life. We are making progress.

-Few things are better than conversation around the table with friends over a meal. 

-This year I have more noticed the melancholy in the Christmas season, as well as the joy. I believe these moments of quiet reflection are a good thing.

-Your kids are not ever too old for you to tell them that you love them at the end of a telephone conversation. Do not forget to do this. And mean it.

-It is OK for a guy to cry when watching a movie now and again. The bonus points with Mama, well...they are a bonus.

-This economic downturn has forced many people to reconsider how they handled finances and what they really need. This could be one of the best things that comes out of this time in history.

-Years ago I came home from a men's conference and told Denine that I wanted to be a better man, husband, and father. I hope I have lived up to that commitment.

-If you are a Christian or Christ-follower and believe you have "got it right" you have just made your first mistake.

-Just because you bought it in a Christian bookstore or off the Christianity shelf it does not mean it is well reasoned or sound. Question what you read within the context of the bible.

-If you keep doing something because it is what others expect it is time to question what you are doing.

-My wife is my companion and best friend. It baffles me when couples do not work on their relationship and then wonder what happened when the kids are gone. 

-There is a vast difference between content and complacent. Aim for the first and ignore the second.

-Spontaneity is highly underrated. You should plan for some of it in your life.

-Apologize if you are wrong. Stubborn pride is not helpful.

-Miracles still happen. Everyday. In relationships, life, and yes...health. What do you consider a miracle?

-Less drama. More authentic. Less posturing. More real.

-Do not assume your friends know that you love them. Tell them.

-Christians and Christ-followers would do well to stop acting like the church has the last 100 years and start acting more like Christ. He taught dangerous ideas and enjoyed a good party. And much more...

-There is pleasure and value in listening to other people's stories. Give them time to speak.

-We can impact global hunger & poverty with less than 10% of what we spend on toys & gifts in the US. There is room in all of our lives for social justice.

That's it. Thanks to all of you who read this blog. Thanks for the love and support. It means a lot. Happy New Year.

Lookin good!

I present this photo as emailed to me by my friend, Dr. J. Matthew Durham.  Funny guy, that Dr. Matthew...

One last bit of jello

On the way home from VA yesterday we were listening to the radio and we heard this bit on jello by comedian Robert G. Lee. It is hilarious...hilarious. Check it out!

Orange Jello Salad

I tend to give my Mom quite a bit of grief over her now famous assortment of jello salads. But I also must tell you that she works hard to serve everyone their favorite foods when we all get together. That, my friends, is love.

PS:  The above photo was the first thing put on the table for the first family meal. No kidding!

This Is War

Amazing thoughts on the birth of Christ. I think you will find the intro and the song interesting.

Make your own Christmas Story Bunny Costume for about $30

Thanks to the swell folks at indestructables.com we now have instructions so you can make your own Christmas Story Bunny Costume just like Ralphie's. Yes, I know you can buy one, but that would not have that same vibe the one made by Aunt Clara. Oh, my costume? Not on your life!

Christmas Pajama Photos

Evidently Monday night was the night for Christmas pajama photos. Sometimes it is good to be the Daddy.

PS:  Jordan... miss you, buddy.

It's Tuesday-palooza!

Posing with neighborhood Christmas lawn ornaments is way better than sitting on Santa's lap. If the homeowner comes to the door you simply need to pose as lawn art. If they have a gun you need to run!

Tuesday-palooza celebrates life through noteworthy photos. Selection tends towards humor, southern life and laughing at ourselves & the things we do to occupy our time. Your comments, suggestions, and photo submissions are welcome.

Reflections of Christmas

Our church does not meet very often during the week. We are encouraged to do life together as well as be part of the community during the week. It can be hard to do this if you isolate yourself in a building with other Christ-followers all of the time. Last Wednesday night we did get together to share communion, sing, and meditate on Christmas. Pat Stone shared the writing below. It is powerful. I wish you were hearing it delivered and spoken in his voice.

Reflections of Christmas

         This is the season when we come together with our families to fellowship, eat and exchange our gifts with one another.  We get tied up in this process so much that we lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas.  The only way in which you know Christ was born back then was the star declaring His presence.  Today we have the Holy Spirit and God’s words to affirm that.  God’s plan was to give us a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect an imperfect people.  He gave us His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) as a gift to change us and set us apart from this world into His world.  I think of the love I have for my son and think about just how much He loved His Son.  It humbles me deeply in my heart to know that He asked His Son to do for us what we couldn’t do ourselves.  God’s love for me is so great that it is unfathomable.  He hung His own Son on a tree as a gift for us and not under the tree where we would expect a gift to be.  His gift restored what I tried to destroy in my life.  His Spirit and His word are deep in my soul.  It changed my life, my thoughts, habits, and gave me a clear perspective on the way to live.  I come tonight to Honor Him for the things He has given me and changed my life.  To love Christ is to Honor Him.  Honor is words and actions that declare you have a passion for that person.  It’s like a heavy weight around your heart.  So, I thank you Heavenly Father for your Son, who gave me new life, but also abundant life which is eternal life.  I think of Scripture now that says - delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  My joy is Christ who loved me and gave Himself for me.  The just for the unjust.  David’s desire says it best,  “one thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek, that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.” 

 

Father your gift keeps on giving.

Small Group Christmas

We attempted to get photos of everyone who made it to our New Cov small group Christmas Party. We made them stand under the kissing ball in our hallway. For the most part, we had success.