Ah yes!  The sweet sounds of 1984!  What a year that was…

But more than the sounds of Punk music at its finest was the passion expressed through the lyrics of the Altar Boys.  My life was tremendously impacted as a result. 

The title track, “When You’re A Rebel,” became my heartbeat.  I was a new follower of Jesus then.  Very passionate with my faith and trust in the man I now called Savior.  I recall the t-shirt I bought from one of the concerts I attended.  If I remember correctly, the t-shirt had black letters on the front that said “Rebel for Jesus”.  And in red letters in the background was Romans 12:1-2. 

Today, the non conforming part of me is still alive.  I think it is so easy for all of us to get caught up in the winds of the latest movements and develop our “new” traditions.  (whatever that may be at the time) There is an element to traditions that are good.  But if we aren’t careful we will lose our mission in the tradition.  Even the church planting movement of today in itself can get lost by trying to be the coolest in town and forget the mission. 

I’m excited about what God is doing today.  It seems like churches are planting left and right all over the place!  A new church plant has the best opportunity to reach those outside of Christianity than by any other means. 

As I watch the news, I can see that we are in some turbulent times.  I don’t know if we have really seen how bad it is.  I’m sick and tired of all the bailout bills that are running through Congress.  Hey, if we really need all of that then lets just stick to the need and lay off of all the pork! 

Sorry about that… back on task – The times we live in are difficult.  Those of us who follow Jesus need to do so more now than ever.  We need to pray and study more to build our faith.  We must take Jesus with us wherever we go.  We each have people around us who need the hope that he gives.  We have been baptized by Spirit and with fire…

…Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… stay in God’s Word.  Make it your life. 

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.

I bet you only celebrate your birthday once a year!  Me too. But not my kids…

About 10 years ago or so Jacqueline started pointing out her 1/2 Birthdays.  She would turn 4 then 4 1/2 then 5 next would be 5 1/2 and so on… Well, this was a big deal for her.  So, I decided to make a big deal of it too.  I decided that on my children’s 1/2 Birthday we would go out to dinner.  Just me and the child celebrating the 1/2… a night out with Dad. 

A part of the  deal is that the child gets to pick the place to eat… anywhere!  Jacqueline’s first year was Red Lobster and got Crab Legs!  I believe she was 4 1/2 maybe 5 1/2… I’m sure she could tell me exactly.  Now it’s off to Dave and Buster’s for Jacqueline and Valerie.

Last week was Walker’s 6 1/2 year old birthday!  He wanted Chuck E. Cheese.  We had a blast!  I loved watching him run through those 80 Tokens!!  He ended up with 320 tickets to spend on prizes.  He would have come out better going somewhere else eating then letting me buy him something at Target for $10. 

But that would have spoiled the fun!  It really was fun.  We had an incredible time and wouldn’t have missed the moment for the world.  He’s a special kid… I love him so much!

Before the turkey and dressing is ready to eat – my favorite thing to do is to sit in front of the TV with my children and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

What is your favorite family tradition for Thanksgiving?