Do you go to church or are you the church? Do you approach church with a consumer or missional point of view? As we approach the pinnacle of this holy season, for what are you looking in your proverbial church stocking? Some Christmas elves are interested in a consumer church. Their attitude views church as… Continue reading Do you go to church or are you the church?
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
The ABCs of Christmas!
During this Advent season, an elf helped remind me of the ABC’s of Christmas: Anticipate joyBe kindCount your blessingsDreamExpress gratitudeForgiveGive cheerfullyHarm no oneImagine possibilitiesJettison angerKeep confidencesMake peaceNurture hopeOpen your mindPlay fairQuell rumorsReciprocate goodnessSeek wisdomTouch heartsUnderstandValue truthWelcome diversityXeriscapeYearn for holinessZealously care for others Wait, I Love this list, but the elf left out a letter! Noel! Noel! Noel!… Continue reading The ABCs of Christmas!
Pastor Paul’s Christmas Quiz
So, you think you know the Christmas story? Well, students, get your paper and pencil. Take this quiz and find out. Its origins are from old; I first saw it 45 years ago, when I was a child. Mike Yaconelli and Wayne Rice, with Youth Specialties, are the creators. I have used it for years to… Continue reading Pastor Paul’s Christmas Quiz
Spiritual housecleaning: a new Advent tradition?
Advent is a season for every heart to prepare Christ room. That means removing the boxes from our lives to allow space for Christ’s coming. The season is busy and intense for most of us. Emptying and simplifying strike us as seasonally inappropriate. We think of doing more and more, not less and less. A… Continue reading Spiritual housecleaning: a new Advent tradition?
In 2026, what will you remember about Christmas 2021?
What do you remember about your childhood Christmas celebrations? How do you want your family to answer that question someday? If you’re like me, you don’t tend to remember the gifts you were given as much as the special moments. One of my great regrets with my kids is that our Christmas season was often… Continue reading In 2026, what will you remember about Christmas 2021?
Thanksgiving thoughts
On this day of giving thanks, for what, for whom do we give thanks? Is it a person or people; is it for health or wealth? What is it that causes you to give thanks? As you ponder that, let me give you some things that others have said about Thanksgiving. “Let all of us… Continue reading Thanksgiving thoughts
Top 10 list of feelings I have about moving
We sold our house earlier this week but have this week to move from the old house to the new house. Each day after work we are moving the small fragile inside stuff plus my pots and plants. The movers come on Saturday to get the heavy and awkward things. Here are some of the… Continue reading Top 10 list of feelings I have about moving
Who are the veterans that you remember?
My first memories of life are from Nellis Air Force Base where my dad was stationed. He was finishing up his 24+ years of service in the Air Force. With today being Veteran’s Day, we pause to remember and give thanks to those who have served and those who are serving. My uncle Paul, for… Continue reading Who are the veterans that you remember?
In case you haven’t heard, the fabulous Whitlocks are moving
Boxes to the left of me, boxes to the right of me, boxes behind and in front of me! Boxes! Boxes! Boxes! That sounds like the beginning of a Dr. Seuss book! While much of my life is like one of his made-up stories, this one is quite real. In case you haven’t heard, the fabulous… Continue reading In case you haven’t heard, the fabulous Whitlocks are moving
Do we own our possessions, or do they own us?
The fabulous Whitlocks are moving! We are downsizing. The large home that once housed Uncle Paul, my parents, Ruthie, and Wendy and I is no longer needed. Of course, my mind is flooded with memories. Going through all of my stuff causes me to ask myself the question that I asked in a sermon a… Continue reading Do we own our possessions, or do they own us?