Chill Out

It seems the closer we get to Christmas, the crazier some people get.  We are 15 days away and so much is happening.  If going from house to house to see family causes you to flip out on someone, why do you do it?  If making 60 dozen cookies causes you to stress eat, why do you do it?  If spending hundreds of dollars you don't have so your kids get the perfect gifts sends you into a whirlwind of worry, why do you do it?  If trying to prepare the perfect Christmas Eve candle light service has you wishing it was over already, why do you do it?  If the Christmas season brings you more panic than peace, something is wrong.  If this time of year causes you to be jumpy instead of joyful, something is wrong.  If you have fear over something going wrong rather than having fun, you missed it.   How about you just "Chill Out"!  This is supposed a time of year filled with kindness, love and lasting memories.  Take some today to evaluate what your next 15 days look like.  If you dread them, then you probably need to take some time for yourself and get alone with God.


Philippians 4:6-7 (ncv)  Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. ⁷ And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

What's Next

As I am approaching 5 years as a lead pastor, and trying to navigate a building change or addition, I am constantly asking God,  "What's Next?". Many times, that question is followed up by the reality of me having no idea how to do what He has in mind. I constantly find myself in prayer with God and having conversations with mentors and friends that I value a great deal. I realized a long time ago that if I want to go very far in ministry, I need to surround myself with people who have taken a similar journey. Of course I know God has given me a vision for ministry and yet at the same time, He instructs us to seek advice. So, if you want to know what the next step is, you likely need to follow someone that has taken the step prior to you. 

Proverbs 19:20-21 (esv) Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.