I have a question…what is your favorite worship song? I personally like Jesus Lord of Heaven by Phil Wickham.

New Year’s day is always a time for me to be introspective. I look back on all the victories and all hurdles that 2008 had to offer. God has been so good to me and my family in 2008 and I must stop and acknowledge that all that I am and all that I hope to be is because Christ Jesus is alive and working in me and through me daily.

I am not much into resolutions but I am into setting goals. What’s the difference? Resolutions to me are just meaningless wants or desires without any real objectives to succeed in the things that I “resolve” to do. Whereas with goals and action steps (a plan on how I’m going to achieve the goals) I am more likely to achieve what I have set out to do.

So… today I took some time to write out personal goals for 2009 in the following 8 areas: Spiritual, Personal, Relational, Vocational, Family, Health, Financial and Recreational. It is my hope and prayer as you consider 2009 and all the awesome things the Lord has in store for you, that you set some goals for each of these 8 areas.

Happy New Year! 

Lee

If Jesus was here would He celebrate Christmas?

Would he say get Christ out of Christmas? Get rid of the lights, trees, and presents….?

John 10:
Vs. 22-23
On the 25 day of Chislev (our December) Jesus is celebrating a cultural festival.
This was NOT a Biblical feast that the Jews were required to celebrate. Yet here we find them celebrating the feast as well as our Lord.

Chislev was added as a feast. Jesus could have boycotted this feast…as it was not required by the Bible. He took this festival that was celebrated culturally and participated in this event. He took this time to share with people.

In short Jesus would celebrate Christmas today. He would use the opportunity to share life changing truth.

Should we get rid of the tree and lights? Yes if is THE object of our worship is anything other than Jesus then yes…get rid of it. If the object of your worship is Jesus…then the festival…whether it be Christmas or Easter is something we can celebrate. Use it as an opportunity to share the life changing news of God’s Word. If others choose to worship the tree or lights then so be it. As for me I will worship the King of Kings. If your convictions lead you to not erect a tree then so be it. But please note that just as Jesus celebrated this festival and shared His truth, I too choose to celebrate Christmas and share the good news of our Lord and Savior.

References Notes for those interested in seeing more of the Biblical facts:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1456&t=KJV
http://www.joncourson.com/teaching/teachings-topicalindex.asp?topic=christmas “Would Jesus Celebrate Christmas?”

a 612 Student/Mullet Production
Student ‘Superhero’ themed Christmas Party is on December 13th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Church.

Awareness Man from Billy Almaguer on Vimeo.

612 Students Life Group from Billy Almaguer on Vimeo.

If you are like me then you get wrapped up in the tomorrow and not the now sometimes. This is necessary but not always prudent. In my life there have been countless times when I was focused so far ahead that I never stopped to think to simply look right in front of me to see what the next step that God had for me was. I’m encouraged because God is patient and even though I sometimes overlook the next step He still waits patiently for me. What an awesome God we have. Giving thanks is the same way. This Thanksgiving season I want to give thanks to things right under my nose…the things that are close to me.

Nikon D90 Focus Test 50mm 1.8 from Billy Almaguer on Vimeo.

Ok, Octoba is ova. So it’s time to start blogging again. Let’s recap the month, shall we? We had a great month in worship, people came to Christ, the price of gas fell considerably (a great thing for the long commute!), I took a break & went to Delaware with my family (went on a 4 seater plane & I’m alive, yea!), Life Groups have been rocking, Tina Fey has revived her career with a spot on impression of Gov. Palin, My Miami Hurricane football team has shown signs of life with a perfect 4-0 in October, yesssss!, I can now take the FSU flag down from my office wall because my friendly wager with Pastor Teddy on the UM-FSU game is over, The World Series came & went (I would be interested to know by reply how many of the blog readers actually watched it, newsflash: football is king of sports),  my wife has become even more beautiful, CCPSL is getting ready for Fall Festival on Nov 8, My oldest boy asked me if God is rich enough to buy all the toys in Walmart in front of lots of other customers who got a chuckle, I have gained 5 pounds, We finally got an early cold front (seems like it’s been a while since a REAL cold front has come in Oct), Ok, I could go on and on… but it would become play by playish instead of the majors… so that’s October… here comes Turkey month… man I love turkey… with mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, and sweet potato cass.  Peace Out Napoleon.

Marathons are fun…don’t get me wrong…but I have a goal. I would be elated if I could train for and complete an ultra marathon. I read an article yesterday in Runners World about David Goggins who started running a couple of years ago. He said

” when I cross the finish line (at an ultra race) I see other people ecstatic and excited, me, I start thinking about what I am going to do tomorrow…”

What a great quote!
Yesterday I ran 15 miles…(seems kinda meaningless when compared to a 100 plus mile run), it was my ‘turning point’ run of the season. My turning point run is the run where everything just clicks into place and running long distances becomes easier. I guess it’s where the training curve and ability curve cross…yeah it’s that point.

I ran to some kicking tunes yesterday…and finished strong.

I love the challenge of running a marathon. I would say competing but in all honesty there are really only four places…yes four. First, Second, Third and ‘The Rest of Us’. I have consistently finished in the ‘Rest of Us’ category for my entire running career. I personally see this as a great feat. Back to the point of this post…

Running is a huge deal…it is a true test of mental toughness. Your body is telling you to stop but your mind has to press on. My long runs end up being a long conversation with God. You know…talking…singing…looking around at His creation…praying (LOTS of praying). I think about my family, church, job. Thankfulness comes up alot…of course God knows all of this but I really enjoy talking with Him on my long runs. The ipod gets boring after mile 6 or so. For miles 20-26.2 I usually pull the cap down tight…and dig in. Although my prayers seem a bit random when I’m running I still commit to talking with Him. To be honest it’s the best quiet time I get…just He and I for 4 hours or so.

I’m just checking in to lament the loss of the Miami Hurricane football team to FSU last weekend. As I was watching the game at Dolphin Stadium I realized my favorite team has gone from annual national contender to my hopeless addiction. Oh well, good thing football isn’t everything- or even hardly anything in life. (now I can finally say things like that, since MY team ain’t doing so hot!). Like someone said, “FSU’s win + 5 bucks will get them a cup of coffee at Starbucks.”

What’s you’re hopeless addiction? 

Ps. If you answer, do not make fun of the Canes. If you do you will be suspended from posting on my blogs- Pastor Teddy & Pastor Lee.