My first one car parking lot parade!

It is Thursday, December 16, 2010 and I am reminded of the eldest in our family, our brother Jimmy Don who was born on this day in 1942. He left us for his heavenly home in March of 1962. It's hard to say he missed out on much here on the planet when you think about the wonders of the heavenly abode, but we do remember him here with a tear and a hope that we will one day see him again. He along with a huge assembly of those who have gone on before us, and, most especially, we will get to be in the very presence of the One whose birthday we celebrate at this time of year. *****  Being a celebrity has its moments. You are wondering how I would know? Last Monday evening I was paraded around the parking lot to make my entrance at a fast food restaurant. Playing fast food restaurants doesn't sound much like celebrity stuff to you? It is when you are welcomed by a rowdy and ready crowd of boys and girls who were literally jumping up and down when I arrived. Talk about a busy buzz! It was a wonderful night filled with laughter from so many beautiful little ones, it was enough to take your breath away. Chaotic at times with folks waiting in line for their photo cards but it was a blast. I want to publicly acknowledge a young man in our Church who works at Chick-fil-A, Bro. Neil Erickson, for his promoting the idea of me being involved with their business. It opened the door to other opportunities and has set the stage for a wider audience next year, Lord willing.

Neil is the younger brother of our just returned soldier, SSGT Ryan Erickson, USAF, and we were able to be with them for this special event as well. The photo is of Bro. Ryan and his beautiful family. He and Steffani have two beautiful children. Maddy is their daughter who early on developed autism and has many special needs. But, lacking love and attention is not one of them. She is beloved by her immediate and extended family and adopted as a very special child by our Church family. Because of Maddy and children who do have special needs, our local fellowship has developed a special Sunday program to help meet those needs. One thing that made our night special was how much Maddy loved Santa. She hugged and hugged and then hugged some more. Now, little brother John Ryan, he was in no mood to be smooching up on Santa. Bro. Ryan is the real deal and he represents the best our country has to offer and we thank God for him and the many other men and women who even as I bang out these keystrokes are standing tall for the American way of life, for freedom, standing tall in places where folks want to destroy us and the things we hold dear. We are also welcoming the arrival home of another of our service men this week, Nathan Becker, US Navy, as he gets to spend a few days with friends and family. What special gifts these are to these families at Christmas time! Amen.

Here's Maddy loving on Santa! Cousin Toby was smiling too.

Family. That was obviously a huge part of God's design and purpose in bringing human life to His created world. Family. Moms and dads and children. Extended family. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. And, I need to throw this one in, great grand children, like our bundle of Madelyn Joy. Sorry. Stuff like that just slips out now and then. The family of man. We are connected by common ancestry and by common need, the need to know the Creator through the saving work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let me just emphasize also the local family of believers where folks connect, share, love, and find a belonging to both the Lord and to each other that is hard to describe, but wonderful to experience. Nearly every day I see emails or hear about how this family is reaching out to each other during times of need. God had a plan and that plan involves family. You already know I'm thankful for my family connections including all of the above. It is always when we do life God's way that we are able to enjoy the blessings He wants us to have. After an eleven hour day I wasn't too perky when I first arrived over at the restaurant Monday evening. However, some might think I must have grabbed hold of an adrenalin laced energy drink because I got very excited when wave after wave of love and affection was directed towards me by my adoring fans. That's right. I do have some and that's a fact, Jack. Isn't that a great example of what we can do for each other? Encourage and infuse each other with a sense of belonging and joy! That's good stuff and I am thankful for it! Amen.        .....More later.