when life hits the fan

During the Christmas season, it's almost always busy; but this year seems a little ridiculous. Not with scheduling, but with people and the issues they're dealing with. Here are just a few:

a single mom dealing with serious issues with her kids

a teen that thinks he's a vampire

a family on the brink of divorce

police officer with teens in our group that was shot in the jaw

a personal family member dealing with possible infidelity issues

So, it's easy for me to feel overwhelmed; that's just me. But here's what I know, God is still working. I may not be able to see it now, but He is still behind the scenes, bringing things together for His glory. And I trust that and believe that with my whole heart. At the same time I'm thinking/wondering: "when will some of this end?" Any time now God....any time. I trust You though.

"my" flag

Just something that bothers me. I live in a medium size town south of Nashville, Tennesse. I have seen many cars here (which also is near a GM/Saturn plant) with the following bumper sticker: "Please Don't Put My Flag On Your Foreign Car".  It drives me crazy. 'My' flag? When did it become yours? Isn't it 'our' flag? Crap. Then in 'my' store I guess I won't be selling very many TV's because most of them come from countries overseas. Hmmm. Just needed to put that out there.

this morning began a great day

So I wake up at 6:00 am today for no reason, I think. Neither of my kids are waking me up. Alarm clock isn't going off. nothing. that's when the conversation starts.

"how about spending some time with Me?"

"but it's six o'clock. I can still sleep for another hour almost."

"You'll spend almost an hour at the Y. How about Me?"

"but it's six am!" "yes and you went to bed at eleven. which means you've had seven hours of sleep. more than your usual."

"hmmm. You're right. okay"

So I walk out to the living room, turn on the Christmas tree lights and continue talking with Jesus. Then I did some reading in preparation for the Advent season. Then I asked God to help His church, our local church my family and our students.

I made coffee for me and my wife.

It helped me begin a great/productive day.

I'm anticipating an early wake up call tomorrow too.