Finishing 2007

The last two weeks of 2007 have been an absolute blur. Is it normal for time to slip away so suddenly? As a kid, I can remember feeling like it took Christmas forever to get here. When it was over, I was so disappointed because I wouldn't see it again for a long, long time. Now, I blink twice and it has come and gone...and come again! Is this a sign of old age?

I brought Alexa with me to our Christmas outreach at the Winbourn Dream Center this year. The place was buzzing with excitement and activity as over 700 people and 250 volunteers came together for an unforgettable celebration. We played games, painted faces, ate hot dogs, sang songs, and even played in a "snow" of soap suds. It was over-the-top generosity HPC-style as we gave away basketballs, stereo systems, PS2's, bikes, and more. We saw the faces of so many kids light up when they were given a gift, but we'll never forget the transformation that took place because of the spirit of Jesus. As a church this Christmas, we gave away $40,000 in Target gift cards to families in need and over 1200 toys to children in the Baton Rouge area. Wow! Yea God!!

We gathered on Christmas day with Rachel's family, and I personally ate more food in a 24-hour period than humanly possible...the sheer quantity and metric weight has to be a record somewhere. The kids were smothered in boxes, toys, and gift wrap for days--we still can't find Mikaela! The way toys are packaged today, it's always good to carry a set of wire cutters, a screwdriver, and some AA batteries. My patience is tested every year just trying to get the toy out of the container. Not to mention to latest technology of iPods, MP3's, play stations, Wii sports, and mini-computers. Whatever happened to getting a football and playing all day in the back yard with your friends?

On Thursday, we rolled to Houston to do it all over again with my side of the the family. The kids were ramped up for more action, but as parents we were forced to shift gears-- it becomes a matter of survival. For therapy, I watched a couple of bowl games-- that's what the holidays are all about, right? Recreational eating and a plethora of football games. Congratulations to Kevin Mawae and the Tennessee Titans for making the playoffs tonight. I have the honor of speaking at their chapel service for the game in San Diego. Go Titans!

As you look toward 2008, let me offer a scripture of promise for you. In Deuteronomy 7, God spoke to the Israelites after they had crossed the Red Sea and stood at the brink of a brand new season. He said, "Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is among you; He is a great and awesome God...He will drive out those enemies ahead of you little by little..." You may face some giant challenges this upcoming year, but move forward in confidence for you serve an awesome God!! Courage is not the absence of fear. In fact, you may have to tremble your way into confidence, but trust the faithfulness of God to lead you every day.