WELCOME 2007

COUSINS PARTY IS TOO FUNNY

Last night we attended the annual cousins party. Each family is supposed to show up with an "act" for a talent show - a new tradition started last year.

All of the girl cousins secretly planned a dance routine which, umm, can be described at best, histerical. I wish I could post the video of the dance, however, Mrs. Dixit has forbidden it. I wasn't the only person taking video, so you could possibly find it online.


Family is great. While my heart is still in California, I must admit that living in this town with family and friends is great.

Click here to view more pics.

AMAZING NEW HOPE VIDEO

Here is just another reason why New Hope Church is awesome. The praise team, with Randy Preston this week led worship. God was present and we were blessed.

ALONE ON NEW YEARS EVE

It is 9:02pm.

I am at home sitting in the living room, wondering what am I going to do all night.

The kids are upstairs asleep.
My wife is at a party celebrating.
I am alone.

Okay, I must admit it was my idea for Rej to go. Why should we both suffer by staying at home? Also, I thought it would be a good idea for me to have some time to finish a couple papers that are due on Tuesday.

For the next three hours, I will be doing the following (not in order).

1. Writing a paper for class.
2. Opening and closing the fridge door, hoping something will catch my eye, as if it will secretly sneak into the fridge, in between my openings.
3. Finish reading the Post.
4. Looking at Caller ID to see if anybody called.
5. Blogging.
6. Feeling sorry for myself.
7. Making new friends online (j/k)

Is New Year's Eve over rated? Or have I never experienced a really good New Year's eve party? Are most people sitting around at home watching Ryan Seacrest, or am I the only loser guy writing to myself?

GOODBYE CLASSICAL MUSIC

I read an interesting article in the Post today entitled, "Radio Interest Fades, but Crescendo Builds Online." The article is based on Daniel Syder's interest in purchasing WGMS and turn it into a sports talk-radio station. If this happens, there would no longer be a classical radio station in the DC area.

While this may be disturbing to many, I am a believer (of sorts) in the survival of the fittest. However, I am not opposed to public (financial) support of the arts. However, what I did find disturbing and offensive is The Post's Tim Page saying, "Still, the fact of the matter is that smart classical radio programming has been dying around the country for the better part of two decades."

Since when has classical music been smart?

Yes, I have read the studies regarding Mozart and kids, and even the ones of classical music being played in green houses to juice up the plants. Do you want your kids to turn out smart? Here are some other options.

1. Spend some time with them at home.
2. Eat a meal with them.
3. Get involved in their interests. In other words, if they like taking Judo, join them in class.
4. Take them to the library.
5. Keep books around in the house.

Back to classical music.

For the 1 percent of the population who will be missing the sounds of classical music, the great news is that you now can still listen to it on the web, or by subscribing to Sirius or XM radio.

Click here to read the entire article

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS

Whew! I am back online. My internet was down for a few days. After sitting on the phone with a customer service representative for 45 minutes, I discovered one of the cables fell out of back of the modem. Yeah, I am genius.

Here are a couple updates:


Christmas this year was great. My sister's family visited from Canada. He has six boys under the age of 11. Needless to say, having thirteen people in our home was a stretch, however it was a lot of fun to spend time with the boys, and especially my sister.


My mom got a laptop for Christmas. My mom is 70 years old, and has never even used a computer in her life. It was a cute idea: to give her a computer, however, guess who is now her personal computer support?

I got a digital camera. I finally sucummed to the fact that God wasn't going to find my lost/stolen camera for me. UGH.


My kid's Christmas experience was the highlight of the season. My daughter kept saying, "I want to open more." The fact that she just enjoyed opening gifts- not caring what was in them brought me joy. I hope that will last for another 18 years.

I saw Dream Girls. This was by far the best movie of the year. Jennifer Hudson's performance completely stole the entire movie, and outshined Jamie Fox and Beyonce. I wanted to stand up and shout back at the screen. I am ready to see the movie again. My sister got me the soundtrack - it is terrific.

A friend of mine found out that she doesn't have cancer. This is good news.

Bye bye 2006.

View Christmas Eve
Pics
View Christmas Day pics
View more pics of Christmas

THE THREE WISE MEN

Yesterday, our church had a special Christmas program, like I am sure every other church in America. The opening song was a wonderful triumphant processional with the actors, and singers, and dancers all appearing on stage singing to baby Jesus.

In my sermon, I said that you cannot worship without bringing offerings to God. The act of worship requires participation and giving. It is so interesting to see how people will give everything: their time, talents, energy, professional expertise, the use of their home, etc. However, many will not give their money for God's purpose or advancement. I am not sure if it is a trust issue, or simply a spiritual issue. Many have said that giving is a good gauge of the heart and one's committment to Christ. While I completely believe this, I also think it is much more complicated than this.

I mentioned in my sermon that I am going to match dollar for dollar the amount that I spent on Christmas gifts this year to God. In other words, however much I spend on gifts, I will give that same amount to God. Why is it so easy to spend on ourselves, and yet when it comes to God, worship, adoration, tithing, generosity, it seems so difficult to do. We spend money so frivilously on people that we love and don't love and yet are not willing to give back to God.


What does our inability to give say about our own faith walk? Does our giving patterns give hint of our relationship with God?

View more pictures of the Christmas program

GET INVOLVED

Are you looking to make a difference in the community? Here are some ideas...



A. Eugene Hoeper Foundation:
Brings cheer to deaf and hard-of-hearing people who are homebound
301.596.6928 (TTY only).



All Creature Great a& Small Wildlife Center Inc.:
Cares for ill, injured and orphaned native wildlife with the goal of helping them return to the wild.
410.740.5096

Animal Advocates of Howard County:
Dedicated to ending euthanasia of adoptable animals in Howard County
410.880.2488

Athelas Institute:
A human service agency serving adults with developmental disabilities in day programs, and residential and home settings.
410.964.1241

Bread of Life Food Pantry:
A Ministry to help people struggling to make ends meet by providing them with spiritual guidance and physical needs.
301.725.3944


Caring Communities Inc.:
A nonprofit organization offering disability-related training, education, publications and events for the benefit of children and adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, as well as health care and educational professionals.
410.549.5707

Casey Cares Foundation:
A nonprofit organization that provides uplifting programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families.
443.568.0064

Christ Church Link:
Serves Howard County residents via a phone information and referral service for emergency needs, the Howard Holiday Help Christmas gift program for children from low-income families, the Prepare For Success backpack/supply program and other outreach programs that support seniors, students, and families in need.
410.309.9695

Domestic Violence Center of Howard County:
A nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence and their children.
410.997.0304

First Generation College Bound’s
Mission is to increase the participation by low-and moderate-income youth in higher education by bridging the resources of home, church, school and community.

FISH of Howard County:
Helps meet emergency needs of county residents specializing in food, financial help, referrals, prescriptions and other special needs.
410.964.8660

Frisky’s Wildlife & Primate Sanctuary:
A wildlife rehabilitation center for orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife; an exotic pet adoption center; a lifetime home for pet primates; and an educational and outreach center for gifted and talented students.
410.418.8899

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center: Provides a 24-hour hotline, walk-in counseling and emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families.
410.480.2815

Hospice of Howard County:
Provides compassionate, comprehensive care for those in the last stage of life and a resource for bereavement support to anyone in Howard County who has lost a loved one.
410.730.5072


The Howard County Conservancy:
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving land in Howard County through conservation easements, and educating the public and students about the natural environment through activities at their 232-acre Mt. Pleasant Farm.
410.465.8877

Howard County Pregnancy Center Inc.:
Offers pregnancy testing, counseling and material assistance.
410.997.8094

Howard County Relay for Life:
An overnight community event that allows participants working in team to raise funds for American Cancer Society.
443.846.4237

Humanim Inc.:
A nonprofit human service organization providing mental health, workforce development, neuro-rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities and deaf services to children, adults and older adults with disabilities.
410.381.7171 ext. 2288

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland:
A volunteer-based service that prepares and delivers nutritious meals for homebound individuals who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
410.730.9476

The National Family Resiliency Center:
Help children and adults cope with family transitions, such as separation, divorce and remarriage.
410.740.9553

Our House Residential Job Training Center:
A residential school for at-risk youth ages 16-21.
301.519.1019

One Month’s Rent Initiative:
Work to provide employed Howard County residents who are in danger of losing their housing due to a life crisis with either one month’s
410.997.2562 or 410.381.1498

Pets on Wheels Howard County:
An association of volunteers who take their pets to visit nursing and assisted living homes.
410.313.7461

Project Linus of Howard County:
An organization that provides handmade “security” blankets to children who are seriously ill or traumatized.
410.730.8865

Special Olympics Howard County:
Provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
410.740.0500

Success in Style:
Provides free business attire for women in crisis who are seeking employment.
410.750.6475

The Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center:
Provides horseback riding and therapy for children and adults with special needs.
410.489.5100

Winter Growth:
A nonprofit organization that helps older adults to celebrate life.
410.964.9616

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

This evening my family went to Garden of Lights with the Chappell family. The kids really enjoyed the light displays throughout the garden, even though it was freezing. After five minutes in the cold weather (about 44 degrees - too cold for an Indian man) I was ready to head back up the hill for hot chocolate.

This has been a very special Christmas season to see my kids getting into the holiday. Jaelin (3) goes through all of the sale papers showing us what she wants for Christmas. Elijah (2) is obsessed with the lit nativity scene that is in my neighbors front yard. Every day he points saying, "Dada, (b)aby (j)esus."

I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas. My father was one of those whackventists who believed the day was a pagan holiday. Personally, I think he was just a cheap &%* to deal with it. Watching my kids excitement brings me joy - makes me wonder how my own dad could live with himself by not celebrating the birth of Christ.


I must admit this has been a pretty stressful season. With ALL of the church commitments related to Christmas, to my sister and her six boys arriving this week, to getting all of my homework done in time for my doctoral intensives, to preaching this week, to...well you get the point - I am sure you have your level of stress also.

It was nice to finally have an evening off to enjoy the season, outside of the church.

Special thanks to David Newman for giving me a pass on staff meeting this evening. I inadvertently double booked the light show. My wife wasn't too happy.

Also, special thanks to Marty and Katina for the great Christmas gifts, (anybody need a George Foreman grill) and loaning me $22, since I never have cash on me.

DOES CUSTOMER SERVICE EXIST IN THE CHURCH

After church on Saturday, a woman approached me and said, "I just wanted to say thank you for saying hello to me today. I appreciate you taking the time, you were the only one who welcomed me."

I said, "You got to be kidding."

She said, "No, really, you were the only one."

I said, "I am so sorry that happened."

She said, "No, please...really, I just wanted to say thanks, that was really nice."

I get paid to be nice.

We had our BIG Christmas program on Saturday. It was a dramatic presentation of the
Christmas story. While New Hope has a reputation for having special programs during the holiday that attract seekers, we also are known for being a very warm church. People are always commenting on what a friendly church New Hope is.

Perhaps we were so busy: preoccupied with making a good impression for our visitors, we forgot to make a good impression to our visitors.

or

Perhaps she was the one who slipped through the cracks.

Every week during "Seven Minutes or Less", we ask our visitors to take a quick survey about their experience at New Hope. Since July, 2006 (our first week at the new location) we have had 166 people attend Seven Minutes. Their scoring helps us determine how we are doing in various areas of customer service.* (My doctoral work is based on this data, regarding "branding" in the church context)I use these scores to give feedback to our first impact leaders, so they can train their volunteers based on the data we have.

Here are some of the graphs:**









As you can tell, we are not a perfect church. However, we are working to make sure our visitors and members have an extraordinary experience when on our campus. This starts with suffienct parking, trained greeters, well infomed "ask me" desk leaders, and so forth. The challenge in an all volunteer organization is getting the mission (and brand) of the church across to your leaders and ministry teams.

Every now and then, we (the pastoral leadership) will get reports from people who didn't find New Hope to be a warm place. I am hoping and praying that these are isolated cases.


*The highest score is 5 and the lowest is 1. The graph gives the impression that 6 is the highest score in some of the charts. This is an error in the programming.
**The data for December is not posted yet. I ussually email the results to the First Impact leaders at the end of each month.

Interested in the full Seven Minutes Data? Click Here

Click here to view the online album of the Christmas program

SEARS SUCKS - WHAT WILL DAVE DO?

I took my mother to Sears today so she can buy a DVD player for a relative. Keep in mind we could have drove past a half dozen stores such as Target, Kohls, etc. that has the same item. However, my mom is a loyalist.

My poor mother stood at the cashier counter for over five minutes, while the two cashiers talked and were apparently trying to solve a problem. Standing perhaps 24inches from her, they ignored her, as if she were invisible. I stood about ten feet away watching, trying not to get involved. About five minutes later, they rang another salesperson and asked him to help her. She had to carry her DVD to the other end of the department to pay for the product.

I got involved.

Long story short, there was a verbal altercation between the two dimwits, "Karla", and "Antonio." Interestingly, Karla was the department manager. Antonio had the nerve to angrily say, "So what's your problem anyway?"

My problem is that you are rude. You lack customer service, fool.

I went to the HR department and demanded to speak to the general manager, Dave. About ten minutes later, (can you tell he was really interested in coming down to see me) he showed up. He listened very politely, and apologized insincerely for the mishap which took place.

Jeffrey Gittomer writes in "Customer Satisfaction Is Worthless, Customer Loyalty Is Priceless : How to Make Customers Love You, Keep Them Coming Back and Tell Everyone They Know" the importance of branding. It is obvious that the Sears management hasn’t read the book.

Why do you think Sears has been in a slump? They used to be the "go to" store a generation ago, however today they fail to measure up.

Six Reasons to Shop at Sears

1. You are over the age of 70
2. You are a masochist want to experience repeated humility
3. You have bad taste
4. You need a lawn mower
5. You live in the midwest
6. You own Craftman products


MEMORANDUM:

To: Dave, Sears Manager
From: Rajkumar Dixit, Customer
Date: December 15, 2006
Re: Customer Service

Dear Dave:

Your store sucks. Your employees are rude. Be proactive and fix the problem. Give me a shout when you guys begin to care about your customers.

CELL PHONE ENVY

About two years ago, I purchased a great cell phone from Verizon Wireless. I was really excited about the cool phone - I took it everywhere.

I dropped it in the toilet.

I didn't have insurance coverage.

In the last two years, I have gone through four different cell phones. My third phone was purchased from Ebay and was dead in a few months.

My last phone was given to me by my friend, Eddie, a very old phone he wasn't using. That died.

I am not sure if the radiation in my head is killing the phone.

I just got off the phone with Verizon, and they told me my next renewnal date isn't until February 20. UGH.

Here is my plea: Do you have an old Verizon phone that I can have? If so, please emial me or call me. I am desperate.
Peace and thanks.

DO YOU WORSHIP?

Worship is often associated with music, musical style, etc. The verb, "worship" can easily become lost in a multitude of theories and definitions. Worship type or style can also be linked to issues of morality and ethics. Here are some great ideas on worship. What do you think?

"Worship is the declaration by a creature of the greatness of his Creator. It is the glad affirmation by the forgiven sinner of the mercy of his Redeemer. It is the united testimony of an adoring congregation to the perfection of their common Lord."*

"Worship is our response to what God has done for us. We worship when by word and deed we acknowledge that we are not our own but belong to God who has come to us in Jesus Christ. Our worship therefore is the celebration of God's presence. It is a glad and joyous expression of a gratitude that springs from the very ground of our existence."**

"Worship in its total essence is a response to truth. Whether we are standing and shouting praise or reverently bowing as we experience the presence of God, every proper response to who God is, is an act of worship. When we write a tithe check, visit the poor and imprisoned, or welcome a new neighbor with a hot apple pie, we are worshipping God. We are responding to who He is and what He commands us to do."***


*Herbert M. Carson, Hallelujah! Christian Worship (Welwyn, England: Evangelical Press, 1980), p.7.

**Louis H. Gunnermann, Worship: A Course Book for Adults (Boston: United Church Press, 1966), p.9.

***Alicia Williamson and Sarah Groves, A Seeking Heart: Rediscovering True Worship (Birmingham, Ala: New Hope Publishers, 2001), p.9.

GIVE ME THAT ONLINE RELIGION

Did you listen to the Kojo Nnadmi Show today? It was about the increasing use of religion and technology. More and more people are seeking the internet to discover their own spiritual journey. Churches are on the increase in providing online sermons, live streaming video, and Ipod sermons for religious seekers.

Relgious pollster, George Barna says, "Since 2000, the greatest increase in the use of church websites is evident among mainline Protestant churches (up 79%, to 70% of mainline congregations); ministries in the South (increased by 87%, up to 56%), and churches pastored by Baby Boomers (doubled, with websites now in 65% of the churches they pastor)."

The way American's are seeking God will challenge the way we offer religion and faith.


Kojo Nnamdi Show
Give Me That Online Religion Book
Religion Online Book

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

A few years ago there was a dearth of talent on the music scene. However, recently it seems like we are experiencing a musical renaissance with the onsurge of new groups such as: All American Rejects, Evanescence, 30 Seconds to Mars, and so on.

My Chemical Romance is a new buzzworthy group. Read the starting lyrics of their new hit, "Welcome to the Black Parade."

"Welcome To The Black Parade"

When I was a young boy,
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band.

He said, "Son when you grow up,
would you be the savior of the broken,
the beaten and the damned?"
He said "Will you defeat them,
your demons, and all the non-believers,
the plans that they have made?"
"Because one day I'll leave you,
A phantom to lead you in the summer,
To join The Black Parade."


Read the full lyrics to the song
My Chemical Romance website
MTV link

12 (INDIAN) DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Special thanks to Karmel Matthew (AKA Matthew Matthew)

I AM NERVOUS

This afternoon, I am doing a screen test with "Columbia Matters" a local TV show on cable. I applied for the volunteer position as the host of the TV show. It covers local news and interest stories pertaining to our local community.

Here is my script:

Hello and Welcome to Columbia Matters. I’m ____________.

Owen Brown has a new village manager for the first time since 1979. How that will effect the village is one of the questions I’ll pose to long-time board members Andy Stack and Neil Dorsey. We’ll discuss the role of the village manager and new issues facing both Owen Brown and Columbia.

Then we’ll jump to the topic of Columbia Town Center. I recently interviewed Doug Godine, General Manager of Columbia for General Growth Properties. We discussed the future of Town Center and the role of GGP in the redevelopment. The conversation should be of interest to many residents of Columbia and Howard County, so please stay tuned.

Now I’m delighted to welcome Andy Stack and Neil Dorsey.


Wish me luck!

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO FOOTBALL

I had a spiritual experience yesterday.

My friend Marty took me to the Redskins game. In fact, it was the first football game I have ever watched in its entirety. (I usually don't watch more than five minutes.)

It was an awesome experience; very overwhelming and exhilarating. Of course, I couldn't help seeing the correlation between religion and sports. Since they may be very close in philosophy and methodology.

Here are some of ideas that ran through my mind yesterday.

Five Ways to Improve Church Services

Include a tailgating party prior to the service. Up until yesterday, I thought a "tailgating" party was when a group of people met at a certain location (like a home, or shopping mall) and drove in a caravan to the game. I couldn't see the excitement in it. However, I discovered a tailgating party is similar to a potluck luncheon - in the parking lot. While I am pretty snobby when it comes to sharing food, and very particular in cleanliness, the "parking lot" lunch was pretty cool. It was a family environment- people sharing their lunch, dessert, etc. Reminds me of Acts 2:45,46: "they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts..."


Add a pre game show prior to the service. Have you noticed how hard it is to get people to come to church on time? Some people have the gull to show up halfway during the sermon. I have always wanted to ask them, "What is the point of getting dressed for two hours and showing up to church for the last twenty minutes, idiot?" The pre-show is as exhilarating as the regular game (hey, I have always enjoyed Broadway musicals, and the marching band was great). The music is pumping, the multi-media is slamming! Come to think about it, in traditional churches pre-show is called, “the Adult Sabbath School lesson.” Booooring.

Get some cheerleaders. Okay, you may think I am kidding, I'm not. The cheerleaders have their place in the football game. They serve an important part of the entire experience. They are eye candy. They serve as a crowd release or distracter, and they are excellent performers. The one surprising thing is that they are not paid full time. I am always interested in what gets somebody to give up that much of their personal time to do something like this.


Add concessions: Jewish services and Messianic Jewish services are known to have snacks available in another room. Because these services are so lengthy, they provide "concessions" for people who are hungry. This would be a great added bonus to church. Can you imagine selling $6 pretzels, and $5 lemonades in church? With these business savvy techniques, you wouldn't ever have to take up an offering.

Create fellowship: The biggest thing that stood out to me was the camaraderie that seemed to exist among total strangers. It was like an old family reunion. Strangers, who may normally be enemies, were best of friends, hugging, hi-fiving, etc. During the only touchdown made by the Redskins, the crowd was CRAZY. Can you imagine if church members behaved this way when somebody gave their heart to God and was baptized?

In David Murrow's excellent book, "Why Men Hate Going to Church" he outlines the sensory aspects that are often found in sports games, that don't exist in church. His bottom line is that church (everything from the kids Sunday school experience, to the worship service, to the hospitality dinners) is currently good at attracting the needs of women. It doesn’t do anything to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of men.

I have never been a manly man who watched sports; however I can now better understand the draw to Sunday morning sports, instead of church. How see how sports can serve as a superior alternative to religion. My friend Marty was introducing me to his "season ticket friends" who sit in the same section (very similar to your "church row" friends (who sit in the same area as you) as ‘his friend who has never watched a football game before.’ These people were shocked. They weren't sure if I was queer, foreign, or just odd.

The most asked question people had was, "what have you been doing on Sunday's your whole life?" I wanted say, "I've been going to church, why haven't you?" Except I can't blame them.

I'd probably choose the game over church if given a choice.

View all the pics from the game

JAMES KIM FOUND DEAD

The AP reported James Kim was found dead in the Oregon woods. If you remember, the Kim family has been missing since Thanksgiving, after taking a wrong turn in the deep snow. They were trapped for over a week.

After surviving on baby food, and breast food, they had to burn their car tires for heat to stay alive. James left the family on Saturday to seek out help through the tough terrain.


"Before rescue crews could drop packages with clothing, emergency gear and provisions, a search helicopter spotted Kim's body at the foot of the Big Windy Creek drainage, a half-mile from the Rogue River, where ground crews and helicopters had been searching for days."

I am deeply sad for the family.

I can't imagine being stranded with my family, wondering if my kids will survive the blistering cold. This is hard for anybody, especially for a father who feels compelled to protect and provide for his family.

Dear God: Bless this family as they grieve. Bring them peace and comfort.

Family Website
AP News Story
Yahoo slide show of the ordeal
Leave a note for the family

GOOD TO GREAT

In his monograph of Good to Great, Jim Collins writes the following words:


During my first year on the Standford faculty in 1988, I sought out Professor John Gardner for guidance on how I might become a better teacher. Gardner, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, founder of Common Cause, adn author of the classic text Self-Renewal, stung me with a comment that changed my life.

"It occurs to me, Jim, that you spend too much time trying to be interesting," he said. "Why don't you invest more time being interested."


Jim Collins
Good to Great Book
Good to Great Monograph

GONE FISHING ANYONE?

On November 22, I wrote a post called, "Are You Contagious?" using a quote from Malcolm Gladwell's book, Blink. I asked the question: Are we too homogeneous in our personal lives that we don't care about the people who are on the periphery of our lives. Why don't we tell people about our personal faith in God; how he has made an impact in our life, why living with God as our center has changed the way we make decisions, etc.

My friend, Marty wrote a terse response:

"Unlike you who just come out and ask if you go to church. I try to build a relationship with the person."

Upon reading his response, I was really annoyed. My first thought was, "This is the same excuse I always hear about from people." However, now I do agree with him: Most people have the misguided idea that they need to be like bed partners to share their faith.


I agree relationships are important. Here are my questions/comments to the excuses I hear from people: Tell me what you think:

1. It is such a personal subject. If you can talk to somebody about the last episode of Grey's Anatomy or the Redskins football season, why can't you talk to them about God? Having conversations about God isn't always deep, or too personal. To say, "Wow, 2006 has been an incredible year, my family has been healthy, work has been good to me, and my relationship with God has been great," would not make somebody upset.

2. I don't want to jeopardize my work relationship with them. The apostle Paul lived as if Jesus was coming back immediately. There was immediacy in his tone and way of life. He was willing to risk everything for the sake of the Gospel. Click here to read a great story about the Apostle Paul and what he risked. Are we too comfortable with our posh jobs, salaries, benefits? Have we lost all perspective of living for Jesus, and willing to give up our reputations, family, job security, even our lives to advance the gospel?

3. I don't know enough. I didn't study theology. This perhaps is the single most irritating excuse to me (especially for those who are lifelong Christians). First of all, get your butt off the couch, and start reading the bible. Stop reading Newman’s blog (j/k) and start reading the online bible (start with Mark). Stop playing fantasy football, watching Rachel Ray, text messaging your friends, and begin praying. Second, remember your testimony is the greatest witness, aside from anything you can say. Here is why. Nobody can argue with you. It is your story. It is your account of how things have been going. To say: "I am sorry you have been going through such a rough time in your marriage. I wish I would have been a better friend and known. I have gone through some really tough marriage times also. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have support from my church, and to rely on God. I don't think I could have made it without God's help." This is powerful for anybody.

When Jesus said, ""Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men," (Mark 4:19) he was counting on the fact that his life would be a "how to" manual on sharing your faith BECAUSE of how transformed you have been.

He also said, "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." This is a mandate if you are a Christian. It isn't a suggestion, or a passive statement. It means make this statement a priority in your life.

I have been teaching the class, "Contagious Christianity" at New Hope for three years. Of the approximately 20 times we have offered if, it has only been taught once, due to lack of sign ups. This has broken my heart. It says to me, people are not interested in doing the most important activity on the planet; to learn to share Jesus. It just isn't important enough.

New Hope Church has grown by over 144% in the last four years. The church has approximately 600-700 people coming on any given Saturday. Of all of the new people joining, only 3% have a non-Christian background. 97% are Adventist transferring from another church. While this has its merits, it demonstrates the "homogenous" circle many of us live in; where we are more willing to share with our Adventist friend about our faith experience at New Hope.

I hope I have made you mad enough to respond. What are the solutions? What is your take on things? Am I completely wrong? Am I judging wrongly?

IF I WORSHIP YOU

O my Lord...if I worship you for your own sake,
withhold not from me your eternal beauty.

Rab'ia of Basra (c.713-801CE), Muslim mystic

HAIR CUTTERY GIVES GOOD HAIRCUTS

I heard an advertisment on the radio today for the Hair Cuttery. The announcer said, "You can get a wash with shampoo and conditioner, and cut for only $14."

Question: I have been getting charged $2 for the shampoo and conditioner for years. Is this a new free bonus? Or have I been getting charged too much?

The hair cuttery does a fine job, for somebody like me who is low maintenance: Short, thinning, un-complicated hair. However, is my haircut really worth $14. To be honest, with the very little effort that is involved, they should charge $5.

Especially when the hair stylist asks, "What number guard do you want?"


Give me a break. Shouldn't they already know these things. Why should I tell you the number, that is part of your job to figure it out. I thought guards are for ametuers. You should only use a scissor and comb.

(By the way, I always answer with: #5 on the top #3 1/2 on the sides. Square in the back. No fade.)

Can you imagine if I walked into a restaurent and had to tell the cook what I wanted to eat, then give instructions on how to make it. I am asuming you already know how to cook.

This is the same with a haircut. If I have to tell you the numbers, you should be giving me some money back...

In the meantime, I can't wait to visit the Hair Cuttery and get my free shampoo.

PASTOR APPRECIATION IS APPRECIATED

On Saturday, December 2, the church surprised the three pastors of New Hope with a special tribute at the end of the worship service. After months of secret planning, Dave Wooster, Board Chair thanked the pastoral team for their spiritual leadership. Timothy Atologbe, head lay pastor offered a special prayer of consecration over the leadership team and their spouses, and the lay leadership laid their hands on the team.

The members of the church presented cards and gifts to the pastors as a token of their personal gratitude.

On Sunday, I opened all of the letters, gifts, cards, food, with my wife. I read all of the cards aloud; it was very moving to read the personal responses by church members. I think it was as appreciated by our spouses than the pastors. It is the spouse who sacrifice more than anything.

Much of what we do is never seen by the general church body; because our work is often done within the lines of confidenitiality.

I want to thank New Hope church, in particular, Timothy, Dave, Liz, Lynne, Cheryl, and the lay pastors for their love and gratitude. It goes a long way.


See more pics of the appreciation

Click here to read the New Hope Newsletter (January 2007)

SAME SEX DEBATE

The Maryland courts are listening to arguements regarding same sex marriage this morning. This is a very important issue for Americans, on whatever side you may be on. Please pray.

More details at www.mdcourts.gov

SHAVE YOUR FACE WITH THIS

I received an unexpected gift last week in the mail. It was a free razor by Gillette. I couldn't wait to use it this morning. The Gillette "Fusion" boasts having five blades plus one (on the other side for trimming).

I have been very faithful to the “Mach 3” since 1993. I was impressed back then when they introduced a razor with three blades. That seems very avante garde. The Mach 3 has been a faithful companion, even when I was living in New Guinea. However, recently it seems like they have "dumbed down" their blades - they become dull after a few shaves, then you have to replace the expensive blade. Or, perhaps my facial hair is becoming tougher for the old fashion blades.

This morning I experienced a new feeling...five blades gliding over my face:

It was priceless. The closest shave.

I think I have been converted. Hallelujah.

http://www.gillettefusion.com/us/