HAPPY NEW YEAR

PARTNER IN CRIME

During my single days, Pastor Terry and I used to hang out all of the time, day and night. We were two single guys, living care free lives.

No women to govern us.

We would roam around town - day and night.

Tonight we got together for a last minute outing.

Too fun.

Always good to be real with another man of the cloth.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

If only it was this simple...

BRACE FACE

THE WINNING MOMENT...

AND THE WINNER IS...

Rej and Wilo happily accept Senor Penguin




The Winning Dish!


Every year Rej and her cousins have a "cousin's cookoff." This is taken very serious by the women, because for one year they are known as the best cook, and the winner gets to take 'Senor Penguin' - highly prized trophy home for a year.

I cannot under estimate how much time Rej put into this contest.

One night, recently, as we were driving home from a party, I looked over at her and saw a smile on her face. I wondered if she was thinking about me...

"What are you thinking about?"

Huge grin.

A little embarrassed.

"I am thinking about winning Senor Penguin...

Every year the husbands of these wives serve as judges. We have to write down our score based on taste, originality, presentation. Over the years, I haven't always given Rej the highest score - trying to be fair and balanced.

This year, I must admit, she created an outstanding dish. It was delicious.

She deserved it.

Click here to see more pics

PREPARING FOR NEW YEARS

MY DAD IS VISITING

Yes, that is correct. As my sister would say, "Three more sleeps."

SANTA

I am not a supportive of Santa Clause. In fact, I have made sure that I my kids are clear that Santa is pretend.

Eli seems to want to believe in Santa.

I gave up.

Because he is way so cute, and really wants to think that Santa ate his cookies and milk.

He later told me that he didn't believe in Santa, which made me happy.

CHRISTMAS PODCAST

On December 19, Julius Nam, Lisa Diller and I got together for the fourth time to record a podcast. This time I led the discussion on Christmas. We discussed:

* Why do Adventists feel uncomfortable with Christmas - even as we celebrate it?

* What kind of givers are we as individual Adventists and as a community?

* What would we like to receive for Christmas?

Unfortunately, Ryan Bell wasn’t able to join us, but we wish him and all of YOU a very Merry Christmas!

Click HERE to listen to this podcast (22 min. 11 sec.)

AND … this is an "Extra" of us talking after the formal part of the podcast talking about me mainly :) — my church’s grand Christmas programs and his book project on the "branding" of religions which he expects to publish with a publisher.

Click HERE to listen to the "Extra."

MERRY CHRISTMAS

YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING

Most people who don't have children of their own usually purchase enormous gifts (toys, stuffed animals, etc) for their friends and family.

I used to be one of those folks.

It isn't until you have kids, that you realize how obnoxious those large gifts are.

My brother mailed a very large box to us last week. He said it was the kid's Christmas gift. I didn't bother to open it until tonight.

What was he thinking?

Where am I going to keep this thing?

By the way, he has kids of his own. He should know.

In any case, it was a nice gesture.

TIS THE SEASON

The kids are enjoying the Christmas season. Uncle Bub is in town, and that makes the kids thrilled.

Rej's brother, Bub is the Dr. Doolittle for children. There is something about him that kids adore.

I don't get it.

Tonight Rej and Jaelin went to their first annual mother and daughter Christmas trip to the Nutcracker. Sorry Wilo. You'll have to wait for a few years to join the girls.

FACEBOOK

A friend found me on facebook. Her name is Heather. (If my sister is reading this, she was "goth" girl.) I first met her when we were fifteen years old at Ohio Campmeeting.

We became really good friends.

Since we lived 2 hours apart, my buddy John and I would take regular trips to Mt. Vernon so he could spend time with Heather's best friend, Amy.

So many memories. Playing games, staying up very late, and riding around the Mt. Vernon "circle."

That was a long time ago.

Really, when you think about it, that was over 20 years ago.

As I began catching up on Heather's profile, my mind was filled with a ton of memories - of being teenagers.

Being on Facebook sometimes makes me depressed. Because people who I have lost contact with (some of them for good reason) have become resurrected again in my life.

I have 450 friends, many of whom I seriously can't remember. They know me as their college chaplain, former pastor, went to college with, etc.

It has made me realize that over the years, I have had many encounters - short trivial friendships, etc.

Why did I invest my time and life with these people, since I don't have any contact with them now.

How many of my current friends will I still be in contact with in 15 years?

Is it worth the investment?

DESPERATELY DEFIANT

It feels like many moons ago, but at one point in my life (as with any pastor) I was once a youth pastor. My youth ministry in California was a crazy experience. The kids were crazy, the church was crazy, and I was crazy. I don't think I'll ever feel like I am making a impact like I did there.

I think there was only family who may be considered normal, or balanced. The rest of my kids were troubled - for good reason. In fact, at one point, Rej and I were seriously considering adopting on of our teenagers to get him out of the gang life he was in, and move him to Maryland with us.

Two of my youth were Clint and Chris. They were like yin-yang.

But like most mission trips, the least likely to be friends, do so. And now, six years later, they are still hanging out and making music - God's music.

I am really proud of these guys for using their talents to glorify God. That is deliberate.

"So outside of church, music was my salvation" ~ quote from "Hello World"

THE TWINS

Yesterday we had the great joy watching Gabriella Chung, the five month daughter of Eddie and Joanna. Eddie had a family emergency and had to fly to Oregon - this during his one month of paternal leave.

Seems very convenient.

So they were in a major jam. Jo spent the night on Wednesday and left very early in morning to her job in DC, leaving Ella in our hands.

It gave us a small dose of what life would be like with twins. I must admit, it was ALOT of work, having two babies in the house. Ella wanted be held most of the day, since she was out of her element. She was very quiet, and Wilo barked and tested her vocal cords throughout the day.

I am sure Ella was not used to being in such a loud home. In spite of it, Jaelin and Eli were thrilled to have her.

Fun times. Hope she comes back again.

ONE STOP SHOPPING

Since my wife is not a regular reader of my blog, can somebody please email her and invite her to read this Christmas list. You can contact her at myhusbandishot@gmail.com

I made this convenient. These are all available at Amazon.com

Bicycle
Kindle
Socks
Book
Flat Screen TV

READING RIGHT NOW

Over Thanksgiving break, I read Malcolm Gladwell's latest book, Outliers.

During the last month, I have been going through a drought, trying to figure out what should be the next read.

I have begun reading German theologian, Helmut Thielick's The Prayer that Spans the World. It is a translated version of his writing, but still outstanding.

I'll write more about it later.

ON PRAYER

The great things of life
are bestowed only upon those who pray.
But we learn to pray best
in suffering.

- Peter Wust

TIED DOWN

Being married and having three kids can be a drag.

Don't get me wrong. I love it. But I am very quickly discovering how MY dreams have to go on the backburner for the next 20 years - so these little people can have some stability in their life.

While I love being a pastor, I also love teaching. I really wish I could teach full time at a university level.

But that would require relocating.

Mrs. Dixit is tired of moving and restarting her career. I can't blame her.

Are you wondering what I am talking about?

Where is this all coming from Dixit?

1. Biola University has a position open - Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies "The appointment will involve: supervising undergraduate student internship program, teaching courses in missiology at both the undergraduate and graduate level (with possible expertise in urbanization, Islam, development or theology of mission)."
Right down my ally. And it is in California. UGH.

2. Skidmore College - Visiting Assistant Professor Of Religious Studies. "We seek candidates that can teach from the perspective of the history of religions, comparative religions, ritual studies, and/or the phenomenology of religion." Seriously, this has to be a joke. This has my name all over it.

GOOD BYE CLASS

Tonight was my final class in Gaithersburg. The students were supposed to present their final presentations during the four hour class.

After 45 minutes, we could hear ice pouring down on the roof.

Then the electricity went out.

Then the emergency lights came on.

We had closing prayer.

The students got lucky. They didn't have to make their presentations.

I didn't have to stay out late.

I was home by 8:15pm.

Yippee.

27 YEARS TOO LATE

Adam's severed head was the only thing found to confirm it was him.

My heart goes out to John Walsh and his family. What a sad, sad story.

I have the greatest respect for John Walsh - for what he has done out of his anguish.

I can't even imagine losing a child.

Dear God, please protect my kids.

National Religious Committee Against Torture

6 MORE KIDS NEED ADOPTING

I received an urgent email from LARS saying that most of the 24 families have been adopted for Christmas. However, there are six more who are adolescent age who haven't been adopted yet.

This means approximately, $50 or more per child to buy gifts for. I am personally going to sponsor one, and I hope you will to.

I know the economy is tough right now, and we are all pinching our finances. However, I just can't imagine those kids having a sucky Christmas. Please help me with this project.

If you are interested in making a contribution, you can either give me the check at church made out to "Laurel Advocacy Referral Services" and/or contact Ernestine at (301) 776-0442 ext 30 or email her at egibson@laureladvocacy.org.

Thanks!

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Will the real ambassador please stand up?

Rej and I were invited to the Ambassador of India's Christmas Party. I was pretty excited about the invitation, so Rej humored me and went. My mom watched the kids, and we got dressed up and drove down to Washington DC.

Let's just say it wasn't everything we were expecting, but still made a humorous memory. Dr. Sathianathan Clarke gave a special Christmas address. It took him a couple seconds to recognize me. I was annoyed. How can anyone forget me.

I really wanted to take a picture with the ambassador. So Rej humored me while we waited for him to finish his conversations. After waiting, and getting hungry we finally joined the dinner crowd.

Finally, I literally bumped into the ambassador after dinner. I couldn't believe he was walking alone, without a crowd surrounding him.

"Mr. Ambassador, it is so nice to meet you. I am Rajkumar Dixit. Thank you for the invitation."

Silence. Strange face.

"Thank you."

"May I take a photo with you?"

"Uh, sure."

Rej takes the picture with my camera phone.

"Thank you very much. It was a honor to meet you."

"Err, you are welcome."

I soon found out that this was not the ambassador.

Why do all Indians look alike?

THE NOTEBOOK

I often find interesting things in the Sanctuary during the week - things that have been left behind from the weekend services. Some of the things are pretty cool, like the unclaimed Archeological Bible (value $75 that's what you get for not writing your name in the bible), or the pretty dolphin pendant that fell off of someone's necklace (value $.50 that's what you get for wearing jewelry to church). I am turning in one of those guys who walks around with a metal detector at the beach.

Yesterday, I found the cutest little note book that one of my younger parishioners (second grade) takes to church every week. As I read the contents, I couldn't help but to laugh - thinking this is the banter that is taking place in the pews while I are taking ourselves so seriously up front on stage. Read it and enjoy. I have decided not to include the child's name, as not to embarrass her, but did get her mother's permission to post this. All spelling and grammar are copied exactly as it was written.
...

Dear Daddy,

Can we eat lunch
at the macaroni grill?
I want to eat spageti.

Love,
M.
...


Dear M.

Please ask Mommy. Why
can't we make spaghetti
at home?

Love
Daddy
...

Dear Daddy,

we can't make spageti at home
because its not as yummy.

Love,
M.

...

I can make it yummy

Love,

Daddy
...

Dear Daddy,

Can you make it
taste like the restrant?

Love,

M.
...

Dear M.

Yes.

Love

Daddy
...

Dear Daddy,

Ok.

Love,

M.

... ... ... ... ...

Dear M.

I love you :) Are you
going to sit nicely in church?
I'm hungry. What do you
want for lunch?

Love,

Mommy
...

Dear Mommy,

I am sitting good. When we get home I
want to eat spageti.
What do you want to eat?

Love,

M.
...

Haystacks.

...

You can't have hay stacks.
I do't like them.

Love,

M.
..

Dear M.

So?

Mommy
...

Dear Mommy,

If I don't like
them I don't want to eat
them! Lov,

M.
...

So what?!!
...

I Don't Like
Hay Stacks (written in large letters)
...

I do!
...

I'll eat spageti
...
Fine. You eat spaghetti, I eat haystacks. Deal or no
deal?
...

Deal.

WE WISH YOU A SCARY CHRISTMAS

conversation with Rej at the dinner table...

Me: ...Devil

Jaelin ...Dad, don't say that word.

Me: What word?

Jaelin: That word...

Me: Devil?

Jaelin: Don't say it or he'll come!

Me: What? Where are you learning this?

Jaelin: No really if you say his name he'll come (says it convincingly)

Me: Don't worry, baby, he isn't after you, he is after God. Besides, God will always protect you.

Long pause

Me: Do you know what another name for the Devil is?

Jaelin: What?

Me: Santa

Rej: Kumar Dixit! Stop it!

MOVE OVER AMERICAN

According to a CNN.com story, baseball recruits are going to India to find their latest secret weapons - the pitcher. Who knew that those empty rice patty fields and undersized coconuts would actually come in handy.

Click here to read the entire story


Thanks Dave and Marty to sending me this link

NEXT WEEK AT MY CHURCH

EATING IN BED

I got home pretty late this evening. Rej was already in bed working on her laptop. I went downstairs to get something to eat. I brought the bowl of food up, and plopped into bed.

She gave me an incredulous look.

Stunned.

Disgusted.

We have an unspoken understanding in the Dixit home that food - meals are to be eaten at the table.

No where else.

"I can't believe you are eating in our bed..."

"I wanted to spend some time talking to you. I guess I could go downstairs and eat alone..."

"Fine, just finish."

She turned back to her computer and continued searching for the perfect ebay deal.

I ate in silence, just as if I were sitting alone downstairs.

Did you know 20% of people polled said they eat in their bed in the evening. Click here to read an interesting article about eating in bed.

INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD BARRONS

This is an inspirational story on how Richard has grown to love Jesus.

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HOLIDAY CHEER

To: My Blog Readers

There is a family in our community who could use some Christmas cheer. Upon discovering the need, I asked the New Hope leadership team to pitch in to purchase a Christmas tree. I was surprised at how quickly they responded - opening their wallets and purses.

Then the idea came to provide gifts for the children, and gift cards for the local grocery store.

Would you be willing to contribute $25 or more towards this family. Please email me directly at kumardixit@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Thanks.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Sometimes when people begin working together for an extended amount of time, they begin to start looking and dressing alike. These two pastors make my job so much fun. I can't think of a better place (other than by the beach in California) to work.


Hey you two, you can look and hold her, but maybe its time to commit to having one more of your own. (Katina made me write this.)


I recorded a podcast for NewHopeInsider.com on Saturday with Richard Barrons. He was baptized. His story is really inspiring; how God has brought hope into his life, and a new outlook on life. Will post it shortly.


Vege meat has gone through a transformation of sorts. The old Adventist stuff, like this 'wham' is what I would call Vege 1.0. Now that soy and vege options (2.0) have become mainstream, there are many new alternatives that are very tasty. Perhaps it is time to get rid of the old stuff. It is disgusting and embarrassing.


This little girl was expecting Jesus to come through the door. Unfortuantely it was just Satan, err, umm, I meant Santa. Picture taken at the kingdom kids annual Christmas party. By the way, Pastor Ann, excellent job on planning it. Thanks.


I miss my sister. I wish she lived closer.

2 SECOND SERMON

In a rush. Here is a two-second sermon. Read one per day...

***Don't let your worries get the
best of you; remember, Moses started
out as a basket case.

***Some people are kind, polite, and
sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

***Many folks want to serve God,
but only as advisers.

***It is easier to preach ten sermons
than it is to live one.

***The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

***When you get to your wit's end,
you'll find God lives there.

***People are funny; they want the front
of the bus, the middle of the road, and
the back of the church.

QUIET

I am sitting in the living with the Christmas tree in my view.

The house is quite. Everybody (including the in-laws who crashed during lunch) is asleep.

As I blog, I am listening to Michael W. Smith's new album, "A New Hallelujah."

If you don't have this CD, turn off the computer immediately, and run out and get it.

Thank you God, for the silence of this home. To be listening to ordained music which describes my hearts desire for you. You you been good to me.

PLEASE HELP ME CUT THIS MAN'S HAIR

If you know fellow blogger, Chris Howell - you'll know he is an extremely talented worship leader. In fact, his songs have been recorded and distributed by Song Discovery, and Saddleback Community Church chose his song last year to use for their worship conference.

He also owns his own successful business, is a martial arts expert, and um, uh, has a very stunning wife.

One would wonder why someone who has so much going for himself would don a pitiful ponytail...

Today during church, I called Chris up front and asked how many in the congregation would like to see that disgusting rats tail chopped off.

There was an overwhelming response of applause.

Chris has agreed to cut off his tail if the congregation reaches the $75,000 holiday love offering goal. We are raising money towards our worship expansion. So please, please help us reach this financial goal, and finally rid this man of his tail.

...

Afterward: After church, Chris' dad came up to me and handed me $40 cash and said, "This all I have in my pocket. Please put this towards the holiday love offering. We would love to see his hair chopped." About 10 minutes later, his mom found me and said, "We are considering paying the entire 75k just to see him cut his hair."

Love ya Chris.

WORSHIP TODAY

Worship at New Hope is always so amazing. I feel so close to God, and am grateful for the congregation who brings their worship on.