Last Posting of 2008 - Happy New Year 2009

As the clock approaches midnight here in North Carolina I realize that 2008 is coming to a close and 2009 begins in a few hours. WOW - What a great year!

You can look over the post from 2008 and see the blessing of the Lord upon my life and my family. We have so much to be thankful! I love my wife and daughters. My son in law is a man of God that I love and appreciate. My grand daughter brings joy and renewed purpose to my life. We have been blessed with many friends as this year ushered in the renewal of friendships from the past and enhanced new friendships here in Raleigh. A simple experiment to join Facebook has connected me with over 200 friends!

A door of opportunity has cracked open to renew relationship with my younger brothers. This is a longing of my heart. This year has been a year of refocus as the church renewal process has taken place at NRN. In the days ahead the new mission statement, logo, core values and spiritual development process will be launched! God has great plans for NRN in 2009. This coming Sunday I will speak about this in my message as I begin a new series about living a high definition life.

Have you thought about your new year resolutions? Here is a simple song I discovered that will bring a smile to your face. Here are the words:

Lyrics and some chords:
F
working out, losing weight
Bb
maybe using tanning spray
F
Bb
becoming more attractive in general reading more, watching less learning all the rules for chess becoming somewhat smarter in general eating fish, not fingernails volunteer to save the whales becoming a better guy in general saving more, spending less yes I will wax my chest dating more girls in general

Bridge C Bb F But not this year. No this year is different!As different as a gazelle. Yes, a gazelle from a deer. (They're actually not that different.)After all these failed resolutions.

Bb C Bb CMy future is clear, the future is near!

Chorus:
F A Bb C
Just forget those resolutions you know that you are never gonna do and adopt a more realistical view by committing to things that come easily to you like eat at least one value meal a week or put the correct shoes on the correct feet

Bb C F
just "Raise the bar to walk effortlessly underneath!"

Chorus2:
Just face the fact you've always thought those resolutions don't mean squat
Settle in to a comfortable spot, embrace all the things you know you are not.
Hit the snooze, roll over, then repeat
Make large purchases, then lose the receipts
just "Raise the bar to walk effortlessly underneath!"

Now - the clip:

If you do give serious thought to changes for a new you in a new year, here are some
trustworthy statements:

Take time to think--it is the source of power
Take time to read--it is the fountain of wisdom
Take time to worship--it is the highway to reverence
Take time to be friendly--it is the road to happiness
Take time to laugh--it helps to lift life's load
Take time for God's Word--it brings Christ near and washes the
dust of earth from your eyes.
Take time for God--it is life's only truly lasting investment.

Any resolutions you would like to make public through a comment?

To one and all - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Christmas Surprise

Christmas morning was filled with surprises. Under the Christmas tree in the family room at our daughter Stephanie's home were many gifts for each member of our family. Sharron and I once again experienced that the promise of it is more blessed to give than to recieve as we watched the expressions of Stephanie and Josh as they opened our main gift to them.

YES the gift in the box was exactly what we thought they would like.

Then they communicated the message that even though the gift was given to Josh and he opened the gift - Stephanie would enjoy it. Just go to her blog to read more. Sharron, Danielle and I also enjoyed receiving our gifts. I think Alyse may have been a little overwhelmed by it all.

Even before Christmas morning Sharron and I experienced some first surprises. My favorite was when we met Josh and Steph earlier in the week to pick up Alyse, who had been staying with us over the weekend. We met at a restaurant in Greensboro, NC and as we we concluding our meal, Alyse asked for something to drink and Josh instinctively gave Alyse something to drink - but it was her first taste of diet coke!

Stephanie seemed to be amazed until the realization hit her that her daughter had just had a taste of a soft drink! I think Alyse will now go back to her favorite apple juice (mixed with water) and a daily dose of milk.

We enjoyed our time with family on Christmas Day. We took time to visit a few stores late in the afternoon on Friday. Sharron reminded us from her Canadian roots that this was Boxing Day in Canada. Sharron and I returned from Indian Trail today. I have been sitting at my desk praying and preparing for Sunday at NRN. I am excited about our worship experience tomorrow.

A Christmas Wish for you ...

A Blessed Christmas to you...

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Today was a wonderful day as we began this Christmas morning by gathering as a family and reading the Christmas Story from the gospel of Luke Chapter 2.

I hope you have experienced a very merry and Christ filled Christmas!

The NIght Before Christmas

Today in America, we celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. But for two hundred years, Christmas was a cultural battleground. While Christians tried to honor the birth of Christ, others kept the time as a drinking holiday. Early on, the battle seemed lost when, in colonial Massachusetts, the seasonal drinking became so rampant, the Puritans outlawed Christmas.


Then, a Christian seminary professor wrote a Christmas poem. And, as its phenomenal popularity swept the country, it proved to be the pivotal victory for the Christian side. For within its words was coded a Christian message of reconciliation. The seminary professor was Clement Clarke Moore—and the poem was The Night Before Christmas.

Legend says Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve in 1822 during a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village after buying a turkey for his family. Moore read the poem to his wife and six children the night he wrote it, and supposedly thought no more about it but a family friend heard about it and submitted the poem to the Sentinel, a newspaper in upstate New York, which published it anonymously the following Christmas on December 23, 1823 and people have been telling this imaginary tale ever since.

On this Christmas Eve 2008 - I wish to everyone

a very merry and Christ filled Christmas.

The LIttle Drummer Boy

With Christmas now only hours away - we are preparing for Christmas Eve. I look forward to the service at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene.

The Worship Experience begins at 5:00pm.

When I think of the memories I have about Christmas I remember the story and the song of the little drummer boy. I wonder how he would "fit" in our church services of today? Here is a clip to give us some insight ( and possibly a bit of laughter).

Just a simple reminder about how important you are God. You have been made on purpose - for a purpose. God cares so much for you He sent His Son Jesus on the first Christmas morning.

My devotional thought for today

Here is a portion of the reading from my daily devotional during this Advent season:

"'Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD;as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.' She left Samuel there. "--1 Sam 1:28

Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord in the temple. Mary presented her son Jesus to the Lord as well. By so doing, these two women were dedicating the lives of their sons to the work of the Lord. Further, this ritual gesture meant that both Hannah and Mary understood that all life came from God and belonged to God. These presentations expressed their belief in that fact.

The conventional wisdom of our culture maintains that our children, our property, our life itself, basically belong to us. We are, as it were, absolute owners. Thus we can do with our relationships and possessions what we deem fit.

Hannah and Mary had a different take on life. Everything is a gift. All is grace. We are stewards of our time, of our children, and of ourselves. One day we will have to give an accounting of what we have done with the years, people, and things the Lord has entrusted to us. Thus we see the wisdom of Hannah and Mary: immediately they professed that all belongs to the Lord and because of that they dedicated their sons to God's will.

The Lord indeed did great things for Hannah and Mary. The Lord does great things for us. We are given life, a variety of talents, different opportunities and challenges that can enrich our lives. Our initial response should be one of generosity. What has been given is to be shared.

Advent is drawing to a close. We have but a few days to complete our preparations for the feast of the Nativity. What better way might we do this than by kneeling before God and turning over to God everything that we have and are. Besides, it all belongs to God. But by our presentation, we acknowledge our creaturehood and come to a deeper understanding of our responsibility to be good stewards.


Prayer:
God, source of all life, help us to understand that all is gift. Every breath we take, every day and year, all our friends and family---all come from you and to you must return. May we be good stewards of all that has been given to us and may we be generous in sharing all your gifts with others.

Source:
Waiting in Joyful Hope: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2008-2009
By: Robert F. Morneau

Jingle Jam Breakfast

This morning Sharron and I took Alyse to the first Jingle Jam Pancake Breakfast at the church. The event was sponsored by our student ministry and was complete with comedy, stories, music, games, drama, and a pancake breakfast.

There were lots of laughter and surprises.

Everyone seemed to have a very enjoyable time.

Tomorrow - Sunday December 21st - is the fourth Sunday in Advent. I am really looking forward to preaching tomorrow. I am trusting the Lord for a great day of worship and celebration. I think the Sunday before Christmas should be filled with praise to our God! Here is a sneak preview of a small portion of my message for tomorrow:

A.W. Tozer said that "most Christians are theological Christians." He said they are attempting the impossible. "They're trying to be happy without a sense of the presence." How sad! The greatest gift God gives us is the present of presence.

This my friend, is a trustworthy saying.

My first video blog

Last evening I asked my daughter Stephanie - " What are you doing?" I was surprised by her response that she was posting on her Facebook page. I asked if she would post for me. With that - she took her new blackberry and posted this remark on my Facebook page: Rick sitting with Josh and Steph at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill ready to watch the UNC game! Go Heels!

I was able to secure tickets earlier in the week for Josh, Steph and I to attend this historic game. If you are not a "Tarheel" fan you may wonder what was so historic about a basketball game. Here's the reason:

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Phil Ford stood at midcourt, waiting for Tyler Hansbrough to take the microphone and address the home crowd. As the reigning national player of the year walked up, Ford playfully bowed in reverence before giving him a hug.
Now even the famed point guard who flawlessly ran Dean Smith's "Four Corners" offense is looking up at Hansbrough as the storied program's all-time leading scorer.

Hansbrough scored 20 points Thursday night to break Ford's 30-year-old mark and help top-ranked North Carolina beat Evansville 91-73, a game that was completely overshadowed by the 6-foot-9-inch senior's record pursuit.

He needed just nine points coming in, making the record an almost certainty considering that he's failed to reach double figures just six times in his career. But that didn't mean Hansbrough was oblivious to all the attention about a record that had stood through the careers of names like Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Antawn Jamison.

To read the rest of this article click HERE

Here is the video account - if you missed it:

We had a great time at the game. We took a number of pictures and then Stephanie asked if I was ready to make my first video blog. Here is my first attempt at this. The quality is low - but my excitement level was pretty high as I celebrated following the game.

Special Appreciation goes to my daughter Stephanie as the Producer, Director, Creative Director and camera person for this video!

As I reflected on our time at the game last evening and awoke this morning to hold my grand daughter Alyse in my arms, then heard my wife Sharron talking to our daughter Danielle on the phone I could not help to think of how blessed I am and what it means to me and my family for us to live back in North Carolina.

Re-concilosec

Today I am sitting in my office at the church and preparing for Sunday. I am really looking forward to preaching this Sunday especially since it is the Sunday before Christmas. What I desire to do is to make the Christmas message special this year.
I am seeking God's face for clarity about my message because I believe this Sunday will be life changing for someone.

I just decided not to use a clip from last year though I feel it is a favorite for many people at NRN. It has to do with the stress and pressure we feel from family at Christmas.

So, from the vaults of Christmas past - here is the clip for you to enjoy again - and again - and again!

What is the message for Sunday?

Why not come and hear it for yourself ....

Christmas Story Quiz

Christmas Story Quiz

Here is a little quiz to test your knowledge about the Christmas Story. Take a few minutes and test your memory. Answer the following questions without opening your Bible.

1. Jesus was born
a. at night
b. in the morning
c. at an unknown time

2. Jesus was born
a. in a stable
b. in a manger
c. at an unknown place

3. The shepherds found Jesus
a. in a stable
b. in a feed bin
c. in a house

4. The Magi found Jesus
a. in a stable
b. in a feed bin
c. in a house

5. Angels
a. sang a beautiful song
b. terrified farm workers
c. told the wise men to go home another way

6. A star
a. appeared on the night of Jesus' birth
b. guided shepherds to the manger
c. led the Magi westward

7. The animals mentioned at the manger included
a. oxen, donkey, sheep, cows, doves
b. pigs, lobsters, shrimp
c. none of the above

8. The weather at the birth of Jesus was
a. not mentioned
b. moderate to warm
c. snowy

9. When the shepherds arrived, Jesus was
a. asleep on the hay
b. wrapped like a mummy
c. not crying

10. The posture of the shepherds when the angel appeared was
a. seated on the ground
b. lying in the fields
c. not mentioned

Click here for the answers to the quiz.

How did you score?

Bringing Christmas Home - A story of Hope

The Seasonal Choir at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene had an important rehearsal on Wednesday as they sang through the musical to be presented this Sunday along with the drama presentation. Dr. Tom Alsbury has worked hard with the choir to prepare for this special event. Sue Baker and Bob Floyd were "running around" on Wednesday night working out the staging and drama cues. Jordan Whiteside worked to get the sound cues set and Sean Baker "nailed" the lighting cues! The drama team is doing really well!

This musical really hits home with me. It presents a clear message of salvation and the true meaning of Christmas. I believe I will be holding back the tears on Sunday when I get my cue to share during the few moments I have in the musical.

Before I walked out of the worship center I paused to speak to a friend who was a faithful attender prior to my coming to NRCN as pastor. He was at the church for a meeting later in the evening. I could not help myself as I invited him and his family to join us Sunday at 10:45am for the musical. We engaged in a great conversation as I shared how God is at work in our church! He relayed to me that he had spent many hours in our worship center in the past. I was sure that this evening, he sensed the presence of the Lord!

I really look forward to this coming Sunday at church. I have great anticipation that God will meet with us and lives will be changed! - By the way - That is a trustworthy saying!

Every gift says something about the giver

The Christmas Parties continue ..... On Tuesday evening we enjoyed a time with the church board members and spouses along with Pastor Brittany and Brian for an evening of food, fun and laughter. Once again we gathered around the dining room table ...

... and the kitchen table ...

and all around the house ...

On Wednesday night I was at the church and encouraged as I saw the gifts and toys placed on the table in partnership with North Raleigh Ministries.

We are providing items to help create a meaningful Christmas morning for families in our area. You can participate by bringing a new toy that is age-appropriate for children and teens. In addition, we are assisting men and women by providing items for a Christmas stocking. Please bring these new toys and items (unwrapped) to the church no later than December 12, 2008. Your generosity will give these children a joyful Christmas.

What type of giver are you at Christmas? Watch this 90 second clip and be sure to wait for the end. It communicates a clear message. Every gift says something about the giver....

You're invited to a Christmas Party!

Sunday was a GREAT day! Here is a simple recap of the day:

In the morning we enjoyed the ministry of our children as they presented a musical during the morning worship experience at NRCN. In the evening Sharron and I hosted our final Birthday Fellowship of the year. This year over 250 people came to our home for dessert fellowships. Sunday night was a combined fellowship for those with birthdays in November and December and we had 32 in attendance.

Everyone seemed to have a good time. People gathered around our dining room table ...

and around our kitchen table ...

and in our family room - where the Christmas music was muted and cheers for the Steelers comeback win over Dallas was heard!

This week will feature the annual Christmas Party at Hudgens' Haven for the members of the church board and pastoral staff. This will take place on Tuesday.

Have you been invited to the most important party of this year? If you have not received your invitation yet simply click HERE. Don't miss our on this special event!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

This has been a hectic week as Sharron and I have both been fighting with the flu - but thankfully we are both feeling better. Thanks for your notes of encouragement and prayers. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Hudgens' Haven!

We really enjoyed the short visit from Alyse during this week. Her mom - Stephanie - arrived on Tuesday and off to Triangle Town Mall to see Santa. This year there were no tears - just amazement during the short conversation between Alyse and Santa.

Earlier that day we had been to Target to pick up a few things. As we purchased our items I pushed the cart filled with bags towards the exit. Sharron lingered for a moment and I heard laughter. When I turned to see what was going on - Sharron related to me the brief conversation that I missed. The cashier asked Alyse if Santa Clause was coming to her house. She replied: No - PAPA!

Today we concluded the third Focused Ministry Summit at the church. I am so thankful for all those who participated in this effort. We have worked hard to develop our church time line - establish our foundational values and ministry values and today write the first draft of our mission statement for the church. The church board will review our recommendations in January 2009 and we will begin the next chapter of ministry at NRCN.

I stopped by the worship center to see the children's choir in rehearsal for the worship experience tomorrow at NRCN. I appreciate the hard work of Rhonda Powers and all those who assisted to prepare for tomorrow. I look forward to once again seeing Christmas through the eyes of our children.

Here is a way to have a direct impact for Christ in our local community. With our partnership with North Raleigh Ministries, we are providing items to help create a meaningful Christmas morning for families in our area. You can participate by bringing a new toy that is age-appropriate for children and teens. In addition, we are assisting men and women by providing items for a Christmas stocking. Please bring these new toys and items (unwrapped) to the church no later than December 10, 2008. Your generosity will give these children a joyful Christmas.

'TIS THE SEASON

‘Tis the Season…

For giving, sharing and doing for others.

It’s easy to be consumed by the spending frenzy happening everywhere you turn this time of year. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some insights about the true meaning of Christmas.

This past Sunday (November 30th) was the first Sunday of Advent. What does Advent have do do with this simple countdown to Christmas? Think about it....