What's an Xmas?

A good friend of mine posted on Facebook the other day that he was out getting some xmas clothes for his son. Well...needless to say...being the somewhat funny jerk of a friend that I am, I started razzing him about his choice of the word "Xmas" instead of typing Christmas.

I must admit....the exchange between he and me was quite humorous, but we do at times pick pretty hard at each other...but we have been friends for well over 20 years, so I think we can handle it.

In his defense, though I think it's a pretty flimsy one, he was in a store chasing around a VERY active and curious 1 year old boy, and he said Xmas was easier to type on his phone than Christmas.

That is true...Xmas is much easier to type, but it lacks something. It just looks like somethings missing. It kind of reminds me of a math equation....(you know, the whole X equals Y junk?) and anyone who knows me will tell you...I hate math!

The more spiritual or religious types may tell you that it is a shadowing of our lives. How so easily and conveniently we can leave Christ out of the conversation. I can see some validity in their argument, and I must admit....my mind did go there for a moment. Probably mostly due to my many years spent in a ultra-religious and judgmental state of mind.

However, I think for the most point....we just need to get over it.

Carlos Whitaker had a humorous post a few years ago that I wanted to share with you.

"Top 9 Reasons Why It's Ok to Say Merry XMAS!"
1. I love baby Jesus too but he didn't name Christmas…Christmas. We did.
2. If this offends you then I suggest you change your greeting to “May you have the most joyous season of celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. It is less confusing than Merry Christmas.
3. I find it more insulting that people get mad at Bart Millard for saying Xmas and have no idea that the pagan origins of their gift exchanges started in ancient Babylon when the feast of the Son of Isis (Goddess of Nature) was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast.
4. I’m thinking we should celebrate Christmas when it actually happened. More or less around September.
The shepherds were not tending their sheep in the middle of a Judean winter. I promise.
5. I’m not taking Christ out of Christmas when I say Xmas… I am giving more attention to the word “mas” which in the true language of God means “more”
6. I love Jesus. If you are concerned with people seeing a Christian take “Christ” out of the word “Christmas” let’s just say it Merry Jesusmas so that everybody will get it.
7. On twitter it is a much better way of saving your character count.
8. Let’s face it.  Jesus is the X Factor! What A Better Way To Say It!!!
9. I hate lists of 10 so I’m gonna stop at 9…Or really 8.

So....there you have it. I like it...I think I will start using that one myself. Right now as a matter of fact.

I hope you have a Very Merry Jesusmas!

What do you think of the whole XMAS vs. Christmas debate?

I'm Broken, And That's Ok!

The required façade of belonging to the “I’ve Got It All Together Club” was all consuming and exhausting. It became too much to keep up with. The need to hide every emotion, hurt, or fear so deep within, was draining me, killing me, the real me, ever so slowly. I couldn’t let up, I had to continue on. It is what was expected of me after all. I could never let those I am ministering to ever know that I too struggle with the very same things they do. I too have fear, anxiety, and moments of doubt. I was too afraid to share my heart, too afraid to show my insecurities. My thinking was “who wants to follow someone who can’t get their act together?”

I remember that a pastor friend of mine used to always say to his church staff, “Fake it till you make it!” In other words, you have to have the appearance of “everything is alright”…even if it wasn’t. Every time I think of this my mind goes back to something that Dan Reeves, who at the time was the coach of the Denver Broncos, said in an old television commercial for an antiperspirant, “…never let them see you sweat.” This same sentiment had been echoed over and over to me in my 25 plus years of ministry involvement.

Now I understand what they are trying to say, and their intentions may be good, but when it comes to the things of Christ, it’s ok to admit we don’t have it all together. He can, wants to, and will use us WITH our deficiencies. “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Here it is, several years removed from that time. I am older and wiser (yeah…right) and I am still reconditioning myself, reprogramming myself if you will, to be vulnerable, open. I don’t have to have all the answers. I don’t have it all together. Let’s face it no one does. And anyone who has you convinced that they have it all together is probably just a better liar than most.

I read a the book “True Faced” a few years back and it helped me tremendously in recognizing just how much bondage I was living in. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend that you do so.

One of the authors of this book and my friend, whom I have never met in person, John Lynch, gives a beautiful, troubling, compelling message about “Two Roads, Two Rooms.” In this message he talks of how we are wearing masks, hiding who we really are, afraid of what others might think of us when they see our flaws.

Not only do we do this in front of people, but we laughingly try to do the same thing with God, when He knows everything there is to know about us. All of our sordid details, hidden fears, massive insecurities and numerous other things we think we have hidden within.

Well….to all of you out there that know me, and those of you who don’t, NEWSFLASH….I’m Broken…And That’s Ok!

Peanuts, Tree Nuts and Fish Gelatin

I love Ginger Snaps...I mean who doesn't?

Today however...as I am having lunch with my beautiful wife and she begins to read the warning label on the bag of our beloved Ginger Snaps..."Made on the same equipment as other products, which contain peanuts, tree nuts and fish gelatin"....WHAT??? GROSS!!!

After sitting there for a while...pondering the implications of what I just read....I popped another one of those delactable Ginger Snaps in my mouth and thought...doesn't taste anything like fish gelatin....whatever that is!?

Revolutionary, Reformist, Radical, or Anarchist?

I have heard a lot of talk about being a revolutionary. I have read numerous blog posts and articles about the need for reformation. I have read books on how to be radical in your faith…but it seems I always come back to these thoughts….

• Are we kicking against the status quo because it is cool to kick against the status quo?
• Are we trying to be hip or relevant to today’s culture?
• Are we following an urging in the Holy Spirit?
• Are we experiencing unrest in our personal faith because of a holy indignation?
• Are we complaining about the state of today’s “churches” because we see something that needs to change, or simply because we don’t want to go to “church”?
• Do we really want to see and effect change in the world…or do we just want to talk about it?

If the only reason we are fighting is simply for the sake of fighting…then we have become as the title to an old James Dean movie…a “Rebel Without a Cause”. 

If all we are doing is railing to rile…then we aren’t Revolutionary, Radical or even a Reformist….we are an Anarchist.

I have questioned myself time and time again about my disinterest and dissatisfaction in today’s church culture and have come to a few conclusions.

• I am not simply trying to kick against the status quo…I really want to see lives changed into the image of Christ.
• I am not trying to be hip, current or relevant…I really do believe that God wants His people to live in community with each other, to care for one another, to share with one another, to know one another, to passionately love one another.
• I will endeavor to no longer complain about today’s church organizations…rather I will speak the truth about what God wants to do in, through and for His people.
• I will talk about God’s grace and His mercy and His deep love for us.
• I will continually tout the simplicity of the Gospel and tell people about the Good News that Jesus gave all for them, so that they might have life abundant. I will always tell of how that this thing called Christianity is really a simple faith, though not always easy to walk out, but well worth the struggle.

I have been called a rebel, a non-conformist, and a malcontent just to name a few. And to those that have called me those things I say…thank you very much! Having read about the apostles and Jesus himself…I think I am in good company.

Preying On Instead of Praying For?

This past Sunday I was sitting in my living room after getting home and flipped on the television. While scanning the channels I ran across one of my favorite speakers Dr. Ed Young on Daystar Network.

I had to get up and help my wife with something and upon returning to my spot in the living room, noticed that Dr. Ed was no longer on. Now there was this guy talking about how that God's special blessings will only be poured out for a very limited time...right now....and will not be poured out again this year. He then paused, as if for dramatic effect, and claimed that he had felt that someone out there had made a lot of money from a big sale or settlement and needed to sow that into this particular ministry to receive God's special blessing. And....that it was only a limited time offer to receive said special blessing because it wont come around again this year (emphasis mine).   Watch Video

In my opinion this is prime example of preying on people instead of praying for them. Building kingdoms unto themselves. Who are they really helping?

This irritates me beyond belief.

What is your opinion?

The Next Great Outreach Program?

Could Pole Dancing for Jesus be the next great Outreach program for the local church?

Believe me.....some will try it.

Click here to read the full article.

So Glad.....

I am so glad that I serve a God that...cares for all my needs....no matter how small.

He cares what I am feeling....no matter how trivial.

He loves me deeply....no matter how many times I have failed Him.

Heavenly Father....I love you with all my heart.....it is my desire to bring honor to you in everything I do.

What an Incredible Journey!

In late 2009, my beautiful wife told me that she wanted to go back to school. It had been a frustrating year for her after having been laid off in early 2009.

When she told me what she wanted to do and what it was going to cost, I couldn't think of any way that we would be able to afford it.

After we decided that the time to make the move was at hand, we committed to it. We took the plunge...stepped out in quasi-faith. I say quasi-faith because at the time I wasn't sure if it was faith or desperation for something different.

We plopped down the last of our money and hoped for the best.

As I sit here and recall everything that transpired, it is amazing to me how God's hand has been in everything. It hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we have always made it through.

Now here we are, a year later, and only 5 more days left of school, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

She has been so strong and committed. At times unsure of herself, but still resilient to accomplish her goal.

What an incredible year. What an astounding testament to the goodness of our heavenly Father.

I cannot wait to see what He does next.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC year!

Reimagining Church

Is it wrong to imagine church different?

Is it wrong to examine church as we know it and dare to think that it could/should be different?

Isn't it true that church is an organism and NOT an organization?

Why are most Christians frightened to examine the current situation of the church?

Sometimes it is exasperating.

I have been told that I have a problem submitting to authority.

I have been told that I am a trouble maker or that I am just being argumentative.

I have been told that I need to just suck it up and attend the status quo church and look past the programs and pretense.

I have tried. I want more. I feel God wants more from me.

Choosing to Live Life on Purpose

Raise your hands if you have never read Rick Warrens'  "The Purpose Driven Life".

If you are like me, you probably went through the church wide project known as "40 Days of Purpose" and read "The Purpose Driven Church".

It was supposed to help us realize that there is a purpose to this thing we like to call christian living. It was designed to help us know what our purpose as Christians really is.

A thought came to me just the other day....what if instead of always trying to find or remember what our purpose is in this life.....we choose to live our life on purpose?

What if  we took God at His word and purposefully did what He has asked for us to do? (He laid it out for us in His word)

What if we chose to reach out and love someone?

What if we chose to share His gospel with someone?

What if we chose to pray for someone?

Are you following me here? Or am I way off base?

It seems to me that God gave us free will. We can choose to do what ever we want. We can choose what we eat. We can choose what we wear. We can choose to follow Him or even choose to love Him or not.

A friend of mine pastors a church in the Houston area that I believe gets it. He has stated that "we are not a church with a mission, but a church on a mission." I like that.

We can spend our life searching for purpose, or live our life on purpose!

What is your opinion?

The PC vs. MAC Predicament!

So...I have been a die hard MAC backer for several years now. Since I was introduced to them when having to do video editing. The MAC G5 dual processor quickly became my favorite work horse. One very stout computer. PC's just couldn't keep up.

Alas....since that time, I no longer need the work horse. I no longer edit videos. Aside from the occasional web project, basically I just need a personal computer.

Since 2003 my personal computer has been a MAC Powerbook G4. It has been a great computer. But lately it has run into problems. The battery has died. The wireless quit working. And the second power cable has quit.

The need for a new computer was upon me. The decision of what to purchase was going to be a difficult one.

I struggled with the decision for a while. At first I thought about just patching my beloved G4. The cost of the needed repairs would be quite a bit of money. To the tune of a little more than a few hundred dollars.

I had to come to the realization that my beloved G4 was an antique. It could no longer be upgraded. All the new upgrades require the newest processor....mine has the old one.

The price of a new MAC was just crazy. The lowest price laptop was an astronomical $999. I know right? Crazy!

I even considered getting the iPad. Nice little item....but way too small to have to depend on as my everyday personal computer.

It was these realizations that caused me to do what I never thought I would ever do again.....I bought a PC.

We went to Best Buy and plopped down the mere $400. for a 15.6 inch screen 3 GB memory, 320 GB hard drive laptop.

So far...it works great...looks great....feels ok. It is much lighter than my beloved ole aluminum case G4. The screen is much bigger than my MAC's 12 inch screen....and at half the price....can you say BARGAIN!

Maybe one of these days the MAC will become much more affordable than now. Until then...I will have to get used to using a PC again. Welcome to the real world I guess. :)

Choosing to Live Inside the Words in Red! Part 2

I want to live my life in the grace and mercy of my savior. Ever mindful of all He has done and what He has asked of me.

I'm not talking about working to earn salvation. We can never 'earn' our salvation, nor can we do anything that we could consider to make us 'worthy' of what He has done.

I am speaking of living a life worthy of the calling He has placed on each of our lives. I am talking about sharing the good news of the gospel and showing the world His love. I am referring to living a life in His freedom.

I want to live my life expectant of the miraculous. Completely and totally expectant and ready for His return.

"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." Matthew 24:42-44

Choosing to Live Inside the Words in Red!

At the beginning of every year we all make our New Year’s Resolutions, to which a huge majority of us never keep.

A few years ago, I resolved to never again make another resolution. I had grown weary of the let down from the inevitable realization that I once again, had failed to keep my life altering resolution.

I want this year to be different. I feel that it will be different. I enter into this year with great expectation. I enter into this new year choosing to believe for the miraculous, to achieve what I once thought impossible.

This year I am Choosing to Live Inside the Words in Red. I am choosing to live my life according to what Jesus said.

Beginning with; “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

What if One......

What if One could make a difference?

What if One could touch a heart?

What if One could shine a light, to help another make a start?

What if One would show their love?

What if one would truly care?

What if one would live their love, by lifting one in prayer?

What if one could be the one to show someone the way?

Would you be the one?

Jimmy Eldridge

Wow

It has been a busy time since my last post.

Hmmmm...what to write? I don't know...maybe more later.

Have a great day!

I Am Consumed by.......

I am consumed by.......Greed

I am consumed by.......Lust

I am consumed by.......Hatred

I am consumed by.......Addiction

I am consumed by.......Failure

I am consumed by.......Fear

As a man I am inclined to be consumed by any and all of the above.....but what I most long for is.....

To feel the warmth of His Forgiveness

To be covered in His Grace

To be wrapped in His Mercy

To be consumed by His Love

Doers, Achievers, Survivors, Strugglers and Victims!

I have become increasingly convinced that there are 5 main categories of people in this life.

Doers do...they are always doing something...have to be moving, going, pushing.

Achievers are those that always have to be achieving their goals. They are akin to doers but achievers seem to have the uncanny knack of accomplishing whatever they set out to do, and they are successful in the doing.

Survivors are those that seem to always survive no matter what circumstance may come their way. No matter what calamity may befall them they always survive...although sometimes just barely.

Strugglers are those that are always struggling. No matter what they do...it's a huge struggle. Life is a struggle. Their job is a struggle...everything is a struggle. Struggle, struggle, struggle. It seems a vicious cycle.

Victims are the ones that when anything is happening, it's happening to them, albeit maybe in their own minds. Nevertheless they are the victim in every circumstance. Even worse still, for most, it is never their fault. (or so they think)

We all know someone in at least 4 of these categories, and some actually coexist in more than one.

The question is, can we successfully translate ourselves from one category to the next? I would like to think so.

I believe that most of it comes down to what our state of mind is. If you have the mindset of a victim, you will always be a victim. If you have the mindset of an achiever, you can be an achiever.

More importantly, if we correctly put our lives in the hands of God and rely on the plans He has for our lives, I believe that we can translate over to being a Doer, and an Achiever. But only when we put on the mind of Christ and depend on His strength, His direction, and bend to His purpose. After all, only when we are in the will of God can we truly be successful.

My Prayer Today...."Lord, I Give it To You!"

I couldn't go to sleep until late last night. Nevertheless, I was awakened this morning at 3:30 am with the desire and need to pray.

Sleepy Jimmy almost won over and went back to sleep, but I did finally get out of bed around 3:45 and went to the living room and paid a little visit to the couch, so as not to wake my beautiful bride while talking to my Father.

I found myself praying in the spirit after a while, feeling a huge weight lifting from my mind, and shortly after that...falling fast asleep. I woke at 5:10 am rested and relaxed with my mind very much at ease.

My prayer today has been, "Lord I give it to you", everything. You are in control. I can only do what I can do, but You however....can do anything.

Now...I can say....thank you Father for a good day. Well....much better than yesterday anyway. :)

My Prayer Today..."Lord, Please Help!"

Today was probably one of the most difficult days I have ever had.

I found myself sitting at my desk in my office at work, my head reeling from the feeling of being bombarded from all sides, praying for God to please help me.

Sound a bit melodramatic? Yeah...maybe so....but that was how my day felt to me.

Admittedly some of my problems were of my own making....isn't that the way it always is? But as for the way that everything was happening at once, felt very overwhelming.

Isn't that just like our enemy? Hitting you repeatedly when you are down, always looking for the knockout blow?

But I refuse to let him get the best of me. I refuse to let him make me question myself or the calling God has placed in me. So, I will keep praying for God to help me, having faith that He will see me through this current trial. I will continue to move toward the calling placed in my heart. I will continue to allow God to show himself great through this all.

Quotable Thought

"The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives." Francis Chan

Something to think about!