As I type this, I am doing the looking back thing.  I was reminded by one of our pastors that 2006 was the year we said we would be "DESPERATE FOR GOD."  I think about all that has happened and simply say thanks.  Being desperate for God is the place we all want to be.  Sometimes being desperate comes through pain.  It costs us something, but I so believe that if faith costs nothing, it is worth nothing. 
Stay desperate, stay thankful, stay humble, stay connected to other Christ followers, stay joyful, stay focused on His mission, which is to seek and save Lost people.  Stay in that place where even in pain you can see God and seize what He has for you.

OK, after my  little sermon I want to now say a word of appreciation and encouragement to those who pray for the ministry of Living Hope.  You know who you are, you pray and you pray and you pray some more.  One of our prayer partners sent me an encouraging story, that as we end the year I want to leave you with.  I hope it blesses you and I hope we can always thank those who do the necessary but sometimes unseen behind the scenes things.  For me, I want to thank our prayer team and then I want to thank my family, who behind the scenes are always there for me. 

Hannah Jo - You make me smile so much.  You are my little baby who is growing up into a young woman.  I am proud of you and your choices.  Never lose your heart for others.  It is what makes you who you are. 
Katie Lee - My princess.  You are one of the Godliest young women I know.  Promise.  I loved watching you in Word on the Street.  You did so good.  You are so loved. 
David -  You really are a man after God's heart.  I pray for you so much.  I love you so much.  You are my only son, and I am so proud of you.  Never give up, ok?
Michelle - I can't imagine doing life without you.  I love being with you and thank you for being my best parachute packer.  You know me best and really love me most.  Thank you for always supporting me, for always loving me, for always being patient with me. You are my everything.  I only love Jesus more. 

Who Packs Your Parachute?
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’ In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.—1 Corinthians 12:20-22 (NLT)

A story has been circulating across the Internet about Charles Plum, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, who was a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam .     After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a Communist prison. He survived that ordeal and now lectures about lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, “You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam   from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!” “How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb. “I packed your parachute,” the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did - if your 'chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today.”

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform - a Dixie cup hat, a bib in the back, and bell bottom trousers. I wondered how many times I might have passed him on the Kitty Hawk. I wondered how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you, or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.”

Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know. Now, Plumb asks his audience, “Who's packing your parachute?”

This is a great reminder of the truth that, individually, every Christ-follower is an important member of the body of Christ. Each one of us plays a vital role and without each individual’s contributions, we are all weakened. Someone, recently, has no doubt “packed your parachute” with a word of encouragement, a spiritual insight, a positive role-modeling of the Christian life, or simply by giving you a hand with a task.

Today, why not send an e-mail or make a phone call, thanking that person for “packing your parachute.”

I hope and trust everyone had a good and Christ filled Christmas. 

After speaking at 23 Christmas services, I thought I would be tired, but actually feel better than ever.  I love seeing people's lives changed.  To see hundreds receive Christ was so inspiring.  To have all the people who were baptized this year light the candles for everyone else brought stinkin tears to my eyes every single service.  It was a moment, I promise I won't forget.

Doesn't it seem that sometimes the day after Christmas is or can be a let down?  For me it hasn't been because of what was the next day has been for 23 years.  Michelle and I were married on this day, December 26th 23 years ago in 1983.   I was in the Air Force, between basic training and tech school and it was the best time.  I didn't want to lose her.

23 years ago, I married the woman of my dreams.  I promise I love her more every day.  She has been a faithful wife, trusted friend, amazing mother and the one who I have committed my life to in marriage.  I have committed myself to becoming a student of Jesus and a student of Michelle.  Understanding women is a life-long task, can I get an amen.... (joking)  I don't mean to be all mushy, but we just really love hanging out.  We are leaving to a lunch in a few minutes (without phones...her request), and we may see a movie.  What we do won't and doesn't matter.  It is who I am with that only matters. 

The bad news is she got me a present, I know this and I didn't get her one and she... knows that.  We made an agreement not to spend money.  Haven't opened it yet, so maybe it is a knitted blanket or a painting?

Love you all.

John and Michelle

I am so excited about our Christmas Eve services.  They are going well.  Two more to go as of this post.  In case you missed the service, I wanted to encourage you to do a couple things on Christmas day, before (if you can) open presents.  First, read the gospel of Luke, chapter two, verses 1-20.  Be reminded of the "story" that has changed the whole world. 

Secondly, write a letter or note to someone.  Encourage them.  Speak life into their life.  Use your words to bless someone.  We have a tradition in our home, before someone "gives" presents, we give to them encouragement.  My kids love it and it has become a precious part of our Christmas experience.

I gave this note to everyone at services.  You can click on it and read it.

See you next time.

Merry Christmas.

John

I hope everything is going well and the right things are getting done this Christmas season.   The biggest thing I have prayed for this year is to not lose joy.  It seems every year, so much to do, that by the time everything is "done" so is my attitude.  I have been able to do better than other years.  I still miss my grandma like crazy, but the thought time heals things is true.   

Have you been to Word on the Street? The cast, musicians and directors have done amazing.   God has been honored, lives have been changed and hundreds of people have been saved.   

I love being part of a church where we just get what and who it is about.   I have seen so many people come to multiple services, with a co-worker, a friend, a relative or neighbor.  I have watched as people sit next to someone who matters to them and who matters deeply to the heart of God.   There have been so many people who have surrendered their hearts to Christ.   I love what we get to do together. 

THANK YOU LIVING HOPE.  For always believing the story is real and for always risking for just one more person to find faith in Christ.  What you do matters, who you are matters more. 

There are two services tonight (Friday) and three services Saturday.  If you haven't, bring someone, if you have bring someone else.  God will be honored.

CHRISTMAS EVE services between Sunday at 8:00 AM.   Be sure to look at the service times and go to a service with your family.  Pastor Rick is speaking at Fishers Landing and Pastor Jon Anderson is speaking at Hockinson.  Our last service at Brush Prairie is 6:00 PM.

Can I encourage you.  Don't let the stress control Christmas.   Imagine what it must have been like for 400 years without God speaking or without peace.  Imagine the depressing world it would be without Jesus.  Imagine the reality.  God is with us. The story is real.

The prophet Isaiah says, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  And the government will rest on his shoulders.  These will be his royal titles:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...."  Isaiah 9:6

Thanks to the cast, musicians, and everyone who has helped behind the scenes.  Thanks to the carolers, thanks to every team who has come together to help people see the story. 

Jesus, thank you mostly.  You left what was good to come to our messed-up world.  I love you and am sorry that so many times I have allowed stupid things to steal my joy.  You are all that matters. I love you with all my heart.

Your broken follower,

John