I bring you good news...

"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (From the New Testament book, Luke, chapter 2, verses 8 through 14.)

This is my favorite time of year. I love the time from Thanksgiving ‘til New Years Day. There are 3 big holidays in a month and half; also there is my birthday (Dec. 31 - don’t forget!) The biggest of them all, especially for me, is Christmas Day. During each stage of my life this day has had different meanings. Being married and having an awesome wife and a wonderful son makes this a special day for me. I love getting Courtney and MD gifts. I love filling up their stockings with knick-knacky stuff. I also enjoy the gifts they get me.

One thing that happens to me during this time is things get really busy and everything becomes a whirlwind. Christ came as a child to bring us great joy, not just happiness, but joy. Happiness is based on happenings, from one moment to another. Depending on the moment we are in depends on whether or not we are happy. Joy is from within; it is eternal and a state of mind. Joy is not based on circumstances or events, it’s not a next-door neighbor named Joy or something you jump for. Joy is what you have regardless of what you are going through. Joy is what helps sustain you in the dark moments of life.

The good news of the angels to the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people…” This “joy” is for everyone, not just for a few people but for every single person on this planet. God cares deeply for you; He cares about how you feel and what you are going through. He sees your struggles, your circumstances, your busy-ness, and your depression. He knows about the economy, your oddball family members and the parties/gathering during this time of year. He wants you to experience joy, not just between now and News Years Day but all year - every single day of your life."

2009 has been an incredible year for me!

This past October 1st marked my 1-year anniversary on staff at Rocky River Church. I love what I do and am challenged by what I do. It’s been 9 years since I served on a church staff and things are so different now. When I started in 1995 as a youth pastor in Ohio, most people didn’t have the Internet, cell phones, DVD players or laptops and I was fresh out of college. So, of course, I knew everything there was to know about church ministry. Yah, right.

So, during my 4 years in Ohio, I could have learned so much. I look at the people who surrounded me back then: John Musgrave (the pastor I served under), Sara Snavley (my assistant and one of my best friends) and Randy Davis (youth pastor/friend.) These Godly people spoke to my life. However, my problem was all the book knowledge I had with very little or no life experience. I knew very little then and wish at times I could go back with the knowledge I have now. (Sounds like a country song, huh?) I would be more teachable. I would remember people (even myself) are sinners and I would rely more on God.

After leaving Ohio, I didn’t want to be a youth pastor or a full-time church staff person again. I just thought I’d retire as a real estate agent. Then, some changes starting taking place in my life – I became a dad, we changed churches, real estate started to slow down for me and the company I was broker/manager for closed overnight (huge shock.) By this time Jimmy had already asked me to come on staff to work with RRC’s small groups. So, I accepted and now I work with some great people who are more than my co-workers.

Teresa (RRC’s administrative assistant) is awesome. She makes me laugh and she challenges me with her honesty. Travis (RRC’s student/families pastor) is like the younger brother I already have, just 10 years younger. He has incredible insight and wisdom way beyond his years. Then there is Jimmy, RRC’s lead pastor. I don’t know if I have ever met anyone so like me, but so opposite of me too. I know it makes no sense - just ask Teresa, Travis or our spouses. They’ll agree. Jimmy is an awesome leader and has a huge heart for our community. He speaks to my life more then he will ever know.

I love the people of Rocky River Church! Thanks for a great year.

Lessons from my Son

I love being a dad. I have learned something from Michael Dean that I don’t think I would have ever learned if I weren't a dad. A while back I was reading on a friend's blog or posting on Facebook about playing with your children. It mentioned that when you are playing with your kids - turn off your phone, computer, and/or any other devices that can be a distraction. Give yourself completely to your child.

Well that's what I did. I bought MD a water sprayer for his birthday and one hot evening after work we hooked it up. He stood and watched it for a while, but didn't want to play in the water. So, I took off my phone, shirt and shoes and emptied my pockets and just started running through the water. I was acting foolish and having fun - which made MD want to join in. We were sucking in the water and spitting it out, running though the water and just having a great time. I didn't worry about work, emails or phone calls. All of my attention was on my boy. What a great time both of us had.

Later that evening as I was thinking about the day and the fun I had with MD, I felt we had really bonded. Then I had a thought - what would it be like if I had that undivided attention when doing my devotions? How much better would my walk with God be? What if I had that undivided attention in church? How much better would my service be? What if I had that undivided attention to my wife? How much better of a husband I would be?

Man Wig #5

Well actually it is not a wig but all natural. I have decided to go with something simple (actually- it was a mistake because of putting on the wrong clipper guard). I have decided to go with something similar to "The Lonnie."


Lonnie Bateman is on of the awesome volunteers at Rocky River Church.

Man Wig #4

I just can't seem to find the Man Wig I want. The "Darren" just seemed to trendy, with the "Randy" I kept hearing blue grass music and the "Travis" Man Wig, well lets just say it did not work for me. I am thinking about trying out the "Jimmy Man Wig."


Jimmy is the Lead Pastor at Rocky River Church

Man Wig #3

Wow- the "Darren" and the "Randy" just doesn't seem to work for me. Let us check out the "Travis" Man Wig.


Travis is Pastor of Students and Families at Rocky River Church.

Man Wig #2

OK- I am not to sure about the "Darren Wig", so what about the "Randy Wig?"

Randy is the pastor of Care at Rocky River Church.