• Reason for the Season
Focus on the Reason for Season
We are all too aware of how commercial Christmas has become and how every year, it creeps earlier on the calendar, even before Halloween and Thanksgiving are barely in view. It is way too easy for us to loose our way with this season. If it is easy for adults, just think how confusing it can be for our children.
So I want to remind you, to do all you can to reframe the reason for the season. Christmas is really about Jesus…period. So how can we do this? Here are just a few suggestions to make Jesus the main thing. Are you willing to make a better effort to curb this trend?
• Indescribable Gift
Christmas Object Lesson This object lesson is a red decorated gift box that is 10 inches square. It is made of Coroplast or cardboard. (You can get Coroplast from a sign or banner-making store, it is used for yard signs.) Obviously, the square box has six sides all the same size. However, they are hinged together so that the top and the front side open forward (towards the audience) and the three other upright sides open out from the steady base on a ten-inch square table (see photo). The ten-inch tabletop allows the four sides to hang down, providing cover that you really have a cross. When the box is opened, it forms a cross, but really seen at first.
Velcro and glue ribbons to the outside of the box, so that they ends of the ribbon can be released from under the bow, which is centered on top. I use a bow with wire in it, so I can reshape the look of the bow. I use hot glue to attach the ribbon to the sides and bottom of the box. In laying out the box, before cutting, be sure that the ribs of the Coroplast or cardboard are running from the top to the bottom of the cross, this allows the box to be half hinged at the edges of the folds. It acts like a hinge, by only cutting partially (half way, not all the way through) at the folds (see photo). This means you need no colored duct tape or vinyl tape to attach the sides. You can do this, but it looks cleaner without it.
For a Christmas message idea….
• Coach’s Conundrum #7
7. “You can’t expect different results by repeating what you have always done.”
This conundrum might have something to do with not being able to solve the Rubik’s Cube. You keep trying to solve the puzzle, without a clue of how to solve it. One just keeps trying it over and over, continuing the rotation, but with no solution forthcoming. So you try it again, and again, and again—just trial and error!
What I have observed about myself is the regression to my “old ways” when I am under pressure. I somehow think that the “old ways” have worked for me in the past, so I can resort there when faced with impossible challenges to my time. It is true that I am often disappointed with the results of all-or-nothing approach to get things done. It is almost always the result of poor planning and the failure to divide the project down into smaller achievable parts. Then there is that old tyrant of productive time—procrastination.
• The Turkey Custom
Our annual Thanksgiving Habit is go to the mountains with family and friends for a few days together. We have continued this get-away tradition for many years. It has become one of our most significant family customs, probably more important to the family than Christmas. That having been said, I think it is because we have most of the week to be together, we just drop out of our routines for this commitment. We have always tried to make the time for activities and interaction with each person that comes. Lots of sharing, talking, eating, sleeping, recreation, resting, reading, games, watching tennis, shopping (you have to have a little of this), and of course, my Turkey lesson.
• 1040 Window Movie
The 1040 Movie: Christianity in the New Asia This week I was able to view this amazing new movie. It is an explosive documentary about the rapid changes in Asia and the dramatic shift of spiritual landscape in the 10-40 Window. Six countries were highlighted, showcasing how God is working in Asia. I was very challenged to see this compelling movie and resolved to continue my openness to do short-term mission work in the 10-40 Window in the years to come.
I agree that Asia represents the last frontier for world Christianity as spelled out by the Back to Jerusalem Movement. Asian Christians are making a profound difference in Asia. If you are interested in knowing more about this film or would like information about having your church view this documentary click www.1040Movie.com and check it out. Or talk to me about your interest.
• Coach’s Conundrum #6
6. Little Is More; Is More Too Much?
If Little is More, then why is More not equal to Less? But Less is More. So More can be Too Much when Little is More? Is this more than double-talk or a “play on words?” Is there some meaning here?
This Conundrum is not universal in application. Not everything is best when it is Less, sometimes More is better than Less. However, there are times when this Less is More principle is applicable. However, this conundrum of Less is More might be described as “any work stripped down to its most fundamental feature(s). Therefore, the quest is to figure out just how to reduce work down to its basic elements. When is Little or Less…More? Some disciplines that are noted for this minimalism: art, literature, architecture and simple living.
However, I have tended to apply the Less is More principle…
• Crock-Pot Approach
The “Crock-Pot” Approach to Lesson Preparation
As you may well know the proper way to use a crock-pot is to gather all the ingredients into the crock-pot and slowly cook it many hours. This is a great idea for a gourmet beef stew to greet you after work. There is something that happens with this slow, deliberate form of cooking that is superior to most fast-cooking methods, namely, you do not loose any of the natural juices. Everything is saved in the pot. How does this apply to lesson preparation?
• Child-Friendly Office
Do You Have a Child-Friendly Office? So you have some children come to your office and what do they see? Would it be possible that you are person that is really into children and their world? Are there any classic toys, children’s books, puzzles, maybe even some of your favorite toys? (i.e., Star Wars, Beanie Babies, Muppets, Disney characters, animals, Cars and Trucks, Coloring books, colored pencils, some games, and something to show them, to name a few). How about Toy Story characters?
• Life-Long Learning
Life-Long Learning
One of the serious issues with years of formal education is the assumption that the only way to learn is in formal settings, like classrooms and lecture halls. We all know that we can learn a great deal from life and living. But after we spend years in academic environments, it is tempting to abandon that style of learning for a while, only to be tempted to return to it much later to pursue further education. To me, that is not the issue.
• Coach’s Conundrum #5
5. “You Have Not Taught, until They Have Learned!”
This has become a paradox for any “would-be” teacher. Just because you formally teach anything does not mean that the student actually learns what was taught. If you are just talking, maybe no one is learning?
