It seems like it has been a while since I last posted a sermon.  I wanted to get the recording for the Spanish sermon, but it might be best that is lost forever.  Everyone said they gave it a B+; I thought it was a C.  The translation was good and made it easy for me to follow.  I was playing minds games with that sermon.  There was something about having it translated, which meant I had to have it all done and typed, that threw me off.  Still, I appreciated the chance.  Hopefully, I'll get another shot at that soon!

The sermon below is the final sermon of 2010.  Someone suggested that this Christmas seemed different for them--that the Spirit of Christmas seemed overwhelmed by the running around that goes with the season.  Gifts, Angel trees, cards, wrapping paper, etc don't just show up.  Somebody has to go get them.

For me, this was probably one of the better Christmases.  This was the year we finally did it!  We didn't worry about buying gifts.  We drew names and bought stuff for the kids.  No stress.  Besides that, for me, the image of God's Light into our dark world stood out most to me.  I am convinced this made my Christmas celebration more meaningful.  Even though I love this song: Happy Birthday, Jesus.

So, with all that in mind, here is my final sermon of 2010.  It is entitled Only for the Only.  Confession: though I thought about it all week, it didn't get written until early, early Sunday morning.  Those of you who can tell, can tell; I'll never let that happen again.


Stay blessed...john

Of all the things I would like to say to you this coming year, this is not one of them:

"I'm a giver, not a taker. I'm not a burglar.

That was one DFW minister's response to charges brought against her. She allegedly broke into a church member's home and stole thousands of dollars worth of stuff on Christmas. Forget for a second all the ethical issues, my thought now if I'm the church member is, "Why did that reporter just flash my house on television and tell everyone I have that much stuff to take?"




That's Why Some Of Your Pastors Act Weird
I got the funny look and had to explain several times back in Bandera when I asked for my office change (an old post I cannot seem to find). The office I had at first was towards the back of the building; I was all by myself, and you know I don't wanna be all by myself.  It just felt uncomfortable for me to be back there, away from everyone, when I had someone else in the office with me.  Did something happen?  Would something have ever happened?  No, and probably not.  No one, however, plans for those kinds of things to happen.  So, in that case, I was moved to the front of the building with everyone else.  I even had windows to see the world!

Same thing here at Oak Haven.  The door to the pastor's office could have been your closet door except that it had a sign across it that read "Pastor Study."  I wanted to get rid of that the first night I saw it; I don't want anyone to have any misconceptions about what's really going on in there.  We waited patiently until we could poke a hole in the door and stick a window in.  It took two years, but that's what we were able to do.  Now, privacy and transparency are both available when you call in now.

It is too easy for something to be made out of nothing.  Windows and mini blinds don't take that away, but they are at least a small way to help protect members and pastors.  So, if you come into my former study don't be shocked if I make sure the blinds and/or the door gets opened.  I try to be discreet.

What That Means for Me
All that to say we ministers need to be careful.  We are given some type/form/level of authority and power.  Do not abuse it, and certainly don't use it to your advantage.  We are invited into people's home.  What a blessing!  Don't squander that trust and  sacred relationship for anything.  Our work is too important. 

So, unless you're behind me because you locked your keys in the house, I won't be climbing through your windows.  Even then I'll probably just put my hands together so you can use me as a step to break into your own house.  If I make sure a door is open, or ask someone to join us in a meeting just know I want to protect you and the spiritual relationship we have.

Stay blessed...john

The city of Irving did not collect trash last Friday.  Likewise, they won't be coming around this Friday either.  How are we supposed to celebrate and enjoy our holiday celebrations with trash piling up.  How inconsiderate a decision to make. 

So, as I have had to make several leaps over our mound of trash full of used wrapping paper, dinner plates and boxes I am reminded of this cartoon. 

Our Christmas celebrations were wonderful.  We were able to enjoy the company of family and join with our church for three Christmas Eve services.  As far as the church goes, I am grateful for the people of Oak Haven.  Several of them made great efforts to make sure our plans went through.  As for my family, God I love them.

Remember, Christmas isn't over until Epiphany.  Merry Christmas.  Stay blessed...john

Our family wishes yours a very merry and blessed Christmas celebration. Go to church tonight; you'll be glad you did.

Stay blessed...john

Don't worry.  If you can't read the announcement above, it's not a bad thing.  Our church is offering its first Spanish worship service.  I, and I think a few more of us, am pretty excited.

Yes, I'm preaching.  Brittani says I sound too much like a "white guy."  I told her her momma sounds like a white guy.  Plan A was for me to preach in Spanish.  Plan B was for me to preach in English and have someone interpret.  It looks like all systems are go for Plan A!

This will be my first Spanish sermon.  Someone from our church is translating my sermon from English to Spanish which I am, except for these few moments, working diligently to produce.  On Christmas Eve I'll use the translated manuscript.

What a way to worship and celebrate Christmas with our community.  If you're in the area please stop by for this historic event.  No, I don't exaggerate.  Stay blessed...john

A few years ago I wanted to connect with the members and friends of the church I was serving. Sunday morning worship, joining with God's people, is a blessing for me. I even get paid to lead it. That is an important part of our faith development.

It is limited, however. There isn't time to talk about life. There isn't time to enjoy life. That happens outside of our sanctuary walls. Honestly, I am not the pastor you think, "Wow! How does she/he think such great, profound thoughts?" Nope. Not me. But I do know how to share life!

When I first got the blog attack, this blog was called The Blog That Ties. I wanted to have a place to share with others what can't always be shared on Sunday mornings. That isn't to say that if you're not a part of my church this blog doesn't apply to you. This is a place where our faith, friendship and life together meets.

In that sense, this is still The Blog That Ties. Honestly, it wasn't catchy enough for me. I never like that title all that much. So, I thought and thought some more before finally deciding on the title Anotherjohn.com.

It rolls off the tongue better. It also reminds me that I am indeed just another john of the world. Believe me; this is a blessing. I don't have to be the best john, or the one who has all the answers. I can be another faithful john.

And that is what this blog is about. You and I learning to be more faithful to the call of God on our lives. Easier said than done, but well worth the effort and a whole lot of fun

Stay blessed...another john.