One More For JC

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) My aunt just posted a picture from Christmas Eve from a few decades back from my grandparents’ home – it shows a pile of gifts overflowing the tiny living room in their tiny house.  Their home was always way too small and way too hot, but somehow it was always perfect.  What that home lacked in size was more than compensated for by love.  Christmas Eve was always my favorite day of the year – not just for the gifts coming my way – but because it was the one day of the year I could see almost all of my family members.  It was also the day I got to indulge on my grandmother’s cooking (and each pierogi and stuffed cabbage that she hand-crafted for countless hours to perfection). :)  As a young boy, I remember continuously sneaking peeks at that pile of gifts t

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) I’ve been a Boston Celtics fan for almost 40 years – there have been a lot of high points to my fandom over the years, but Tuesday night was certainly one of the lowest.  For the past couple years, I’ve been hoping against hope that Gordon Hayward would join the team in free agency, and to my delight this past summer he did this just that.  Throw in an unexpected trade for another superstar in Kyrie Irving a month or so later, and this was a team I was really looking forward to watching all year.  But Tuesday night, just 5 minutes in to his Celtics tenure, Hayward jumped, came down awkwardly, and fractured his ankle and tibia.  A new team, a new season, and a new dream – all gone in 5 minutes; it was beyond heartbreaking.  Having endured a similar injury myself almost 25 years ago playing basketball, I sympathize all the more.  But as I

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:10) I love the song ‘ Do It Again ’ by Elevation Worship.  However, it is admittedly an extra-emotional walk through the journey of my life… “Walking around these walls – I thought by now they’d fall. But you have never failed me yet.” – And I get taken back to the four walls in my bedroom in NJ and the depression I battled for years in the 90s, clinging to the hope that the Lord would one day help me break free. “Waiting for change to come – knowing the battle’s won. For you have never failed me yet.” – And I get taken back to 2006 praying for the Lord to end all the months of suffering for my Dad and Grandmother, and take them to a better life. “I know the night won’t last – your word will come to pass.  My heart will sing your praise again.” – And I get taken back to those long days in 2015 when I was feeli

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13) “Good Friday – Gratitude not Guilt” - a friend of mine just posted that on Facebook, and what a great reminder that is.  I can recall growing up dreading Good Friday – carrying what felt like a ton of guilt throughout each one of those 24 hour days (not to mention all the hatred and resentment I felt for those responsible for crucifying Christ).  Little did I know at the time, but sadly I was one of those people – as Christ willingly laid His life down to save all sinners, most notably me.  Ironically with that knowledge, came increasing thanksgiving not increasing guilt – for I came to realize that we have a Savior that loved us so much He was willing to give all, even death on a cross. I never understood why Good Friday was called good – Horrible Friday always seemed more appropriate – but as my gratitude for what Christ did on that day continues to grow, so does the “Good”.