The "Hallmark" church

Recently my family was extremely blessed to go on vacation to Bass Lake together. My Mom believes you should always go to church if you are able to (*gasp* yes, even on vacation). I remember as little kids my siblings and myself would always grumble about the "church while on vacation" factor. Anyways, on our vacation we went to The Little Church in the Pines. You know the kind of cute little country churches they always use in Christmas Hallmark movies? Yeah, well, that is exactly what this chummy church looked like!

The church received us in what felt like a nice big hug and the message blessed me so much. The guest pastor, Carman Ruggeri, had me laughing until tears came to my eyes but he also really challenged me. I want to share with you a little bit about what he said:

"I love the fact that Jesus came as a baby. That means he had to be nursed, changed and potty trained. He had to learn to talk, learn to read, to add and subtract, multiply and divide and maybe even some algebra! He got skinned, bruised, stung and bitten. He slept and He dreamed. He is fully aware of how easily we Bumble and Tumble.

Did He ever fail to duck a low tree branch? Did He ever back His mule into the neighbors fence? Did He ever spill His milk? Swallow His gum? Choke on a chip? Sneeze with His mouth full? Dribble on His robe? Did He burp out loud as an eight year old boy? I know this sounds a bit sacrilegious but if He is going to understand me He has to walk a few paces in my Sanuks. And, He did!

Christmas means He knows me and still likes me. It means He has heard me say some really dumb things but still likes to converse with me. His birth and life here tell me He wanted to know what it was like so He could “atta boy” me when I do well, warn me when I walk too close to the edge and give me a “good game” pat on the rump as I enter glory. He remembers what it was like to turn 13, to get up for work each day, to labor and pay taxes and to know there is more but maintain proper perspective.

Christmas is the greatest. When I see the lights, I am reminded He is the Light. When I see the tree, I remember He died on one. When I watch the gifts being passed out, I recall that He is the greatest gift and gave the best gift. When I eat the wonderful food I know that He is the bread of life. When I sing the carols, I hear that mind boggling passage from Hebrews 2 when the Lord says I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. It is quite possible He is singing right along with me.

It is a wonderful thing to realize that in all my Bumbleness I am accepted by Christ. I wonder if He even giggles when I fumble or stumble? Maybe in eternity somewhere we’ll spend an afternoon together and He’ll tell me about all the times I made Him lol! I’m sure I have! I’m sure I will. It really is A Wonderful Life, Jimmy!

Yet this Christmas holiday reminds me that Jesus came for the Bumblers and the Tumblers, of which I am chief. As I stumbled into free fall I was caught by grace for which I am ever thankful. What a thing to give one’s life to! I love that grace measures intent and not incident."

He then went on to share about his "Life Map", which consists of thirteen statements that he challenges himself to live his life by. Here are a few of them (the best I could do with quick notes!):

-Purity in relationship with my wife and love her as Christ loves the church.

-I will rise up by pulling myself up, not by pushing others down.

-I will honor my word and integrity no matter the cost.

-I will not mock those whose situation should gain my compassion.

-Treat all people with the same love, no matter their position.

-Admit fault readily.

-Praise exuberantly, pray excessively, love extravagantly.

-Maintain graciousness in defeat.

-I will not speak behind your back, I will only say what I will say to your face.

-I will automatically think the best of others unless God reveals otherwise.

Through, in, and by Christ!

http://carmanruggeri.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/bumbling-and-tumbling-along/#comment-16

P.S.

We had a wonderful vacation and we even stopped by Yosemite. EEEEK, I was so excited! I've always wanted to go there (another item checked off my bucket list). Anyways, I was so thankful for the fun memories with my family before heading to Africa. Here is a picture of us kids after our rather slippery hike up to the falls :).