Christmas 2008

Well, once again Christmas is upon us. Our family had a great time sharing Christmas Eve with our neighbors. They invited us to come and be a part of their family's Christmas Eve celebration. It was awesome to watch the joy of all the children opening their presents and just enjoying the time. The food was great and the company was exceptional. Our family was very honored to be invited to this gathering.

Christmas morning starts with one of my favorite family traditions... we read the Christmas story as found in Luke. This year, Jman and me shared the reading. Christmas truly is Jesus. Opening presents is the next family event. What a great time seeing the kids open their presents, from IPods to CD's. I love watching the kids.

Finally, Christmas would not be complete at the Caldwell's without Christmas brunch. Once again the wonderful smells and tastes of brunch fill the air and eventually my stomach. I am sitting here as full as can be content and comtemplating the blessings of my life in Christ. I look forward to what God has coming next!

Sickness in Paradise

I do not have time for this. I am one of many with a sinus infection dragging me down. I finally take a vacation day and I am SICK. Oh well, at least I get to rest.

We had a great Wednesday night. Our preschoolers sang and then we divided into groups and went Christmas caroling in our neighborhood. Most of the people were very receptive. It was a great time of sharing the good news of Christmas with our community. We connected with people in a different way.

We adopted a new constitution and bylaws this past weekend. God led us to do it and He was faithful to see it through. We will now operate much more efficiently and be even better stewards of the resources God gives us.

It's great to be a part of His Kingdom work. Riverside is filled with people letting God use them. Why don't you come and be a part!

Snow in New Orleans?!

This is personally the first time I have ever seen snow in New Orleans. I'd heard about previous snowfalls but had never experienced it myself. It is beautiful even if it's only sticking to the yards and houses.

I heard a radio host say that the snow here (earliest snow in New Orleans since records have been kept) is a sign from God that the Saints are going to beat the cold weather Chicago Bears tonight in Chicago (which has no snow today). I don't buy it but it proves that many people are very superstitious.

I've gone to the hospitals this morning (in the snow) and been home studying. God always keeps the Scriptures I'll be preaching each Sunday on my mind all week. This week, God keeps resounding in my head, "All things are possible through Me." Can't wait for Sunday!

Ministry is Messy

Man.... when you really get out into the world and start to deal with people's real life problems, it get messy. From trying to get someone into rehab to dealing with someone on the issue of premarital sex and other life issues... it gets really messy.

That's one of the reasons I love Riverside. We've got a bunch of people there that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. They jump into this crazy ministry to people and leave the results to Jesus. It is awesome! It is also an emotional roller coaster with lots of highs and just as many lows. At times rewarding, at times defeating. That's what a real relationship with God played out in a hurting world looks like.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. God is moving at Riverside. Are you in the messiness of ministry?