While there are still several weeks left in this calendar year, one thing is certain: This has been a year of dramatic changes. From political uprisings and civil unrest to record-setting weather patterns, 2011 will leave an indelible mark on this world. With all the negative news coming at us ’round the clock, it’s sometimes hard to focus on the good things.

America has long been the ‘land of plenty’ — or, you might say, the ‘land of excess.’ You have to wonder what the early settlers to Plymouth Rock would have to say about the way we live. After all, those folks — who, according to H. U. Westermayer, constructed seven times as many graves as huts — still saw fit to set aside a time to give thanks to God. These Puritans were arguably the most impoverished Americans ever, yet they acknowledged God as the source of their blessings. They understood the art of thanksgiving.

In this time of persistent protests and rowdy upheaval, there’s a lot of talk about ‘the  99-percent.’ I contend that pretty much all of us constitute the one-percent . . . at least figuratively speaking. Consider this:

Americans are some of the wealthiest people in the world, with a very high GDP per capita. Americans are top in the world for most material possessions. The number of televisions, vehicles, and other such products per person are considerably higher than in any other country. For instance, the United States has some 754 televisions for every thousand people. No other country is even above 700, with Japan being closest at 680/1000. [Source: economicexpert.com]

While Americans don’t necessarily blow every country out of the water, particularly when you consider the long hours so many of us work, we as a people are undeniably blessed. Even with higher-than-usual levels of unemployment, continued home foreclosures, and rising costs of living, for all intents and purposes Americans are indeed blessed. One thing is generally true about tougher times: We are forced to evaluate priorities, strengthen relationships, and develop character — and hopefully a much deeper appreciation for God.

This Thanksgiving, consider yourself blessed if any or all of the following statements are true for you:

• You have food, clothing, and shelter.
  Nearly two billion people in the world live in poverty.

• You can read and write.
  Nearly 15-percent of people age 15 and up cannot. (worldwide)

• You are gainfully employed — part-time or full-time.
  Millions even in America do not have jobs. (Consider yourself especially blessed if you enjoy your work.)

• You have reasonably good health and access to healthcare services.
  Many around the world do not.

• You have family who cares about  you.
  I recently read about a man who lost every member of his family in an earthquake in Turkey.

• You have at least one close friend.
  Loneliness is becoming more and more common even in our seemingly connected culture.

• You enjoy physical safety and security.
  Many people live in constant fear of crime or terror attacks.

There are so many other ways by which we can gauge our blessings and quality of life. For me personally, the one thing for which I am most grateful is my relationship with Jesus Christ, who took my sin and shame and died for me that I might enjoy abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven with Him. Everything else really is gravy. If you don’t know Him, I’d love nothing more than to share that gift with you. Feel free to contact me.

I pray that your season of thanksgiving would not be all about a day on the calendar. I pray that you will acknowledge your blessings all year long — as well as the One from whom all blessings flow. Discover the art of thanksgiving. It can be truly life-changing.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Here’s a quick video that says a lot in just 80 seconds:

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are you thankful for this year?

While the mainstream media toggles between fostering hope and invoking gloom, the number of individuals and families impacted by this crippled economy continues to climb. Of course, the 9.1% unemployment rate is disheartening . . . but when you factor in those who are long-term unemployed (they’re not actually counted in the numbers from the Labor Department, you know) and the under-employed, the number is staggering indeed. In recent months I have noticed an increase in the average age of the servers who wait on me in restaurants and the employees who work in retail stores. So many people are now doing work for which they are grossly over-qualified because they simply cannot find a more lucrative employment option.

While the partisans in Washington and the talking heads on cable TV duke it out about where to place blame for the current situation, the cause, I believe, is more foundational than systemic. Back in 2008 when the stock market tanked and the era of the bail-outs was born, there was a lot of talk about certain corporations being ‘too big to fail.’ The reality is that nothing in this world is too big to fail.

The major problem with the US economy lies not with the chronically, hopelessly inept politicians but with the pride of our citizens. In times of relative peace and prosperity, Americans began to believe they were exceptional — by definition, meaning the exception to most rules of conventional wisdom. It seems to me that many confused the concepts of exception and exemption. Since the 80′s and 90′s were characterized by economic growth and upward mobility, Americans began to believe they were exempt from the kind of reason, morality, and common sense that were at the very foundation of our nation’s vibrancy.

Now, years later, we have begun to realize that the principle of planting and harvesting is true for us too: You reap what you sow.

Signs of the times are all around us. From the empty storefronts to the foreclosed homes to the jam-packed job fairs, America has been radically transformed into a nation in desperate need. And I’m not just talking about need of jobs either. I’m speaking of the need for spiritual renewal. Of course, in a country where 700 Christians can’t prevent a mosque from being built at Ground Zero — but one atheist can keep a cross from being displayed on a soldier’s tombstone — we are a perfect picture of a nation run amuck. Through moral relativism, religious plurality, and self-determinism, America has become a spiritually anemic society.

Please don’t mishear me. I’m not trying to say that this is the end of America as we know it; there are plenty of other people out there delivering that sobering prediction. Perhaps our greatest days are ahead of us . . . but not unless we recognize and repair the colossal cracks in our foundation. And such hope for a brighter future is entirely dependent upon returning to God.

This Labor Day, if you are blessed enough to have a job, thank God for it. If you are one of the millions of Americans who is unemployed or under-employed, know that God is real, and He cares for you. In times like these we learn painfully difficult but necessary lessons. My prayer is that the challenges of this present time will not defeat us but humble us — and ultimately make us stronger.

Don’t ever believe that America is too big to fail. We must remain hopeful, vigilant, and faithful to the One from whom all blessings flow. In the words of John Adams, Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.

As you celebrate a holiday weekend with family and friends, let’s not forget those who labor for our freedom. Our military men and women and their families deserve our prayers, our respect, and our gratitude.

(Click here for a previous post that offers tips for helping those who are unemployed.)

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What do you think about our country’s current situation? What will it take for our nation to return to God?

Ministry leaders are particularly prone to discouragement due to the intense demands on their time and families as well as the extremely relational nature of the work. The truth is that most of us really do want to please people, but there’s absolutely no way to please all the people all the time.

It’s on these down days that my affirmation file comes in very handy. I keep this tattered file in one of my desk drawers. It has made a number of moves through the years as I’ve followed God to different places along my ministry journey. The label on the tab says simply ‘Affirmation/Encouragement,’ and it’s filled with cards, letters, and notes of appreciation from various people I’ve met along the way. Over the past few years, an increasing percentage of these items are in the form of email and Facebook print-outs. Most of the notes are from people I know pretty well, although some are from those with whom my life intersected only briefly as I led a workshop, officiated a funeral,  or ministered in some other way.

I’ve kept a file like this for as long as I can remember, and I strongly recommend that you keep one too — for several key reasons:

1. You need reminders of the really good moments in your life. One of the enemy’s greatest and most effective tools is that of discouragement. Written words have value long after the ink dries. When discouragement comes I essentially have two choices: I can wallow in self-pity (which accomplishes nothing helpful), or I can focus on my blessings, strengths, and past accomplishments. I like to think that the apostle Paul might have kept an affirmation file too. Writing to the Philippians, he said:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8, ESV

Paul is often described as a sort of spiritual superhero who, like Superman, underwent an almost instantaneous transformation when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Clearly, as one who had a legacy of persecuting believers, Paul could have focused on his past sins and selfish actions. Instead he made the choice to channel his energies into being different and doing good things, all for the sake of the gospel message.

2. You need perspective in times of self-doubt. We often go through seasons of life in which our struggles seem never-ending. Re-reading the materials in my affirmation file helps me remember that God uses me to make a difference in the lives of others, even at times when I’m totally unaware of my influence. I find that I am my own worst critic, and the notes in my file remind me that plenty of people are with me, for me, and behind me — encouraging me to finish strong in this marathon of life.

3. You need “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Those are words from one of my favorite hymns, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” I draw a lot of strength from the power of God’s Word. So many of the items in my affirmation file contain a Scripture verse that is just what I need to hear in days of trial. Many of those verses are near and dear to my heart. They are constant reminders that God’s Word never returns void.

An added benefit of keeping an affirmation file is its intrinsic ability to help me practice gratitude to others. A hand-written note or other expression of encouragement can absolutely speak life into someone’s day.

May you find joy and encouragement as you live and lead, and may you find joy as you affirm others along life’s path.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
Do you keep an affirmation file? How are you impacted by a written expression of gratitude?

Upon waking up at 7:45 a.m. yesterday, instead of my usual ‘Good morning’ greeting to my wife, I simply said, “I’m gonna throw up.” And I did. Unfortunately, that set the stage for a less-than-ideal holiday. The kids enjoyed opening their presents and seeing the things that Santa brought. Michelle cooked up a coffee cake, a fresh batch of party mix, and a birthday cake for Jesus — which, as it turns out, I was really not able to eat.

I’d have given anything to have felt better on Christmas Day because I really wanted to enjoy my family to the fullest extent possible. Since we had no family or friends visiting, in spite of all the decorations and preparations, Christmas became just another opportunity for Michelle to singlehandedly parent the children — while I lay in bed, just trying to stay warm.

Of course, perspective is important and, I think, key to understanding life. The reality is that despite my sickness, we are still among the most blessed people in the world. Consider this:

• While we were enjoying our traditional minestrone soup on Christmas Eve, millions of people around the world went to bed hungry. Again.
• While we were opening an exorbitant number of gifts, all beautifully wrapped, millions of people around the world had nothing at all to open.
• While we were contemplating whether to keep or exchange that less-than-fashionable piece of clothing, millions of people around the world struggled to stay warm.
• While we were reading the Christmas story from the Bible, millions of people around the world had never held a Bible.
• While we were in our comfortable, climate-controlled and elaborately decorated homes, millions of people around the world were among the growing homeless population.

The truth is that most Americans do not just live in excess; we are absolutely spoiled rotten. The other truth is that, if I’m totally honest, I usually don’t see the vast needs of others in the world — because I choose to not see it.

It’s not comfortable.

It’s not real.

It’s exaggerated.

As I think forward to the year 2011, I am determined to look at the vastness of needs around me. I’m determined to lead my own family to leave their comfort zone and be part of the solution to the problems in this world. I’m determined to be less focused on my needs, my wants, and my comfort, and to focus more on the many practical needs of others.

More than festive, lighted decorations . . . more than a five-star Christmas dinner . . . more than pausing just for a few minutes to think about Jesus’ birth, it is following Christ’s example of humility and selflessness that most glorifies Him — not only at Christmastime but throughout our lifetime.

So, rather than harping on the fact that I was sick on Christmas Day, I choose to thank God that I had a warm place to stay, food to eat, a Bible to read, and a family to love.

I am blessed among men in more ways than I could ever begin to count. And I choose to be grateful for His blessings on me and my family.

It’s Your Turn!
On what things in life do you perhaps need a new perspective?

Unfortunately, these are tough times for many people — and for the world as a whole. In fact, many in the world have been hurting and in need for generations. Only in recent years has our country joined the list of those nations experiencing increased poverty, increased crime, and increased fear. The number of Americans turning to antidepressants bears witness to the physical and mental toll of stress. The number of suicides in our country is rising, and the suicide rate among our military men and women now exceeds the national average.

The statistics are sobering. The prognosis is grim. However, we know that trouble is no stranger to this world. In writing to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul instructed:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

Let’s be honest for a minute or two. Most of us struggle with this notion of being joyful always. Western society is so focused on happiness, which is invariably dependent upon our circumstances at the moment. We understand with our heads this thing called joy, but we fail at many points to somehow separate our situation from our status as Christians, often falling prey to the prevalent message of the prosperity gospel that tells us God blesses us because we do good. I’ve been unable to locate the basis for that message anywhere in the pages of Scripture; perhaps that’s because it doesn’t come from there at all.

As Christians, none of us are exempt from the problems of this life. Just think about the many troubles that plague us:

• Unemployment
• Health issues
• Crime
• Family conflict
• Financial stress
• Moral ruin
• Wars

The list goes on and on and on. Whether you realize it or not, this collection of issues poses a very real threat to life as we know it. While the news media tries its best to put a positive spin on the world situation (particularly the US economy), the facts just continue to mount up, pointing to the grim reality that the ‘new normal’ will require us to live with less. And less, I believe, is not in and of itself a bad thing; that is, so long as our faith is not in the stuff of this life.

I contend that the majority of people in our nation, Christians included, have become so enamored — if not consumed – with the trappings of this world that we just can’t imagine having to surrender some of the things we enjoy most: our smart phones, our designer coffees, our big houses, our fancy cars, etc. The truth is that for many of us, we probably won’t have to surrender them; they’ll just become irrelevant to us as our need for the essentials in life becomes greater. Ultimately, we’re all going to have less trouble distinguishing between our wants and our needs.

As I ponder our world situation, with its perpetual drumbeat focused on globalism, I’m reminded that God is bringing everything under His purpose and plan. He does not forget His people. He is not surprised by the corruption of man. He is not perplexed and in a quandry as to how to make things better. Quite the contrary! He provided a plan for us many years ago, a plan that would result in the sacrifice of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. And God is not the least bit concerned with making things better for us — at least not as we so often think of ‘better,’ in terms of wealth and material possessions.

The imminent collapse of the US economy will present a myriad of challenges for us all, the likes of which have not been experienced since the Great Depression. I believe the impact will be much greater though, because the gap between our debt-driven standard of living and our eventual fall will be absolutely unparalleled. The difficult days ahead may indeed find those who profess Christ persecuted as well. These days will serve as a fire through which the hearts of true believers are refined and their loyalties laid bare for all to see. We can expect to more closely relate to those who have sacrificed the stuff of this world in order to share the message of salvation with people whose standard of living actually allowed for an openness to the Gospel. In the end, it will be the missionaries who may experience less distress from the fall-out of the global economy because they never became hooked on the insatiable cravings for more that so characterize the American way of life.

Of course, this post is really supposed to be about Thanksgiving. When Thursday comes, we’ll have all witnessed the President pardoning the turkey. We’ll have scouted out the best places to get deals on the latest greatest foreign-made gadgets. And we’ll have stuffed our bellies with a feast fit for a king. Let’s enjoy it — and give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. Just do so mindful of the fact that you might not realize just how grateful you really are until that bounty of blessings begins to disappear.

Perhaps we should practice now what we should have practiced all along — a steady dose of thanksgiving for all the things that really do matter most: our family, our friends, our health, our freedom, and most of all, our salvation through Jesus Christ. These are the intangibles of life, the blessings that demand our gratitude.

As you gather together with friends and family this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take the time to offer heartfelt thanks to God for the blessings you enjoy. Prayerfully remember those who are hungry, homeless, and hurting in a multitude of ways. Consider the ones who are serving their country far from those they love, and pray for the missionaries who are working tirelessly to share the message of salvation to a world very much in need.

I am more grateful this year than I’ve ever been. And that is as it should be every year, no matter what.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are you most thankful for this year? How do you distinguish between happiness and joy?

You see, a couple weeks ago I was taking a late-night walk through the neighborhood, basking in the quiet, just thinking and talking to God. I’ve never really thought of myself as much of a leader, although throughout my ministry God has clearly and consistently expanded my territory and circles of influence. For a few minutes on that stroll I caught a glimpse of me the way God sees me — as a person who has been uniquely gifted in many ways, hand-crafted by the Creator for the purpose of sharing His love with others. Talk about humbling!

Ministry is a very challenging vocation. It truly is a calling that God has placed on my life, and like the Apostle Paul, I pray daily that He will find me worthy of the calling I’ve received.

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the variety. I don’t have time to get bored. There are always needs that must be tended, and people who require heartfelt care and concern. I fail at many points, to be sure. In today’s harried culture, sometimes things fall through the cracks. Sometimes needs are not communicated or discovered. Sometimes people demonstrate all too clearly that they are, well, imperfect. Just like me.

I relish the opportunity to be an under-shepherd of sorts, supporting my pastor and staff team, and seeking to do whatever I can to share in the burden-bearing. And as I shared in my message at Wednesday’s church prayer service, I’ve learned along the way that some sheep bite. However, I’ve come to realize that most of those bites are not intentionally malicious.

People and animals have some things in common. Both tend to lash out when they are frightened, when they experience a real or perceived loss of control, and when they feel abandoned. As a minister, one of the things I’ve come to understand is that it’s essential to listen for the meaning behind the stories that individuals tell. It’s important to view them as I do myself — as people who are walking through this spiritual pilgrimage by faith, often struggling, doubting, and fearing the unknown. For many, the prospect of change shakes them to their core. I know because I’ve been there too.

My heart’s desire is to see God breathe fresh wind and fresh fire into His Church. And as the old hymn says, “Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me.”

The world in which we live is going through some major trials. People are hurting at every turn . . . desperate for hope . . . seeking answers to questions about which they dare not speak. Maybe you’re one of those people.

Life doesn’t always treat us kindly or turn out like we’d hoped it would. But one thing remains forever true: God is in control and is working out His purposes.

Many of you know that music is such an integral part of my life. It is a primary way in which I worship. This week the lines of one particular song have been going round and round in my head. It says simply: “God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, when you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”

As I lay my head down tonight, I do so with the satisfaction of knowing that my heart is full . . . my life has meaning . . . and I am loved with a love that won’t let go! God is completely trustworthy. My prayer is that you can know without a doubt how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ. Don’t let another moment pass you by. Discover new life today.

I’ve added a new video to my Vodpod at right. It’s one of my very favorites: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Check it out!

January 22 will always be a significant date to me . . . but not just because of my son’s birthday. While the joy my children have brought me is impossible to fully describe in words, this date is juxtaposed with a great deal of pain as well.

At 36 years of age, I stand very aware that, given other circumstances, these words might never have been written . . . or even thought. That’s because on this date 37 years ago, the United States Supreme Court handed down a decision that would drastically alter the social and political landscape of this great nation for generations.

In a 7-2 vote, the justices decided that a pregnant woman could terminate her pregnancy for any reason up until “the point the fetus becomes ‘viable.’”

Now 37 years and some 50 million abortions later, that decision continues to generate controversy, stir emotions, and pit family members, friends, and church congregants against one another.

So today, as I live my life, I will recognize it as the gift that it is. As I watch my children run and play, as I listen to them giggle with those carefree sounds only children make, I will give thanks to God for these indescribable blessings.

And as my heart is flooded with gratitude, it also is filled with grief and anguish over those millions of children who never got to see the light of day — all because seven justices arrogantly decided that they knew better than God.

Although ground was broken this week in Houston, TX on what will be the largest abortion clinic in our country, my voice will not be silenced nor my spirit dampened. I will continue to be a voice for life, an advocate for adoption, and a cheerleader for brave women who, despite circumstances, choose life.

In the center of my bible, marking the place of Psalm 139, are photos of my children. I’m so glad they had their own birth days. And I’m glad my wife and I did as well. I guess you could say that I’m doubly grateful.

For those of you who have been misled into thinking life begins months into a pregnancy, I would urge you to remember a simple scientific fact: dead things don’t grow. Abortion is an issue of life or death. Don’t allow the years of history to trick you into thinking killing babies is in any way right, natural, or normal.

Abortion stops a beating heart.

Sadly, I think that for many Thanksgiving Day is little more than an opportunity to overindulge on favorite food items, binge on college football contests, and enjoy a day off work.

This Thanksgiving I challenge you to truly pause to count your blessings — “name them one by one,” as the old familiar hymn so aptly puts it. No matter how many challenges this year has brought, there are still countless things for which we have reason to be thankful.

My family and I are grateful for a new church family — and a much-needed increase in empathy for those who are unemployed. As so many continue to struggle with unemployment, I am reminded of God’s provision, and I pray regularly for friends and family members still looking for work.

I’m grateful also that despite sweeping social and political changes, God has blessed us with freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press, among others.

I’m grateful for family and friends who make me a better person than I’d be by myself. Their love, prayers, and constant encouragement challenge me to live a life worthy of the calling I’ve received in Christ.

Many of you have had a tough year. No doubt about it. Scripture tells us to give thanks in all things. And I pray that this Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to do just that.

And as retailers roll out the red carpets this weekend, remember that the best things in life aren’t things at all; they’re those intangibles that we so often take for granted — just because we can’t touch them.

No coupons. No discounts. No early-bird savings necessary. These are the things that are truly priceless.

It’s kind of funny, isn’t it? Just think, one day those things we can’t see on this earth will be the only things that matter. Perhaps we should begin practicing proper gratitude today.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with faith, family, and friendship.

These are soldiers on a mission, just another wave of military combatants building on the legacy of those who have proudly served their country for generations before.

Today I salute those men and women who have served our country so well — our veterans. It has been said many times that freedom isn’t free. And these folks know that all too well, having experienced first-hand the horror and grief of watching comrades die in battle.

Ask most children today who their heroes are, and you’ll likely hear a barage of names from professional athletes to Hollywood celebrities to cartoon characters.

I love my country. That’s why my heroes are America’s veterans. They represent the best our country has to offer. They have served us well and faithfully. And although they have given so much of themselves for us, I often wonder exactly what we have given them in return.

On this Veterans Day, if you value your freedom, take time out to offer your gratitude to those who have served our country — and your steadfast prayers for those who currently serve.

At our house we have a tradition in which we collect blessings shared by our family and friends, write them on paper leaves, and attach them to our ‘tree of thanks.’ This is a great way to practice thanksgiving throughout the month — and to model gratitude for the children.

There are so many things for which we are thankful. Big things. Little things. And things in between. But in the Conner home, we are careful to remember that every good and perfect gift is from above.

Of course, not everything that happens in life is considered to be a good thing. But for those of us who are in Christ, we know that He causes all things to work together for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. So, your list of blessings will likely include things such as patience and faithfulness in bringing you through a particularly difficult situation. Or maybe your list will include trials which made you stronger and more dependent on Him.

Whatever the case may be, as you begin November, I encourage you to consider a family activity like the ‘tree of thanks’ as a way to focus your hearts in preparation for the coming holiday season.

Give thanks with a grateful heart . . . and see how much your perspective will change!

IT’S YOUR TURN!

• What are you most thankful for this year?