The Grinch Who Lit Up Christmas

I am taking a break from untangling hundreds of feet of extension cords, testing light bulbs, and all other forms of self loathing to write this blog. Trust me, this is a much more pleasant experience than having to deal with Christmas lights. It’s no secret that I’m not the most festive individual. Many of you find joy in the irony that the grinchiest person on staff is also the person who does the light show every year. 

There are two reasons why I keep putting lights up every year. The first is that no one else has offered to take it over. But the other reason is that it actually brings joy to other people. My youngest son loves going up to the church at night just to watch the show even though he’s seen it a hundred times. We get comments from the community making sure we’re going to do it again or sharing stories of how their family enjoys it.

But there’s a bigger reason why the church itself does a Christmas light show every year. Throughout the course of the month, the Christmas story from the Bible will be shared about 500 times. People will be invited to our Christmas Eve services, breakfast with Santa, and other events throughout the month hundreds of times. It’s all about pointing people towards Jesus, and so I can deal with a bit of Christmas lights for the sake of the Gospel.

What are you willing to put up with for the sake of the gospel? Are you willing to invite a friend or neighbor to go to church with you? Are you willing to give up your morning Starbucks drink so you can focus more on tithing? What about waking up 15 minutes earlier so you can meet people at the church door and say hello? Some of these things may seem like torture (less caffeine… yuck!), but when you consider the difference it could make it suddenly seems less terrible. That $5 Starbucks drink turns into food security for a kid over the weekend. That 15 minutes of lost sleep turns into a family feeling welcomed and accepted before they even step foot into our building. And the awkwardness of inviting our friends to church becomes a larger family who gets to do even more together. And all of that, ALL OF IT, is so that we can be just a little bit better at making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

It’s Up To You

Well, I could get some heat from this. I could have easily said, “but I don’t care.” I do care. I care for my Lord, family, friends, the people of the world and my life. I especially care about people’s feelings. Sometimes so much that I forget about mine.

We have started a new chapter in our country and some folks are not liking it. Division is so huge today that I ask myself, will it ever be fixed? Uhhh, noooo! You know what makes this country so great? Free Will! The bible presents free will as a gift from God that allows people to choose their own destiny and future. Some say that God gave people free will to determine whether they will trust him or go their own way. I have 100% trust in him! Do you? Let’s say you say no. You know what? I still love you. I hope that one day you do and when you do, I will love you just as much. I am not your enemy, nor will I ever be. Because I trust in God! Everything that I have accomplished in my life is because of him and myself. To be able to make choices in my life. Say what I want to say, do what I want to do. To see family and close friend part ways because one won’t follow the others believe or presidential candidate is so ridiculous! The day I graduated high school and the world was given to me, I’ve gone through 6 presidents and not one has stopped me from doing what I have accomplished in my life, without breaking the law. Oh yeah, I have stumbled off the right path a few times, but that was my doing. I take 100% responsibility for it. I didn’t blame my parents for not raising me right (because they did! Thanks Ma and Pa) or the lord for what I have done. All me baby! I am responsible for my actions. You are responsible for your actions.

Whether it was Trump or Harris that won the election, don’t let them stop what you are pursuing in life. Don’t let them be the decision to your life outcome. Don’t hate because someone don’t believe in the same thing you do. Please do not use the scriptures as a weapon towards one another. Use it towards the devil! He is causing this and we need to come together and put him in his place!

So when you sit down and get ready to right something on social media about how the next 4 years are going to be so bad and horrific, do this for me, look around you, look at your stuff, peak out your window and look at your ride outside. If you’re a family man, look at your wife and children… All this was you man! Not one political leader got that stuff for you. You did it all! You made your own choice and followed your heart. “Oh, but the grass is greener on the other side!” you say. Stop it! Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses! Keep up with your own life. The harder you work, the more things you can reward yourself with. FYI, all that stuff stays here you know.

Bottom line, keep working hard and loving our lord. If you have no trust in our lord, I will still love you! I will believe that one day you will and when you do, you’ll feel better. I know, I was a non believer. I made my choice. Now it’s up to you. Love you!

Finding Unity in Faith, No Matter the Election Outcome

For my blog this week I chose to write it early. For me, today is Election Day, and while I’m writing this with the final results still up in the air, I’m aware that by the time you read it, the votes will be counted. Some of us may be celebrating, while others might be feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. Whichever camp you’re in, here’s a reminder: our work to make this country better doesn’t end with who wins; it starts with us and, even more importantly, our faith.

A healthy faith in Jesus grounds us, bringing hope and peace even when life feels uncertain. If you’re finding it hard to stay calm with all the division we’ve seen, take a step back. Spend time in prayer, or crack open your Bible—try reading passages that focus on peace, strength, and love, like Philippians 4:6-7 or John 16:33. God’s Word can help us find stability, reminding us that Jesus is constant, even when our world feels shaky.

It’s okay to feel disappointment if your candidate didn’t win. But let’s remember that Jesus calls us to trust in Him above all. Use this moment as a chance to lean into your faith. Reach out to others who might be feeling the same way. Talk it through, pray together, and remind each other of God’s bigger plan. Connecting with a church group or close friends can be a powerful way to move through that sense of loss with encouragement and perspective.

Finally, no matter what, let’s strive for unity. Division is a natural part of politics, but as followers of Christ, we’re called to be peacemakers. Let’s work toward a place where we support each other in faith, knowing that our ultimate leader is Christ. We can agree to disagree respectfully, we can care for one another with compassion, and, through it all, we can let our actions reflect the love of Jesus.

Whether today feels like a win or a loss for you, let's remember the goal of unity in the faith. We have the chance to stand together as a church, as a community, and as a country. Try also spending time with the youth. They, after all, are the future of this country. Let’s show them that us “old people” can be a shining example of unity! God Bless America!

Give Thanks

In Luke 17 we read of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem where he is approached by 10 lepers who want to be healed. Jesus' instructions are for them to go present themselves to the priests and as they leave to do so they are healed. What an amazing sight that must have been. As Jesus moved on, one leper returned to say “Thank you”. Ten were healed, however, only one returned to convey their thankfulness. How often do we find ourselves in situations such as this? Yes, we are busy, yes, life is complicated, the excuses are endless. How often do we forget to THANK YOU for all we have and those around us? How often do we forget to thank God?

Max Lucado is a preacher in San Antonio, Texas and prolific Christian author. He shares about living as an American in Brazil. One day, as he was walking along the street on his way to the University to teach a class, he felt a tug on his pants leg. Turning around, he saw a little boy about 5 or 6 years old with dark beady eyes and a dirty little face. The little boy looked up at the big American and said, "Bread, Sir." He was a little beggar boy and Lucado said, "There are always little beggar boys in the streets of Brazil. Usually, I turn away from them because there are so many, and you can't feed them all. But there was something so compelling about this little boy that I couldn't turn away. So, taking his hand, I said, `Come with me' and I took him into a coffee shop." Max told the owner, "I'll have a cup of coffee and give the boy a piece of pastry...whatever he wants." Since the coffee counter was at the other end of the store, Max walked on and got a cup of coffee, forgetting about the little boy because beggar boys usually get the bread and then run back out into the street and disappear. But this one didn't. After he got his pastry, he went over to the big American and just stood there until Lucado felt his staring eyes. Lucado said, "I turned and looked at him. Standing up, his eyes just about hit my belt buckle. Then slowly his eyes came up until they met mine. The little boy, holding his pastry in one hand, looked up and said, 'Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.'" Lucado said, "I was so touched by the boy's thanks that I would have bought him the store. I sat there for another 30 minutes, late for my class, just thinking about a little beggar boy who came back and said, `Thank you.'"

This lad had an attitude of thankfulness, and it was expressed. If we have this attitude, it will show. We will be expressive; we will be praising God; we will have joy in our hearts. Let your attitude of thankfulness show today and every day. Thanks be to God!

800 Beds

Navarre United Methodist Church and Sleep in Heavenly Peace: A Partnership of Love

At Navarre United Methodist Church, we believe in serving our community with the love of Christ. One of the ways we’re putting our faith into action is through our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no child has to sleep on the floor. Their mission is straightforward and powerful: "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town."

Founded by Luke Mickelson in 2012, SHP began as a small project in a garage and has grown into a worldwide movement. With over 300 chapters in 44 states and operations in four countries, SHP is bringing hope to families in need—one bed at a time. We’re proud to be part of that mission, and we’re making a real difference right here in Navarre and in our county.

A Community in Action

Our journey with SHP started in 2023, and the partnership has been nothing short of amazing. Last weekend, NUMC volunteers helped the SHP Pensacola chapter deliver their 800th bed! Can you imagine the joy on those children's faces? Getting a new bed is life-changing for kids who have spent countless nights sleeping on the floor or on a couch.

These beds aren’t just places to sleep—they’re symbols of care, security, and dignity. And the best part is that we can all be a part of it. Whether you’re handy with tools or not, SHP has a place for you to serve. You don’t need special skills or tools—SHP provides all the necessary materials and training. All you need is a willing heart and the desire to make a difference!

We’re also excited to announce that two more bed-building events are planned on our campus in 2025. These build days bring together our church family in such a meaningful way. It’s a chance to roll up our sleeves, work side by side, and know that we’re doing something tangible to help children in our community.

How You Can Get Involved

There are plenty of ways for everyone at NUMC to get involved in this vital work. If you’ve wanted to lend a hand but weren’t sure how SHP makes it easy. As we mentioned, you don’t need any special skills or equipment—show up with a heart to serve, and SHP will train you on the spot. From sanding and assembling bed frames to delivering the finished products to families, there’s a role for everyone.

If building and delivering isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference. Consider donating new bedding or making a financial contribution. For just $20 a month, you can join the Bunkhead Club, and your recurring donation will cover the cost of one complete bed by the end of the year—mattress, bedding, pillow, and all. You can do that here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EKHPFHJN4X2KW

Every contribution counts. Together, we can provide children with a safe, comfortable place to sleep, bringing them the gift of rest and the comfort of knowing they are loved.

The Power of Partnership

Our partnership with SHP is more than just a service project—it’s an extension of our mission to love our neighbors. By building and delivering beds, we’re showing the love of Christ in a practical way. It’s incredible to think about how something as simple as a bed can profoundly impact a child’s life.

When we partner with SHP, we’re not just building furniture; we’re building hope. Each bed delivered represents a child who can now sleep peacefully, knowing they are valued and cared for. And in serving these children, we’re serving Christ Himself, as Matthew 25:40 reminds us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our upcoming bed builds in 2025, we’re eager to see even more of our NUMC family get involved. Whether you’re donating your time, talent, or treasure, this ministry has a place for you. Stay tuned for more details about our next build days, and let’s keep the momentum going as we work to ensure that no child in Navarre has to sleep on the floor.

Let’s continue to be Christ's hands and feet in this important work. Together, we can ensure that every child knows they are loved, valued, and safe.

If you or a family you know needs a bed, you can apply for one here:

https://shpbeds.org/apply/

God bless,

Christine