A New Christmas Eve

So, I'm blogging on Christmas Eve.....should I feel depressed about that? I'm actually just trying to give everyone an update on the "newness" of North Carolina. I had a conversation the other day about how different it is being away from home for the holidays. It's not that things are so different as it is that I am in a different place geographically. Truthfully, it's sort of cool being in new surroundings at a very familiar time of year. I mean, I've lived through 31 Christmas Eve's in my life - but I've never lived through a North Carolinian Christmas. So, really - I get to experience the lights and festivities of a completely new geographical location as opposed to seeing the same houses in our old neighborhood with the same lights and wreaths. It's not so bad. There's a different type of chill in the air that I've never really experienced before. A slightly similar temperature yet with a unique and genuine scent. It's almost like an old sweater you find while cleaning out your attic that you recognize from a few years ago. You put it on and it's familiar - but you hadn't worn it in so long it feels like a brand new shirt. That's sort of like how it is being away from home this time of year. You'd think I'd be depressed and all - when really, it's the same holiday I've experienced 31 times - only in a new location - with my wife, son, and daughter. The familiarity is there - I can feel that...... But, I get to breath in the scent of historical homesteads, 120 foot pine trees, rolling mountains, and feel the chill that will surely bring the year's second snow. I don't know - it's kind of nice.

So, from the Moad Clan in NC to all of you reading: Merry Christmas! And may you never forget the real reason for this blessed season - - Jesus Christ - - and what His birth means for you and me as believers.

- Moad!

When did he turn 6?

My son turns six years old today. Last night, during our bedtime routine, I laid down with him and thought, "Man, when did he get so big?" I still remember him as a toddler, looking up at me with his arms raised, tears in his eyes, longing for his daddy to cure all his ailments and rid him of all his fears. Now, it's like he's a little man! He's in school, he can read, he can even do math. He's independent (other than the times, of course, when he comes downstairs in the middle of the night and curls up between Ashley and me because of a bad dream). His mind is constantly coming up with new scenarios for his Star Wars toys. And he's amazing with Addy. He's a little man! I get so much enjoyment out of watching his little mind work or when he plays with his baby sister. And there is no sound quite like his laugh! I am so proud of him!

Today, we'll play Star Wars a little longer. I'll hug him a little tighter. I'll let him stay up a little later. I'll read him an extra story at bedtime. I'll have him read me an extra story at bedtime. We'll do the things he wants to do a little longer. Because I want him to know - without doubt - how much his daddy loves him! I am so proud of my boy!

The Power of Praise

This last Monday, in my quiet time, I was hit by an eloquent and profound message by David found in Psalm 42. This particular message is one of the chief reasons my wife and I are so passionate about bringing to light what praise can do in the life of believers. As many of you already know, my wife was struck by a terrifying case of dehydration that caused our flight from Fort Smith, AR to Atlanta, GA to make an emergency landing in Memphis, TN on our way en route to visit Rocky Mount, NC back in June of this year. Talk about some scary stuff!

Now, at the beginning of this venture, we knew the Lord was already working in the hearts of many on our behalf – but, that did not stop Satan from sending his agents to infiltrate. Needless to say, we immediately recognized the fact that “Ol’ Red Legs” was hot on our trail and we were not about to allow him to keep us from the prize that Paul writes so eloquently about in Philippians – and so we pressed on. On our third flight that day, as we strolled down the ramp and boarded our plane, we began to sing aloud: “Lord, You are good and Your mercy endures forever. Lord, You are good and mercy endures forever. – We worship You. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” We sang it the entire flight – and sure enough, that flight went off without a hitch! That is the power of praise!

In Psalm 42, David says, “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You….” Basically, what David is saying is: “Lord, I’m hurting. Something’s going on within me that I don’t understand. I’m sad. I feel depressed. I’m alone. But, I will intentionally set my eyes on You, Lord, and praise You regardless of the junk going on.” He goes on to say, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.” David recognizes that, even though he’s hurting (maybe emotionally, spiritually – even physically), the river that flows from the Throne of God contains healing water. And so he knows that regardless of what hurts – with authority given by praising the Name Above ALL Names, healing is found! And so, David finishes his Psalm with these words: “Why so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”

If you're reading this right now, I want to encourage you to set your eyes on the God of Heaven and praise Him unconditionally – regardless of the stuff going on. There are so many times we are relentlessly tempted to give into depression or allow the circumstances to overtake us, rendering us helpless. But, 1 Corinthians 10: 12 – 13 reminds us: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But, when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” So, I say – “Stand up, saints! Stand up in the face of adversity! Stand up in middle of the junk going on! Head straight for the Enemy’s Camp and take back what’s been stolen from you! Take back your joy! Take back prosperity! Take back emotional stability! Take back your health! Take back your peace, comfort, love! And shout at the top of your lungs praises to our King while doing it all!!! Stand up under it, saints, and allow the Lord to work on your behalf.”

And we’ll be right there beside you,
The Moads!