The exhilaration of floating free from earth’s confines in a hot air balloon is almost indescribable. Equally rewarding to me has been serving on a ground crew and balloon chase team with my wife and friends. I look forward to the next BalloonFest.

Some people enjoy the excitement of chasing their dreams; others chase tornadoes, foxes, and some (though illegal and dangerous) chase fire engines. And some enjoy being on a balloon chase crew. But after the initial thrill of ascending in a hot air balloon, I’m content to serve on the ground crew and help others experience the joy of hot air ballooning.

The future looked dim for Alvin and Calvin Harrison. After being evicted from their home, the twins found themselves homeless. For a while, they lived in their mother’s old mustang. They quickly learned how to survive. After experiencing the loneliness of foster care, they finally were able to go live with their grandmother. Perhaps that’s where they first discovered their athletic talent and developed the discipline and determination to go for the gold. In the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Alvin persevered to win the silver in the men’s 400-meter.

Then there was the unbelievable and flashy Michael Johnson, with his golden running shoes, who became the first man ever to win the 400-meter in consecutive Olympics. He has won four Olympic and nine world championship gold medals.

It’s not popular to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. Throughout the centuries of church history, believers have been persecuted and imprisoned for their faith. Even today multitudes of Christians throughout the world are imprisoned for sharing their faith in Christ. Even in Canada preachers are being thrown in jail for preaching the Word of God and taking a stand for righteousness and morality.

Perhaps you are not in a physical prison with iron bars and razor wire, but you know you are bound, chained, and imprisoned by a much crueler captor.

A vast audience tunes in weekly to the hit television comedy “Friends”. Many were sad to see the series come to an end after ten successful seasons. I am not a fan of sitcoms and seldom watch them. But I am intrigued as to why so many people tune in every week to watch “Friends”. Many people have told me that it was funny, creative, with surprising twists, and involved characters who stuck together as friends despite their imperfections.

All people need and desire to have such friends. Aristotle wrote, “Without friendships no one would choose to live, even if they had all other good things in life.”

A promise is only as real and as wonderful as the one who made it. Perhaps you have had someone make a promise to you that you took a “wait and see” attitude toward the promise made. Why? Is it because of that person’s insincerity or untrustworthiness in the past? Perhaps you have been disappointed by unfulfilled or empty promises of a friend, spouse, or loved one. If so, I have good news for you. “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has He said and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV) God not only is totally trustworthy, He has the power to exceedingly and abundantly perform all of His promises. (Ephesians 3:20; II Peter 1:40)

Susan Tom, a single parent of seven adopted children with disabilities, didn’t set out to adopt children with special needs but somehow they found each other. After her divorce, Susan, a mother of four (two biological and two adopted) became a foster parent and soon fell in love with the children no one else wanted. Taking in children with challenges hasn’t been easy. Xenia and Hannah were born with spinal bifida and confined to a wheelchair; Cloe was born unable to bend her elbows and knees and getting around the house is extremely difficult; Katie was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and is mentally challenged; Faith was badly burned as a baby and encounters stares from strangers every day of her life; Margaret was not expected to live because of brain damage.

Bird watching is an interesting hobby. I get excited when I observe an exotic, rare, or large bird. I am in good company – both David and Jesus were bird watchers. But I tend to ignore or take for granted the humble sparrow. A sparrow is perhaps the most ordinary, colorless, and numerous of all bird species. But these common unspectacular birds are hardy, adapt, and thrive in almost any locale and climate.

God takes special interest in the sparrow. Jesus taught us that our heavenly Father takes note of each sparrow that falls to the ground.

Most people in the world seek purpose, success, significance, and love. Each day millions of people hope, covet, and labor to obtain these profound yet elusive ideals. Those who pursue happiness and meaning in life by grasping for riches, fame, or power seldom if ever obtain true contentment and happiness.

Is it possible to have a sense of purpose? To feel special in this world of more than six billion people? To prosper spiritually and financially? God gives us His Word and says, “Yes!”

Every person has a story to tell. We are the richer if we take the time to listen to them. I have been blessed, delighted, and humbled as I hear of the grace and hand of God working in the lives of people.

My friend and brother in Christ, Hugh Blair, went to his eternal reward a few years ago. He had many years of faithfulness to his Lord when he began attending our church with a dear friend. Hugh was a healthy, active farmer for most of his life. He never married and, for almost 91 years, served and trusted God. His last few years were a severe trial for him. Failing eyesight ended his farming and several strokes eventually confined him to a health care center.

Many years ago one of the leading citizens of Centralia, Dr. J. Carl Hall, donated a beautiful and treasured legacy. The land that was donated to the community has been added to and improved by other generous benefactors. This area became known as Foundation Park. The Centralia Foundation endeavors to keep the acres of rolling hills, meadows, woods, ponds, and bubbling streams as close to its natural setting as possible. It is a blessing to able to walk through the park enjoying the Creator and His creation.

December 1, 2006 was ushered in by one of the most damaging storms in about two decades in the Midwest. It rained all night on November 30th. After midnight the temperatures plummeted leaving a thick coat of ice on trees and power lines. By 4:00 am it had begun to snow and the trees and power lines began snapping and falling to the ground. Many parts of Central Illinois would be without power for three days to more than a week.

I was in Decatur when the storm began. I started home at 7:00 am not knowing what was ahead of me.

This spring yellow daffodils pierce winters gloom and song birds arrive to sing their songs and build their nests. Relay for Life committees plan and execute their annual fundraising events to help those fighting cancer.

As one among eight million cancer survivors, I would like to share some lessons in conquering cancer.

First – LIFE IS SHORT – ETERNITY IS SURE. In Christ we can be more than a survivor. We can hang onto God’s promise, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The King James Version says, “We are more than conquerors.” Paul goes on to say, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t and life can’t” (Romans 8:38 NLT).

The hurricane season wreaked havoc along the coastal states this year. Fire and floods devastated many communities. As I viewed the aftermath of various natural disasters on the network news, there seemed to be a reoccurring sentiment from those sifting through the remains of their homes. Many of the survivors lost everything, but most of them stated that their houses and goods could eventually be replaced. What saddened them the most was the cherished treasures that could never be replaced. For some it was wedding and family picture, memorabilia of their children growing up, or family heirlooms that were lost to posterity.

What does the word big bring to your mind? As a child I thought my hometown was big. I now marvel at how small it seems. I thought my dad was big, but I soon became taller than he was. A baby sitter once told me that I was “too big for my britches”. It was only later that I realized that her statement was not a compliment. Sometimes big is a matter of perspective.

Each Sunday at the Murray Center church service we sing a favorite children’s chorus “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”. God is so big that He holds the whole world in His hands. (See Psalm 89, 93, and 95.) Yet so big in love and mercy that He comes to live in our hearts. (See Revelation 3:20.)

We were having a great time at Centralia’s Hot Air Balloon Fest this year. Our grandchildren were enjoying the activities in the children’s area. While we were waiting for the kids, we had a good visit with our friend Paul, president of a local bank. That’s when God used Paul to give me a serendipitous word.

Paul told us about giving his young grandson a ride on his Honda motorcycle. His grandson was thrilled. After they had returned home, his mother asked if he had a great time. “Oh, it was beyond great!” his grandson exclaimed. Sometimes there are just not enough superlatives to fully describe something, is there?

Many cultures have differing versions of the myth of the Phoenix Bird. The Phoenix stood as a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and life after death. The Phoenix was said to be of breathtaking beauty and its feathers were composed of fire. It was also said to have lived from 500 – 1,461 years. Interestingly Hesiod said that the Phoenix lived 952 generations of 33 years each. When it neared death it built a pyre of myrrh and other spices and set its own fire and is burned by the fire. The new Phoenix arises from the ashes. Some legends tell of the Phoenix rising from the ashes after three days.

A few weeks ago someone posed the question “Are we having fun yet?” to me. Many people don’t enjoy life. God wants us to celebrate and enjoy the journey of life. You may gasp at the thought, but God wants us to have fun. I believe God had fun creating the world. After each creation event in the book of beginnings, Genesis, we read, “And God saw that it was good”. Many Christians are on their way to heaven but few seem to be enjoying the trip. Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10 Amplified Bible).

I like newness. New things give us a certain feel, a certain excitement. I like a new ink pen, a new notebook or journal, the smell of a new car, a new calendar, a new Bible, new potatoes, the wonder of a new born baby, and a brand new year, to name a few. What are some new things that you enjoy? Perhaps you have made some New Year resolutions or set new goals. Unfortunately many New Year resolutions are broken and new things wear off or get old. But the new things that God gives are eternal. Let’s consider some new things that God gives. They are inexhaustible.

Many senior citizens feel forsaken and forgotten by family and friends. Seniors struggle with poor health and age related issues. Our neighborhoods and nursing homes are full of seniors who face a sense of loneliness and abandonment. But the Psalmist gives us hope and comfort from God’s Word. “O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection . . . I declare your glory all day long. And now in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing” (Psalm 71:5-9 NLT). (Psalm 73:23-26)

“Mary” was harried and hurried when I met her that cold and wet December morning. “Have a Merry Christmas!” I exclaimed as I held the door open for her as she exited the store. “What’s so merry about it?” she sighed. “My husband is laid off, we have very little money for Christmas, and I just locked my keys in the car.” “Marvin’s” face lit up as we sang Christmas Carols at the nursing home where he lives in a tiny, dimly lit room with a roommate who is hard of hearing and on oxygen. Marvin seldom has visitors.

As I wished my friend a “Happy and prosperous new year”, I thought about what he had been through the past year. Could I really believe that the New Year would be happy and prosperous for him? Was my wishing people a “Happy New Year” just a trite greeting, an illusionary wish? Many people are facing the New Year with tragedy, terror, taxes, and trillions of dollars of national and world debt. But there is hope for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!