As the wind whistles through the trees 
So does the breath of God
As the shining sun wraps its warmth among the earth
So does the welcoming spirit of God
As rain pours from the clouds above
So does the compassion of God 
As the Spring flowers blossom showing their vibrant colors 
So does the creativeness of God 
As the stars sparkle in the night sky showcasing the universe
So does the infiniteness of God 
As a smile tenderly lightens another's face
So does the goodness of God
As our hearts reach out to those who are neglected, unheard, and outcast
So does the love of God 
As the world continues to work toward peace
So does the harmonious nature of God 
Let us breathe deeply and know God is with us 
For God is in all things 

May you find God wherever you are today!

This week please sit and thank God for the beautiful creation around you! 

Each year we get to journey onward following the Christmas star. This year like others is an opportunity for each of us to seek again for something more in our lives. For a moment, you can set aside whatever you have faced as you embrace the Christmas story. As you search, recognize the joy there is in being on the journey, the path you have taken. Recognize the people you encounter and those traveling with you. Yes there might be regrets, roads we wish we would have traveled but none of that matters as we look upon the Christ child. All that remains is joy. Joy for the love and grace shown to us. As the advent season ends, let that joy wash over you as you realize God is with us. Be Joyful and bask in the light of Emmanuel.


Watch this inspirational Christmas video about the joy we find in the journey to the manger. 

Merry Christmas!  I pray that each of you have a wonderful Christmas!  

This week reach out to others during the holiday season and share the joy you have.  

My grandfather Virgil Billings was a minister for the Community of Christ 50 years ago. Growing up I heard many stories about his ministry and interactions with others. One that always stuck to me was his time spent in southern Indiana.  


He traveled to the area for a sermon series which included visiting members homes. One family in particular farmed watermelons. The husband was not a church goer but supported his wife attending. During the visit my grandfather spent a lot of time with the man talking about his farming and various other interests.

​​My grandfather told him, "In Texas they only grow the watermelon seeds on one side of the watermelon." The man looked in astonishment at my grandfather and eventually asked how.  My grandfather with a sheepish grin replied, "They grow them on the inside." The two laughed at the joke. My grandfather invited him to come to church the next night and left to visit another family.  


To my grandfather's surprise the man came the next evening. The man was focused intently on what was being preached and as my grandfather finished his sermon the man shouted for his attention, "Minister, Minister do you know how to get water inside watermelons?" My grandfather saw the proud look on the man's face and said, "No". The man shouted, "You grow them in the spring."  

The farmer's entire reason for attendance was to tell the joke to my grandfather. Something transpired in their conversations, a relationship was sparked, and humor brought it all together. Sometimes we get so caught up in our traditional ways of sharing God that we miss at the basis of every relationship is mutual respect and enjoyment for each other. Humor in this situation was what made all the difference.

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Let's look closer at how humor ties us together and can open us up for further relationship. And does God have a sense of humor?

The Power of Humor

We can find humor in just about every aspect of life if we look. Obviously not every situation calls for it but many are eased when we allow humor to be present. Laughter not only puts us in a good mood but has tons of health benefits. This article "Stress Relief from Laughter" from the Mayo Clinic indicates laughter soothes tension, stimulates organs, improves immune system, relieves pain, and relaxes your stress response system. Overall it allows us to relax our defense mechanisms and be open and present to the world around us. 

Another research study suggests that those who laugh together have stronger bonds.  The study "How Laughter Brings Us Together" discusses how laughter is a social glue that connects others and helps share worldviews. Our quality of life improves when we are able to laugh because we ultimately are connecting with people.  


If you are looking for more information about how humor increases positive relationships and leadership check out this tedx video by Paul Osincup. Trust me its entertaining, funny, and yet informative.  ​

If you need a short clip to laugh about the funniness of relationships check out this 2 minute bit by Comedian Steve Rizzo.  

If God created us as him/her self than ultimately humor is one of the characteristics of God. Rarely do we talk about the funny things life presents in church or from the pulpit. If laughter truly has these amazing health benefits listed above and helps us connect with each other shouldn't it be something we are more intentional about.  


A spiritual life is about being filled with joy and what more joy can you get than laughter. Kids in particular have a keen sense of humor, contagious laughter, and the ability to find the funny in mundane things. Kids mask that quality God has created in them. Maybe we should look closer at our children and try to catch a glimpse of their humor. 

If you want to learn more about the Community of Christ please contact us as we would love to talk with you.  

This week pick out a joke online someplace to use with people you interact with.