Christmas and bears

Hey everybody! The snow has melted but we are still feeling the Christmas cheer here in California, as we drive with our windows down and feel the warmth of the sun on our faces (did you know Redding is #2 on the list of sunniest cities in America??). We had a tree-lighting service at Bethel during the winter blast, which really made things feel Christmasy:

A bundled up Jeremy Riddle led us in some carols

Then today I went with some friends to a nursing home, where we got to spread some joy by singing carols. They were very appreciative and said we did bring cheer to their environment, which they don't always get to experience. It was a great way to pour out love, which actually makes room for us to receive more love in return. It's a nice little cycle.

Earlier this week we had an Encounter Day, which was basically a small personal retreat followed by a time of worship and sharing with our core group. If you're confused about the seemingly endless list of groups, we have revival groups (70 people), core groups (20 people), and small groups (5 people). So for my encounter I went with my small group leader to Whiskeytown lake and hiked on the trail:

The actual lake is much bigger. This is more like a creek on the side

Right when we got there, we saw some fresh BEAR tracks in the snow! At least we thought they were bear tracks. But I'm no doctor...

I was scared, I'll admit it. All alone on the trail, my imagination running more wild than anything I came in contact with. I thought about how the bears are probably eating more now to prepare for their winter hibernation. But then I realized that if I'm living my life on a mission towards a vision, I shouldn't be scared of death in any way, because I'll only get as much accomplished on earth as I have days given to me. And God will provide for what needs to happen.

I think this is choice we simply have to make before we get into a difficult situation. Much like "Will I defend Jesus if someone I respect mocks him?" or "Will I worship Jesus even when I don't feel close to him?" That last one is a toughie because it's so easy for me to be led by my feelings. Feelings make a great thermometer for how things are going inside, but they make a terrible master.

That's all for now. 3 days of school this week and then I'll be back on a plane to Cincy :)

For your Christmas enjoyment, my favorite carol - O Holy Night sung by Josh Groban