“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

I am an adventurer at heart. I love a new challenge. In 18 years of living with my Mom and Dad, we moved to four different places. In 38 years of marriage, the lovely Debbie and I have moved to 16 different places. My life has been one of constant motion, change, and new beginnings. Everytime we decide to move to another place, I get excited to see what God will do, who are the people I will meet, etc.

For those of you who have lived in one place all of your life, perhaps you can relate to my thrill of moving if you have ever gone on a vacation to a place such as Hawaii or Disney World. Can you remember the anticipation that coursed through your entire body as your departure grew closer? Can you remember the thrill of your expectations? That is kind of how it is for me everytime my wife and I move.

As I get older (I’m 57), I’m finding that my desire to move and see new and different places is not as great of a desire as it once was. I am enjoying pastoring Lewisville Baptist Church and hope to remain here for many more years. However, I am also finding my desire increasing for a different kind of move. I can honestly say that I look forward, with increasing excitement, to the day when my soul leaves this earthly body and goes to heaven. When I say this to most people, they give me a funny look like I’m crazy.

For the longest time, I couldn’t understand why Paul would write in Phil. 1:21 that to die is gain. How can death be gaining anything? But now I understand and honestly believe that the death of my earthly body is my entrance into a wonderful eternity in the presence of my savior, the Lord Jesus. For me, death is the final move to a place that is better than anything I can imagine (1 Cor. 2:9). It’s going to be better than a trip to Disney World, better than watching the most exciting football game ever, better than the catching the biggest fish, better than the best hour of life ever spent on planet earth.

Since I know that heaven is going to be so good, then why should I dread it? Why should I avoid talking about it? Why should I ignore it? Why should I not think about it? Many people, Christians included, say that to speak of death is too morbid of a subject and they try to change it, the subject, that is. According to Hebrews 2:14-15, if we belong to Christ, we have been released from the bondage of the fear of death.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15

If the aforementioned scriptures are true, then why do we not live like they are true? Why do we fear death? Why are we not truly looking forward with eager anticipation our homegoing to heaven?

Is it possible that we believe about heaven with our head but not with our heart? Is it possible that we do not wholly and completely trust that what the Bible says is true? When we speak one way and live another, are we faithful witnesses of Christ? If we still live in fear of death, are we not trusting in Christ alone?

My eager anticipation of my earthly death and heavenly arrival does not mean that I seek to hasten my departure prematurely. It is not my choice to determine when and how I will leave my earthly body. That is God’s domain, not mine. Thus, I remain in this body seeking to follow where God leads and do what He wants me to do irregardless of place, position, or protection. But I can’t hardly wait to go to be with Jesus. It’s going to be the ultimate adventure.

Just in time for 2009: the Sarah Palin appropriately numbered 13-month calendar, featuring Alaska’s governor and her family on every page. Think about it — you can spend every single day of 2009 discovering a different aspect of Sarah’s life, spotlighted in each of the 50 photos.

Palin pal “professional photographer Judy Patrick, a long time resident of Wasilla, Alaska” took the shots. Isn’t it amazing how many talented people spring from Wasilla? By now, each of the nearly 8,000 residents must have exceeded his or her 15 minutes of fame.

Those who bought the calendar on Amazon are thrilled. Many comments sound like they were written by Sarah herself.

“The calendar includes pictures of the entire family, and I think even some from that big snowmobile race Todd Palin does every year! I’m so excited about it, I’m buying more to send to family and friends! What a great gift! And what a great woman that Sarah Palin is!”

“This calendar is more spectacular that I could have imagined. The photos are beautiful and outside the political realm. It shows Sarah and her family enjoying the great outdoors. What a beautiful family those Palins! I highly recommend this calendar to anyone who loves Sarah. To those non-supporters, you would enjoy the calendar for its picturesque shots of the great

Doubt it. Here’s my favorite comment, a nonsensical rant that ends on a high note. A complete non sequitur, but a high note all the same.

“To those big libs who is fortunate to have the calendar , hold on to it , Remember her Kawasaki eyeglass ? You will be lucky if you can buy it for a thousand . I can’t understand why big lib goes apoplyctic and berserk with Sarah Palin . You need to examine your heads…You critisized everything she does including clothes… I have no problem sending campaign money for her dress allowance and she should be allowed to keep it too. Sarah Palin is our star and beautiful and the lib can’t stand it…In reality , she is a woman of modest means and if she can improve her situation then more power to her…I say to all libs- MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. let’s live in peaceful

Of course, not all those who considered the purchase were fans.

“Can this calendar be used for toilet paper, because I just ran out of my John McCain election mailings??? ”

“Who on earth buys this? Did any of you hear the Katie Couric interviews? This person is severely mentally challenged. There may be conservative heroes out there worthy of admiration, but folks, Caribou Barbie ain’t it.”

Oh well. For the non-admirers, there’s always the Barack Obama 2009 calendar. Showing a full 16 months, it’s a much better buy.

This is for all those people wanting to end relationships and start a new one. Divorce really an be a viable option. Here are a few things to consider…

I would encourage everyone to start the new year with a new spouse. There is something about the beginning of the years that makes most of want a new beginning. So why not just go ahead and get that divorce and start over. But here is the thing, don’t divorce your spouse, just the habits…
1. You can start a new year with a new spouse by leaving behind the old things that have troubled your marriage.
2. Divorce yourself from all habits that are destructive to keeping a good relationship.
3. Divorce yourself from all thoughts that make you think negatively about your spouse.
4. Divorce yourself from all people that suggest maybe another person would make you happier.
5.Use the new year as a springboard for change.
6. Use the new year as an endpoint for old ways that have not been good.
7. Purpose in the new year to work together, yield more to honesty in the relationship and communications.
8. Use the new year as a measuring stick, as in by the end of this year we will…
9. Purpose that what you start on January 1 will continue each day.
10. Purpose to allow God to help your marriage in the new year. There is truth to the saying that a persons that pray together stay together.

Have a blessed New Year as you start the New Year with you new and improved spouse.