I am believing God that 2009 will be the greatest year of ministry HPC has ever seen!  A great year is made of great months–great months are the result of amazing weeks and days that are ultimately found in incredible moments.  It is in our commitment to these little moments that we discover our destiny.  In over a decade of ministry experience, I am learning everybody wants to do BIG things for God, but few are willing to do the LITTLE things for Him.

Small things can be a big deal.  Take a tiny pebble, put it in your shoe and walk on it all day…it will shut down your entire world!  Text your spouse in the middle of the day, “I miss you like crazy”…it will open up a whole new world!  It’s amazing what a card, smile, compliment, lunch, or encouraging word can do.  Can you think of a time when you overlooked something small and it cost you big-time?

Small things are a big deal to our Savior.  Just ask the widow woman who put 2 pennies in the offering plate, or the servant who buried his 1 talent.  Jesus said, “If you are faithful in the little things, I will make you ruler over many.”  Don’t let small foxes spoil big vines of opportunity this year.  Make a daily commitment of excellence to the little things, and you just may experience the best year of your life!

We started 2009 by loading up the kids and rolling out to one of the most exciting, sought-after spots in the U.S.–the huge metropolis of Turkey Creek, LA.  Rachel’s Gram-Gram lives in this hidden gem tucked away near Bayou Chico, Bunkie and Ville Platt.  I love it because it’s a world that moves at a different pace with a culture all its own.  We ate squirrel gumbo, rode tractors, explored junked cars, chased chickens, moo-ed at cows, shot guns, and exchanged knives.  You can’t go to a Messer family gathering without walking away with some kind of weapon–if you’re not armed when you get there, you’re definitely dangerous when you leave!

Before Alexa was born, over 11 years ago, I was involved in a near fatal car crash–a dump truck turned me into Mr. Potato Head by removing my nose from my face.  My little ‘88 Dodge Omni was folded up like an accordion, and it is still in Gram-Gram’s junkyard today!  I wanted to show the kids my car and tell them of the accident, but in order to get there we had to walk through the field of cows and chickens.  The field was a landmine full of cow-patties and chicken-droppings, so I cautioned the kids to be very careful.  “Stay by me and watch where I walk, ” I warned them.  “I’m walking in your steps, Daddy,” Alexa responded, “so I won’t get into poo-poo.”

What a powerful thought:  when we watch the Father and walk where He leads us, we can avoid the droppings and patties the devil tries to set in our path.  I’ve been in a lot of messy situations that totally stink, and most of the time it’s because I took my eyes off the Father.  Let’s determine to follow God faithfully this year and be devoted to His Word.  He will keep us clean and make the journey a whole lot more enjoyable.

I thought this picture of Trevor was hilarious–seems like he finds his feet very appetizing!  It made me think of all of the times that I have run my mouth, only to stick my foot in it.  Too many times I have opened my mouth before engaging my brain.  Words seem to spill out before wisdom can catch up.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us the power of life and death is held in the tongue.  Let’s make a decision to use our words carefully in 2009 and speak life and blessing to those around us.

Normally a room full of Hamans means one thing: DRAMA! This year our family Christmas gathering was quite different: low-maintenance and easy to enjoy. I fried my first turkey—a miracle in itself—and we read of the birth of our Savior as we rehearsed the blessings of 2008. After struggling for 6 hours trying to assemble an outdoor basketball goal, I’ve finally been able to re-live the glory days of my career at Louisiana College—I’m legendary in Pineville. In fact, the older I get, the better I was!

With the start of a new year, many people are looking forward to new opportunities. My heart has been filled with so much excitement and anticipation as I think about the possibilities of 2009. As you close this chapter in your life and start another, my prayer for you is simple: Live large! When you let others create your world for you, they will always create it too small. Don’t get boxed in by the expectations of what someone else thinks you should do. You serve an incredibly big God, and He wants you to experience the freedom of living life as large as His dreams for you. Determine not to settle for anything less.

Ephesians 3:20 says “Now glory be to God? By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

I love Christmas and the simple message that comes with it…all people matter to God; so much that He came to Earth to demonstrate His unfailing love. Our heart and passion at Healing Place Church is simple too…to be a healing place for a hurting world. This Christmas we were able share this with families, single moms, widows, the poor, individuals struggling through hardship, high school and college students, and many others in our community. All of this took place through many different environments over the past several weeks.

Just this past weekend, thousands of people were reached and served through outreaches at our Baton Rouge Dream Center, Donaldsonville Dream Center and St. Amant Campus. We gave away over two thousand Christmas gifts, served a lot of Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches, played games, and shared the simple Christmas message.

Last Wednesday night, our High School students gathered for a Twisted Christmas Party…”Iced Out”. The focus of the night was to celebrate the offering that the students donated to help aid the Christmas parties for our Children’s Cup Care Points. It is honor to see the next generation passionately give to the Kingdom, and share the gift of Christmas with those in need.