As many of you guys may know when you’re smoking meat you have to monitor it closely
throughout the process. Holding temperatures within a certain window for a certain amount of
time ensures you achieve the best result possible. During my Thanksgiving morning smoke I
had a lot of time to relax and think. After facing the frustrating fact that all the extended family
would not be coming this year I settled into reflecting about how truly thankful I am despite my
expectations of the perfect Thanksgiving day. It was interesting how my emotions began to
shift and I felt excited about enjoying this day with just my immediate family. Smelling that
aromatic citrus-based turkey as it smoked to perfection helped lift my spirits, I’m sure. To my
surprise, I ended up really enjoying the day and appreciated the “break from tradition” this year.It wasn’t what I wanted, it wasn’t what I expected, but it turns out...it was what I needed.
Anywho...as we move towards the Christmas season in the weeks to come the cold hard fact
is there might not be a major shift in the Covid crisis. Unfortunately, this means our Christmas
will likely look similar to our Thanksgiving...which is obviously different from last Christmas.
Considering this reality, we can choose how we respond to the cultural climate. You are in
control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. But it might be helpful to remind ourselves of
the fact that we DON”T control the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others. I’ve had my share
of debate, disagreements, and head-shaking with others over the past months and the one
thing I know for sure is it didn’t really change anything. People are going to believe what they
want to believe and do what they want to do. We don’t need a pandemic to confirm that. But if I can keep myself in check and respect the position of others, especially if I don’t agree with
them, then things can go a bit smoother while navigating through these coming months.
My hope for you guys is that you choose to lead with your words and actions during these
trying times. When it’s easy to get swept away in the undercurrent of petty arguing, whether it
be political, cultural, or theological, choose to pause and consider if the conversation or social
media post is truly worthwhile. Will it merit your input? Will it lift, inspire, and encourage? Is it
wisdom or opinion? This is not suggesting you not engage but rather consider HOW you
engage.
As we approach the end of another year I’m both reflective and hopeful. I encourage you to do the same. There’s much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to. Take advantage of this time to grow deeper with God and your immediate family. Make a concentrated effort to reflect on the true meaning of this time of year...the birth of the Savior. And for this, a weary world can rejoice! Reality check...It's (still) the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas Gentlemen and as always Godspeed to you all!!
Chad
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Calendar of Events
**IMPORTANT**
Chill Night Family Style - CANCELLED
Due to the uptick in coronavirus cases and the approaching Christmas season with families
hoping to spend time together, my wife and I feel it would be more responsible to keep
everyone distanced in order to better the chances that families can spend Christmas with
family. I understand this may be a disappointment to some of you, it certainly is to us. But as I
shared in my thoughts above I’m choosing to be respectful of the situation and err on the side
of caution, especially during this holiday season. We hope to resume our Chill Nights in the
new year as we monitor the effects of the virus. Thank you for understanding.
Bourbon Trip - POSTPONED TBA
Unfortunately, another casualty as a result of the uptick in coronavirus cases nationwide. We
have been in contact with those in Kentucky within the tourist industry (distilleries, hotels,
restaurants) and they are telling us things are very limited at best. Considering the logistics
involved in this trip we feel it would not be accommodating to what we would like to
accomplish. Therefore, we are keeping the trip in our sights but cannot confirm a date at this
time.
MANTIME Annual Event - TBA
Although this event takes place in April and, for the most part, takes place outside we are
moving with caution to definitively set this event in stone. We will monitor our state’s
regulations and do our best to give ample time to plan ahead. Obviously, our hopes are high
that we will be able to have MANTIME.
NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH & ENCOURAGEMENT
Many of you know my good friend Tim Willard...Doctor Tim Willard, that is! Tim is an author
and speaker and MANTIME alumni. Several years back he was one of our speakers for MANTIME and has been an invaluable resource for me as I continue to grow MANTIME.
Tim has just released a superb online subscription opportunity for men to receive a daily dose of thoughtful, encouraging, yet provoking spiritual insight. It's called THE GRIT and I believe it's just what every man needs. It's $6.99 a month...that's chump change for most of us compared to what other things we unknowingly spend our money on. But right now he has an introductory special of 30% off. YES...this is a plug for you to "purchase" something. But this something could open a door for you each day to hear God speak into your life. Give it a try I'll bet you'll like it. Find out more HERE