Things I am thankful for…
I am thankful for my wonderful family.
I am thankful for good health.
I am thankful for meaningful work.
I am thankful for friends who really are.
I am thankful for opportunities to share with others in what I know to be life transforming ways.
I am thankful for the joy of sharing in the lives of children.
I am thankful for the wisdom that God allows me to understand.
I am thankful for good books, good food, and good times.
I am thankful for the beauty of God’s creation.
I am thankful for joy in the midst of challenges.
I am thankful for kindness and generosity and excellence whenever I experience it and see it shared.
I am thankful for those who make a good and vibrant community possible by their investments in the lives of others: police officers, medical personnel, firemen, teachers, sanitation workers, artists, poets, musicians, postal workers and the host of those who prepare meals, drive buses, coach little league and volunteer.
I am thankful for my church and its influence for good, its witness to faith in Jesus Christ, and its commitments to sharing the Gospel in countless avenues of ministry and service.
I am thankful for a relationship with my Lord that has transformed every day of my life in distinctive and continuing ways.
I am thankful for God’s abiding, unfailing, and amazing love.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Now Just A Second...
The U.S. Naval Observatory is going to add a leap second to the world’s clocks at 23
hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 31,
2008. This corresponds to 6:59:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one second.
Maybe we could have guessed that we needed more time in this year to figure out how to work on some of the problems that have cropped up for so many. Maybe it has been a matter of people making split second decisions that went wrong. Perhaps some should have waited for the leap second to decide and perhaps a better outcome might have been decided.
While the effect of a leap second may be small from our perspective, just how long does it take to correct an error of judgment, a moral failure, or an ethical misstep? How long does it take to rebuild a reputation, to generate goodwill after a broken relationship, to promote a positive upbuilding agenda after a dismal failure? The time it takes for that always is longer than a leap second, but a leap second certainly won’t hurt us any, if it will give us another moment to consider our need for a greater source of help than our own often wayward thinking. We need the wisdom of heaven, the truth that endures forever, the way of redemption and the promise of hope. We need Jesus and in Him there is life and life abundant. Take a leap second and consider that.
hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 31,
2008. This corresponds to 6:59:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one second.
Maybe we could have guessed that we needed more time in this year to figure out how to work on some of the problems that have cropped up for so many. Maybe it has been a matter of people making split second decisions that went wrong. Perhaps some should have waited for the leap second to decide and perhaps a better outcome might have been decided.
While the effect of a leap second may be small from our perspective, just how long does it take to correct an error of judgment, a moral failure, or an ethical misstep? How long does it take to rebuild a reputation, to generate goodwill after a broken relationship, to promote a positive upbuilding agenda after a dismal failure? The time it takes for that always is longer than a leap second, but a leap second certainly won’t hurt us any, if it will give us another moment to consider our need for a greater source of help than our own often wayward thinking. We need the wisdom of heaven, the truth that endures forever, the way of redemption and the promise of hope. We need Jesus and in Him there is life and life abundant. Take a leap second and consider that.
The Clutter Rule
I heard of a family that made a point of every Thanksgiving going through their home and belongings and identifying all the things that needed to be “purged” for the year. Some obviously was for disposal by recycling, others were useful items gifted to charities, some were shared with family and friends -- items that were outgrown or gently used. In addition, they then went and bought new things to give for local charities as part of their “Thanksgiving” tradition. Such a pattern would be helpful tradition for many households in removing the clutter that so easily takes over and in turn recognizing the ways in which your abundance can be of benefit to others.
As we continue in this Christmas season, consider some uncluttering opportunities that may arise for your household. Consider donating useful items in creative ways that bless others. Give joyfully. Give thanks often. And when you are offered gifts…graciously receive them in the knowledge of God’s great gift to you –the gift of His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we continue in this Christmas season, consider some uncluttering opportunities that may arise for your household. Consider donating useful items in creative ways that bless others. Give joyfully. Give thanks often. And when you are offered gifts…graciously receive them in the knowledge of God’s great gift to you –the gift of His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Your Faith Has Made You Well
Jesus spoke those words on more than one occasion as he extended the healing of God’s provision to those who came to him seeking relief from physical struggles. As one of ten lepers who had been healed returned to offer thanks, Jesus told him to “Get up” and “go on your way; your faith has made you well.” This man had discovered his reason for rejoicing in more than a physical return to health, but in a relationship that established his future in more profound ways as one who had confidence and hope in the knowledge that Jesus had healed him. Trusting expectation and plea had led to physical healing, but a response of faith in praise and thanksgiving was a recognition of blessing from God. That kind of faith restores in ways that far exceed a measure of physical health alone.
Persons of faith, who hold an abiding trust in God, who offer Him their praises and thanks… discover the joys of a daily journey with Him. To know Jesus as your Lord brings a joy that extends far beyond the limits of a crippled body or a failing heart or weakened lungs. It brings the peace of God with us…come what may…forever.
Persons of faith, who hold an abiding trust in God, who offer Him their praises and thanks… discover the joys of a daily journey with Him. To know Jesus as your Lord brings a joy that extends far beyond the limits of a crippled body or a failing heart or weakened lungs. It brings the peace of God with us…come what may…forever.
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