Holiday

Christmas is…

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When  is Christmas? Oh, I know it’s on December 25th. I know it’s soon, but when is it Christmas for you?  I read an article awhile back that started out something like this. “There’s an old saying that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. I disagree with that … and then the author goes on to explain her point.”  The truth is, that old saying is a direct quote from Jesus as written in the book of Acts 20:35.  It is more blessed to give than to receive, and deep in our hearts …

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Sometimes it's hard to be thankful . . .

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I’m not thankful. There it is. Not thankful. I’m not thankful that in the beginning when God created Earth that he let sin and depravity in. But I am thankful that God gave up his only Son Jesus to die on the cross and be the remedy for sin. John 3:16 I’m not thankful for the abuse and sadness in the world, but I’m thankful for all the kindness of many individuals who come together and passionately combat all that is abuse in support of the victims. I’m not thankful …

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Uh-oh! Did you forget?

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Uh-oh! Did you forget? According to history.com “Approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.”  If you forgot to get a card for that special loved one, no problem.  You can do something else – even more meaningful and memorable.  Act it out. 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” What starts with a thought, travels to your heart, and comes out as the act.   …

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The season of joy …. where does it go after the holidays?

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Well … here we are. Monday. After a weekend. After a holiday. After. After. OK stop! It’s tough, isn’t it? We’ve just been through a month of anticipation, weeks of excitement, days of planning, and hours of celebration with people we love, all special moments etched in our memories. Maybe you’re glad it’s over and can’t wait to get back to your routine.  Maybe your idea of a quiet weekend spent at home really means q-u-i-e-t and Christmas holiday festivities does not qualify. Whether you’re tenaciously hanging onto the season …

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Excavation of ThanksLiving

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Yesterday was ThanksLiving Day. We can give thanks or we can just make it a way we live – in finding ways to be thankful even when we have to drag in the excavation crew to clear away the shambles and shine a light on fresh perspective. It’s possible, even probable when we have the right tools. Here’s one of them. Ready crew? Have you ever had a decision to make and set up a piece of paper with a line drawn down the center so you could list Pros …

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Talk, Text or Type

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It takes a village … do you remember that platitude from the past? It grew to broad popularity then melted into obsolescence like ice cubes on a sizzling hot sidewalk. (do you feel warmer now) This morning I looked up ‘thanks’ in a concordance and started reading scripture that revealed a true spirit of thankfulness. It was steroids for the soul. If you’re looking for just one chapter to refresh you, try Psalm 107.  But here’s my favorite Psalm 106:47 “Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the …

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Refining Grace