In CHRISTmas Memories we recognized both the ups and downs that CHRISTmas can bring. In CHRISTmas Stories we shared a unique perspective from the “least” of the CHRISTmas players, the Bethlehem shepherds, and the role they played as well as lessons we can learn from them. In this post, I want to turn our focus directly to the choice that Jesus made which makes CHRISTmas a reality and in doing so gave us the model for our lives and relationships…that of humility and sacrificial love.... Read More
December 12, 2019
CHRISTmas Stories
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Let me take you back to that first CHRISTmas and just briefly recount the well-known narratives and names. Then I want to spend the better part of this article on a part of the story that you may have never heard and the lessons we can learn. Matthew 1:18-23 – Mary and Joseph are engaged; Mary is found to be pregnant; Joseph chooses to privately divorce Mary which was an honorable thing as he could have had her stoned or exiled from the country and... Read More
December 5, 2019
CHRISTmas MEMORIES
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Before we start this article and CHRISTmas series I want to let you know to look for a Top 10 CHRISTmas list at the end of each article! As I begin this article my beautiful wife comes in the room and plugs in (or flips the switch) and on comes the CHRISTmas lights (you’ll notice I always spell CHRISTmas in this fashion on purpose). As she does so she asks, “Does that help?” Of course it does, so I give her a hearty, “YES!” Don’t... Read More
November 25, 2019
TRUE THANKSGIVING…FOR GOD’S GLORY AND OUR GOOD!
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Over the past couple of weeks we’ve highlighted a brief history of Thanksgiving as a holiday and what we can do to make the holidays more enjoyable…or maybe just less stressful. Thanksgiving (and Holidays) Can Really Stink Some folks see Thanksgiving as follows: "For those of you who cannot be with family this Thanksgiving, please resist the urge to brag." Andy Borowitz "Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, one by one, as each relative goes home." Melanie White While these sentiments hit close... Read More
November 19, 2019
HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
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If you have not yet done so check out the first post in this series, “Thanksgiving – A Day or a Lifestyle?” It contains a brief history of Thanksgiving from the Israelites to the early Church, showing the gratitude that was continually given to God…2 Corinthians 4:14-15; 2 Corinthians 9:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; 4:4-5. An attitude of gratitude is what makes Thanksgiving, and all of life, special. Family time, great food and eating all you want, road trips, precious memories, warm hearts and hearths….... Read More