(To the tune of Auld Lang Syne) “Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive. Unless the Lord does raise the house in vain its builders strive. To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me what is your life? A midst that vanishes at dawn. All glory be to Christ! All glory be to Christ, our King! All glory be to Christ. His rule and reign will ever sing. All glory be to Christ.” (lyrics by Dustin Kensrue) As we wrap up this year of Creed and look forward to a new beginning, I am reminded of our ultimate beginning. What is the root of everything in our lives? Why are we who we are and … [Read more...]
Ten Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer
“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year. Snowflakes in the air. Carols everywhere. Olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share. Sleigh bells in the air. Beauty everywhere. Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there.” (from A Charlie Brown Christmas) When I read these words, I envision animated children and a lovable beagle skating on a pond and my heart smiles. How many of us cannot celebrate Christmas without thinking about Charlie Brown, a sad but adorable tree, and Linus teaching us about the true … [Read more...]
Compatibility in Gift-Giving
“Oh, do you draw names?” my mother-in-law asked when I explained my traditional family Christmas Eve celebration. “No,” I replied, “Certain people in the family shop for the whole crowd while others of us are not expected to give.” Sound strange? It probably is, but every family has its own idea of normal. Sometimes “normal” is simply a random decision someone made one year which was repeated until it was considered tradition. Once something is considered the way we do it, it can be difficult to make a sweeping change. Someone will likely be upset; and, since such change involves one of the … [Read more...]
The Antidote for Self-Pity
I confess that I sometimes wallow. Whether I am annoyed by a headache or dealing with an emotional volcano, my first instinct is it think about all the ways my issue is not fair. Can you relate? Thankfully, in between “poor pitiful me” sessions, the Lord opens my heart and shows me glimpses of different perspectives. When we turn our attention away from ourselves, and focus on making someone else’s situation better, we are happier. When I was eleven, I was able to help deliver a pile of presents to a family in need. The house was almost bare on the inside and the mom kept saying, “Thank … [Read more...]
Keeping a Memory Box
Do you ever think, “How did I get myself into this?” Or, do you ever wonder, “What was I thinking when I made that decision?” Sure, we can all relate to that. Even the most careful and efficient among us experience moments of confusion and regret. That is a part of life and those moments show up strongly in our relationships. Most likely, at this point in your relationship, you are happy – at least for the most part. You are getting to know each other. Maybe you are seriously considering engagement and fighting back the fluttering butterflies in your stomach. What will she say when I … [Read more...]
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