It is Thanksgiving week , and all of us have many good things to be thankful for, however, what about all the bad/hard/difficult/not fun things? Are we thankful for those?
The Apostle Paul commands us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
But how do we do that? How can we continue reading here
When we are swept up in the moment, living only for today, or to get through today, we often grow weary and lose heart. We end up feeling defeated even before the battle begins. The drudgery of today becomes more than we want to endure. However, every moment is transformed into something special and supernatural when we view it from above.
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(Caution: The secret identity of Santa Claus may be revealed in this blog!)
Christmastime is wonderful for little children – decorating the tree, taping on cotton ball Santa beards, posing for photos and telling Santa what you want for Christmas; it’s magical. However, as parents, we know there is a lot that can go wrong.
What if every store from Ohio to Minnesota sold out of the only item on one child’s list, and the other child has a list a mile long! What if the budget meets their needs, but their wants far outweigh those needs? As parents we must decide how best to handle these situations, so that everyone feels loved and happy on Christmas morning.
I recall one Christmas when Brian and I were walking such a tightrope. We held our breath as the boys walked into the living room and saw their gifts beautifully arranged in front of the tree (in two separate but equal displays), and one boy exclaimed continue reading here
About a lifetime ago, when our boys were in High School, the driver’s training instructor told all of us anxious parents what to do to prepare our excited children for his class: Take them driving. I don’t think he wanted to be the first person to sit next to a teenager who had the keys for the first time!
Do you remember the day you got your license? I do! And I’ve no idea how I passed the driving test; I didn’t know how to drive. All my friends told me what the written test would be like so I memorized the rules of the road. I knew I’d have to parallel park so I learned that, too. I passed both tests on the first try.
In the weeks after I got my license I learned how to continue here
Gloria in excelsis deo! We sing it every year at Christmas – Glory, in the highest to God — and our words proclaim to God the most exalted honor, adoration, praise and thanksgiving!
However, do our hearts align with our words? Do we really praise and adore God when life is hard? Do we give Him thanksgiving and the highest honor no matter our circumstances? Or do we merely sing the words. When life is good, the words reflect our praise. When we are suffering, do we truly mean what we sing?
When Alzheimer’s has robbed a loved one of understanding and mobility. Do you mean it?
When your daughter tells you she’s pregnant continue here
Marcia Furrow 