How Do We

How do we convert sadness to gladness? How do we avoid being so anxious that we make ourselves sick with worry? Perhaps the answer is all in the attitude towards others. In Philippians 4 starting at verse 4, paraphrased here be glad, be gentile, don’t be anxious and pray for peace. That last one is the key to the answer. Pray for peace. Not necessarily the peace that the world may define but defined in heavenly terms. As you read this, I hope and pray that you look further into this message on your own and listen to your heart. (Note: Audio added below.)

T

Same O Same O

Same O, Same O, yes somethings are good to start and continue each year like remembering the reason for the season. It is a great tradition long held to be filled with a spirit of giving and hope. Let’s continue that tradition and be “spiritualized” this season in lieu of being commercialized.

Sometimes, same O, same O, is not a good thing if we break promises made to ourselves or others. We start something and do not finish it. Here is a new twist. How about finishing some of those promises we make. Philippians 1:6 (according to T’s version) says we should start a good thing and stay strong to finish the task. Read for yourself in what version you feel most comfortable then listen to my brief message.(Note: Added audio below.)

T

Do Nothing Day

Yes, that is right. I had a “do nothing day”. That is okay isn’t it? Well in this world of go go go, it is hard for many of us to justify doing nothing. We, that survive in the market place, are perhaps a little guilty doing nothing. We, that live an entitled life style, perhaps  are just fine with that do nothing atitude. I could bore you on what I did so far today, like fixed a big breakfast, watched a little TV, then walked outside to looked for deer signs to see which deer stand I would set in today. I will get back to that in a minute. This morning as I watched the reaction to threats in California, I ask have they won the terror battle today? When I came from my endeavor to fine a productive deer stand, the news was still debating but I think very clear. Yes, they won this day. Let us pray we win the war.

By the way, I am writing this message while sitting in I hope a good stand. Saw lots of signs but time and patience will tell. In the meantime, I am still doing nothing. On the otherhand, I am communicating to my readers so I guess I am doing somthing. You count for something don’t you? I hope you get a chance to recharge your batteries by doing nothing once in a while. It is great especially when you can be surrounded by the natural beauties through God’s grace.

T

Ps: No deer today but felt very peaceful.

Sharpness

Stay sharp! How can we be more thankful? By our actions not our words. By our love not hatred. By our compassion not intolerance. By our thankfulness not regret. Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by human weakness so that we may stay prepared. Maybe you read my words in an earlier message about questioning just who am I? As noted, we are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs but when we are intolerant to another opinion, we are no longer sharp but dulled by our abrasive behavior. We may only have one chance in our relationship to another so stay sharp and get it right the first time.

Listen to my brief message on audio if you dare.

T

 

Who am I?

Who am I? A person unpredictable when emotions are left unchecked. It seems to happen most frequently during the holidays when we should be giving thanks and remembering the reasons for the season. All too often this time becomes a time to over indulge in food, drink, and unfiltered opinions. This happens to me too often. It reminds me to practice what I preach and not let my opinion rest firmly on my chest as a badge of honer. After all, we are all entitled to our own “stupid” opinions, right? Not really when it is used as a battering ram. So who am I? Sometimes, one of those! I hope you were not one of those this Thanksgiving season. It is never too late to learn a lesson of humility and understand the holiday season is not at time to get your point across as a time to point to the cross. May we all consider whose we are all times of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving and looking forward to a joyful Christmas,

T