A very wise man once said “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” Those words are worth reflecting on as we celebrate the Fourth of July. We have much to be grateful for in our country. Freedoms and opportunities that our ancestors could only dream of! That same wise man also said ““The greatest deception, and the deepest source of unhappiness, ...
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Please don't give up. Remember that His love is unfailing. Many of us know what it’s like to get into a dark and lonely place where you feel like there’s no way out. You try to put on a happy face, hope the feelings will pass, trust your faith more. Many times it's a downward spiral of untruths that take hold in your heart and mind that brings us to that place. ...
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Singer, songwriter Josh Wilson sings about dreaming small: Dream small, don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all, Just let Jesus use you where you are. One day at a time, live well, loving God and others as yourself. Find little ways where only you can help, with His great love, A tiny rock can make a giant fall, dream small. Josh Wilson was singing this at an end of school teacher appreciation breakfast at Trickum ...
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Atlanta Traffic…ARRGGHH! I love Atlanta – but Atlanta traffic, not so much. During a sermon about the Holy Spirit, my pastor said, “When life puts the squeeze on you, it better be Jesus that’s coming out!” I have to confess, when Atlanta traffic puts the squeeze on me, something comes out, but it is decidedly NOT Jesus. Realizing this, I have two options: I could go into “Woe is me” mode. I’ve failed, once ...
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I have an addiction. I understand that if I admit and confess it, that that is half the battle to recovery. But this is one habit that I am not willing to give up! Just to make sure that I am never without a fix, I have an online supplier and a local neighborhood supplier. I would say that my wife doesn’t know about this obsession, but I suspect she has an inkling. It’s not her women’s ...
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Did you know that a special day to honor mothers and mothering is a part of every major tradition, culture, and nation? That's because we know instinctively the wonder, miracle, and gift of mothers! So, how do we tell mom she's incredible? Whether you're aiming for "thoughtful" "insightful" or "funny" Mother's Day gives us the opportunity to say "thank you" and "I love you" ... it's a chance to show how ...
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What's troubling you right now? We all have an answer to that question, don't we? Whether it's, "I need a job", or "this loved one's health is failing", or "my friend's ED (eating disorder) has reared it's ugly head again", the answers are endless. Our family just marked the 20th anniversary of a tragic loss in our lives. My dear sister-in-law Dana (rhymes with banana) fell down the stairs in a ...
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I just got back from a trip to Israel with my church. The archaeological evidence for our Christian faith is overwhelming. It was really cool because one day we were at the steps of the temple mount - the actual rock stairs that Jesus walked up when he went into the temple. I kept thinking, "wow, Jesus may have stepped right here where I'm standing now!' The next day became even more ...
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“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” That’s a great motivating verse for whatever type of exercise you do or think about doing. Your workouts can give glory to God. You can pray while you walk around ...
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Why is it that whenever an angel of the Lord appears, the first thing they always say is “do not be afraid”? It’s guaranteed that if an angel comes along and they will tell you ‘don’t be afraid’; lots of great reasons to be afraid will follow! In Matthew 1:18-25 an angel appears and delivers the unsettling news that it is the Lord’s will that Joseph not divorce or dismiss Mary, ...
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