Merry Christmas to all of you!!
One thing that's comforting to me in this year of so much worldly uncertainty in knowing all of this is just temporary.
I know if you've lost your job, seen your financial portfolio tumble, lost a loved one (the list could go on and on) it can be difficult to see these things as "temporary". And, I certainly do not want to make light of the hardships we face in this world.
Yet, the truth remains the truth - whether we "feel" it or not. Jesus explained that He is the Truth. He also told us He was the Life - real life. And, in this same statement, He set Himself apart as the Way. The Way to what?
The Way to what is real and lasting! That is why I know this world is just temporary. The Apostle Paul also gave us this description - this life and world is only temporary.
So, while we are still here in this time of "in between" - living in a temporary world on our way to an eternal home - it's important to keep things in perspective.
Love much!! Spend a lot of time with family and friends. Soak in the good things, and give a little less attention to the bad. Make new friends - with no other agenda than just to be a good friend. Re-connect with old friends - it's amazing how quickly those relationships can be rekindled to what they used to be.
And, this Christmas, spend some time just pondering why Jesus would choose to leave the place we all long for - heaven - to come and walk a while in our shoes. This wasn't just some random act - there was/is an eternal purpose for His choosing to come.
Knowing the reason makes all the difference in the world!
Much love to all of you,
Dave
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Christmas - In Review
How was your Christmas?
Really – how was your Christmas?
I just finished listening to a guy talking about what Christmas has become – and he was right on target.
He used an illustration of a For Sale Sign in a front yard that in big letters across the bottom said:
REDUCED!
He went on to describe how we really need to plant this sign in the “front yard” of our lives – REDUCED!
Less pace for more peace!
Was this Christmas a time of more peace or more pace? You see, it’s one or the other.
How about your life in January – post-Christmas? Peaceful?
If not, why not? What’s in your life that needs to be REDUCED?
Here’s my short list:
REDUCE my “busy-ness” --
o Don’t waste time on the unimportant (I really don’t have to figure out every detail);
o Some things really can be done tomorrow – go home and spend some time with my family;
o When it’s family time – BE THERE – too often I’m in the house, but I’ve made myself busy (like….right now).
My biggest problem is I’m a “doer.” If I’m not doing something I get nervous. I’m praying that I can get a handle on my “busy-ness addiction.” I truly am addicted to “doing.” I need to learn how to shut down – relax – enjoy people (especially my family).
How about you? Where do you need to post your REDUCED sign?
Really – how was your Christmas?
I just finished listening to a guy talking about what Christmas has become – and he was right on target.
He used an illustration of a For Sale Sign in a front yard that in big letters across the bottom said:
REDUCED!
He went on to describe how we really need to plant this sign in the “front yard” of our lives – REDUCED!
Less pace for more peace!
Was this Christmas a time of more peace or more pace? You see, it’s one or the other.
How about your life in January – post-Christmas? Peaceful?
If not, why not? What’s in your life that needs to be REDUCED?
Here’s my short list:
REDUCE my “busy-ness” --
o Don’t waste time on the unimportant (I really don’t have to figure out every detail);
o Some things really can be done tomorrow – go home and spend some time with my family;
o When it’s family time – BE THERE – too often I’m in the house, but I’ve made myself busy (like….right now).
My biggest problem is I’m a “doer.” If I’m not doing something I get nervous. I’m praying that I can get a handle on my “busy-ness addiction.” I truly am addicted to “doing.” I need to learn how to shut down – relax – enjoy people (especially my family).
How about you? Where do you need to post your REDUCED sign?
Monday, December 25, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Christmas Cheer / Pain
As many of you know, my family and two other families are in the midst of starting a new church. We also have a whole crew of people who have committed to pray for us as we take this journey.
I send periodic updates and prayer requests. After re-reading an update I sent out last night, I decided this was something some of you may benefit from as well. So, I know this isn't part of the Christian Faith discussion, but in many ways it is. Here's a portion of the e-mail I sent:
This week we made a list of all of the things we are currently working on and need to start working on in the near future. While there’s some overlap, the bottom line is there are about 35 “items” we are doing regarding developing Relevant Community Church. Please be in prayer that God will help us prioritize and be efficient in (but not rush through) each of these areas.
As were in the middle of this incredible time of year – remembering our Savior’s birth, I also pray that all of us...will take the time to SLOW DOWN and truly thank God for the indescribable gift of His Son.
I know this can also be a difficult time for many – my own family shares great grief from past losses during this time of year – but we have made the decision to not let the difficulties of this world overcome the majesty and sovereignty of God. We still feel the pain – that’s normal and natural, but we don’t allow it to overcome us.
If this time of year is typically difficult for you – I pray that the God of all comfort would truly bring you the peace that only He can give and that His peace will allow you to refocus on God’s love and mercy.
If any of you have a specific prayer request you would like for me to be praying for, you can e-mail me at Dave@RedoingLife.com. I'll keep your request confidential unless you ask me to share it with others.
Merry (even if sometimes painful) Christmas!
I send periodic updates and prayer requests. After re-reading an update I sent out last night, I decided this was something some of you may benefit from as well. So, I know this isn't part of the Christian Faith discussion, but in many ways it is. Here's a portion of the e-mail I sent:
This week we made a list of all of the things we are currently working on and need to start working on in the near future. While there’s some overlap, the bottom line is there are about 35 “items” we are doing regarding developing Relevant Community Church. Please be in prayer that God will help us prioritize and be efficient in (but not rush through) each of these areas.
As were in the middle of this incredible time of year – remembering our Savior’s birth, I also pray that all of us...will take the time to SLOW DOWN and truly thank God for the indescribable gift of His Son.
I know this can also be a difficult time for many – my own family shares great grief from past losses during this time of year – but we have made the decision to not let the difficulties of this world overcome the majesty and sovereignty of God. We still feel the pain – that’s normal and natural, but we don’t allow it to overcome us.
If this time of year is typically difficult for you – I pray that the God of all comfort would truly bring you the peace that only He can give and that His peace will allow you to refocus on God’s love and mercy.
If any of you have a specific prayer request you would like for me to be praying for, you can e-mail me at Dave@RedoingLife.com. I'll keep your request confidential unless you ask me to share it with others.
Merry (even if sometimes painful) Christmas!
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