Monthly Archives: January 2013

January 21, 2013 · 6:27 am

What is the Content of Your Character?

M.L.King.Quotes“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”  Everyone recognizes this famous quote from Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech which was delivered 50 years ago this year.

On this national holiday, which was signed into law by President Reagan in 1986, that honors the slain civil rights leader, it’s good to think again about the value of character. Continue reading →

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January 20, 2013 · 6:21 am

The Thrill of Meeting God

        WorshipGodBack in 1990 Paul Newman came to Kansas City to film the movie Mr. and Mrs. Bridge.  His presence caused quite a stir in the area where he was staying.  It was reported middle-aged women were up walking their dogs at 7 a.m. because it was reported Newman walked his dog in the park early in the morning. Continue reading →

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January 19, 2013 · 7:44 am

Was He Really Sorry?

Armstron g“I’m deeply sorry for what I did.  I can say that thousands of times, and it might never be enough.” said Lance Armstrong to Oprah Winfrey.

If you didn’t watch the two-part interview that Oprah had with the famous cyclist, you’ve probably heard about it.  Armstrong finally admitted to doping.  To using performance enhancing drugs.  To lying.  Covering up.  To being a bully.  To cheating.  To hurting his family, friends and fans.

Following the first telecast, Norma Jean turned to me and said, “Do you think he’s sorry he sinned?  Or just sorry he got caught?” Continue reading →

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January 18, 2013 · 5:27 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Remember When?

Bible.Communion“Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.”  –Haruki Murakami

God has given us the tremendous ability to remember.  Our minds recall the innocence of youth, the joy of many “firsts” in life—our first kiss, our first car, and our first real job.  We relive pleasant memories of vacations, time spent with family, and fun times with our friends. Continue reading →

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January 17, 2013 · 7:02 am

Just For Today

RAINBOW

An important word in the Bible is “today.”  “Today if you will hear his voice…”( Heb. 4:17). “Exhort one another daily, while it is called today…” (Heb. 3:13).

Today is important, because it is the only day we have.

One of my favorite authors, anonymous, wrote, “Yesterday is but a dream, Tomorrow is only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”
So…….

Continue reading →

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January 16, 2013 · 7:04 am

Are You Still Learning?

Learning.LifeWhat’s it like getting older?

American author and poet Maya Angelou was asked this question on a talk show.  Her response?   “It’s exciting.”

Here’s what she went on to  say “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” Continue reading →

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January 15, 2013 · 7:08 am

Are You Happiness Driven? Or Joy Filled?

JoySunday’s post raised the question “Is the purpose of life to be happy?”

In it we spoke of the happiness craze in our country today. However, we pointed out that life is about purpose. Meaning. Significance. We received many good responses including one from reader, Leslie Maddox who commented, “Love this! Contentment/Joy is different from happiness, but I’m afraid that most people don’t make the distinction.”

Thank you Leslie! What a great observation.  So, what is the distinction and difference between joy and happiness? Continue reading →

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January 14, 2013 · 7:06 am

What Does it Mean to Be Adopted?

    Adoption Teacher Debbie Moon’s first graders were discussing a family  picture.  One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the other family members.  Billy suggested that he was adopted.

A Little girl named Jocelyn Jay said, “I know all about adoptions because I’m adopted!”

What does it mean to be adopted?” asked Andrea. Continue reading →

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January 13, 2013 · 6:38 am

Is The Purpose of Life to be Happy?

Happiness2Leo Rosten, the Polish born Jewish writer once wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all. Happiness, in the ancient, noble verse, means self-fulfillment and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God or luck or fate bestowed upon them.”

Really? Where did Rosten ever get that idea? Continue reading →

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January 12, 2013 · 7:50 am

Restoring Our Focus

RestoringFocus.2013William Hinson explains why animal trainers carry a stool when they go
into a cage of lions. They have their whips, of course, and their pistols are at their sides. But invariably they also carry a stool. Hinson says it’s the most important tool of the trainer. He holds the stool by the back and thrusts the legs toward the face of the wild animal. He maintains that the animal tries to focus on all four legs at once. In the attempt to focus on all four, a kind of paralysis overwhelms the animal, and it becomes tame, weak, and disabled because its attention is fragmented Continue reading →

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