Monthly Archives: December 2022

December 19, 2022 · 6:07 am

Obstacles To Commitment

We are taking our annual holiday blogging break and reblogging the top 10 posts of 2022 based on reader views. This post from January ranked #9. BTW, preacher friends, its 4 points would make a good sermon.

ThePreachersWord

In the 1990s there was a popular TV show Seinfeld, which is still in reruns today. The self-proclaimed show about “nothing,” often revealed some life lessons in a rather humorous and sometimes silly fashion.

One of the characters, George Constanza, consistently encountered problems. Many were self-imposed issues in the area of commitment. Especially in his relationships.

In one episode, George fell in love with a woman in prison. This was perfect because she was the ultimate unavailable partner. The relationship was limited. The demands on George were few. And his commitment was almost non-existent. However, as soon as she was released from prison the relationship fell apart.

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December 18, 2022 · 6:42 am

When Sin Becomes Normalized

Today, we begin our annual holiday blogging break. The next 10 posts will feature the top 10 based on reader views during 2022. This June post came in at #10.

ThePreachersWord

Jim McGuire, an alumnus of River Valley High School in Marion County, Ohio, has sparked public outrage over his commencement speech to the graduates last Friday.

“My jaw dropped to the floor, and I honestly thought I was hearing it wrong,” said a 2018 River Valley graduate, Alexis Osipow. She said she was “outraged” and was further dismayed when people were clapping in approval of McGuire’s statement.

So, what did he say that was so outrageous?

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December 17, 2022 · 4:17 am

Weekly Recap: December 12-16

Good morning from chilly Florida

Well, winter has finally arrived down here.  We’re waking  up to 40 degrees .  And it’s predicted to plummet to the low 30’s next week.  Brrrr!  Actually, it’s a nice change from 80 degree weather.  But thankfully short-lived.

With today’s post, we’re taking our annual holiday blogging break.  And will reblog (yes, that’s actually a word) the top 10 posts we’ve published this year.  I’m making that distinction, because the top 5 posts with the most hits are actually from past years, which says something about our readers access to the library of over 3200 posts in the past 11 years.  Links to those posts are provided below. Continue reading →

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December 16, 2022 · 5:47 am

Break the Cycle

A few weeks ago I copied this from the page of my facebook friend, Janet Nunn.

It was a photo from a sign with no author attributed. It speaks to a need felt by so many people who feel trapped, and seemingly unable to break a negative cycle in their life. Continue reading →

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December 15, 2022 · 7:05 am

5 Gifts You Can Give

Last Saturday night Norma Jean and I enjoyed an evening attending the Florida College holiday concert,.

In addition to all the musical groups at FC performing, my friend and preaching colleague, Ralph Walker, entertained the audience with some wonderful stories and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Among the stories Ralph told was about a big mistake he made last Christmas.

Ralph said that he decided last year instead of buying Christmas presents for his 9 grandchildren, he would give them money. Continue reading →

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December 14, 2022 · 4:14 am

Malachi 1

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and a little brother and sister were playing “Noah and the Ark.”

An old shoe box was their ark. The bathtub was their flood. And all their plastic, toy animals were safe in the ark.

After the flood was over, they decided to offer a sacrifice to God. Continue reading →

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December 12, 2022 · 9:40 pm

Why Can’t We Just Have Jesus?

In her weekly column, Grace Notes, Nancy Kennedy, the religion writer for our local Citrus County Chronicle related this story about visiting a church one Christmas Eve. Continue reading →

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December 12, 2022 · 7:39 am

Word of the Week: Contemplation

Maybe more than ever our lives are defined by busyness. Especially at this time of year.

Added to the normal obligations of life, family and work, are gifts to buy. Travel plans to make. Parties to attend, or host. And a myriad of other issues as we wrap up 2022.

So, the concept of contemplation might be a good thing for us to… well…contemplate. Continue reading →

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December 10, 2022 · 3:55 am

Weekly Recap: December 5-9

Good Morning from Beverly Hills, Florida

All 5 of our posts this week have been dealing with the issue of stress.  It’s something that we all face.  Family stress. Financial stress. Relationship stress. Work stress. Spiritual stress. And now we’re facing holiday stress.

If you missed any or all of these posts, I hope you will read them and share them with others.  Each one contains several helpful links to online resources that further amplify the points made in the posts. 

Here are the live links to each post. Continue reading →

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December 9, 2022 · 4:09 am

How To Stress Less #5

http://433507 © Andrew Taylor | Dreamstime.com

“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances,” opines Andrew Bernstein, author of “The Myth of Stress.”

While you may find that assertion unsettling, exaggerated, or inaccurate, stay with me. Continue reading →

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