For many years my friend and mentor the late Paul Andrews read this poem every first Sunday of the new year.
I adopted the practice. And for at least the last 20+ years have read it wherever I preached.
I don’t know the author. Variations of this poem have been attributed to different authors.
It’s a simple little piece. But it packs a powerful message. I hope you like it. Continue reading
Filed under New Year
The year is closed, the record made,
The last deed done, the last word said.
The memory remains
Of all its joys, its griefs, its gains.
And now with purpose full and clear,
We turn to meet another year.
–Robert Browning
Another year provides us with an exciting opportunity to make a fresh start. To begin again. To set new goals. To redefine our priorities. To reevaluate our values. And to refocus our purpose in life. Continue reading
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People want to be happy. We pursue happiness with passion. But happiness does not come by looking for it. Eric Hoffer correctly stated, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.” Happiness is a by-product. It is the result of right living, of seeking something greater than one’s own interest.
Today’s List to Live By is in the form of a simple acrostic wishing you a “Happy New Year” from a spiritual perspective. And offering 12 ways to experience both happiness and joy. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By, New Year
In response to yesterday’s post on ten tips for making your new year great, one of our readers, Eric Bradshaw, shared three really good quotes relating to our goals, dreams and plans for 2020.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” –C. S. Lewis
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.” –T. S. Eliot Continue reading
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“Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right,” opined Oprah.
There is something wonderful about January 1. A certain magic in new beginnings. The feeling of a fresh start. The anticipation of what lies ahead.
The new year is a time of resolution. Declaration. And decision making. We also receive a lot of advice from various sources about our chance to get it right. Here are 10 tips that will help you make 2020 your best year ever. Continue reading
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Happy New Year!
We are back from our 10 day Christmas break, refreshed, renewed, refocused and ready to resume our work for 2018.
Hopefully, most of you have been able to experience some downtime. Relax with family and friends and enjoy some of the festivities of the holiday season.
This is traditionally a time for us to make New Year’s resolutions. This year I’m approaching my resolutions and goals a bit differently. Continue reading
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There’s an old riddle that says “five frogs were sitting on a log. One decides to jump. How many are left?”
What’s your answer?
If you haven’t heard this before. Take your time. Think about it.
The answer? Continue reading
Filed under New Year, Word of the Week
Warren Wiersbe relates the story of a preacher and deacon visiting a prospective member. As they drove up to their beautiful suburban home with gorgeous landscaping there were two expensive cars in the driveway. Through the picture window they saw their prospect relaxing in an easy chair watching a big screen TV. Continue reading
Filed under New Year, Sunday Seed Thoughts
How are your 2016 New Year’s Resolutions Going? Have they survived the first week?
Are you still on your diet? Are you working out? Texting less? Listening more? Living within your means? Reading your Bible? Praying daily?
I have two thoughts about why our goals and resolutions may not always be effective and too often jettisoned. One thought comes from John Maxwell and the other from Leonard Sweet. Continue reading
We sometimes sing the song “I am Resolved” as an invitation song. The lyrics appeal to the non Christian to make a commitment to Christ. To resolve in one’s will to make a change.
Resolution is also good for Christians. As we begin a new year here are some resolutions you might want to consider. Continue reading
Filed under New Year, Sunday Seed Thoughts
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