For the past 20+ years, I have read this poem by an unknown author on the first Sunday of each new year.
It was a tradition that was passed on to me by my friend and preaching mentor Paul Andrews. After Paul’s passing, his son Bob continued that tradition. And I have as well, where ever I’ve been preaching.
It’s short and simple. But offers a significant and sanguine message. Continue reading
Filed under 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
After a holiday break, we return refreshed, renewed, and refocused. Norma Jean and I were blessed to spend some really quality time with family, especially our two new grandsons, Roy Sharp Thompson and Miles Carter Weliever!
As we reflect on 2014, it has been a year of many firsts, changes and surprises! No doubt 2015 holds in store unknown adventures, as well as exciting opportunities.
By now you probably have both said and heard “Happy New Year” countless times. It is so traditional to exchange such a greeting that we may not think about its significance. Consider these three important points about a HAPPY NEW YEAR: Continue reading
Filed under New Year
Last night our church family gathered for a New Year’s Eve Party. We ate. We sang. We laughed. We played games. We even had a balloon drop at midnight. And we hugged and wished each other a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Those words have a special ring to them. They are filled with joy. Excitement. Expectation. And well-wishes. They usher in the new year with a renewed hope. Optimism for better days ahead. The feeling of a fresh start. A clean slate. The opportunity to begin anew. Continue reading
William 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
How are your 2013 resolutions coming?
If you ‘ve already messed up, welcome to the club. For many folks their resolutions don’t survive the first week, let alone the first month. There are a variety of reasons, but rather than focus on “why”, let’s think about “how.”
How can I change? Grow? Improve? Here are five steps to help you. Continue reading
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