When I left the house Monday morning I grabbed the list off the counter in the kitchen. It was not a very long list but the items were things Joyce and I had agreed were the most important that we might need if we could not get back to the store for a few days. Since ice was predicted, and we have been through an ice storm before, I also had to do a few things around the house when I got home. I had just put the generator away last week, so I got it back out again and put it on the porch, just in case. I checked the fuel, firewood and flashlights. I felt good about being ready for the storm.
Then it came. Tuesday morning, as we were getting around, the power went off. I went outside to crank up the generator. I ran a cord through a window and powered the fireplace blower and a lamp. I could read and stay warm. What more did I need?
“What is the weather supposed to do?” Joyce said. Then it occurred to me. I had every gadget known to mankind, except a battery powered radio. I was cut off from the outside world. No, wait; I still had my cell phone. I pulled up the weather channel and looked at the radar. We were good to go.
What does it take to be prepared for the storms of life? Do we really need all the extras we so often surround ourselves with? Or, do we already have the things we need the most?
During the icy days Joyce and I got to spend some time together. We found plenty to do right here. We had all we needed. We had a warm fire, a light, the love of the Lord in our hearts, and each other. What more did we need?
Bro. Robin
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Resolutions for a New Year
Most of us make New Year’s resolutions, whether we admit it or not. I will lose weight, (again). I will read the Bible through this year. I will spend more time with my family. Losing weight seems so obvious after the eating binge we just went on during the holidays. I could probably lose weight just by getting back to pre-holiday eating.
I am wondering, however, what is really new about them, besides the year? They seem to be mostly the same old resolutions every new year. You would think that if we were really serious about them that we would accomplish one once in a while and come up with something new.
I went to the internet and searched for New Years Resolution and confirmed my suspicions. Every list I found had a few of the same things on them. At the top of the lists were Relationships, such as spending more time with family and friends. I was glad to see that. You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time in a relationship. Also on the lists were health resolutions, such as getting in shape, eating healthier and losing weight. In the top ten were habits that needed changing, such as quitting smoking, and drinking, (which obviously don’t apply to those of us who never started), and changes in our finances, such as getting out of debt. Some things on these lists were even more positive like enjoy life more, learn something new, help others, and get organized.
As a pastor, I would like to see resolutions made that focus on the really important things in life that are specific and doable. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. Renew your wedding vows. Resolve to be a better husband/wife, and if you are not married, resolve to be a better friend to someone close to you.
2. Find a special place in your house that is your place of prayer and go there at a set time everyday. Pray with someone and by yourself.
3. Read the bible through this year. (Good for every year!)
4. Go on a mission trip and see something that only God can do.
5. Make a new friend, and invite him/her to church.
6. Call a relative you have not heard from in a while.
7. Volunteer. Go ahead, make someone’s day.
8. Exchange a bad habit for a good one. (you pick one of each)
9. Learn a new healthy recipe you can cook yourself.
10. Do something fun that makes you laugh.
Happy New Year. Let me know what your resolutions are for this year.
Bro. Robin
I am wondering, however, what is really new about them, besides the year? They seem to be mostly the same old resolutions every new year. You would think that if we were really serious about them that we would accomplish one once in a while and come up with something new.
I went to the internet and searched for New Years Resolution and confirmed my suspicions. Every list I found had a few of the same things on them. At the top of the lists were Relationships, such as spending more time with family and friends. I was glad to see that. You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time in a relationship. Also on the lists were health resolutions, such as getting in shape, eating healthier and losing weight. In the top ten were habits that needed changing, such as quitting smoking, and drinking, (which obviously don’t apply to those of us who never started), and changes in our finances, such as getting out of debt. Some things on these lists were even more positive like enjoy life more, learn something new, help others, and get organized.
As a pastor, I would like to see resolutions made that focus on the really important things in life that are specific and doable. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. Renew your wedding vows. Resolve to be a better husband/wife, and if you are not married, resolve to be a better friend to someone close to you.
2. Find a special place in your house that is your place of prayer and go there at a set time everyday. Pray with someone and by yourself.
3. Read the bible through this year. (Good for every year!)
4. Go on a mission trip and see something that only God can do.
5. Make a new friend, and invite him/her to church.
6. Call a relative you have not heard from in a while.
7. Volunteer. Go ahead, make someone’s day.
8. Exchange a bad habit for a good one. (you pick one of each)
9. Learn a new healthy recipe you can cook yourself.
10. Do something fun that makes you laugh.
Happy New Year. Let me know what your resolutions are for this year.
Bro. Robin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)