Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition

Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition, Page 0 We all have reasons or not for why we celebrate the Christmas holiday the way we do. How much thought did we give to it. What is the original source? It is not so important what we do as to 'why' we do it. Are we appeasing paganism or celebrating Christ? Many of our traditions were 'made' Christian, some have nothing to do with it, and others are steeped in it. Give it some thought and act accordingly! Then, remembering the reason for the season, enjoy holiday blessings!

Being the church seven days a week

Being the church seven days a week by Kevin Martineau This is a concept we must re-evaluate in our heads and operate on. "This is a concept that God has been really challenging me with for the last year or so. (This past spring I preached a series on this topic called "The Church has left the building"). Church is not somewhere we go and church is not something we do. We are the church seven days a week. The point ..." Give it some thought!

"When the Pastor Suffers"

When the Pastor Suffers | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction It's not that I'm morbid in thought ... but these things happen. I've always been one to say that 'to have considered the possibility is to be prepared' ... Few understand cancer better than pastors. They regularly visit hospitals and counsel church members who suffer from this devastating illness. Cancer strikes nearly every family at some point. But for pastors caring for multiple families at all times, cancer is a never-ending fight. They watch beloved friends who formerly looked so healthy begin to whither away as they withstand bouts of chemotherapy treatments. In the worst cases, pastors are left to comfort the grieving family and conduct the funeral. But who is left to comfort pastors when they get the dreaded diagnosis?. Check out the entire article.

Top 7 Charities That Offer Online Christmas Help For Low Income Families

This is just worth the share! So many people struggle this time of year. Give them some thought and here are some helpful charities. Be a blessing to anyone you can this Christmastide. Top 7 Charities That Offer Online Christmas Help For Low Income Families Make Use Of is the source of so much useful information. I'm sure once you've visited their site; you'll follow it like I do. God bless you, every one! God bless you 'Make Use Of'!

Press On

sharing thoughts from ... Facebook | Shelz Norman Got to get into a full court press! consider the analogy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-court_press a Sister was posting about 'taking care of our temple' and I was reminded of another scripture in Philippians 3 'Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I PRESS on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I PRESS toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus'. We should be in a 'full court press' but some of us are still on the bench (and not a bench press). Rather than let the world press against us; let us PRESS ON. Check out the song 'Press On' by Selah: metrolyrics.com/press-on-lyrics-selah.ht... walkertracker.com/suge

Her Storage was Empty

A friend and I were in the presence of the Lord for the 'homegoing celebration' of Tomasina Sisco, sister of a mutual friend. It was held at the Sky Rose Chapel of the Rose Hills Mortuary in Whittier, CA. Sky Rose Chapel is at the top of the Hill on the massive mortuary property. The chapel is beautiful. Later, I will post pictures of the amazing architecture in this lovely structure. Sister Edna was visibly moved to her Friendship church family present. I was visibly moved to see the life of this lady, now with the Lord, unfold before me, how her life touched so so many, and how faith in God permeated this extensive family. Also I am constantly amazed how small this huge orbit we travel in is when I encountered a family friend I haven't seen in some 30-40 years from my days living in Pasadena. Lolita Parker was a family friend of our next door neighbor. My family was very close with these same neighbors and, therefore, knew them as well. I saw her name on the guest book as I signed in and when I entered sanctuary from the foyer, I saw her. The woman I knew had a radiant personality and attractiveness and, while time did not sit still, the evidence of what I remembered best about her was these same qualities. We talked for a moment; she had know 'Tommi' for 30 years. In the time since I had known Lolita, Tomasina had touched her life also. When I read Tomasina's obituary, I learned she too had lived in Pasadena for many years. Most importantly, I learned that she, like her sister, loved children. She most loved the Lord and she served him joyfully. She was remembered by so many. The words spoken about her were very touching. People loved Tomasina, and it was for the love she, herself, gave. Her family included a great number of foster children. Minimally, she left 7 children, 25 grandchildren and 15 great grands. Originally from Massachusetts, she touched lives there and also Phoenix AZ and Pasadena/Monrovia and the Inland Empire. What a legacy of love she leaves going Home. One person noted that she left to be with the Lord just prior to 'All Saints Day'. A song, 'I'm Available to You', sung amongst many precious songs, had these words 'my storage is empty'. This remains with me to resonate. May we all leave with our 'storages bare' having said to the Lord 'Use me Lord, To show someone the way a enable me to say My storage is empty, and I am available to You'. The lyrics to this beautiful song are below. I was blessed to have shared in this 'homegoing celebration! I can see why Sister Edna is such a dear; her roots run deep in her family and in our Lord.

You gave me my hands to reach out to man To show Him your love and your perfect plan You gave me my ears I can hear your voice so clear I can hear the cries of sinners But can I wipe away their tears ---------- You gave me my voice to sing your Word To sing all your praises to those who've never heard But with my eyes I see your need for more availability I see hearts that have been broken So many people to be free ---- Lord, I'm available to You My will I give to You I'll do what You say do Use me Lord To show someone the way And enable me to say My storage is empty And I am available to You --- Now I'm giving back to You All the tools You gave to me My hands My ears My voice My eyes So You can use them as You please I have emptied out my cup So that You can fill me up Now I'm free And I just want to be More available to You Ah Use me Lord, To show someone the way And enable me to say My storage is empty, and I am available to You

Grace good enough for you?

• the woman of many husbands that Jesus spoke with - John 4
• Hosea's wife - Hosea 3:1
• Paul - the butcherer of God's people - 2 Corinthians 12:9

How countless are the accounts of God's grace. He said "my grace is sufficient for thee". Conditions? None. Unconditionally He took our place. Of course, we in our new-found and ever increasing realization of our salvation realize we are better than the next guy. I didn't do what he did. I would NEVER do what they did? What they did is ugly, cruel, despicable; they deserve to be punished! Not only serve the judgement and consequences of their actions, but continue to be punish - for truly their actions show who they are! Have you murdered anyone? Have a stone, anyone? What did Jesus say to the response? Hmmm... I'm sure we can rationalize our positions. His grace is sufficient for me. He will have mercy upon whomever He will have mercy. I, while understanding the despicable acts that take place upon this earth, will not decide otherwise. It occurs to me far to often, but for the grace of God, there go I.