“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

As we go into the New Year, peace and tranquility always seem to be part of our new year’s goals. Last year we did too much. One more committee at church, the kids need a coach, how can we get everyone to every game, lesson, class etc? Oh, the boss wants us 50 hours a week too!!

It takes a certain courage to let go and let God play a roll in our lives. “I... will have sufficient courage so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body...” Philippians (1:20).

At work and in our daily lives, we often fail to take the risk of allowing God to take control. How often we do not accept the spiritual help available. We will handle it all. Where is our humility when we try to do it all? “... humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James (2:1).

We tend to forget the basic rules taught to us by our faith. When we are taking control, adding stress to ourselves, do we ask for the help available? “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God... and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

We are told to keep God at the forefront in our search for this inner peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

The serenity prayer is simple. We all know that simple is good Let us start the new year with this thought in mind.

Thought for the Week: Let us focus on peace and tranquility in our lives; with our families, neighbors and coworkers.

Prayer for the Week: Let’s use the serenity prayer, this week and for the year, especially when over stressed.

The holiday season is a time of great joy. It is full of symbolism. There are bright lights in almost every neighborhood. Stores are full of shoppers buying gifts for their loved ones. Christmas trees light up our homes. Special carols, that we sing only once each year, sound pleasing to our ears. Yes, the celebration of Christ’s birthday is a wonderful experience.

As Christians, we proceed through this season each fall. In general, love abounds within our society. When we donate to the food shelf; to Toys for Tots; serve at shelters; or just say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays—we feel good because we are demonstrating our love for each other—through Christ. Love is wonderful gift we have been given through our faith.

Thought for the Week: As we go through the week before Christmas, stress tends to build. Year end activities pile up on top of holiday parties, annual budgets and all the “to do” about Christmas. As we go through the week, let us focus on why we are doing all of this. Not because we have to, but out of love for each other, those around us and the love of Christ.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, we are all wrapped up in the season’s activities. We are concerned about all of the “hate” in the world. The mid-east, Afghanistan and Israel all seem to be embedded in it. In America and through out the free world, there is confusion and fear of terrorism. We pray that somehow love can shine through all of this, that we as people may see through the negative forces and learn that love is possible; and the real solution to all the problems. Amen.

The Holiday season has arrived. Thanksgiving just passed and surely we all spent four days meditating and offering prayers of thanks for our blessings. What?? That’s not what we did in our family! What we did was have a wonderful gathering with both friends and family. Yes, there were prayers and thanks combined with some outside games, football, Christmas shopping and a 5K race. Put the weekend’s activities on a list and most of us would realize why we were tired the following week.

As Christians, we are coming to a very special day. A day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Our focus however is often placed on gifts, parties, getting our acts together for the new year. Our calendars are full with many special events: holiday parties, Winter sports, Christmas pageants and services, shopping, year-end business meetings. Sometimes it just gets out of control. Is all this activity a “bad thing”? I think not, especially if we can get through it all by keeping Christ at our side and on our mind.

Christianity and spirituality are wonderful allies during busy times.

Thought for the Week: This week let us focus on finding more time for ourselves during this busy period. Let us be selfish once a day and take “time out” from our obligations to society. Let’s find a few minutes each day to let Christ help us enjoy the season.

Prayer for the Week: We are busy with year-end business activities and planning for Christmas. Many of us will be traveling over the holidays. Please give us the power to be aware of Christ’s presence through all of this. Help me find a way to walk through this activity with God as my co-pilot. Amen

For several years there has been a lot of overly bad news. It seems that we have been bombarded with a media frenzy of negativity; terror, street violence, some of the integrity of institutions breaking down etc. How does that affect the peace and tranquility in our lives? The one word answer is negatively!

As Christians, we need not be affected that way. We have an ally, friend and leader in the Lord. We have the ability to take a few minutes when stressed and utilize His help. Please note that I said “utilize” rather than “ask for” his help. It is up to us as individuals to “just do it.”

In my high school we were forced to memorize something from Benjamin Franklin regarding time usage. “We have only just a minute, only sixty seconds in it, forced upon me, can’t refuse it, didn’t seek it, didn’t chose it, but it is up to me to use it...” In a way, our faith fits that mold. Just like we can waste our time, we can waste our faith. The difference is that our faith is always available and time can be lost. In our search for peace and tranquility, love and friendship, the ability to live our lives well, we need to keep our faith at the forefront; “...Put it into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Thought for the Week: This week let us have peace no matter what happens in our lives. Let us focus on out faith when we are stressed. This week let us pray rather than react to negativity. Put our faith to good use.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly Father, we pray and appreciate your response. Often when we need you we fail to seek you. This week we are faced with many challenges in our lives. This week we pray that we will recognize your activity in our lives and your presence around us. Amen

This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. But wait a minute, every day is a thanksgiving day. Every day of our life is a day of gratitude. Thanksgiving is more than a day of football games, reunions and eating.

Have you ever made a list of all you have received that you are thankful for? An extensive list compiled over time and added to as you feel appreciative. If we were to start today, we could not finish the list before Thursday. Our lives are that full of blessings. A great family activity for the holiday is to share this list of our blessings with each other and recognize God’s contribution’s to the list.

The pilgrims knew what gratitude was, at least those who were still alive. Many had died on board ship and wintering in a harsh new country. They were grateful because they were now free and not oppressed for what they believed. They faced hardships, but being thankful doesn’t happen without difficulties; it happens in the midst of difficulties.

God gave us a grateful heart and he does want to hear about our gratefulness to him.

Thought for the Week: This is a week of Thanksgiving. Let us give thanks for the blessings that we have received and pay close attention to what we mean to others. We are blessed and you are all on my list.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, this week let me be more aware and thankful for your presence in my life. Let me share my gratitude with others and contribute positively to the world in which we live.

Last week we wrote about keeping in touch with the Lord. What about when we want to be alone, about solitude and we just need to withdraw? Yes, there are those times when solitude is desired; no prayer, no pressure, just quiet time. I guess we may all relate to that.

Often when we feel the need to rest, the desire to chill out and recharge our batteries, solitude is a positive experience. There was an Easter Sunday in the early 90s when I felt this need. The company I was working for was being sold, we were behind on our yard work, we were going to have a large family dinner in mid afternoon and there was a lot of stress. That day I decided to do a long run between early church and dinner to shake the stress. Usually, when overstressed, exercise is not the way to go. The blood does not seem to flow freely, the heart rate is already elevated and mentally there is little strength available. However, on this particular day, I went out alone, but somehow had friends.

The first thing that happened is that at two miles I met up with a neighbor who was also taking a jog. The first words out of his mouth were what a great way running was to relieve stress. Then he told me about his issues. I chose not to share mine that day because they were minor compared with his. Another factor that faced me was that he was faster than I and running further than I had planned. But with that said, we were staying together and enjoying each other’s company. At six miles, at a point when he would usually pull away, he started singing to me! He is a known nut case. He created his own words to an Easter hymn and sang, Bob the Runner has risen today! We laughed a lot, had a great experience and I ran ten miles better than I can ever remember doing it. You see, I had two friends with me that day; we can not hide from Him.

Thought for the Week: There will be times when we want to be alone; times of fear, concern, grief and others. We can seek solitude and we can go off by ourselves. However, we will never succeed. We can not ever hide from the Lord. He will be there for us.

Prayer for the Week: Dear Lord and father, we give thanks for your presence in our daily lives and your persistence in caring for us. We are often adrift and think we are challenging the world on our own. However, you always seem to show up when we need and least expect you. Thanks again for your faith in us and your presence in our lives. Amen

“I can never be lost to your spirit! I can never get away from my God!” (Psalms 139:7)

We live in a world where people disappear from one another. Spouses leave marriages never to be seen again. Children are kidnapped and disappear forever. Our Government has a witness protection plan that changes peoples identity. It’s as if the earth just swallowed them up. But no one disappears from God.

In Psalms 139:7-12 David new he couldn’t hide from God. He could go to heaven or Sheol or he could take wings and fly or go to the depths of the sea, but God “would be” there. The knowledge that God is everywhere is a comfort Jesus taught to bring encouragement to his disciples. So when you are at work, at home, playing golf, serving him or living for him, remember that he is always with you.

There are many times in life when we are lonely. We often feel deserted after the death of a loved one, the loss of a job and at many other times. Lately I have been dealing with several friends who suffer depression. Somehow they have lost their grip that God is with them. Some mouth the words without having the feeling. We all need to keep our eye on the sky. He is there to support and love us.

Thought For The Week: Let us all stop at least once each day and focus on the role that God played in our lives on that day. We will find him there.

Prayer for the Week: Heavenly father, sometimes we feel lonely and out of touch. “Things” all around us, at work, within the family, in politics and in the community seem to lack your presence. We pray that somehow we can understand and feel your presence through the tough times.
Amen

Pick Note: Many of you notice the “Feet” in my lapel on many of my sport coats. They are from “Footprints in the Sand” and are my reminder that I do not walk alone.
Bless you all.