14
Dec 2003
Today I found myself dwelling on this point on our prayer card: “Ask Him to help all our elders follow the example of Christ in wisdom, knowledge, compassion, reconciliation and servant leadership.” Though we’re praying this for our leadership, reconciliation is something we all need, because what matters most in our lives is our relationships–be they with the Lord or with our human family and friends. There’s our relationship and integration into Christ’s bride, the Church, which can also be fractured. These are key relationships, and reconciliation is the mechanism we need to......
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14
Nov 2003
This Lent we are asking Light of Christ parishoners to make a special intention to pray for our church, the city of Kenosha and our roles in what God is calling us to personally. Review this flyer for resources on prayer, opportunities to pray with others, and encouragement to share your prayers. Prayer Resources Prayer Cards—Our “Lord of the Harvest” prayer cards have outlined the five prayer points we’d like you to engage with during Lent. If you haven’t yet received one, pick it up from the Information Table on Sunday. Engaging......
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15
Oct 2003
The transition was as beautiful as it was surprising, and all the better for it. Young Keaton had just finished the New Testament reading for the day’s worship service. He had been preparing all week, practicing tricky words and transitions. Now the moment had come, and he had done a good job. As he finished and the congregation responded with “Thanks be to God,” he let out a well-earned, if a bit voluminous, sigh of relief. A shower of laughter broke over the room, and we were reminded again: we are but......
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13
Oct 2003
I object To this story It should not be in the Bible It is irresponsible encourages wrongdoing Maybe it is a good story even a true story Still, it should be kept a Secret. It is dangerous, gives the wrong impression as if God is a pushover gives the wrong idea as if we can do whatever we want and still come home. As if God would forgive and welcome us even if we behave as if there is no God. As if This story needs for a different ending one in......
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16
Sep 2003
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 “Draw near” is an invitation God extends to everyone, not just Christians. The reward for drawing near is nothing less than God’s presence–he draws near to us in turn! This promise is one we can easily make to our family and friends. God is not magic, nor is he a divine vending machine (prayer goes in, answer comes out), but he does promise to get closer to us when we get closer to him, and that’s where amazing, miraculous things......
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15
Sep 2003
Getting Rid of Marital Resentment If you married a normal human being, chances are that you have some of those typical 10-12 unresolved areas of marital conflict that are causing you resentment. It is also likely that your sense of fair play makes it easy for you to accidentally keep a marriage balance book that adds up to feeling like things are not fair. For example, most women keep a balance sheet that indicates that their husband has a chores deficit, gift-giving deficit or romance deficit. Many men have a balance sheet......
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13
Aug 2003
From what light does fall the dawn; is this the first view of your daily Grace? Every morning I watch as God brings the light unto my day. Everyday I say “Take me Lord I am yours.” “Give to me what you will and will to me what you give.” “I am your child, lead me home.” The dawn is my burning bush. I wait to hear your voice. It is at this place that I meet you everyday. I call to my heart and spirit the quiet to grace your sound.......
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13
Jun 2003
Earth is crammed with heaven; And every common bush a fire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes, the rest sit around and pluck blackberries. Elizabeth Barrett Browning When I was around 13 I remember asking my father how old he was when life began to come together and make sense. His response was a chuckle of wisdom. I didn’t realize then that my father could be as puzzled about life in his early 40’s as I was at age 13. As I grow older I see why......
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15
Apr 2003
Guaranteed Ways to Make Your Marriage Miserable There are some very damaging behaviors you can do that will guarantee the demise of your marriage. John Gottman, PhD and his team of researchers have been researching couples since the 1980’s. Their research shows us that 4 key behaviors make it impossible to cultivate or maintain the love, intimacy and teamwork you longed for when you first said your wedding vows. These 4 dangerous behaviors are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. They kill marriages. None of them has any usefulness in any marriage at......
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16
Jan 2003
Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You Where did our Lenten and Holy Week theme come from? Jeanne Olsen fills us in. It was just after Holy Week last year. I had been praying for folks I had hoped would come to our Holy Week services. Some of them did, some of them didn’t. But our services had been so good! I hoped that somehow, more people would attend next year. Then I had a dream. First I saw the words “Draw near to God, and He will......
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