... we need to speak from our hearts. If that day never comes, then may we "speak" our love through touches, hugs, presents, and smiles. We bring to you, O God, those broken relationships that now appear to be beyond repair. Our wisdom, our reaching out, leaves us far short of reconciliation. Will you care for those whom we have failed and who have failed us. Your love is our continuing hope. Thank you, heavenly Spirit, for all the moments of love shared with our children and grandchildren. The memory of ...
... our "thank you's" measure up to the greatness of your gifts? Yet to say nothing, because of our inadequacy, would be cowardly. To mouth the words of others, because they seem more elevated and eloquent, only robs us of being in touch with you and leaves us cut off from our own voice. Furthermore, repeating old prayer formulas, as if this is something that must be done, becomes the practice of boredom under the guise of piety. Therefore, each of us comes before you, even with our ineffective words, to reveal ...
... also. As they marry, may each bring care, tenderness, kindness, and love as elixirs of life. May they bring different perspectives that will cause this marriage to be strong. May you ordain this union with your divine and holy presence from the start. May you never leave them nor forsake them -- nor they you. In the name of the Holy Father, blessed Son, and Spirit of life. The Exchange Of Rings Pastor: Do you give rings as a symbol of your love? Couple: Yes, we do. Pastor: Let the never-ending circle of ...
... on the surface of living. Take time, (Bride) and (Groom), to share your dreams and hopes with one another. Don't let your lives get totally consumed by all those daily and weekly little things that always seem to take our attention. Now and then, leave the dishes and the laundry and the lawn mowing, and maybe even all the running around socializing, and spend time talking about things that really matter, like what you want your life together to be like, what you hope people will remember about you when ...
... on the surface of living. Take time, (Bride) and (Groom), to share your dreams and hopes with one another. Don't let your lives get totally consumed by all those daily and weekly little things that always seem to take our attention. Now and then, leave the dishes, the laundry, the lawn mowing, and the checkbook balancing, and spend time talking about things that really matter: like what you want your family to be like, what you hope people will remember about you when you're gone, how you can add ...
... When you stop what you are doing and take time to listen carefully to your partner, that is an act of true love. When you take your turn entertaining a cranky, teething baby, that is an act of true love. When you give an unexpected hug, make a special meal, leave a little love note -- those are the kind of small actions which often speak louder than words of your love for each other. They show how much you value the gift of love you have been given. At this moment, you may feel like this love is a gift only ...
Hear these words from Scripture as they are found in the Book of Ruth, chapter 1, verses 16-17 (RSV): But Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to ...
... has room for improvement. It's a major theme of Christianity. Everybody has problems. That's the bad news. Here's the good news. God loves us any way. To paraphrase a popular person from Pittsburgh, "God loves you just the way you are, but loves you too much to leave you just the way you are." And by God's grace, we have a manual (the Bible) and a mentor (Jesus) to teach us how to improve. However, no one takes lessons until she or he confesses the need for them. That's another major theme of Christianity ...
... the past several months. We've been silly on occasion, serious when necessary, and direct at all times. That's how it becomes when time spent far exceeds time left. It's easy to distinguish the important from the incidental when each breath could be the last. When I leave Nancy and encounter folks so majorly obsessed with such minor details, I want to scream, "Get a life before it's too late!" But I bite my tongue and keep it in because I've learned it's better to talk to God about some people than to talk ...
... , hoping they would become discouraged and go away. They didn't. The secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though she didn't want to do it. "Maybe if they just see you for a few minutes, they'll leave," she told him. He nodded agreement in exasperation. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them. Moreover, he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. Stern-faced with practiced dignity, the president ...
... today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind ... let it be some-thing good. What have we invented? What have we done? What are we leaving behind? Do we have high standards? Do we have goals? Are we taking dead aim at Jesus? There's an easy way to find out. I think of the woman who had an appendectomy. She asked her doctor, "Will the scar show when I'm at the beach?" The doctor ...
... do. They have minds of their own. While I know they'll end up like most children who grow up to appreciate their parents, my word will come in second best when it comes to selecting a vocation, spouse, sport, and so on. Parents can only do their best and leave the rest to you know who. In How to Play Your Best Golf All The Time (1953), Tommy Armour confirms my contention that golf is a metaphor for life: "When you miss a shot, never think of what you did wrong. Come up to the next shot thinking of what ...
... and suffering, certainty and doubt, life and death. In the end we cannot answer why people suffer; but we commend to all the God who suffered for us and with us in Jesus the Christ." At the benediction Susan left immediately. Chrissy was after her, if only to view her leaving. Chrissy gained a final glimpse of dark brown tweed as Susan glided down the last of the church steps and briskly walked around the corner. The glance was worth it. To Chrissy Susan seemed everything a Christian woman should be.
... aspect of "pride," "me first-ness," or "original sin?" 14. If we are still in sin, how do we know God loves us? Reflection By A Famous Christian On:Original Sin "I know, of course, what bad consciences do when they begin to make themselves aprons from fig leaves to try and hide themselves. (Genesis 3:7) Since they misinterpret God's Word and follow their own fancy, it is easy also to judge their heart by the scriptures, which teach us that the wicked have no rest: 'His heart is like a wave of the sea ...
... of application of their new mission. Jesus undoubtedly gave pop quizzes regarding the lessons that had already been learned, and then he added a final set of instructions that seemed to signal that his time with them was coming to a close. "He ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4). What was this gift he was speaking of? "You have heard me speak about this gift before," Jesus said. "For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy ...
... . "I began to think about my adventure in relation to the kingdom of God. We seek entry into God's kingdom but everyone can't just walk in. One can't break into God's kingdom. We can't find an alternative route into the kingdom of God. If God leaves a window open, we can't just climb through and join the party. But to enter God's kingdom we must have the key. And that key is Jesus Christ." Jesus is the key to the kingdom of God. John 10:9-10 records: I am the gate. Whoever enters ...
... that we had lived through and then we again thanked God for being so good to us -- all the time! The season of Lent is a time to reflect on our journeys of faith. Sometimes those journeys take difficult paths, but we can know through faith that God never leaves us alone. Perhaps these words ask it best: What shall I render unto God for all his blessings, what shall I do? During the beginning of the Lenten season that is a question that we can all ask. What shall I render unto God? Our faith journeys are ...
... . HANNAH: (Serenely) Yes, I will see. I have never had a reason to doubt the Christ's words. I do not doubt now. With a strange new joy in my heart, I continue the journey of faith. Faith in my Lord and Master. He will never leave me or forsake me. Of that, I am certain. Scene II Scene: A wagon train headed west Characters:SARA: Young woman, uncertain, frightened, very open about her feelingsANNA: Young woman wise for her years, a strong Christian faith Costumes: Old-fashioned dresses and bonnets typical of ...
... ; it was here where I finally truly grasped what life was all about. I find it strange how history has a way of making everyday people seem so saintly. "You are a saint," Boaz often tells me. "Your commitment to follow Naomi -- your words, 'Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee. For whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God -- these words, Ruth, will be used by every man and woman in their covenant vows ...
... trumpets and drums; they want more liveliness and sharing. (Sighs) And, me, I like the old way. It's what I'm used to. 2ND MAN: Me, too. It's how it's been since we were kids. And it's been meaningful. Some things, I think we should just leave alone. 1ST MAN: We're getting older, you and me, you know that? We're sounding just like our elders, only now we're the elders. Maybe this worship change thing really isn't so bad, either. If my grandkids feel they can worship the Lord better in a more ...
... One of the most important events in the life of a church is the graduation from high school or college of its younger members. This drama emphasizes the stake heaven and prayer have in directing the lives of graduating seniors as they leave home. And it's only the beginning! Setting: Heaven on graduation day Characters: TWO YOUNG GUARDIAN ANGELS: May be male or female Costumes: White robes, tinsel halos under traditional graduation mortarboards Props: Two white boxes for sitting Scene: Two white boxes are ...
... 's rules. Besides, you made the same commitment I did. There's no middle. And, don't forget, the devil eats his followers for lunch. JOHN: (Resignedly) I know ... I know. Guess you'll be skipping the post-game party. MARK: The bash? JOHN: Yeah. (Pauses) The drinking I can leave. (Gives MARK a playful shove) It's the girls that I hate to give up. You don't get much cuddling at youth group, and I'm a growing boy. MARK: Serious about any of those girls? JOHN: Naw, just a good time, that's all. A little arm ...
... days Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she shall be called: the Lord is our righteousness." 3RD HERALD: (Same actions as 2ND HERALD) "Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. Even so you, too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven ...
... THIRD: Look. Look at the fine work our dear dead sister has done. FIRST: Fine linen garments stitched by her loving hands. FOURTH: She was a good woman, loving and kind and well loved by our community. SECOND: Yes, I can see that. She was well loved. Now, leave me alone with her. I'll be downstairs later. FIRST: He knelt by the body and gazed into the darkness of the clear, cool night. SECOND: (PRAYING) Lord God, King of the universe, You who set the stars in their place, and breathed life into man, I honor ...
... more when Jesus recognizes it. CLEOPAS: But at the same time He was patient with us. He did explain all the prophecies in the scriptures to us that referred to Him. COMPANION: That was great. I liked that. And then when He arrived here He acted like He was leaving. CLEOPAS: You know that was strange, His acting like He was going to travel on. COMPANION: I've been thinking about that. I guess He just wanted to make sure we wanted to hear about Jesus. CLEOPAS: I didn't know who He was, but my heart was on ...