Thanksgiving 2013

"Rejoice always;

pray without ceasing;

in everything give thanks;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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It can be a challenge to embrace the phrase "in everything give thanks" if one doesn't remember to keep those words in their proper context. To begin with these four words are from the text of a letter written over 1,960 years ago by Paul a follower of Jesus Christ to a  group of Thessalonians to whom Paul  is involved with. Paul and several of his letters became part of what we today call the bible which is a collection of 66 writings, by 40+ authors compiled over the course of  several thousand years which tells a complete and integrated story. A story that tells us about the relationship between mankind and its creator and that is something to give thanks for.

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I encourage you today to practice the act of  "in everything giving thanks" and remember to keep your life in context.

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Grace & Peace

Pause & Reflect

Ft Pickens, March 2013

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As the 2013 Holiday Season approaches I find myself at a point in the year at which I want to pause and reflect on the past 10+ months. This year has brought quite a number of challenges and changes to the lives of several friends, family members, and coworkers and before I am swept up in the holiday spirit finding myself at the beginning of 2014 I simply want to...pause & reflect.

To rejoice in the presence of God.

To be thankful for the blessings from God.

To reflect on my spiritual growth towards God.

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Grace & Peace