Thanksgiving

           It has been a while since I have posted on my blog and my intention has been to continue writing on the last subject regarding CORRUPT COMMUNICATION; however, since Thanksgiving is coming up, I figured I would join the vast array of blogs that have or will have articles about thankfulness (I don't always go against the grain!). I am simply going to paste two articles that I have written for the church bulletin. God bless and don't ever stop thanking Him!

(11/03/13)

            Often, in the month of November, we are reminded to be thankful for the blessings of life. Proverbs 17:22 states, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” It may be simple, but one thing we can be thankful for is the gift of laughter. It’s not only proven healthy for the body, but also it is free of charge! So, I want to give you a funny list of actual mistakes/typos found in church bulletins across America. Feel free to laugh and remember to thank the Lord.

1.       Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
2.       Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.
3.       Ushers will eat latecomers.
4.       For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
5.       The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."
6.       Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
7.       Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
8.       The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
9.       Potluck supper: Prayer and medication to follow.
10.   Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.
11.   Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.
12.   The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
13.   Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
14.   A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honor of his wife.

(11/10/13)

            Last week we talked about the gift of laughter, but today I would like to focus on the gift of family. Sadly, we live in a day where there are many, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:3, who are “without natural affection.” Literally, they have no love for their family. Often, I read in the news about domestic disputes which end in tragedy. A rebellious son takes the life of his mother or a drunken dad viciously beats his children. Such wickedness is what satan desires, because peace, love, and joy should always be first experienced in the home, and if not, all of society will unravel into corruption.

           In today’s society, children are viewed as a burden, an obstacle that gets in the way of enjoying life to the fullest, but this is not what the Word of God teaches. Psalms 127:3 states, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” The word “heritage” can also mean “heirloom.” Children are priceless treasures that God has committed to us, so that we may raise them up to rejoice in Him. Thank God for children!

          Marriage itself is seen as a prison to escape from rather than a precious communion worth fighting for. Yet, Proverbs 19:14 reads, “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.” My wife is my cheerleader and my help-meet. I thank God for her and I can truly say that though our marriage is not perfect, it is still wonderful nonetheless. Sometimes it is our own foolish ungratefulness for our spouse that makes marriage seemingly unbearable.

           Someone once asked me what my hobbies were, as I began to think over the things I enjoyed doing, most of them consisted of spending time with my wife and children. I love my family and I am so thankful for them. Are you thankful for yours?

In light of all of this, notice what Paul writes in Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We should praise the Lord not just for our physical family, but also our spiritual family. Granddad Horton died before I ever got to meet him and granddad Goff died of a heart attack in 1997. I may see them again one day, but here on earth I have been given many grandparents in Christ. I have met many brothers and sisters who didn’t bear the same last name as me, but they did bear the name of Christ in their hearts. And for this I praise the Lord!