Phoenix

This is a story I read a while ago. It can really provoke some thoughts.

"Last week I took my children to a resteraunt. My six-year-old asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would thank you even more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert, and liberty and justice for all! Amen!'

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'

Hearing this my son burst into tears and asked my, 'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?' As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly geltleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.'

'Really?' my son asked.

'Cross my heart,' the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whispe, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started the whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.' "

Wow. That's something to think about. Kids can teach us a lot. Such innocence. Have some ice cream ;)   

As you may have realized, there are a lot of posts on this blog. This simple fact means it is near impossible to take the time to examine each one, and then decide on two to talk about. So I thought about what are my main thoughts comming out of this year. I then found two posts that dealt with this centeral theme.

 What is important?

"The best portion of a good man's life is the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."   

-William Wordsworth

 How to succeed in life.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Comming out of this year, I have learned a lot. I am not the same person I used to be. And the journey has not always been an easy one. Thank God for forgiveness. I have seen and felt how much impact small acts of kindness can have. All of us have been encouraged to step out of our comfort zones in the practice of Christian service. I have volunteered for things that I probably wouldn't have done normally. And I have also been blessed by others doing things for me. Every one of us can make a great impact. It doesn't matter about money, grades, talents, or anything else like that. WHat matters is that we take what we have, give it to God, and trust that He will use us as we remain open to Him. I don't want to over talk or "preach" on this topic. I feel I have come too close already. I don't know so much more about this than everyone else. I am simply talking about what I have seen. I fave been forgiven from so many things, and it is only by God's grace and mercy that I am who I am today. I am sorry for every time I have messed up, whether by action or inaction. I have been blessed by all of you and only ask that, as the year ends, don't forget what we have learned this year. And remember that you are able to make a difference, as long as you are willing. In all things we do, to God be the glory. Thank you for all you have done. May God bless you and may His face shine upon you. Stay strong.

-Josh

 Skillet

Angels Fall Down

I saw angels fall down
at the glory of the Lord
and as I raise my hands I see

I saw angels fall down
at the glory of the Lord
and as I hit the ground I see

And I fall down
afraid and shaking here
And I fall down
perfectly safe in you

I saw angels fall down
at the glory of the Lord
the hurt and the broken find rest here

I saw angels fall down
at the beauty of the Lord
and as I kneeled I cried to know Him

yeah...

God is so amazing! There are so many songs that can barely grasp a fraction of His power and majesty. Those who see it are overwhelmed. His presence can make people collapse or start shaking. His word created the heavens and the earth. He has done so much, yet he still loves us. We have so much to be thankful.

I hope that we will be able to go out and show those who don't know, the savior who has given us so much. Not necessarily as "missionaries" but as whatever we are called to be. To be a witness through out words and deeds. May we never forget the power, majesty, forgiveness, and loving kindness of our God. May he bless you all. Praise God for all He has done.

5. What sort of lifestyle is Wesley advocating? What sort of spirituality produces this kind of lifestyle?

Wesley is not advocating a life of poverty or of riches. He simply wants everyone to give what they have to those who need. We need to give time, money, and care to others. First we do everything we can to make sure they have their basic needs. After that we try to point them to Jesus. The rich have a higher calling because they are more able to make an impact in the needs of others. Those who have nothing can make a difference too. They are able to pray and to speak in the name of Jesus. Whether rich or poor, man or woman, young or old, everyone is able to make an impact in the lives of others and our lifestyle should be one that is always ready to help others when they have need. We can get this by having a love of Jesus and wanting to convey that love to others. We can trust God to provide for our needs and do our best to help provide for others. You and me are just as able to make a difference as the next person. Trust in God and bless "The least of these."

"Attitude determines altitude."
- -- Unknown

I don't know where the person who said this was going with it but I took it to mean this... Basically our attitude determines how good we are feeling. No matter what is going on we can still look at the bright side and find hope. This can be very hard to do sometimes, but it is something to think about. No matter what happens, we can trust in Jesus and the knowledge that He loves us and that, for Christians, no matter the struggles we have on earth, we can look forward to the joy and peace of heaven. Keep your chin up and look for the bright side. If in never got dark then we wouldn't be able to see the stars.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.
- Glenn Clark

2. Reflect on the poverty advocated by Francis for his Order in light of his wealthy upbringing.

"The brothers shall appropriate nothing to themselves... this, my dearest brothers, is the height of the most sublime poverty which has made you heirs to the kingdom of heaven: poor in goods, but exaulted in virtue. Let that be your portion, for it leads to the land of the living... never desire to possess anything else under heaven."

As Francis grew up, he was able to watch his father pursue riches. In doing this he was able to make a decission for how he felt about this. He saw that Jesus had been poor on earth and saw that to thirst for Jesus is better than riches. He prefered to pursue virtue that worldly goods, and advocated for others to do the same.