Gratitude: The gift that keeps on Giving!

Gratitude seems to be a boundary marker for our lives. An attitude of gratitude seems to color everything in our world. Kindness, grace, peace, and a sense of calm are just a few of the attributes that are evident in the lives of people who exercise gratitude. The Bible is filled with passages that lead us in this direction as well: Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of…

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A Word about people

Life is about many things, but right up toward the top is the relational aspect of life. Take a moment and reflect on the people who have been a part of your story. Naturally, your family is a significant factor, as are teachers, pastors, good friends, and many more. Throughout my life, there have been a host of people who entered into my life.  Some of these people have been…

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Observations on a walk

Susanne and I have finally made it to our vacation destination. This was our third attempt since March. Because of all that has happened regarding the pandemic, the trip was put on hold twice. We decided to bring our two dogs with us, and today was my first time to walk them in a different neighborhood. With Roscoe and Zuzu, the wonder dogs leashed, and in tow, I made our…

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A Life of Gratitude

A few days ago Susanne and I went on a cruise to celebrate her health journey this past year. While on the trip we met a unique individual. I was sitting in the hot tub and this elderly man came in and sat next to me. He immediately told me he was 95 years old. He was a World War 2 Veteran and had taken part in the Battle of…

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The Road Map Of Life

Did you know that there are marks on your heart? Not literally, but the people who have been a part of our lives leave us ‘marked’ with their presence and deeds and attitudes. Yes, without a doubt, some have marked our hearts and lives in negative ways. Some have impacted our lives in positive ways and left their mark. Have you ever considered the places that have impacted your life?…

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We all Stand On The Shoulders of Others

Ever wonder about how we got here? How did we make it to this point? Regardless of how well your family prepared you for life all of us are indebted to those who have gone before us and paved the way. The story of our families is filled with people who made courageous choices. Someone decided to leave where they were raised and ventured out to make a new start…

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The Passing Of Tine

  From having lunch one weekend with my college roommate and seeing my best friend from college the next I have been reflecting on the goodness of the Lord.  I just had a text conversation with my son who is in Chicago.  I am so proud of the man he has become.  Susanne is at the hospital for her shift as chaplain.  I am going to celebrate a special 16th…

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What Are You Thankful For?

    Thanksgiving is a time when counting our blessings and being thankful are the order of the day.  So in honor of the holiday I thought I would get us all started by counting my blessings.  Here are a few of the things I am thankful for today: God’s love My wife My son My Indianapolis district family good friends (you know who you are) critics.  They are the…

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Five Habits of Highly Grateful People

    We are moving into the season in the United States where we set a day aside to give thanks. It is an honorable thing for the entire nation to count its blessings. As beautiful as it is to have a national day of Thanksgiving, for the believer every day is a time to offer thanks. You have noticed that some people seem thankful and others less grateful with…

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Decoration Day! Memorial Day!

        This weekend most Americans will celebrate a three-day weekend. Memorial Day began as “Decoration Day” toward the end of the Civil War.  People would decorate the graves of both Union and Confederate fallen soldiers.  It began being celebrated across the country during WWI.  It was not until 1971 that  Memorial Day became a holiday.  My grandparents always referred to it as Decoration Day. This was the designation it went by…

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