The devastation from the huge Tsunami in Asia is horrific. The death toll is now over 60,000. The giant waves of the Tsunami were triggered by a 9.0 earthquake under the Indian Ocean.

Our world can be a fragile place. Death and destruction can strike at any time. How we approach each day and especially when tragedy strikes is dependent on our basic belief systems. If we believe that God is available to help us in all circumstances and that we can be an extension of this loving help then we will respond to the cries for help.

World Vision International does a great deal of help in Africa, but is also responding with Christian love to the victims of the Asia Tsunami. See more here.

Do you know the story of the hymn, Silent Night? It’s very interesting and inspiring. Visit the Joyful Heart website and read Dr. Ralph F. Wilson’s article.

“All is calm, all is bright.”

The spiritual life is not a theory; we have to live it. To do that means that we have beliefs we profess and we act on them. This is a perfect time of the year to daily strive to do this better. With so many of us rushing around for last minute gifts, parties and to get our “to do” list items checked off it can be a great challenge.

How do I do in this area? Well, I’m human like you and I often fail to live up to the ideal. I know, however, that making a conscious effort requires a conscious contact with God. Each morning if I take the time to get quiet, reflect and then do whatever daily reading and prayer that works for me I have a much better shot at walking my talk. It’s time well spent.

God bless all of you as we go through each day and may you have a very blessed Christmas!

Tom Gilbert

I was saddened to hear of the passing of a person I never met, but felt like I had. A fellow inspirational writer, Glenn White, died on November 27 in Hawaii from a heart attack while paddling off Oahu's shore. Glenn wrote and maintained a website, Write to Inspire, which encourages writers, especially Christian ones. He wrote a great piece about his father, "A Matter of Honor", not long before his sudden death and you should read it.

Some days things go smoothly. Other days are bumpy. How do we deal with those bumps without becoming overly aggravated, anxious, fearful or angry?

Be still. Trust in God. Know that God cannot love you more or less than He already does. God’s love is not a matter of degree. So, take a deep breath, thank God for this love and trust that things will ultimately be ok.

I know it is not easy. But we can’t let one little thing bump into another and let frustrations build to overload.

Asking for help, whether from another person or just in a quick prayer to God, can work wonders.

Tom Gilbert

Can you be radical without being noisy? How about expressing revolutionary ideas without being flashy? Like lots of probing questions I don’t think the answer is “yes/no”. Maybe it is more a “both/and”.

Jesus was certainly a radical and a revolutionary. The Gospel passages seem to reveal a deeply caring and compassionate man who was humble and quiet. But, not always. He could speak loudly, directly and often with vigor (like when he drove the money changers from the Temple - here).

Are you willing to embrace a new and radical way of living? Are you open to the idea of an intimate and loving relationship with God as you understand him? If so, that’s a good start. Keep going.

Tom Gilbert

It’s a snowy morning in Albuquerque. Nothing major, just some light flakes falling which made it feel very Christmas-like on the drive in today.

As we move closer to Christmas it is easy to feel like it is stress-mas. But, don’t fall for that trap. Advent is a season of preparation. Praying and being in the “now” are great gifts to be experienced always, but especially at this time of year. Take in the sights and sounds of the holidays. Think about friends and family and even the strangers around you.

We are all on a journey. Make this time in your life an Advent Adventure.

Tom Gilbert

Peace starts with each of us. We must have peace in our hearts before we can accept and extend peace to others. But, to others is where our peace must flow. This means dialogue.

The Concert for Peace Talks is a benefit show coming up December 5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and it will feature three outstanding singer-songwriters who believe in extending peace: Mary Gauthier, Tish Hinojosa and Bill Miller. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Good Radio Shows, Inc. and the monthly program on peacemaking and nonviolent resolution. See more here.

Tom Gilbert

We’ve entered into a new month and a special time of the year. While many are rushing around in a shopping frenzy during the holiday season, we as believers can take a different approach. We can prayerfully prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus into our lives in a more meaningful way. This does not mean we avoid parties and gift giving. However, our approach can be more serene and peaceful and loving. It is way too easy to get caught up in the materialistic attitude. This only leads to stress and excessive consumption.

As you shop this year consider meaningful gifts that express your care and love. You might even want to see some options that are ecologically sound. Be sure to check out our Spotlight Specials page for ideas.

Tom Gilbert