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Living The Solution – Online Newsletter |
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December 20, 2007 ISSUE |
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Opening Thoughts:
Christmas is almost here. I hope you are finding it a joyful
season. Don’t fret over those things that distract
us from the love of God and the love of each other. Enjoy
the experience of gift giving without obsessing over whether
you bought the right kind of gift. If you have been thoughtful
in your shopping you probably picked out something that
will be received gratefully and appreciated.
Our heavenly Father knows the deep longing of our hearts. I believe it is God’s
intention to help us bring those true desires into the light. The letter of James
in the New Testament calls him “the Father of heavenly lights, who does
not change like shifting shadows.” That’s right, God is constant
and true. But God is always creating. The greatest gift to us, His son, made
all things new.
This Christmas remember we’ve already been given the greatest gift ever.
If you need a God “with skin on him” look to Jesus Christ. “Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth
through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” – James
1:17-18
Peace and joy,
Tom Gilbert
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IN THIS ISSUE
Feature Article: The Waiting is the Hardest Part
In The Spotlight: Sounds of the Season
Daily Thoughts: Don't Give Up, Don't Quit
Prayer & Sharing Requests
Quotable: Determining True Value |
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| FEATURED
ARTICLE |
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The
Waiting is the Hardest Part
Article by Tom Gilbert — © December, 2007
When I was a young child
the final week before Christmas was excruciating. It
seemed like the big day would never arrive. I was nearly
beside myself in anxious excitement about what presents
I would receive. I enjoyed all the trappings of the
season, but my enjoyment was mostly about getting.
Yes, I knew that we also gave gifts. And that was an
important lesson. But let’s face it, as kids
our focus is on meeting our wants. And if our expectations
are disappointed we feel that somehow Christmas has
let us down.
Sadly for many of us, not much changes when we become adults. Oh, sure, we
are now the provider of presents much more than just a receiver. We have children
of our own giddy with hope for their Christmas gift wishes. But, we can still
be consumed by our self-centered desires. And when confronted with our selfishness
we might overcompensate with even more spending on gifts and more activity we
perceive as giving, but is too often mistaken good intentions.
 Advent,
the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is about waiting with hope, expectation
and preparation. During this time we must question our priorities. Is life all
about tasks and to-do lists? Are we busy with the holiday bustle? Or are we preparing
inwardly so that our outward action will be meaningful.
Read the entire article here
More articles here.
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| IN THE SPOTLIGHT |
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Sounds of the Season
Tis' the Sounds of the Season. Find wonderful
Christmas Music and Holiday selections.
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here |
Be sure to visit our Spotlight
Specials page for other special resources and causes.
Our Living the Solution online store
has resources to help you grow spiritually. It’s
secure and extensive with many great gift ideas!
Visit our
online store
There is something for everyone. When you shop with us,
you support our ministry – thank you!
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DAILY THOUGHTS & REFLECTIONS |
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Don't Give Up, Don't Quit
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued
doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't
give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance,
let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest
to us in the community of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 — The Message)
Do you ever just get tired of trying,
wondering if you’re having any effect? Sometimes
we doubt if we are doing any good. You might even ask
yourself if it's worth the effort. Here’s the truth—it
is! Unlike many things in the world the good we do for
God and others may not be seen or even acknowledged until
later. Just because we don’t see it now, or know
about it now, does not mean that our effort to do good
goes unnoticed or unappreciated. It would be great if
every time, even now and then, we would receive feedback,
letting us know that we are having an impact, but that
does not always happen. That is why Paul is telling us
to keep it up, never surrender, never give up (to quote
a line from an old movie).
There is much more going on than we see. We will never see the full impact of
our efforts to live the life for which we were created. But hang in there. One
day we will get to see the fruits of what we have done.
The apostle Paul reminds us to not get fatigued or discouraged about doing good
and doing what is right. Your reward will come; your efforts for people’s
hearts are not in vain. Keep it up. God, and the hearts and souls of others,
are depending on you.
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
Get daily inspiration with a Scripture verse and commentary
at
Daily Thought
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PRAYER REQUESTS & RESULTS |
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Prayer works. It really does.Submit your prayer
requests and we will pray for them.
Of course, we keep your information confidential.
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My thoughts are shared regularly on the pages of
our web site, especially on
the Journal pages.
We welcome and appreciate your feedback. If you would
like to submit an article please see our writer's
guidelines.
It is our hope that the content of Living The Solution will
stimulate you to deepen your faith. That is certainly a result for us in both
our writing and reading. If you would like to see articles on a particular topic
or you have comments please let us know.
Send an email
Quotable: Have a Good Friend
“I have learned that to have a good friend
is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange
of payment”
— Frances Farmer, American film Actress, 1914-1970
Copyright 2007 Living the Solution, all rights reserved.
Tom Gilbert
Editor/Web-servant
Living The Solution
www.livingthesolution.com
P O Box 25584
Albuquerque, NM 87125-5584
Toll free 1-800-399-2564 (US only) or 505-247-3232
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