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Posted on 12/31/2013 10:31:28 PM PST by JustAmy
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(((((Thank you, Sweet FRiend! I Love that Cute Gif)))))
Read: Matthew 6:5-15
On November 19, 1863, two well-known men gave speeches at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The featured speaker, Edward Everett, was a former congressman, governor, and president of Harvard University. Considered one of the greatest orators of his day, Mr. Everett delivered a formal address lasting 2 hours. He was followed by President Abraham Lincoln, whose speech lasted 2 minutes.
Today, Lincoln’s speech, the Gettysburg Address, is widely known and quoted, while Everett’s words have almost been forgotten. It is not just Lincoln’s eloquent brevity that accounts for this. On that occasion, his words touched the wounded spirit of a nation fractured by civil war, offering hope for the days to come.
Words do not have to be many to be meaningful. What we call the Lord’s Prayer is among the shortest and most memorable of all the teachings of Jesus. It brings help and healing as it reminds us that God is our heavenly Father whose power is at work on earth, just as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:9-10). He provides food, forgiveness, and fortitude for each day (vv.11-13). And all honor and glory belong to Him (v.13). There is nothing in our past, present, and future that is not included in our Lord’s brief words that help and heal.
Read: Colossians 3:12-17
Some years ago, I came across a poem by George MacDonald titled, “The Hidden Life.” It tells the story of an intellectually gifted young Scot who turned his back on a prestigious academic career to return to his aging father and to the family farm. There he engaged in what MacDonald called, “ordinary deeds” and “simple forms of human helpfulness.” His friends lamented what they saw as a waste of his talents.
Perhaps you too serve in some unnoticed place, doing nothing more than ordinary deeds. Others might think that’s a waste. But God wastes nothing. Every act of love rendered for His sake is noted and has eternal consequences. Every place, no matter how small, is holy ground. Influence is more than lofty acts and words. It can be a simple matter of human helpfulness: being present, listening, understanding the need, loving, and praying. This is what turns daily duty into worship and service.
The apostle Paul challenged the Colossians: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:17,23-24). God takes notice and delights in using us.
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New year’s greetings to Lynn-DAH!
;o)
Well we dodged the bad stuff, just had rain and cold. We just had our poorly insulated windows replaced. How they passed the house inspection is beyond me. And to Sofet vents in the attic either. Dean will be installing them when it warms up. We just had all glass storm doors put in in Aug, dogs love to look out the doors.
Hope the bad weather mix we are supposed to get tomorrow waits until late in the day to hit. I have MRIS at 8 am tomorrow morning. Maybe they will actually find the pinched nerve this time.
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LOL
How Cute!!!
Thanks, Jaidyn.
Rus ... You are sooo appreciated. It is such a comfort knowing that you will be here every morning with ODB.
THANK YOU!!!
She is adorable, Meg. Thank you.
Thank you for Opening the doors even when you should be taking care of your back.
I was happy to hear that you had a great visit with your Navy grandson and his wife. Families are so important!!
Wishing you a happy, restful day.
Hugs.
What a little cutie!
sweet looking girl. stay warm..:O)
OMG ...... poor little guy. I’m going to look for my electric blanket for tonight!!
Thanks for the funny/cute graphic, Jaidyn.
I would love to share some of our rain with you!
((((HUGS))))
Oh How I wish you could! We have had less than 1/4 inch of rain since June 1st. Summers are suppose to be dry, but this dry fall and winter is horrible for the crops and us who must breathe this dirty air.
Hope your Wednesday was warm and fuzzy.
Actually, it was cold and wet.
Evidently the “Polar Vortex” is sucking up all the moisture from the Great Plains.
We could use a little Global Warming to relieve the suffering of millions of Americans.
Quick, on the count of 3, everybody exhale some CO2!
Get well!! I love the beautiful graphic you posted with the deer, snow and serene pond. Rest up and feel better, soon ;-)
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