A little fun from a church member, this story was told to me:
Do you know that Las Vegas has more Catholic Churches than Casinos? It is true, and as a result of the little cottage industry in Las Vegas, tithes are mostly paid in chips to the church. The only truly trustworthy people the bishop could find to count all these chip donations for all the churches, is the Franciscans in this little monastery just outside of Las Vegas.
The Monks there count and seperate all the chips to take them into the casinos to cash in for the money for the churches. These fine men in this ministry are known as:
The Chip Monks.
You knew it was coming-c'mon admit it!
-Hoody in AB

A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

I am almost done the intro part of a spiritual book, that uses this as the basis for part one.
-Hoody in AB

Faced with humiliation, with the devastation of racism, with ecological destruction, wtih sexism, it is healthy to notice that something is wrong; it is healthy to grieve and rage over the violation of life.
-Sharon Welch

This is a statement in regards to why it is so hard for us to see Sin in the world and the illogic of not being able to name it with the world that is around us. Or it could just simply be the apathy of belief that this is the way the world is and will never change--the utlimate fight is the removal of apathy and remembering what it means when we pray "Your kingdom come on earth." and realize that is a here and now statement. How have you loved as Jesus would today?
-Hoody in AB

Franciscan Vows Taken in Calgary Diocese
I was nervous, taking vows before God to begin a more intense examination of my calling. My calling to the Third Order, Society of St. Francis (TSSF). It is a religious order for laity, those who are called to be in the world, serving and loving (whether married or single or with entire families). On November 22, 2005 @ 7:30 p.m. the Eucharist service was held, with The Rev. Dean Houghton presiding, and I came forward to be admitted to the Order.
It was the next step in an eight-year journey that began with the discovery of John Michael Talbot’s The Lessons of St. Francis on a Chapters bookshelf, and last year led to an inquiry and postulancy with the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, before transferring to finish my postulancy with the TSSF. A call to radically live out my faith, whether or not I feel like it that day, through my Rule of Life Ministry that is general enough to apply across life situations yet specific enough to constantly stretch me in my daily walk with Jesus.
For St. Francis of Assisi, my mentor and one of my guides to the Heart of God, had a simple call from the crucifix “build my church” and that is what I pray, before my service, during my service and now, that my actions will build the Kingdom not tear it down.
Third Order (or Secular) Franciscans can be found across the world, from those who work with children dying of starvation and AIDS to provide comfort all the way up to the highest households of political power (Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). It is a life of simplicity, humility, Joy and as St. Paul phrased it-the greatest gift-Love. I am greatly humbled when I look out at what the Franciscan family does, silently they were among the first in New Orleans after the hurricane, without fanfare they work with the United Nations on Human Rights, almost ignored they bring much needed medical supplies to children suffering in Africa. To be a Franciscan to me, simply means answering each day of my life the simple question of, “Where Would Jesus Be?” and being there, caring, loving and serving.
-Hoody in AB

He(St. Francis of Assisi) wanted his brothers to study, provided that they live and do (that which scripture teaches) before they teach it. For what good is it to know about many things and to have no experience and taste of them.
-St. Bonnaventure.

Starting Over Os Hillman - Today God Is First - TGIF
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. James 1:9

Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this "high" position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position. Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness.

J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of "The Golden Rule" stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.

By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy...creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. ...Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate'er betide, God will take care of you.... Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.

By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God's mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.

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scw comments: J.C. Penney, go figure. See you learn something new ever day. ;D Humbling situations, trials, storms of life, whatever name you want to put to it are God’s refining fires in our lives. He uses them to draw us closer to Him like Paul, to see if we will prove faithful like Job, and to develop qualities we’ll need for a task He has for us later like Joseph. Go down a couple of verses to James 1:12 and it says. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” So if you find yourself in “humbling circumstances” instead of grumbling and complaining, start looking around, give some time to prayer, and start trying to figure out what God is trying to do in your life.

So tomorrow this all becomes official...I take my novice vows and the joining of the Order is official...Whew!! Eight long years and many false starts in thinking I was meant to be a church pastor.
The Noviate is my 24 months of intense reflection and introspection before life time vows to ensure the Franciscan path is where I am meant to be...One of the unique things that has happened with this path, is the opening of dialogue with people on what it actually means to be in ministry, and to serve God.
So yeah tomorrow night is the next step, then 12 months from then I take another set of vows (a renewal of my novice vows) and finally 12 months after that the order and me go to prayer about whether or not I should make a lifetime professment.
-Hoody in AB

Ever feel contentment on your path? It is a unique thing to feel I can attest to that, it is also a scary thing as you begin to realize more and more how focused your ministry life needs to become to achieve what God is mapping out for you.
One of the cool things about being a Franciscan is that I took a vow to God when writing my personal rule of ministry that once a year I would seek out a quiet spiritual retreat by myself to spend time in contemplation of my calling and ministry, and spend quality time with God. This year that falls on December 15, and I will be exploring the words of the Prophets of the Bible and my writing ministry...I am eagerly awaiting this day, as SCW can attest, I am becoming quite drained with my hectic schedule and need to focus it for the coming year.

There's No Such Thing As Luck by Greg Laurie www.harvest.org

God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. — Ephesians 1:9

No Christian should ever say, "I was really lucky today" or "Whatever will be will be." Forget that. If you are a Christian, then you are a child of God. There's no such thing as dumb luck. God has a plan and a purpose. He has a strategy for your life. You may not see it now, but He sees it and always has seen it. God is paying attention to what you are facing right now. He is paying attention to what you really need—not necessarily to what you want. So the great thing to know is that God is thinking about you and He cares about you.

We must remember what God's thoughts are toward us. According to Jeremiah 29:11, God's thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and not of evil. He may hate sin, but He loves the sinner with an everlasting love. The next time that the devil whispers in your ear that God's design for you is evil, remember Jeremiah 29:11 and quote it. In fact, the next time the devil reminds you of your past, you can remind him of his future. Your future is good. His is not.

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scw comments: Yep. Look around, you'll see God's finger prints on everything. Like turning the "z" in AZ into a "b" to make it AB so two people would meet. (chuckle) ;D

"It isn't necessary to imagine the world ending in
fire or ice--there are two other possibilities: one
is paperwork, and the other is nostalgia."
--Frank Zappa

From Today's Daily Office, a prayer:

For Joy in God's Creation

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I love being a Franciscan because one of our chief aims, besides a sense of humour and love, is to chase after God's joy in the world.
-Hoody in AB

It was a blessing, I woke up to a song on the radio just before 11 a.m. (the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month--the time when the guns fell silent to end "The War to End All Wars" how I pray they were right).
It had a unique refrain:
Have you forgotten or just don't give a damn
lost in your freedom
of those who fell for the Red and White.

It is true, we stand and shout for all these rights, but look how we treat our seniors, our soldiers, the brave men and women that have been fighting evil for the Maple Leaf for centuries, we have finally honoured our Native Veterans who had to literally give all to serve their nation, and a few years ago we honoured Korea...what about others?
What about the general who stood against the world in Rwanda?
Or the brave men and women lost in the horrors of Bosnia?
What of the soldiers in the natural disaster areas?
Or those who serve and have died in Afghanistan to bring peace and freedom?
This list could go on and on for the centuries we have been a nation, and before that British North America.
Canada has a rich history...Normandy and Vimy to name a few, but how many of us truly know the history? How many of us would step up if called?
Is it that we have forgotten or that we no longer give a damn for those who bring us our freedom?

CONTROLLING YOUR THOUGHTS
Bernie Miller - All Things Are Possible - New Coventent Church

How well do you control your thoughts, desires and passions when adversity strikes? In a recent Wednesday's Bible study, we saw how a man named Job handled it. Satan was allowed by God to attack Job's possessions and family. In one day, Job lost everything. Why did the devil do it? What was the anticipated outcome?

Job1:8-11 "8. Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." 9. "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. "

Satan was sure that Job would curse God if he lost all that he had. However, what did Job do when he lost servants, possessions and his children?

Job1:20-22 says, “20. At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21. and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." 22. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”

Would God say the same of you that He said of Job, whom He called "a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil?

How do you respond to unexpected tragedy and adversity? Job worshiped God before adversity and afterward. The verse reads,” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." When adversity strikes, our minds are sometimes flooded with negative thoughts against ourselves and others. How can we combat these thoughts? By doing what Paul commanded in 2 Cor. 10:5, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

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scw’s comments: (rueful chuckle) I could’ve used 2 Cor. 10:5 yesterday. ;D If I don’t make my thoughts obedient to Christ my first reaction in adversity is to push back, my first reaction in trials is to ask why, complain and grumble, and make sure God knows it’s not fair. Job’s reaction when he lost everything still amazes me. He didn’t even ask why, he instantly worshiped God. And that’s what God has been strongly teaching me lately. Through the good and the bad, worship Him because He is more than worthy. Just like I want my 1st reaction in faith to be like Peter’s, “Since You said it I’ll do it”, I want my first reaction in trials and adversity to be like Job’s, “The name of the LORD be praised.” Lord I just pray for a continuous filling of Your Holy Spirit. Transform me into the person I desire, and more importantly You desire me to be. May Your praise always be on my lips, may my life always be an act of worship for You, may my wants be what You want, and may my heart always be soft and willing to say “Yes Lord”. In Jesus Name - Amen

Another down side of a long distance relatioship, I will admit that today I was a huge butt head (which is usually a monthly occurance with one who does not communicate emotions and feelings well in person, never mind over phone or e-mail)...and it led to a huge blow out (although long distance might help because it could have saved my shins from a brutal kicking by SCW).
Unfortunately when it comes to reconcile, or apologize it rings as just words (great phone card, really cheap, but the connection tends to be bad, and we still don't have a viz phone like the Jetsons lol).
Anyways, this may or may not get me into more crap, but I was always told you apologize publically when you royally mess up...so here is the public apology for my huge flub up and stupidity:
I AM SORRY! SCW!!! I WAS A COMPLETE NIMROD!
Thank you for your time.
-Hoody in AB

Ahh an election's in the air in Canada...the surest sign is that the government is really starting to dialogue with the people for solutions to problems...We have had an increase of Gang violence which has included shootings and executions (note the word: Shootings--guns are involved).
So an idea is being floated to add mandatory minimum sentences in for gun offenses, which on the surface seems like a good idea (I know I am tired of burying friends who made some wrong choices).
But the thing that happens with all these new laws being floated is that it just increases that which we need to know...rather how about just using the existing laws as a frame work, to deal with criminals, and murder (regardless of the weapon used) as murder and using the full penalty in the Federal Law of Canada-That would be 25 years in Jail. I know it's a wonky idea, but then hey...that's what you get is wonky ideas that could actually work.
-Hoody in AB

Fear or Faith? By Charles Stanly – In Touch Ministries - MATTHEW 14:22-33

Many believers will go through life missing divine opportunities because they are afraid to live as God intends. Fear can paralyze us into inaction -- then our life fills with lost chances to serve, minister, or see the Lord's work up close. Consider the 11 disciples who stayed in the boat when Peter got out and walked to Jesus. How many times must each man have regretted choosing safety over the intense joy of stepping on water next to the Son of God? But Andrew, John, and the others missed their opportunity. Unfortunately, many Christians stay in the boat all their lives too. At the end, these same folks probably wonder why their lives seem empty.

We easily succumb to fear's potency when we attempt to endure trouble in our own strength. We were not created to live in such a way. God designed us to function best when we allow Jesus Christ's divine power to supplant our weakness. As he stood on the surface of the Sea of Galilee, Peter looked around at the fierce wind and remembered that no human can walk on water. His own strength was inadequate to keep him afloat, and he quickly sank. Jesus' greater power was sufficient to lift Peter from the sea and carry them both safely to the boat.

Apprehension can paralyze the believer and consequently freeze the Lord's plan. But responding with faith to God's directions unleashes divine power and sets His work into motion. The moment that we step out of the boat and move away from the familiar boundaries of our limited strength, we walk by faith.

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scw comments: Hey Hoody, here’s someone who focused on Peter actually getting out of the boat first! (lol) (We just read the passage of scripture where Peter walks on water for the Daily office) God will so often put us in scary situations, and then call us out of our comfort zones. Have to remember, Jesus was the one who put the disciples in the boat. I have learned this lesson time and time again from personal experiences. I am after all the asthmatic who hates getting in front of people who God called to sing for church specials. And I confess, many times I will refuse God at first because of fear and trepidation. But the Holy Spirit continues to work inside of me, prompting me, encouraging me, reassuring me God is at work so that I have the courage to do it. I’m more like Moses in that way. (lol) But I’m working on the doing it right away when God first asks. Peter was always willing and quick to follow Jesus. Jesus said “Follow me”, Peter dropped everything and followed him. Jesus told Peter to cast his nets for fish when they had just come up empty. Peter was honest in admitting he didn’t get it but since Jesus said it he’d do it. That’s what I want my first response to be, “Since You said it God, I’ll do it.”

SHOWING YOURSELF FAITHFUL

NEIL ANDERSON'S DAILY IN CHRIST
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service (1 Timothy 1:12).

When D.L. Moody found his life in Christ, he looked for some opportunities to teach at a church, but no one wanted to use the uneducated man. He started his own Bible study in a shoe store, and it wasn't long before kids were coming out of the woodwork. People couldn't help but notice him because he was bearing fruit, and few have left such an imprint as his upon the world.

Paul said, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service" (1 Timothy 1:12). Show yourself faithful by exploiting the opportunities around you. The needs of people are everywhere so what are you waiting for?

A man in my church often expressed his frustration with his job. For 20 years he'd been working as a construction worker and he hated it! Frustrated with his career, he wondered why God wouldn't call him out of it.

I asked him if he had ever expressed dissatisfaction about his job with his fellow employees who weren't Christians. He said, "Oh, sure. I complain right along with the rest of them."

I continued, "What do you suppose that does to your witness?" He was a little startled by my question. I added, "Do you realize that God has you exactly where He wants you? When you assume your responsibility to be the person

God wants you to be as a construction worker, He may open a new door for you."

The Holy Spirit must have brought conviction because this man became a missionary at work. He displayed concern for the needs of his coworkers and their families and soon had a series of witnessing experiences to share. Within six months an opportunity arose and he left construction work. And all because he started to bloom where he was planted.

Heavenly Father, help me see the needs of my coworkers, friends and family, and enable me to be Your ambassador to them.

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SCW's Thoughts: Isn't that so true. I love the phrase bloom where you're planted. Maybe because I'm the daughter of an extraordinary gardener. (chuckle) Anyway, this reminds me of a similar experience a friend of mine had. About oh a year after she was saved she felt God's calling to be a missionary. She was absolutely positive that meant in weeks or months God would give her the opportunity to go to Africa, South America, or some place like that. Even sold her house so she could be ready. Time passed and still nothing. Getting frustrated she brought it up to someone and the person suggested that maybe God was calling her to be a missionary right here, at her job perhaps. So my friend prayed about it, asking God to open opportunities to her if that was true. Chances began presenting themselves right and left at her job and several of her co-workers were either saved or their faith grew because of God using my friend. Then the company she worked for was being bought out, and they were laying off people daily. Figuring it was only a matter of time until she was laid off, my friend thought this is it, God was finally going to call her to be a missionary in another country. But God still has work for her where she is at. She was one of the few that didn't get laid off and transferred over to the new company. It's like Neil Anderson said above, "Show yourself faithful by exploiting the opportunities around you. The needs of people are everywhere so what are you waiting for?" What kind of a witness are you at school, at work, while chatting on the Internet, when you’re around your friends and family, when you go grocery shopping or eat at a restaurant? The smallest thing can have a huge eternal impact for another if you are faithful.

Hoody and I were just talking about how kids say and do the funniest things. Thought these would bring a good chuckle to brighten the day. Maybe Hoody will even add some of his funny stories that happened at church Sunday. (hint, hint, chuckle) - scw in az

____________________________________________________________________

THE WAY CHILDREN THINK.....

NUDITY

I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a Woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt."

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

HONESTY

My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago.

After watching the movie Cinderella, five-year-old Sarah started using her pinwheel as a magic wand, pretending she was a fairy godmother. "Make three wishes," she told her mother, "and I'll grant them." Her mom first asked for world peace. Sarah swung her wand and proclaimed the request fulfilled. Next, her mother requested for a cure for all ill children. Again, with a sweep of the pinwheel, Sarah obliged. The mother, with a glance down at her rather ample curves, made her third wish, "I wish to have a trim figure again." The miniature fairy godmother started waving her wand madly. "I'll need more power for this!" she exclaimed.

ELDERLY

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. The various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs, unfailingly intrigued her. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"

DEATH

While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayer and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his Father always said: "Glory be unto the Faaaather, and unto the Sonnn and into the hole he gooooes."

SCHOOL

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"

Little Johnny was thrilled when his turn came to enter kindergarten. To make sure he had plenty of time to eat breakfast and get ready on the first day, his mother woke everybody up early -- so early that it was still dark. After looking outside Little Johnny went down the hall and found his mother dressing in the bedroom. He looked so troubled that his mother asked, "What's wrong?" mustering as much cheerfulness into her voice as she could at that hour. "This is your big day!" Little Johnny blurted, "You didn't tell me I was going to night school."

BIBLE

A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found", the boy called out." What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!"

Kid Quotes
"Everyone has feelings, except for snakes and principals."

- Donna Maria, age 9

"Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and the world laughs at you."

- Rob, age 8

"If life gives you nothing but lemons, make up a better shopping list for it."

- Steven, age 8

"Moses came down with the Ten Amendments, which were God's Bill of Wrongs."

- Susie, age 7

"Doctors automatically know what's wrong with you. They have a sick sense."

- Beau, age 10

Another cool prayer from the Daily Office:
For All Sorts and Conditions
God, the creator and preserver of all, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of people; that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Uncluttered Faith

Bedtime is a bad time for kids. No child understands the logic of going to bed while there is energy left in the body or hours left in the day.

My children were no exception. One night years ago, after many objections and countless groans, the girls were finally in their gowns, in their beds, and on their pillows. I slipped into the room to give them a final kiss. Andrea, the five-year-old was still awake, just barely, but awake. After I kissed her, she lifted her eyelids one final time and said, "I can't wait until I wake up."

Oh, for the attitude of a five-year-old! That simple uncluttered passion for living that can't wait for tomorrow. A philosophy of life that reads, "Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your father." A bottomless well of optimism flooded by a perpetual spring of faith. Is it any wonder Jesus said we must have the heart of a child before we can enter the kingdom of heaven?

I like the way J. B. Phillips renders Jesus' call to childlikeness: "Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the middle of them all. 'Believe me,' he said, 'unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 18:2-3)

From "And the Angels Were Silent"
Max Lucado

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Hoody's been saying the site needs a woman's touch. (chuckle) Will probably shock him to no end to see a post up here by me. Health issues tend to distract. Anyway, didn't post to talk about that but to talk about the Max Lucado Upwards I got in my email the other day. (good book this passage came from by the way) I've really been on a faith like a child kick lately. I've known Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior since I was 7 years old. And I still remember that unquestioning faith I had in God. I grew up, got wiser by the worlds standard, life started crowding in, and I find myself more and more yearning and seeking for that child like faith I had. The attitude that says "Don't worry, Daddy has it covered." - SCW in AZ

For the Conservation of Natural Resources
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

reflect on this prayer from the daily office...how many people are kept out of fellowship at local churches not because they do not have a love of Christ, but because of environmental factors that the perfumes and incenses, scented candles we use can trigger and cause in extreme cases death...what does care for creation and bringing all to Christ mean in context of the local church?
Does your church recycle?
Is your church scent free if needed?
Does your church serve coffee that is ethically made? (i.e. Fair Trade, the money made by those farmers goes directly back into their communities to help build schools and hospitals).
Does a good chunk of the offeratory monies go to charities and other organizations locally and internationally that helps those in need?
Are we training up and discipling our leaders, teachers, prophets and preachers?
Are we teaching our children and youth about giving and service?
Are the adults leading the way, or are the children and youth ministries doing it in isolation?
The list can go on and on, and I would love to hear other people's ideas on the topic of care, and what the local church can do...I am not saying every church needs to do everything, but the attempts should be made where our churches' are a beacon of light not only in the neighbourhood we exist but also the community, for it only takes a little to make a huge impact!!!
-Hoody in AB