Archive for November, 2008

A happy place to call home.

I’m so proud of my community and the surrounding communities. I’ve read and seen such horror stories regarding black friday and the holiday shopping insanity. It’s so terribly sad that we’ve come to this place.

But I had a much different experience than the experiences in those stories.

Friday I decided to venture out and see if it was worth trying to get any shopping done. If it was too nuts – if people were stressed and irate, I would head right back home. But I encountered friendly people, courteous sales people, responsible drivers and just a general cheerfulness. Same thing today!  Lots of people out shopping but no one who was in too much of a hurry. No one who seemed frustrated or irate. People holding the door for each other, letting people ahead of them in line… lots of smiles and happy salutations. We seem to have the right idea around here and for that I am truly grateful.

And as long as we’re on the subject of Christmas shopping…

I’m buying fewer [and smaller] presents this year. Saddened by the spirit of consumerism we’ve started worshiping and inspired by the people behind the Advent Conspiracy, I will be making more contributions to organizations involved in righting the wrongs of this broken world instead of buying big expensive gifts.

Join the conspiracy…

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A healthy perspective

Pastor shared this in church this morning and I thought it was worth posting.

I am thankful for…

  • the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
  • the mess to clean up after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
  • the clothes that fit a little too tightly, because it means I have enough to eat.
  • my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
  • the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
  • all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
  • the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking.
  • my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
  • the lady behind me in church who sings off-key, because it means I can hear.
  • the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
  • weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
  • the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I’M ALIVE.

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Upstate New York

Just to clarify…

“Upstate New York is the region of New York State north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.” There’s a color coded map here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upstate_New_York

And if you’re not sure whether or not wikipedia is a trustworthy source…

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right where you fell…

At the heights of human achievements and purity,
Christ has gone higher.

Under the depths of human failure and wickedness,
Christ has gone lower.

To the successful and accomplished,
recognize that you are still in need.

To the fallen and brokenhearted,
know that salvation is right where you fell.

This is our message.
This is our song.

This is His gospel.

-Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North

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