How much is enough? This perhaps, is a valid question to ponder, as I am writing this on Black Friday weekend.
Many shoppers with limited resources are devoted to finding deals at a price they can afford. Sadly for others, greed motivates them to search out cut-price deals, often causing fights to erupt as unruly crowds clamour for bargains.
The day originally received its name, as police dealt with the mayhem that resulted from multiple traffic accidents and violence. Retailers, at first, did not appreciate the negative connotation associated with a black day of the week. Now it has become a very profitable day for them.
Highly promoted, they decided to follow the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
We’re aware accountants use black to signify profit when recording each days' book entries. Red, of course, means loss.
Therefore, Black Friday now means “profitable Friday” to retailers and the economy.
But, how much is enough, as approaching Christmas, we find ourselves caught in the midst of the consumerism frenzy, not only in the welcoming shops but also— in our hearts?
I’m reminded of the wise Old Testament writer who suggested that those who love money, will never have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. How often are we reminded that we “can’t take it with us?” —“As everyone comes, so they depart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:11,15).
At Christmastime, in a world in which love has, at times, grown cold, we long to see acts of kindness that come from the heart of God — the most helpful and healing gifts we can each offer to others.
And many of these are already taking place throughout our communities. As I peruse the Holiday Events Guide that accompanies my local newspaper, I’m amazed and pleased to read of the many groups and societies that are reaching out to the lonely and needy — providing gifts, special meals and encouragement.
The words of Jesus come to mind, “In as much as you reach out to help one of these, you are reaching out to me,” (my paraphrase).
The beautiful carol services, choirs, Handel’s Messiah presentation, concerts, living nativity scenes, and Christmas light-ups, are all helping our city of Kelowna, “to keep Christ in Christmas” as we prepare for “the greatest celebration of them all” — that first Christmas when God came to earth to bring us salvation.
I’ve been finding myself ready and eager to participate in events, such as: the Tiny Tim Toy breakfast, (a toy for hampers, in exchange for a yummy breakfast at our local Capri Hotel); my first turkey dinner, and being a part of the Christmas program at our Seniors’ Drop In; once more “ringing the bells,” as I help man the Salvation Army kettles, — the list of opportunities goes on and on… I am grateful for the energy and enthusiasm still coming my way!
My “in-town family” completed my Christmas decor, inside and out, this week, in time for our Glenmeadows community “lite-up” night.
The first Christmas lite-up ever, was not created by electrical cables, glitter and neon lights, but — by “the glory of the Lord that shone around," (Luke 2:9), to simple shepherds, followed by an unexpected rendition of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favour rests"— a peace of mind and soul made possible by the Saviour.
How great is the need of peace and acceptance in our today’s world!
There has been much violence and unrest throughout our world during and since the U.S. presidential election. Many have expressed fear and anxiety as they look to the future.
A recent email I received from a friend, related a conversation she had with someone, that mentioned, “Satan’s world as a scary place.”
This was her wise response:
“I agreed, then said, 'Although Satan is very busy out there, it is NOT his world. It still belongs to God. Just for the time being, Satan is allowed to be in it, creating havoc and chaos. One day that will change. But we need to remember that God is very much alive and still with us, and is in this world! He didn’t just say, “OK Satan, here’s my world. You can have it for awhile. I’m going on vacation and will be back later. He is here. He is real. He is alive. He “IS” the God of His world. We are not alone to battle Satan by ourselves. Hold tight to that promise and be encouraged!'”
Isaiah 54:5 reminds us… He is called the God of the Whole Earth.
Our deepest longings are for something more than Hallmark moments and memories.
To fill the void — nothing but Jesus will do.
“The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”
— C.S. Lewis
— beulah
Have you ever written an e-mail and then realized you mistakenly sent it to the wrong person, or while experiencing moments of anger, wrote harmful, harsh words suddenly sending them on?
You thought, if only I could press a key and stop it.
Well, now you can.
I’ve heard of several companies that offer a feature that gives you a brief time after sending an e-mail, to stop it from leaving your computer.
Once on their way, e-mails are like spoken words that cannot be “unsaid.”
This “unsend” feature should remind us that it’s extremely important to guard what we say.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Our neighbours to the South have just ended a very devisive, political campaign involving two unlikely, “unliked” candidates.
Amid angry emotions, hateful words were exchanged, classic campaign talk, along with promises made they knew they can’t or won’t deliver — a ridiculous display of urgency to keep or to acquire power.
Many, feeling it was the most critical election in decades, the voting turn-out proved their concern. Unkind, and no doubt in some instances, false stories or gossip became front and centre keeping the various media busy.
Strange as it may seem, any type of exposure for the candidate is good. It’s been said, “When you’re a celebrity, any noise is good noise.”
Being ridiculed by the media seemed to help Donald Trump. With Mr. Trump now president-elect, we trust a more conciliatory chapter will unfold.
We await Trump’s strategies, aware he has been known to change his mind on important issues. Personal viewpoints aside, may a willingness to work together prevail.
Satan loves to divide and conquer, but his efforts fail when, with God’s help, we “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3).
I feel strongly, God is involved in the affairs of our world.
The human spirit fills with hope at the sound of an encouraging word. I’m anticipating hearing many in the future, as respect is shown between our two great countries.
“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
— Ephesians 4:29
So our on-going prayers must be that good people will make wise choices. Positions of importance will be filled with potential to re-shape the American legal and cultural landscape. Many of the laws they make can affect us as well.
Perhaps a wise prayer might be, that the original intent of the Constitution will be honoured.
How we long to see those in authority, realize their awesome responsibility they have before God, showing honesty of character and a willingness to stand for what is right.
Character is important — in government, the workplace, our homes and our neighbourhood.
Consider the following:
“A newly-hired administrative assistant announced a phone call to her manager.
The manager replied, 'Oh, please tell him I’ve left for the day.'
The assistant picked up the receiver, but then set it back down again.
She bit her lip and walked into the manager’s office. 'Mr. Jones, you don’t know me very well yet, but I would like to tell you something about me. If I’ll lie for you, then I’ll lie to you.'
After a brief pause the manager looked up with a slow smile and said, 'Put the call through.'"
How are we doing?
What kind of character traits are we showing to those we rub shoulders with every day?
— beulah
How much is enough? This perhaps, is a valid question to ponder, as I am writing this on Black Friday weekend.
