A selfish reason for being thankful

By Robert J. Tamasy

Many of us spend weeks – for some, months – getting ready for the Christmas celebration. Buying trees and ornaments, putting up decorations, planning parties, purchasing gifts. And sometimes it seems as if we still don’t have enough time. What if we were to spend as much time getting ready for the annual Thanksgiving observance?

Optimism: a vital part of resilience

By John Thurman

“The sun will come out tomorrow!”
Little Orphan Annie

Optimism is a vital part of resilience. Without optimism it is difficult to move through tough time, particularly these past few months. I have been working from home since March 13, and my wife of 48 years and I still like each other at least 5 days out of the week.

How are you doing? Are you one of those folks who see the glass half-full or half-empty? Believe it or not, how you answer the question may reveal how resilient you are!

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude

By Robert J. Tamasy

My friend Clarence recently offered a good reminder in a video he posted on Facebook. He said that despite all the anger and angst that seems to pervade society today, we should strive to find something for which we can be grateful.

Even though I sometimes get seduced by the prevailing negativity myself, I wholeheartedly agree. A little-known psychological fact – at least one that’s very under-appreciated – is the reality that circumstances and people don’t control our feelings and attitudes.

Poverty or abundance - which will it be?

By Inspiration Ministries

When you’re stressed or burdened by the circumstances of life, find comfort in knowing that God has given you a wonderful gift – the ability to look ahead. Even if your situation seems dark and cloudy, as a child of God, the future holds a promise of victory!

To embrace the promise of those brighter days, you must simply do what Jesus did — when faced with the ultimate horror of the crucifixion, Jesus lifted His head and focused His attention toward the joyous day that was ahead of Him:

Hope for better days

By Inspiration Ministries

David…escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them.

–  1 Samuel 22:1-2

 

A spirit of hopelessness had spread throughout the land.

Honor and fame

By Inspiration Ministries

“Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel… ‘Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts.” – Daniel 2:46-48 NASB

Do you build fences or dig wells?

By Dave Peterson

Love is God’s instrument for binding the world together. There are also other attempts to accomplish this task. Some will try hate to unite people. Some will use fear. Both will work for a season or two. So will suffering and need. But love has enduring power. In contrast, sooner or later hate becomes self-destructive. And the causes of fear, suffering, and need eventually either resolve themselves or fragment into self-interest. But love never ends.