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Exclusivity Or Not?

An argument arose between the disciples as to who was the greatest, Luke 9:46. Jesus not only heard the argument, He knew what they were thinking, Luke 9:47. Does it scare or concern you that Jesus knows your innermost thoughts. He knows what is behind the words we say and the way we act. So, what did Jesus mean by placing a child next to him and saying what he did in verse 48? Jesus wanted to overturn all their ideas about greatness. He wanted the disciples to be not self centered and exclusive, but welcoming. What about you? How … Continue reading →

How Can You Tell a Cult?

One of the big problems in today’s world as it was even back in New Testament times and the early church is false teachers. Sometimes alarm bells seem to go off while you are listening to someone teaching but you’re not quite sure why. How can you tell if what you are hearing is false teaching and if it is a cult instead of real Biblical Christianity? Thanks to Footprints magazine here are some pointers to look out for and others I have added. A cult will invariably have a charismatic leader. You know the type of person I mean, … Continue reading →

The Exclusive Club

My daughter plays with older kids. By older, I mean a couple of years over five. Really, really old. These children play beautifully together, and I am really grateful. There are a number of only children in the mix and I think that it is especially wonderful that they get the time together, acting as one giant sort of family. Except sometimes I’m not. There is an abundance of girls in the place where we live, and there are just a few boys. The boys act like little brothers, teasing the girls, chasing them, taking their stuff. Just the things … Continue reading →

Christmas Parties and Marriage

It’s that time of year. Christmas parties are in full swing. We’ve been to two in the last two nights. Other people I know are faced with the dilemma of two parties on the same night and having to make a choice. Now I love to have a good time, whether it’s at a party or anywhere else, but in the festive season we need to be a little more careful – careful when it comes to our marriages. Some people come over all kissy kissy at Christmas parties, especially when they have a little bit of alcohol on board. … Continue reading →

Marriage Essentials

Do you want to know four essentials for a good marriage? Here they are: Encouragement This quality cannot be stressed enough. One of our adult offspring once said, ‘you and Dad always encouraged me in whatever I did. You made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to.’ While I was pleased to hear that, I also thought that’s the sort of encouragement each of us needs to be for our spouse. We need to be behind them in whatever they do encouraging them every step of the way, whether it’s changing jobs or learning a new … Continue reading →

Part of the Problem

There are dangers in our churches. Are you part of the problem? I’ve heard so many cases of people being criticized lately for the way they are doing things or for their attitudes. We’ve probably all heard of people who have left the church because they have been so badly hurt by others. Maybe that has been your experience. This is something we were talking about other night at our home bible study group. It came up in our study of Mark’s gospel. Even the disciples had problems in this area. Earlier in Mark’s gospel, Mark 9:34 the disciples had … Continue reading →

Marriage with Benefits

Have you heard the expression “friends with benefits?” In case you haven’t, it means that you have a friend you can be sexually intimate with without the other strings attached. (i.e. No commitment issues like boyfriend/girlfriend titles or exclusivity claims. You hook up at will and go your separate ways afterwards.) Attitudes Towards Marriage Why is it that so many people see marriage as negative? As a trap or something that will stifle them as an individual? On some level I realize the general attitude towards marriage is one of sacrifice. You’re going to have to give up a part … Continue reading →

Free Formula Bags Undermine Breastfeeding

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Quite awhile ago, Pattie Hughes, our pregnancy guru wrote an article about the “breastfeeding support bag” that hospitals give out and how it undermines breastfeeding. A few of the commenters responded to her blog saying that it’s not a big deal. After all, you and I are aware that this is a marketing ploy and no one would say that a mother shouldn’t have a choice as to whether or not to breastfeed her child. Right? Well a new study released in the American Journal of Public Health says that passing out diaper bags with free formula in them does … Continue reading →

The Headline is the Most Important Part of an Ad

If you are on a limited budget and designing your own ads or working on your own marketing and advertising for your web site, marketing materials, etc.—it helps to know a few basic things about advertising. Even if you are able to afford to pay a professional to design your ads, you will still want to guide and direct them and be able to offer suggestions for what you want to say and how you want to say it. One important thing to remember is that the headline for your ad is the most important line. The headline has to … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Make a Difference This Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and, sadly, too many people see it just as a holiday and time of work rather than the celebration that it is. Those of us who know the significance and importance of this event need to be active and creative at this time of year. But what can I do you might be wondering. Let me give you some suggestions. 1. At this time of year many people who don’t normally come along to church will turn up at church or at carols. Pray for the message as it goes out whether through the spoken … Continue reading →