Thanksgiving...Giving Thanks

If for no other reason, Thanksgiving is a great holiday because (at least) once a year we remember to be thankful for what we have, what we’ve had, and even for what we don’t have.

While we give thanks to God for blessings we have gotten this past year in our prayers and in our hearts, let us not forget that part of being thankful too, is giving.

What better way to give thanks our Creator for what we have than to share our blessings with those who don’t.

And what’s better, it doesn’t take much: a hand, a dollar, a smile, a can of food, a prayer, a poem, a picture, a letter, a word of encouragement,_________,_________,__________...(fill in the blank)

Don’t forget, either, to enjoy what God has given you. We don’t need to feel guilty, we don’t need to feel undeserving.

Those feelings do not help anyone.

If we share, play fair, take our turn, participate and not be part of the problem, we’ll find those feelings vanish.

Blessings, really, truly are what we give to others – pass one on.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Unvarnished Gospels...finished.

I got through the Unvarnished Gospels.

I didn’t discover anything really revealing…nothing that blew my mind, anyway.

The glossary was interesting, though. As they had the Greek words and their actual (literal) meanings and how they might be interpreted in the Gospels.

When I get a moment, I’ll provide some examples. Otherwise, it was at least and interesting read, and perhaps later I’ll do a side-by-side study…

Have mug, will drink...coffee

Just got done with Coffee Fest (20th annual!)

It was a blast.

We took the morning shift, and I'm glad we did as we got to work through the morning rush. Within a half hour almost 300+ people came through!

The folks at Second Harvest were great. It was a fun, friendly atmosphere, and people were happy to get at all the free coffee and goodies.

After our shift, we were able to walk around and partake of a few samples...there were plenty to chose from!

I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year, as it was such a great, fun experience.

We also got t-shirts and mugs out of the deal too!

(NO mugs were harmed during our shift)

FYI - Channel 5 was there getting footage of the event.

The Unvarnished Gospels...

I have been reading “The Unvarnished Gospels” – which is a “non-Christian” translation or the four Gospels.

I say, “non-Christian” because (as it’s pointed out in the book) these men who wrote the Gospels (M,M,L,J) were not “Christian” or did not consider themselves “Christian” but rather Jews. They viewed themselves as Jews with a message (Gospel) to other Jews, and gentiles as well.

So the translation I’m reading of the four Gospels is one that tries it’s best to convey the original Greek they were written in, rather than highlighting the Christian viewpoint – which is what other translations do.

Are there big changes? Shocking differences?

No..at least I haven’t found any. Then again, I have not done a side by side comparison – yet.

Even so, I don’t believe there would be any major differences…it’s just another way of looking at the Gospels, to try and get a better understanding, a different viewpoint.

Coffee Fest

The Better half and I will be volunteering at Coffee Fest this weekend.

I love coffee so this was a no brainer to me!

Check it out here: http://www.calhouncoffeefest.com/

Thanks and Giving at the Mall of America!

What the heck happened?

Thanksgiving is just a week away! How the time flies.

Well, the Better Half and I are doing something different this year. These past couple years we have really become more aware of how blessed we are – even on the days we don’t feel it. We have good health, great friends and family, a roof over our heads and jobs.

So, to pass on our blessings, to give a bit more, we have decided that we are going to participate in The Walk To End Hunger at the MOA.

This is another event that is Co-Sponsored/Run by Second Harvest.

Like the NAMI walk, it’s only a 5k so even I can do it! Though it is bright and early starting at 7:30am! Oh, well, we live right on the LRT and will most likely take that to the event.

As we have registered and paid our fee, donations are always welcomed! So, if you have a few extra bucks, could you throw them here: Just one

Not a guilt trip, but just a reminder, that while we all will be blessed to be “stuffed” on Turkey Day, others will be lucky to find a scrap.

Thank you in advance and have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving!

The Church Uleashed read through...

Okay, the first read through is done with “Unleashing The Church.”

Inspired – is the first word that comes to mind. A whole new way of looking at how a church CAN operate and in such a way that those involved are because they are vested in the church and (more importantly) WANT to – not because they feel obligated to.

The second word that comes to mind, though, is – Daunted. How does one even start? Where does one even look?

Guess that’s what we take to God. Hope and pray he shows the path, opens the doors, reveals the plan…

And, if you are wondering if Bear Valley – the church described in the book is even still around.

Yes it is: http://www.bvchurch.org/

So, second time through here we go.