Abundant Life Church

I was doing my devotions today and thought I would pass on to you the entry from today’s date.

My Father is the gardener (John 15:1)

It is a comforting thought that trouble, in whatever form it comes to us , is a heavenly messenger that brings us something frmo God. Outwardly it may appear painful or even destructive, but inwardly its spiritual work produces blessings. Many of the richest blessings we have inherited are the fruit of sorrow or pain. We should never forget that redemption,...

I don’t have to tell you what time it is, because everyone knows it’s time to go back to school. When I ask student if their excited they almost always say NO! but they are a little nervous for all of the unknown that is ahead for this school year. Will I know anyone? Will my friends from last school year still be my friends? Will I like my teacher(s)? Will my teacher(s) like me? Will I have lunch with anyone I know? Will I have any classes with my friends? I wonder how much homework I will...

10. Enjoy the end of summer.  Be sure to complete everything on your to do list so you’ll be able to have plenty of great stories to tell once school begins.

9. Get in a routine. Kids are creatures of habit.  It is very important to "practice" going to bed on time and waking up on time before school begins. 

8. Take a trip to your school and visit you teacher(s). Getting a child familiar with there new surroundings will be very beneficial. 

7. Go over their school schedule. Talk to you...

contantly speeding up - "multiple tasking" - clutter - superficiality - inability to love - sunset fatigue

Can you relate to these statements?  These 6 statements are from John Ortberg’s book "The Life You’ve Always Wanted."  His chapter on "slowing" is really a pertinent one for all of us.  If we are to follow Jesus, we must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives-because, by definition, we can’t move faster than the one we are following.  So how do you cure this sickness of hurry?  We...

Vacation - n. a period of rest from work, study, etc. 

That is Webster’s definition of vacation and I like it.  I hope you have been able to vacate this summer and get a little rest with family and friends.  The Bible uses the word "sabbath" which literally means to quit what you are doing.  Now that is not a permanent quiting but a temporary time to stop doing work and enjoy life.  I am going on vacation in a few weeks with my family and I am looking forward to it!  We all know that life...