My Prayer

“God, harden me against myself,
The coward with pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and rest and joy,
Myself, arch-traitor to myself,
My hollowest friend,
My deadliest foe,
My clog, whatever road I go.”

Amy Wilson Carmichael

But I Just Needed to Vent

Philippians 2:14 – 16

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Father, forgive me.

Let Every Man be Jolly.

I refuse to plug into our modern consumerist “Happy Holidays” junk. Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, smoking a pipe around the fireplace, and reflecting on the gift of life. I pray that I will never forget the really important things, the stuff life is made of. This little Christmas poem is always helpful.

The Christmas Dinner

“Lo now is come the joyful’st feast!

Let every man be jolly.

Each room with ivy leaves is dress’d

And every post with holly.

Now all our neighbors’ chimney smoke

And Christmas blocks are burning;

Their ovens they with bak’t meats choke

And all their sits are turning.

Without the door let sorrow lie,

And if, for cold, it hap to die,

We’ll bury’t in a Christmas pie

And evermore be merry.”

Author Unknown

Wendell Berry – A Truly Great Man.

Just about two years ago, I discovered novelist and social critic Wendell Berry. Late to the party, but, since that time, his writing has been a source of inspiration, strength, and wisdom. He has taught me the importance of stewarding God’s creation, which, I fear is something long forgotten by the Christian church. The following link will guide you to a review of one of Berry’s greatest works.

Enjoy!!

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_1998_Nov_18/ai_53365298

December – January Reading Cycle

I generally like to set my goal at 3 to 4 books per cycle or two per month. My selections for this next cycle include:

Falling – Colin Thubron

No Place for Truth – David F Wells

God’s Renaissance Man – James Edward McGoldrick

Remembering that aspiring to become a great leader one must read in order to lead.