I only had the privelige to know Jenny Ross Bizaillion for a few short years when we were at Mesquite Church of Christ and her dad Rick was the minister there. But what I remember, I cherish!
I remember how devoted she always was to her husband--both of them were so young when I met them. They used to come in and eat at CiCi's Pizza when I was a manager there. I remember how excited she was when she was pregnant and how even more excited she was a a new mom. I remember seeing her doting on and being such a sweet sister to her two brothers Josh and Jonathan--two of the finest young men I have ever known! I remember how much she loved her parents and how much they loved her.
I remember that whenever there was a children's activity--you could usually find Jenny there. I remember children following her around in the auditorium after Sunday morning service. I did not quite realize why then, but I know now. They felt loved by her!
So many others who knew her much better, can speak much more eloquently than I could. But I am just thankful I got to know her and her wonderful family. I know that the legacy she has left--of a life spent serving God and her family--will be one her sweet and precious daughter will be so blessed by for many years! Indeed, I believe generations will be blessed because of Jenny's example.
As we contemplate the loss of this beautiful sister, let us remember that we serve a Heavenly Father who also knows about loss. God lost His beloved Son--and watched that Son die an agonizing and painful death. And yet, God raised that Son up three days later. And He will raise up Jenny too! What an awesome God we serve!
Jenny--we hardly knew you--and yet--we know very well--the Jesus Christ who led you those 31 sweet years--and who is leading and guiding you today in your new home! We are jealous--but we look forward to seeing you there one day! Oh happy day!
For the Ross/Bazaillion family--I leave these words from our Savior Jesus Christ:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A CRAZY DAY FOR AT THE CROSS
Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,
I say a crazy day--it was a wonderful day--but had its hectic moments. I started out with a van full of extra Allenhurst kids today--so many I could barely get them all in! I had to get my wife to grab a couple of extra in her car. We were having a lunch today after worship--so we normally have extra kids come. We get there and I find out that three of our families that have adults would be out today--so we are suddenly outnumbered 3 to 1 with kids. Worship went well for the most part--and we had a guest preacher, so I was able to move around when I needed to so I could separate kids or whisper in this one or that one's ear that I was about to pop them upside the head if they didn't chill. (These are obviously kids I have long term relationships with). :) And fortunately, before the sermon--we have a sister who takes the 4th grade and under kids back for a kids church time so that helped a lot!
We had a visitor who came two weeks ago with her family--and she was back today--they had come from a church out of town. This visitor brought her sister with her today. After service, when I went to tell the sister of the visitor we had already met--thanks for coming and to invite her to lunch. Before I could finish my sentence--she just tore me apart and began to tell me how terrible all our kids are and that we are doing a poor job of teaching our kids how to act in church! As I tried to apologize for perhaps the rough experience she had had--and explain that most of our kids don't have parents with them--and that we normally have more adults to help--she then proceeded to tell me that "Kids who have not been raised in church really should not even be there because they don't know how to act!" Suddenly, I had visions and memories of the past when I was bringing "those people" into established congregations and just getting ripped apart each week because a kid had acted bad or one of the adults who came smelled bad or was dressed poorly and righteous anger began to fill my soul!!! But by the grace of God--I was very loving and diplomatic and I turned her over to another brother who tried to love on her also and was rebuked as she left.
God bless that sister--and I love and forgive her--but sometimes such moments just make me so sad. Too often I come across Christians who simply lack grace and mercy for the lost and those who are not like us. So often the people we serve and minister to--are termed by the "proper Christians" as "Those People" or "That segment of the population you are working with" or "Those apartment people." And I know not everyone who coin such terms do not mean it disrespectfully--but sometimes I sense some to mean that as "Us" and "Them." But when I read Psalm 117, I read that God loves each of us deeply--and HE CREATED EACH OF US!!! Whether we live in a nice home and attend a nice church full of well acting people--or if we live in a rough place of sin and poverty--Jesus looks at us all the same. Look at this Psalm:
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
Regardless of what some might say--I believe that Jesus is happy when we bring in messed up, broken down, very sinful people into our assemblies to learn who HE is. I THINK HE IS EVEN MORE HAPPY WHEN WE BRING IN LITTLE CHILDREN! We need to move away from this man made concept of "We need to clean people up and teach them our proper ways before we bring them into the Lord's Church." HOW PATIENT HAS GOD BEEN WITH EACH OF US????? Some of those kids really wear me out and get on my nerves--and sometimes I so wish they could act a little better in worship--but I thank God they are there! My Jesus said that "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick!
Lets go offer Jesus to hurting, suffering people around our community--lets invite them to come be with us--lets offer them unconditional love as HE has us--and lets embrace them! Thats Christianity!
Be blessed today in Jesus' name!
Bruce
I say a crazy day--it was a wonderful day--but had its hectic moments. I started out with a van full of extra Allenhurst kids today--so many I could barely get them all in! I had to get my wife to grab a couple of extra in her car. We were having a lunch today after worship--so we normally have extra kids come. We get there and I find out that three of our families that have adults would be out today--so we are suddenly outnumbered 3 to 1 with kids. Worship went well for the most part--and we had a guest preacher, so I was able to move around when I needed to so I could separate kids or whisper in this one or that one's ear that I was about to pop them upside the head if they didn't chill. (These are obviously kids I have long term relationships with). :) And fortunately, before the sermon--we have a sister who takes the 4th grade and under kids back for a kids church time so that helped a lot!
We had a visitor who came two weeks ago with her family--and she was back today--they had come from a church out of town. This visitor brought her sister with her today. After service, when I went to tell the sister of the visitor we had already met--thanks for coming and to invite her to lunch. Before I could finish my sentence--she just tore me apart and began to tell me how terrible all our kids are and that we are doing a poor job of teaching our kids how to act in church! As I tried to apologize for perhaps the rough experience she had had--and explain that most of our kids don't have parents with them--and that we normally have more adults to help--she then proceeded to tell me that "Kids who have not been raised in church really should not even be there because they don't know how to act!" Suddenly, I had visions and memories of the past when I was bringing "those people" into established congregations and just getting ripped apart each week because a kid had acted bad or one of the adults who came smelled bad or was dressed poorly and righteous anger began to fill my soul!!! But by the grace of God--I was very loving and diplomatic and I turned her over to another brother who tried to love on her also and was rebuked as she left.
God bless that sister--and I love and forgive her--but sometimes such moments just make me so sad. Too often I come across Christians who simply lack grace and mercy for the lost and those who are not like us. So often the people we serve and minister to--are termed by the "proper Christians" as "Those People" or "That segment of the population you are working with" or "Those apartment people." And I know not everyone who coin such terms do not mean it disrespectfully--but sometimes I sense some to mean that as "Us" and "Them." But when I read Psalm 117, I read that God loves each of us deeply--and HE CREATED EACH OF US!!! Whether we live in a nice home and attend a nice church full of well acting people--or if we live in a rough place of sin and poverty--Jesus looks at us all the same. Look at this Psalm:
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
Regardless of what some might say--I believe that Jesus is happy when we bring in messed up, broken down, very sinful people into our assemblies to learn who HE is. I THINK HE IS EVEN MORE HAPPY WHEN WE BRING IN LITTLE CHILDREN! We need to move away from this man made concept of "We need to clean people up and teach them our proper ways before we bring them into the Lord's Church." HOW PATIENT HAS GOD BEEN WITH EACH OF US????? Some of those kids really wear me out and get on my nerves--and sometimes I so wish they could act a little better in worship--but I thank God they are there! My Jesus said that "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick!
Lets go offer Jesus to hurting, suffering people around our community--lets invite them to come be with us--lets offer them unconditional love as HE has us--and lets embrace them! Thats Christianity!
Be blessed today in Jesus' name!
Bruce
Friday, February 12, 2010
Being A Dad
I was driving around tonight with an old friend and we were talking about what we want to leave our kids. I mentioned that even though my step-children and my new child-nephew Bryson are not my blood children--that means nothing to me. I mentioned that when I am dead and gone on to be with the Lord--I pray that they will be able to look back and know that I was always there! Not "there" so much in the physical presence but "there" in the sense of knowing that they always came first!
My dad always put us first--no matter what! If I needed anything, or if I was hurting or if I needed help with school workt--I knew I could count on my dad! I never had to be concerned or have fear that he would ever leave or not be where I needed him!
I so want to be that for my kids. I want in 20 or 30 years, as they are seeking how to best lead their children--that they will be able to look back and remember how much I loved them unconditionally and how much I loved their mom. I want to leave my family with a legacy of deep love! And most importantly--I want to leave my family with a legacy that says "Love and serve God and everything else will fall into place!"
I want to leave my children with memories of me always wanting their very best--even if they don't always like me. As much as I want to one day be very close friends with my kids--I also konw that it is not my job to be their friend--but to lead and guide them. I want to be a blessing to my children.
And by the grace and guidance of my one true, steadfast and forever Father--thats just what I will do! These things mean more to me than any success I might have as a preacher or anything else I may ever do in this life.
God is so good!
Bruce
My dad always put us first--no matter what! If I needed anything, or if I was hurting or if I needed help with school workt--I knew I could count on my dad! I never had to be concerned or have fear that he would ever leave or not be where I needed him!
I so want to be that for my kids. I want in 20 or 30 years, as they are seeking how to best lead their children--that they will be able to look back and remember how much I loved them unconditionally and how much I loved their mom. I want to leave my family with a legacy of deep love! And most importantly--I want to leave my family with a legacy that says "Love and serve God and everything else will fall into place!"
I want to leave my children with memories of me always wanting their very best--even if they don't always like me. As much as I want to one day be very close friends with my kids--I also konw that it is not my job to be their friend--but to lead and guide them. I want to be a blessing to my children.
And by the grace and guidance of my one true, steadfast and forever Father--thats just what I will do! These things mean more to me than any success I might have as a preacher or anything else I may ever do in this life.
God is so good!
Bruce
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A Little Bit Of Heaven
This last Tuesday at our food pantry--it was truly like a little bit of Heaven!
We had over 35 clients who came to receive food--and I was so excited that we had enough food to give out 14 items to each person. Normally we have been having to give 12 items, but God has really been providing lately. So right off the bat everyone was so excited when I announced the extra items!
Soon afterwards after we had gotten everyone inside and lined up down the hall as we do each week, it was like a worship service! We were singing lots of hymns--and almost everyone was singing! Even the folks who could not speak a lot of english were singing the best they could! A sister from another congregation who speaks fluent spanish was there to translate for me which is a big breakthrough for us. We had a couple of ministers from Highland Oaks Church of Christ there to help us love on people and pray with them.
Oh it was just so beautiful! You could feel hope abounding. My heart was full of joy!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
We had over 35 clients who came to receive food--and I was so excited that we had enough food to give out 14 items to each person. Normally we have been having to give 12 items, but God has really been providing lately. So right off the bat everyone was so excited when I announced the extra items!
Soon afterwards after we had gotten everyone inside and lined up down the hall as we do each week, it was like a worship service! We were singing lots of hymns--and almost everyone was singing! Even the folks who could not speak a lot of english were singing the best they could! A sister from another congregation who speaks fluent spanish was there to translate for me which is a big breakthrough for us. We had a couple of ministers from Highland Oaks Church of Christ there to help us love on people and pray with them.
Oh it was just so beautiful! You could feel hope abounding. My heart was full of joy!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Friday, January 15, 2010
Discovering Real Christianity
Over the past five years, I have spent much of my time as a minister serving somewhat unchurched people--many from low income backgrounds. I have learned much about Psychology and Sociology that I never learned when I took those respective classes in college.
I have learned much about what so many children who grow up in unGodly homes go through and the handicap many of them have--when they are constantly pulled in two directions--with those of us trying to reach them for Christ having some influence and then those preying on them if you will--on behalf of Satan having influence. I have learned that many people who may be poor economically--still are people who want to keep their dignity and are not all looking for a handout.
And in all that, I have learned some tidbits about real Christianity here and there. But tonight--I learned some more!
I spent some time with a man tonight who has over the years, been knocked down peg after peg and is in his mid-fifties and feels like a failure. Because of that feeling of failure, he gave up trying to make it in society some years back and basically lives off of charity. Its not that he is sorry or lazy--he just is embarrassed and is afraid to go out and ask for jobs--knowing he has a college degree--but that he messed up so bad over the years--that he will be asked hard questions and he just can't handle that. So he has very little. He eats at a church kitchen everyday and usually eats enough there to make that his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He would gladly do some work if any were available to him. But he is just a beaten man, who fortunately is able to live with an old friend who is in bad health and he helps take care of his friend.
This man is not a regular "church goer" but he is a Christian. I personally watched him be taught the Gospel and watched him be baptized some years back. But what struck me so much--was that this non-attending church guy--has a greater love and appreciation for the Lord than most I have ever known who are regular church attendees.!
While he has little and lives very simple--he constantly gives thanks to God for all he does have and all he has been delivered from! Isn't that what God really wants from all of us--for us to have grateful hearts?
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with this man and many others he eats lunch with at a place called "Christ's Kitchen" in Victoria, Texas. I am so looking forward to meeting many of his friends who eat there everyday and those who serve and provide those daily meals. I long to spend time with people who really live out the kind of love Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels!
I am so blessed to get to often witness--"Real Christianity!"
I leave you wtih thse words from Jesus:
The Sheep and the Goats "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 3For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matthew 25:31-46, NIV).
Hooray for Christ's Kitchen in Victoria, Texas! Hooray for Jesus!
Blessings,
Bruce
I have learned much about what so many children who grow up in unGodly homes go through and the handicap many of them have--when they are constantly pulled in two directions--with those of us trying to reach them for Christ having some influence and then those preying on them if you will--on behalf of Satan having influence. I have learned that many people who may be poor economically--still are people who want to keep their dignity and are not all looking for a handout.
And in all that, I have learned some tidbits about real Christianity here and there. But tonight--I learned some more!
I spent some time with a man tonight who has over the years, been knocked down peg after peg and is in his mid-fifties and feels like a failure. Because of that feeling of failure, he gave up trying to make it in society some years back and basically lives off of charity. Its not that he is sorry or lazy--he just is embarrassed and is afraid to go out and ask for jobs--knowing he has a college degree--but that he messed up so bad over the years--that he will be asked hard questions and he just can't handle that. So he has very little. He eats at a church kitchen everyday and usually eats enough there to make that his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He would gladly do some work if any were available to him. But he is just a beaten man, who fortunately is able to live with an old friend who is in bad health and he helps take care of his friend.
This man is not a regular "church goer" but he is a Christian. I personally watched him be taught the Gospel and watched him be baptized some years back. But what struck me so much--was that this non-attending church guy--has a greater love and appreciation for the Lord than most I have ever known who are regular church attendees.!
While he has little and lives very simple--he constantly gives thanks to God for all he does have and all he has been delivered from! Isn't that what God really wants from all of us--for us to have grateful hearts?
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with this man and many others he eats lunch with at a place called "Christ's Kitchen" in Victoria, Texas. I am so looking forward to meeting many of his friends who eat there everyday and those who serve and provide those daily meals. I long to spend time with people who really live out the kind of love Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels!
I am so blessed to get to often witness--"Real Christianity!"
I leave you wtih thse words from Jesus:
The Sheep and the Goats "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 3For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matthew 25:31-46, NIV).
Hooray for Christ's Kitchen in Victoria, Texas! Hooray for Jesus!
Blessings,
Bruce
Saturday, January 9, 2010
"One Body, But Many Critical Parts"
Tomorrow I am preaching from 1st Corinthians 12 and talking about "One Body, But Many Critical Parts." It would be so easy for me to look at myself as someone very important in my congregation since I am the "minister/pastor/preacher" or whatever else people might call my role. But I really don't look at myself that way.
I serve with two wonderful men on my leadership team that are both qualified to be shepherds--a role I am not yet qualified to serve in. Both men can teach and preach God's word, they shepherd the flock well and they hold me accountable, teach and mentor me often. I honestly look at them to be just as more qualified as me in all spiritual roles--I just happen to be the full time guy who gets paid for doing this work. They are both engineers and do this work on a more volunteer basis.
Then I have many members of our flock who do so much important behind the scenes work that is absolutely invaluable to our mission and to the well being of our congregation. We often look at the "up front" people like the teachers and preachers as the important roles--but every single person in the body of Christ plays a very important and "God-Designed Role." No one spiritual gift or service is more superior than another. We are all working towards the same goal!
I am so thankful for all of the workers in our mission to reach the lost in Mesquite. Whether it be our members, or the many Christians from other congregations who help us--every single one of them play such an imporant role in executing the Great Commission! LETS KEEP REACHING OUT TO LOST SOULS!!!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
I serve with two wonderful men on my leadership team that are both qualified to be shepherds--a role I am not yet qualified to serve in. Both men can teach and preach God's word, they shepherd the flock well and they hold me accountable, teach and mentor me often. I honestly look at them to be just as more qualified as me in all spiritual roles--I just happen to be the full time guy who gets paid for doing this work. They are both engineers and do this work on a more volunteer basis.
Then I have many members of our flock who do so much important behind the scenes work that is absolutely invaluable to our mission and to the well being of our congregation. We often look at the "up front" people like the teachers and preachers as the important roles--but every single person in the body of Christ plays a very important and "God-Designed Role." No one spiritual gift or service is more superior than another. We are all working towards the same goal!
I am so thankful for all of the workers in our mission to reach the lost in Mesquite. Whether it be our members, or the many Christians from other congregations who help us--every single one of them play such an imporant role in executing the Great Commission! LETS KEEP REACHING OUT TO LOST SOULS!!!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Friday, December 25, 2009
CHRISTMAS AND VALUES OF OUR KIDS
Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Tonight was so special--as we celebrated a yearly tradition in our home-where me, Christi, and Jaici and Jayden watched "Its A Wonderful Life." I was beginning to think it would not work out for us this year--but by the grace of God it came to pass.
The movie is so special for so many reasons. First and foremost it is special to me because it gives my kids a chance to see some real values besides what I preach on each Sunday--that are truly good and wholesome and reflect Christ. George Bailey is so the kind of man I long to be each day. He truly cares for others and puts himself first--just as Christ tells us we are to deny ourselves. As I write this, I realize the movie is not a particularly Christ centered movie--but does have a lot of Godly focus to it.
George Bailey sacrifices often, his wants and dreams to serve and bless others he loves. He learns at an early age, the values his father taught him--to look out for the little guy and to remember those who would not have so many blessings in their lives. And while George's dreams are much bigger than his father's--he winds up following in his father's footsteps and helping the poor and working class of Bedford Falls have a chance to own their own homes and have a little taste of the American Dream! My favorite part of the movie is when George is sparring with Mr. Potter and tells him--and I paraphrase--"That rabble you speak of, are the ones who do most of the working and dying around here and is it too much to ask for them to have a place to live and a roof over their heads." I so love that moment--where he stands up for the little guy and his father's ideas!
I so want my children to grow up at least being exposed to such values! My kids don't have to follow in my footsteps and be full time ministers--but I do want them to grow up to understand the importance of serving others and showing love and kindness and not live their lives being self-centered and self-focused. If you ever look at the word "SIN"--just take out the middle letter "I." "I" and self focus leads often to sin and an unhealthy life.
Life is so much more than materialism and looking for the next best and biggest thrill. The kind of love and compassion that was shown George Bailey towards the end of the movie and the blessings he saw--was partly because God was teaching him about what was most important--and then partly because he had lived his life serving and blessing others. I want my children to know that a life spent serving others is a life that can bring real joy and peace and value to their lives!
Jesus tells us that it is better to give than to receive! And HE was right! Merry Christmas!
Bruce
Tonight was so special--as we celebrated a yearly tradition in our home-where me, Christi, and Jaici and Jayden watched "Its A Wonderful Life." I was beginning to think it would not work out for us this year--but by the grace of God it came to pass.
The movie is so special for so many reasons. First and foremost it is special to me because it gives my kids a chance to see some real values besides what I preach on each Sunday--that are truly good and wholesome and reflect Christ. George Bailey is so the kind of man I long to be each day. He truly cares for others and puts himself first--just as Christ tells us we are to deny ourselves. As I write this, I realize the movie is not a particularly Christ centered movie--but does have a lot of Godly focus to it.
George Bailey sacrifices often, his wants and dreams to serve and bless others he loves. He learns at an early age, the values his father taught him--to look out for the little guy and to remember those who would not have so many blessings in their lives. And while George's dreams are much bigger than his father's--he winds up following in his father's footsteps and helping the poor and working class of Bedford Falls have a chance to own their own homes and have a little taste of the American Dream! My favorite part of the movie is when George is sparring with Mr. Potter and tells him--and I paraphrase--"That rabble you speak of, are the ones who do most of the working and dying around here and is it too much to ask for them to have a place to live and a roof over their heads." I so love that moment--where he stands up for the little guy and his father's ideas!
I so want my children to grow up at least being exposed to such values! My kids don't have to follow in my footsteps and be full time ministers--but I do want them to grow up to understand the importance of serving others and showing love and kindness and not live their lives being self-centered and self-focused. If you ever look at the word "SIN"--just take out the middle letter "I." "I" and self focus leads often to sin and an unhealthy life.
Life is so much more than materialism and looking for the next best and biggest thrill. The kind of love and compassion that was shown George Bailey towards the end of the movie and the blessings he saw--was partly because God was teaching him about what was most important--and then partly because he had lived his life serving and blessing others. I want my children to know that a life spent serving others is a life that can bring real joy and peace and value to their lives!
Jesus tells us that it is better to give than to receive! And HE was right! Merry Christmas!
Bruce
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