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The Practical Disciple » compassion

A Patience Story

February 12th, 2010 | 1 Comment

I visited someone’s blog whom I met recently. Unfortunately, I met them because I was officiating their mother’s funeral. While it was a sad way to make someone’s acquaintance; nevertheless, I feel blessed to have met this person and their family. I feel blessed for a moment to have vicariously met her mother. Moments, like these, moments of remembering loved one’s with a family, give pastors an opportunity to regularly reflect on the fragile and fleeting nature of life. It is a mixed blessing, but undoubtably a blessing. This blessing that comes with watching life pass was punctuated this evening as I went with my wife to watch a stage version of the wonderful book, Tuesday’s with Morrie. For those of you who … Read entire article »

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Being Prodigal

January 27th, 2010 | 2 Comments

Being Prodigal

Most of us know the story of the prodigal son.  A young man, probably full of late adolescent angst or early twenty know-it-all syndrome, tells his daddy.  ”I can’t wait until your dead to get my money.  Give it to me now.”  Forgive me for the tremendous paraphrasing but you  get the idea.  Dad gives him the money.  The young man then heads out on his own.  He squanders his money and finds himself yearning … Read entire article »

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A Simple Exercise to Grow in Charity and Grace

January 26th, 2010 | Add a Comment

A Simple Exercise to Grow in Charity and Grace

Carry a one dollar bill in your bill fold with a paper clip on it.  Pray that God will send you the person that needs this one dollar bill.  Then the next time you are approached by someone needing money, trust that this is the person you need to give the bill to and let them have it.  I suspect some of you just raised an eyebrow and within you an objection is arising.  ”If … Read entire article »

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Acts of Kindness

August 8th, 2008 | Add a Comment

One of the most important aspects as disciples that we should nurture is a Christ-like love for our neighbor. One simple way to nurture this love is by regularly performing unself acts of kindness. following are some suggestions on getting started, as well as some helpful principles. Committing to acts of kindness for 40 days or even just a couple of weeks can slow you down dramatically and cause you to consider the needs of others. So if you want to flex your compassion muscles and get them back into shape here are one dozen suggestions on where to start: Send flowers or a card anonymously Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen Seek out a single parent and offer to baby-sit or do errands. Mow your neighbor’s lawn … Read entire article »

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