Author: cheez
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Arthur & Pauline Frommer–Trusted Travel Advisers
Arthur and Pauline Frommer know a lot about traveling. I have trusted them as a resource for my travels for more than 40 years. I continue to appreciate their wisdom and practical advice as they list the benefits of home swapping. As a young traveler to Europe in 1970, I clung to my copy of…
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The Successful Life
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or…
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The Search For Whole Life Stewardship Paradigm
So often, in the Christian Life, “Stewardship” is limited to Financial Stewardship. Then, the conversation turns to “Tithing” and giving God 10% of what is under our stewardship. But, everyone knows that “Stewardship” involves so much more than what we do with a percentage of our income. God owns 100% of our wealth, not only…
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Stewardship Of Self And Clergy Sabbaticals
Ministries increasingly encourage stewardship of self for pastors. In his book, Clergy Self-Care, Greg Sumii writes, “Pastors are human with limitations and yet many are ministering beyond their limitations.” Stewardship of self is something pastors need to model for others in the parish as much as we need it for ourselves. In an online article,…
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Love, Trust and Home Swapping
I conducted a funeral for Alice who was 91 years old when she died. Before she passed on, Alice asked to meet with me so we could talk about her memorial service. “Pastor,” Alice said, “I want you to read First Corinthians 13 during the service. I want everyone to know that life is all…
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Sage Reflections 1
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. St. Augustine of Hippo Photo Credit: One hundred and twenty-two by Roxanne Milward is licensed under CC by 2.0.
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Christmas and Stress
[From my diary] Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The next day is Christmas Eve. Then, of course, comes Christmas Day. This wonderful time of the year we celebrate God becoming human like us–to save us. With the added intensity of the next few days, your pastor is probably struggling with his or her…
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Be A Christmas Angel
Most pastors don’t even dream of taking a sabbatical—let alone contemplate the life-and-career-changing impact of a sabbatical. Last Sunday we talked with a pastor who had served churches for 24 years—and had never taken a sabbatical! Be an angel and help your pastor catch the vision of clergy sabbatical. This Christmas, give your pastor the…
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Christmas Gift Idea
As Christmas approaches, you know your pastor is busy. A lot of preparation goes into sharing the Christmas message of “good news of great joy for all the people.” This Christmas and New Year season give your pastor a gift that could be a source of “good news” and “great joy” in their personal and…
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Words of Wisdom
For those who are parents and grandparents: When they were young, we talked with our children about God. Now they are adults, we talk to God about our children. Photo Credit: Photo Compilation by Jinterwas. Creative Commons License. Creative Commons Legal Code