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Friday, December 9, 2005

"In Light Of Eternity"

"Generations come and generations go" (Ecclesiastes 1:4). "A time to be born and a time to die" (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

Those who follow this series regularly are aware that my mother passed away last month. This period following her death causes me to pay a lot more attention to some things in life. I'm sure other readers who've felt great loss at the death of a loved one has also experienced this.

I found this picture when going through Mom's stuff. I'm quite sure I had seen it before but frankly don't recall paying much attention to it. I recently sat for probably an hour one evening looking at this picture and pondering. My Mom is at the lower left in the photo, the second youngest child. Her parents and all her older siblings have passed on. Now only her younger sister sitting on the lower right remains.

Mom was 12 years old at the time this photo was taken. She was four years younger than my daughter, Ester. My grandpa was 51, the very same age as I. A farmer and the president of the only bank in Harwood Missouri, he was a vibrant, colorful man. As a young man he traveled across the west on rails and climbed Pike's Peak one night. Each birthday well into his eighties he would ride a bike to assert his youth. I assume I get some of my personality traits from him. I sure hope so!

There's a popular ad that has the line, "Life comes at you fast." Actually looking at the photo sure underscores that life not only comes at you fast but goes by very fast as well. We all need to regularly examine ourselves and do a thorough check to see how we are living our lives. A question that we should consider is "How am I living today in light of eternity?"

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Lord, in the looking glass of Your Word, may I see clearly the kind of choices I make this day. You've told me what is good and what You require of me; to do justly, to love mercy and to have a humble walk with You. May I be obedient to this instruction as I lead the generation You've entrusted to me.

Brooksyne's note: Yesterday Stephen mentioned that our dog Roxie had a ministry opportunity at a local assisted living center. When Bessie, 94 years old, walked into the room and saw Roxie she immediately took her under her wing. She fussed so much over Roxie that I asked if I could take this photo. We had about 30 seniors who sang Christmas carols yesterday. I never dreamed that a pet could light up their countenance and bring smiles to their faces much like having a small child. It was a delightful visit! She was quite a hit and the elderly indeed were blessed by her presence.

Today we got our first snow storm of the season and it's beautiful outside! This photo is from our side yard.

The "Life comes at you fast" ads are for an insurance company. Here's some sample clips that will give you a chuckle.

Do you have a Christmas memory you would like to share with others to uplift and encourage? Please send us your story and we will compile a page of memories to share with others on this site.

Recently Brooksyne picked up a book at the Christian bookstore titled "The Case for Christmas" by Lee Strobel. I have enjoyed his other books in "The case for" series and this is no exception. This is an excellent book for gift-giving and evangelistic outreach. I found an inexpensive online edition.

The Case for Christmas By Lee Strobel

You never know who may start asking life-changing questions this Christmas. Here's a great way to share the gospel---and the true reason for the season! The Case for Christ author and journalist Strobel investigates the facts behind Luke 2:8--18 and asks: Was it all a hoax---or truly the pivotal event of human history? 112 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

"Living today anchored in God's solid foundation"