Work-life Balance

As a culture, we have moved to a new level of "busyness". We have more obligations from work, family, church, and social life than ever before. How do you balance all of your commitments to your family, church, job, and social organizations?

Your Vision: 2009

In the last days of 2008, people all over the world are making their new year's resolutions of all of the changes that they plan to make in the coming year. Proverbs 29:18 states that "Without a vision, the people perish," what is your vision for your life and your family in 2009?

Let It Go in 2009

In the last few days of 2008, now is a good time to plan your new year's resolutions and vision for 2009. Now is also a good time to decide what to let go of in 2009. Too often, when we hold on to the things of our past, they may cloud our view of the present. Are you letting go of your perceived failures, past hurts, failed relationships, or mistakes that you have made? What are you determined to be free from in the coming year?

A little extra weight for Christmas?

Christmas if finally over, and 2009 is just a few days away. You've indulged in all of your favorites for the past few weeks: egg nog, fudge, candied yams, and lots of other goodies smothered in gravy. Now reality hits...your favorite jeans are a little too snug. Several health studies have shown that most Americans gain up to five pounds during the holiday season, and rarely lose the extra weight after the holidays. Gaining an additional five pounds a year can lead to a broad range of physical and psychological difficulties. How can we avoid gaining the extra weight during the holidays, and how can we lose it after we have overindulged during the holidays?

Rejoicing in December, Weeping in January

In many cases, this is the last day to shop for those last-minute Christmas gifts. With little exception, most people have less money this year than they did last year at this time. With so much pressure to provide great gifts for the family, lower discretionary income, and higher living expenses, many people resort to other means to finance their Christmas gifts, such as loans, cash advances, and maxing out their credit cards. These strategies are a good way to obtain extra money fast, but they also cost a great deal in finance charges and additional financial strain which could stretch your finances for months, possibly years. What are some ways to give great gifts without additional financial burden in the coming months?

Two Families, One Holiday

The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends to build and strengthen relationships. They can also be a stressful time when families don't agree on how to spend the holidays, or when their requests conflict with one another. How do you handle conflicting requests? What is a fair agreement so that everyone can spend time together for the holidays? For example, if you and your spouse are divorced, separated, or remarried, do you spend the holidays together, as a family, or do you alternate holidays, or have separate holiday celebrations for both spouses?

Don't Be Afraid

At the time of Jesus' birth, the angel of the Lord appeard to the shepherds who were working out in fields, watching over their flock. The glory of the Lord shined around the shepherds, and the bible says that they were terrified (Luke 2:8-11). We have so many scriptures that speak about fear and declares that fear is not of God; then why are we, as people of God, so fearful? What are you afraid of, and why are you fearful, when God is our "shepherd?" Since God is the one who watches over us, takes care of us, and protects us in every situation, they why are we fearful?

Count up the Cost

President Bush recently announced a 13 Billion dollar bailout in short-term financing for the Auto Industry, specifically for Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Although the bailout was needed to continue the industry and help some people keep their jobs, the bailout is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. With the economic downturn, people have less money to spend and are not buying new cars; what ever happened to counting up the cost? If you could make a recommendation to the President, either current or incoming, what would you recommend?

Still Prospering in Hard Times

With so many job cuts, lay offs, and furloughs happening throughout the city, it is amazing that all of our needs are still being met. We know, without a doubt, that God is still taking care of his own. Psalm 37 declares that we have "never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." In other words, in everything that happens around us, God promises to take care of us. Here's your chance to tell one way that God has met your needs even in the midst of this recession. Don't be afraid to testify just a little bit.

Gospel Only?

Is is ok for Christians to listen to secular music? What about media (tv, Internet, music)...? If it is inappropriate to listen to secular music and experience other media, what is the alternative?

Shoe Throwing and Disrespect

As many of you have seen on the news, the Iraqi reporter that threw his shoes at President Bush has been both praised and will probably be punished severely for this act. Bush was rather nonchalant about the act as he called one of the "weird" things that he seen. In the Arab world, throwing shoes is the ultimate insult and sign of disrespect. How would the President react if he was subject to a more "western" sign of disrespect"? How should we react, as people of God, who should respect and pray for our leaders, regardless of how we feel about them?

The Real Meaning of Christmas

The Christmas season is already upon us. With so much comercialism and focus on materialism, has the "Spirit of Christmas" been overshadowed by the expectation of material gifts?

Presidential Campaign: 10/7/2008

How do you interpret Senator McCain's refusal to shake Senator Obama's hand at the conclusion of the Presidential debate in Nashville, TN?