I’m tired.
I can’t believe next Friday is the first Upward Basketball practice! I can’t wait.
Yesterday was depressing. I went to the funeral home for Officer Michael Crawford, then I watched the Steelers lose to Cleveland.
I am blessed. God has been so incredibly good to me!
Dear Family & Friends,
Last year, I worked with the local Marines to fundraise to buy bicycles for
their Toys for Tots program. We were able to purchase 31 bicycles and
present them to the local Marines at a NAIFA <http://www.naifapgh.org/> (My
Professional Organization) Luncheon. This year, I’ve set a goal of 50
bicycles.
I am writing to ask for your help. I really need it on two fronts: First,
I’m asking for volunteers to help me transport the bicycles from the Toys
<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2003+CHERYL+DRI
VE,+PITTSBURGH,+PA+15237&sll=40.536014,-80.004244&sspn=0.023027,0.055661&ie=
UTF8&hq=&hnear=Cheryl+Dr,+McKnight,+Allegheny,+Pennsylvania+15237&ll=40.5379
87,-80.007505&spn=0.011921,0.> R Us location on McKnight Rd in the North
Hills of Pittsburgh on Thursday, December 10th at about 9:30 am. If you’ve
got a bike rack, van, SUV… you’re my kind of volunteer! We’ll transport
them in a caravan to present them to the Marines at the Club at Nevillewood
<http://www.theclubatnevillewood.com/f/about/directions.htm> . The will be
presented at the Annual NAIFA Toys for Tots Luncheon.
Second, I really need your help by donating a bicycle. I know things are
tough right now, but this is a great cause!!! If you can’t buy a bike, buy a
wheel! (I’ll take whatever I can get). If you can’t donate the full amount,
perhaps I could ask you to raise some funds through family or friends for me
so that we can reach the goal. The cost of a bicycle is $90. Through a
generous grant from my company, Thrivent, – if you buy a bike, I’ll buy a
bike! That’s two bikes!!
I want to thank Toys R Us on McKnight who is giving us a great discount and
assembling the bikes for free.
Checks can be made payable to Thrivent Chapter 30712 and mailed to me – 2179
Linwood Dr, Allison Park, PA 15101. (412) 492-1788
I am on somewhat of a tight timeline, I needs checks in my hands on December
1st.
Here’s a link to some photos of the event last year: Picture
<http://toddmultimedia.smugmug.com/Thrivent/Pittsburgh-NAIFA-Toys-for-Tots/6
803846_fGJUN#434847648_tNcvB> Link
If you would, please write soon if you’re able to donate your time or
treasures or both!
Thanks for your generosity. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
Al Todd
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Pebbles in My Shoes (Part One)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do you mind if I camp on a verse for a couple of days? First Thessalonians 5:18 demands our attention.Do you ever feel as though the “little” circumstances of life are about to overwhelm you?
It is said we are worn down less by the mountains we climb than by the grain of sand in our shoes. I agree.
Would you like to know what pebbles seem to frequent my sneakers?
People who try to make me feel guilty; My unbalanced checkbook; My garage (It continually proves the second law of thermodynamics-the universe is moving from order to disorder.); The incessant ringing of the telephone; Sibling rivalry; A drippy faucet, a smoking fireplace, a leaky pipe in the ceiling; Car problems that always occur at the most inopportune times; A whining child; Things that aren’t where I left them, or forgetting where I left them; More sibling rivalry; An unresolved conflict with a family member;
Tripping over all the stuff that six children can drag out!Little things get to us-frequently. Honestly, big problems are difficult, and there are more serious problems that do confound us, but today, right now, this is where I live-in the midst of the little things.
It’s called reality. It reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw on a pickup truck some time ago: Reality is for those who can’t cope with drugs. I really do understand why we have a culture of “cop-outs.”
Is God involved in the details of life? Could God possibly want to teach us something in a flat tire? Does He really want to invade every moment of our days, or would He prefer to reserve the 9:30 until 12:00 time slot on Sunday mornings?
Give thanks-in everything.
Prayer:
Why not bow in prayer right now and by faith give thanks in everything?
Discuss: What little circumstances often cause frustration for you?
 Would you like your own copy of this devotional? |
Ben Roethlisberger to Shawne Merriman during last week’s game: “There you are. I was wondering if you were in here. I didn’t see you much. You alright? You healthy?…(couldn’t hear what Merriman said)… No, man. You healthy? You good? (Yeah!) Ok.” lol
Bring out your kids! While you’re at it, why not check out the adult small groups!
I am not one who usually gets heavily involved in politics or activism. I believe there are much more constructive and productive things I can do with my time. I may have to reconsider. As my son has entered the Hampton Township School District this year, I have noticed that we don’t have Christmas in Hampton. We have “Holiday Parties” and “Winter Break”. A search of the district website for Christmas did yield a result of a 7th grade Christmas carol field trip. Maybe I am overreacting without enough information. I will check into this further. I will keep you posted. (No pun intended!)
What is this country, a nation founded under God, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, coming to? Facing fines or imprisonment for saying a prayer during a church sports banquet? You’ve got to be kidding me!!! Check this out: http://www.klove.com/leavingsite.aspx?h=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wnd.com%2findex.php%3ffa%3dPAGE.view%26pageId%3d110207&d=Florida+Educators+Cleared+In+Prayer+Case+(116205)
The other day I saw a strange bug in my yard. The legs were green and looked like a grasshopper’s. The rear of the body was black with what looked like a single stinger and resembled an earwig. The torso and head were red with antennae and four legs. Last night a large (almost 2 inches) one of these was crawling across my windshield. Has anybody else seen these things? Does anybody know what they are?
I had one of those precious teachable moments last night. Michael (age 6) was looking at the cross on my neck chain and asked me, “Why are you wearing that?” I see many people with crosses on necklaces, earrings, in tatoos, and other places. I’ve often wanted to ask the same question. I’ve thought quite a bit about what I would say if someone asked me that, so I was somewhat prepared to respond. I did expand my answer for him: One, I wear it to remind me that Jesus loves me and to remind me of what he did on the cross so all the bad things I’ve done are forgiven. Two, I wear it so maybe someone who has never heard about Jesus will ask me that and I will get to tell them about Him. Third, I wear it to remind me to do good and behave the way He wants me to.
Do you wear or display a cross? Has anyone ever asked you why? Have you ever asked yourself why?
Good to Great in God's Eyes - Chip Ingram
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