In light of the recent passing of Billy Graham it is difficult not to share personal thoughts regarding his life and ministry. I had the privilege of hearing him "live" on two occasions: The first was when I was in college and he was the featured spearer at Expo 72 in Dallas Texas. I had only been a Christian for a couple of years and hearing him speak to 40,000+ college students in the Cotton Bowl was an incredible experience. The second time I heard him was in Oklahoma City, some 25 years after the Expo event, at what many thought may be his last public rally. It wasn't, but the experience of hearing him twice, with a 25 year span between events, brought home for me the challenge of perseverance and faithfulness. Billy Graham's message and life rang true across the years.
Though I didn't know it when I first heard him, I now realize that Billy Graham was a solution focused preacher. He proclaimed that we do not have to be bound by our old life of sin but that we can find a whole new life and future through faith in Jesus Christ. In a day when segregation was a way of life, Billy insisted on a new future at his events; one where black and white could sit together and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Billy, no doubt, wanted us to leave the old ways behind and focus our hearts on the new kingdom Christ would one day bring. Thank God for his life, his example, and his legacy. I can say, along with countless others, that his life and message have been a wonderful part of my journey.
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Recently my son sent me a picture of a list that had been prepared by my 7 year old grandson (Andy). Obviously he had seen his dad organizing his day by making and working through his list, so Andy decided to give it a try. He included most of the necessities: eating, playing, working, even "spying on Sam" (his brother). I'm not sure how this all worked for him but at least he was willing to give it a try.
Lists can be a practical way to organize the day. They help us to establish priorities. They help us organize a logical sequence of events. As we "check things off" they help us to realize that we are actually getting some things done. They can also help us at times, realize that some things simply don't need to be done; we can scratch them from our list. Do you struggle with disorganization or simply feeling overwhelmed by all of the tasks that are before you? One simple solution is to make a list. It works for many (including myself), and maybe it will be a solution for you! |
AuthorDr. Allen Schneider is a United Methodist pastor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist presently serving the Sapulpa and greater Tulsa communities. Archives
March 2024
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