http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=57457&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Fruit of the Spirit, Part IV
Just before the great passage in Galatians that expounds the Fruit of the Spirit comes a warning and a list of the opposites of the good Fruit, the destroyers of churches, relationships, and self! This all comes down to our willingness to either live a life that is led by the Spirit or one that is led by our flesh, that of our pride and will.
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=82711&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Applying Christ back to Christmas
Christmas is a precious season, meant to be a reminder of Who and What our Lord has done. It has anticipation, wonder, excitement, family values and precious moments and memories, especially for children. Yet, it has become lost, hidden behind shallow traditions and the emptiness of wants and perceived needs. I am not referring to the secular commercialism of Christmas, but in our own churches and Christian families. We forgot what it is all about! We are missing the message in our expectations as wells as our hurries and struggles and passions. We become so hurried and stressed over putting together a Christmas party or gathering we miss what it is all about!