“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” — Charles Dickens

I'm okay, are you okay? Actually, the 1967 popular self-help book was entitled, 'I'm OK-You're OK'. As I recall, its transactional analysis methods did find its way into the corporate world as the principles became trendy in helping people to find their niche in the workplace. It gives me a headache just thinking about it. I do hope this new day finds each one doing well as we continue the journey here on this Wednesday, December 11, 2019. The other evening while at Chick-fil-A doing our Santa photos, it dawned on me that some of the kids we saw as 4, 5, and 6-year-olds are now working the counter. We love working with the folks there. I am aware of the recent controversy regarding charitable giving by Chick-fil-A. Some say the company has caved to the left-wing agenda because they have announced changes in who they will be supporting going forward. I don't think the dust has settled yet on what exactly is going on, and, based on what I have heard from folks like Franklin Graham and others, it may not be as dire as many conservatives have concluded. For now, we all should take a wait and see attitude because there will be time to deal with the final result when it is fully known and understood.

I'm not altogether sure why, but, I feel like I need to include some type of disclaimer for the blogs I have been writing of late. Or, perhaps a warning label. Something along the lines, "What you are about to read does not necessarily reflect adherence to any accepted writing conventions. Therefore, read at your own risk." Since tis the season is in vogue, here are some helpful sayings for those wrestling with ideas about things to write in their Christmas cards. ~ It's all fun and games until Santa checks the lists to see who's been naughty or nice. ~ "Santa has the right idea. Only visit people once a year."  Victor Borge ~ There are 14 days until Christmas, which means us fellows have 13 more days before we have to worry about getting our shopping done. ~ "Nothing’s as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas." Kin Hubbard ~ Dear Santa, Could you please define 'good'. ~ On Dasher, On Dancer, On Mastercard, and Visa! ~ If you don't have Christmas in your heart, you will never find it under the tree. ~ Quit believing in Santa and it will be underwear and socks for you. ~ All I want for Christmas is a fat wallet and a skinny body, Santa, please don't get those mixed up like you did last year. ~ Finally: Christmas is not about the presents but it is all about His presence! Amen. ~

Last Monday, we had our annual Christmas party for our apartment ministry folks. It was a good day. We had a special invited guest who did our devotional. He was emphasizing the concept of gifts received and appreciated. He asked our elderly audience to name their most memorable gift in their many Christmases. It was interesting to hear them talk about different items. One mentioned a special doll. Another talked about their family being dirt poor but how that one year received an unexpected gift. Another spoke about being restored to the daughter she had put up for adoption and how that once they were reunited, the daughter had given her a memory book filled with photos. Our speaker went on to talk about how those are wonderful gifts, but, they pale in comparison to God's gift of His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That's what Christmas is truly all about. Lost, hopeless, with an eternity of being separated from God, He, consistent with His plan and purpose, sent His Son to rescue lost humanity. Even as the Scriptures give it, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) What a Gift! What a Savior! What a God! Amen. ....More later.