Happy Hanukkah to you all! This Feast of Lights begins at sundown tonight.
This Jewish festival commemorates when Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting. The story can be found in Maccabees 1 in the Old Testament.
In my family, we will be ackowledging Jewish traditions as we welcome my niece Lauren's fiance, Jordan, to our clan. I'm looking forward to this so much.
We as Christians can embrace the spirit of this festival, too. Part of the significance is that the Temple was restored and purified. What can you do to restore and purify the temples in your life--your church, your home, and even your body? Perhaps you can clean out some of the junk in your home, or be a better steward of your body--or even fast for a cause.
Here at the Ben Library, we have a charming children's book about Hanukkah titled _Just Enough is Plenty_ by Barbara Diamond Goldin. I find myself thinking about that title, in this season of excess--excess stress, excess consumption, excess spending, etc. Perhaps we should try to have "just enough" for ourselves this season, and be wiser stewards of our resources. Do we really need to go overboard with gifts this year? Do we really need to be gluttons? Why not give more to those with too little? It would be a blessing to give to our food pantries, and to adopt someone from the many Giving Trees in stores, churches, schools, and libraries. That way, someone else can share the blessing of having "just enough."
As I was reading up on Hanukkah traditions, I took note of the modern focus that has started as we ponder the significance of this Festival: conservation of resources, especially energy resources. I happen to work in a green building, and we are conscious of being good stewards of our environment and resources. I will try to extend this to my home. It just happened to start the snow season today, but I will keep the thermostat down and bundle up at home in my Snuggie, sweater and warm slippers. (Luckily, my family is willing to comply with this too.)
So, Happy Hanukkah, everyone! In this Festival of Lights, let us keep first and foremost in our minds and our deeds the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ--the Light of the World. Let us let His love shine brightly through us this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The King's Scribe: Inventory of our God-given talents
Today's meditation:
God does not give us talents for our own pleasaure and purpose; rather, God gives us talents primarily to serve the world in simple and generous ways.
from _Good Words_ (Saint Anthony Messenger Press, 2010)
This is the time of year when we count our blessings and give thanks to our generous God. We also share with our less fortunate brothers and sisters in charity. Why not also take inventory of the talents that God gave us, and examine how we share them with others?
Some guidelines to get your inventory started:
1. Pray for wisdom and insight from the Holy Spirit.
2. Look at what you do well. Think about when others complimented you and gave you feedback for a talent. Write them down, so you have the concrete evidence right in front of you.
3. Think of how you use this talent. When do you use it? How often? On a regular basis (weekly in church or ministry, daily in your family, in your job)? Just as needed (when someone asks for your help or a situation arises)?
4. Notice the last line in the quote: "to serve the world in simple and generous ways." Think of the simple ways that you use your talents. Think of "simple talents" that you have: the ability to listen, the gift of a kind word when needed, a servant's heart that will do the "dirty work" like cleaning up after a meal, the insight to know how to assess a situation and solve a problem. As you ponder these simple ways, does it add to your talent inventory?
5. Thank the Lord because you are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139) Ask the Lord to open you eyes to more opportunities to use these gifts in service to others.
One of the reasons why I love to teach is because I get to know all my wonderful students. When I teach the StrengthsQuest unit, I see some of their talents. I am always thankful for the variety of talents represented in those students. It's like looking at a meadow full of beautiful flowers, each different, each special, each adding to the whole lovely picture.
Give thanks to God, for his mercy and his generosity! Grace and peace to you all!
God does not give us talents for our own pleasaure and purpose; rather, God gives us talents primarily to serve the world in simple and generous ways.
from _Good Words_ (Saint Anthony Messenger Press, 2010)
This is the time of year when we count our blessings and give thanks to our generous God. We also share with our less fortunate brothers and sisters in charity. Why not also take inventory of the talents that God gave us, and examine how we share them with others?
Some guidelines to get your inventory started:
1. Pray for wisdom and insight from the Holy Spirit.
2. Look at what you do well. Think about when others complimented you and gave you feedback for a talent. Write them down, so you have the concrete evidence right in front of you.
3. Think of how you use this talent. When do you use it? How often? On a regular basis (weekly in church or ministry, daily in your family, in your job)? Just as needed (when someone asks for your help or a situation arises)?
4. Notice the last line in the quote: "to serve the world in simple and generous ways." Think of the simple ways that you use your talents. Think of "simple talents" that you have: the ability to listen, the gift of a kind word when needed, a servant's heart that will do the "dirty work" like cleaning up after a meal, the insight to know how to assess a situation and solve a problem. As you ponder these simple ways, does it add to your talent inventory?
5. Thank the Lord because you are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139) Ask the Lord to open you eyes to more opportunities to use these gifts in service to others.
One of the reasons why I love to teach is because I get to know all my wonderful students. When I teach the StrengthsQuest unit, I see some of their talents. I am always thankful for the variety of talents represented in those students. It's like looking at a meadow full of beautiful flowers, each different, each special, each adding to the whole lovely picture.
Give thanks to God, for his mercy and his generosity! Grace and peace to you all!
The King's Scribe
Grace and peace to you all!
You may notice a slight change to this blog's name. We're now "The King's Scribe." It's not because we are no longer faithful! It's just for the parallelism to the video chapel, "The King's Errand."
You may notice a slight change to this blog's name. We're now "The King's Scribe." It's not because we are no longer faithful! It's just for the parallelism to the video chapel, "The King's Errand."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The King's Faithful Scribe: The Parable of the Pencil
At my church, our Deacon Howard Fischer has a column ("Fisching Lines") in the bulletin, and he posted this wonderful parable. I want to share it with you:
The Parable of the Pencil
The Pencil Maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it in the box:
1) Everything you do will always leave a mark.
2) You can always correct the mistakes you make.
3) What is important is what is inside of you.
4) In life, you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will only make you better.
5) To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.
We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed. And, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are in what's inside of you, and then allow yourself to be guided by the hand of God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is central to what I teach my students in GEN 101 in the Liberal Arts Core, as well as my traditional Faith & Learning students. It really excited me to read this parable, and I thought of all my students immediately.
__________________________________________________________________________
For fun, here is an online jigsaw puzzle from JigZone for you to solve. Remember the Parable of the Pencil, and your place in the Pencil Box:
http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/AD055D4C5624
Think of Him, as you hold a pencil today. Remember, He's thinking of you, too! Isaiah 49:16 NIV says: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
God bless you all today!
Lynn Hammerlund
The Parable of the Pencil
The Pencil Maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it in the box:
1) Everything you do will always leave a mark.
2) You can always correct the mistakes you make.
3) What is important is what is inside of you.
4) In life, you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will only make you better.
5) To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.
We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed. And, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are in what's inside of you, and then allow yourself to be guided by the hand of God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is central to what I teach my students in GEN 101 in the Liberal Arts Core, as well as my traditional Faith & Learning students. It really excited me to read this parable, and I thought of all my students immediately.
__________________________________________________________________________
For fun, here is an online jigsaw puzzle from JigZone for you to solve. Remember the Parable of the Pencil, and your place in the Pencil Box:
http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/AD055D4C5624
Think of Him, as you hold a pencil today. Remember, He's thinking of you, too! Isaiah 49:16 NIV says: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
God bless you all today!
Lynn Hammerlund
Introducing a New Blog Feature--The King's Faithful Scribe
Hello, to all our visitors to Judson's Adult Chapel Blog. I am now starting a new feature on this blog. Call me "The King's Faithful Scribe."
Right now, it will be more content-driven, with little snippets for your devotional edification, or some questions to ponder, especially in reaction to what's going on in our world.
Please continue to check here often, to see new editions of "The King's Errand," and check out my gleanings as "The King's Faithful Scribe."
I invite you to post your comments/suggestions/feedback. I'd love to get an online dialogue going!
Lynn Hammerlund
Right now, it will be more content-driven, with little snippets for your devotional edification, or some questions to ponder, especially in reaction to what's going on in our world.
Please continue to check here often, to see new editions of "The King's Errand," and check out my gleanings as "The King's Faithful Scribe."
I invite you to post your comments/suggestions/feedback. I'd love to get an online dialogue going!
Lynn Hammerlund
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Welcome to the King's Errand Adult Chapel Page!
Hello!
Welcome to Judson University's Adult Chapel blog page. All adult chapel videos will be posted on this blog and the Judson Adult Chapel youtube site. Questions, prayer requests, and other concerns may also be posted on this blog by viewers.
Thank you for using Judson University's Adult Chapel blog!
God Bless
Welcome to Judson University's Adult Chapel blog page. All adult chapel videos will be posted on this blog and the Judson Adult Chapel youtube site. Questions, prayer requests, and other concerns may also be posted on this blog by viewers.
Thank you for using Judson University's Adult Chapel blog!
God Bless
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