Authentically Include Others
I sometimes see a fellow traveler of the way sitting alone at services. I wonder what brought them there to sit alone. I seldom find strength to go talk to them. Imagine arriving at services and no one notices you; no one speaks to you.
What does God say?
Many relevant topics today are discussed in smaller groups and larger groups, such as church discussions. When I have questions about what God’s Word teaches on a certain topic, I ask a parent or family member. As a young person, I learn about what God’s Word says through sermons, presentations, discussion and visiting with family and friends.
Blog: New journey
I am more than fifty years old, and I have never had any big plans for life. My life has simply passed from one stage to the next. I was born into a believing family in Nivala, where I have lived there all my life except for one single year. In addition to my parents and siblings, my grandfather also lived in our home. He was dear and important to me. I was Grandpa’s girl. He took care of me when I was little, and I took care of him later when he was sick.
Blog: Thoughts about dressing
Years ago I read an article in which a young person asked, ”Do believers have to wear a certain kind of designer clothes?”
Blog: This I have to take seriously
It came to pass, one day in December when I was away on a working trip, that I found an email in my personal mailbox. I checked the title, saw it was something about blogs, and almost swiped it into the junk folder, so it would not disturb my thinking. I have an information management system whereby all unnecessary and distracting messages are immediately scrapped, those about something that can be delegated are forwarded, those that require attention are dealt with, and anything necessary is archived. My daughter, who is studying economics, recently told me that, without knowing it, I have been using the traf system.
Blog: What if I laughed, touched and had the courage to trust
I wished for more laughter this year. I would like to hear children giggle with genuine joy or howl with delight and my dear ones laugh happily, chuckle benevolently, titter behind their hand, or dissolve in uncontrollable laughter. In addition to hearing people laugh, I would definitely love to join them, sometimes tired enough not to know if I am laughing or crying (the others knowing even less).
Blog: Children’s rights
Whenever I think about the Day of Children’s Rights, I wonder what that day really means. We seldom think very profoundly about the rights we had as children – or have now as adults. At least I feel that I was born and grew up in material abundance with many rights. We seldom think that many of the things we consider self-evident are inaccessible to many people. Or at least they need to work hard, often even at the risk of their lives, to attain those things.
Blog: Fads and fashions
When I was in primary school, I got a pair of jodhpur-type pants with side bags at the thigh. I had to wear them for school. It happened to be a very cold day, and we did not need to go out for breaks. I sat at my desk all day, hiding the baggy parts of the trouser legs under my hands, so no-one would see them. I was very fashion-conscious at that age. Pants with baggy legs were not in fashion then.
No confirmation picture was taken
Last summer I was able to attend the confirmation services of three grandchildren. They were festive occasions. The young confirmand may even be a bit embarrassed as the center of attention, surrounded by his or her grandparents, godparents, other relatives and friends who have come to celebrate.
On a speaking trip
My father served as a speaker for decades. When it was his turn to speak at services in our home congregation, it was always special for us, his children. I do not think I was ever nervous for my father. Maybe I did not even worry about such things as a child. But I do remember the special feeling I had when I sat at services, listening to my father speak.
Blog: Now or never
When I was pondering whether or not to start as a blogger, I approached the topic from a number of perspectives. What things could I give and what could I lose? I guess they would tell me if my posts are not good enough, or if my style of writing is not appropriate for the format. And I could get caught red-handed by an acquaintance, having posted an extremely profound text online. That actually happened already. ”I wouldn’t have guessed that a guy like you would be writing a blog”, said one of my readers.
Blog: Each years makes us older
This will be my last blog post for Päivämies – I think. I have been blogging for two years, submitting a post every month.
Tehän tunnette Herramme Jeesuksen Kristuksen armon: hän oli rikas mutta tuli köyhäksi teidän vuoksenne, jotta te rikastuisitte hänen köyhyydestään. 2. Kor. 8:9
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