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: The unique value of children
In the morning dusk of the day commemorating children’s rights I was watching the Finnish flag flying on its pole. My mind was suddenly flooded with memories of my childhood and of the many children I have met over the decades.
Blog: 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: 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.
Blog: Give me time!
We were leaving on a trip. It was already late on Sunday evening, and our son, who usually just drops in briefly, kept sitting in our home. Finally, I had to go out to take our bags into the car. Unexpectedly, the boy came out with me and began to share his thoughts. He felt attracted to a girl, but was not certain about his own feelings, nor the girl’s feelings. I encouraged him to contact the girl and to ask her if she would like to learn to know him better.
Blog: Cemetery peace
This past summer I spent a lot of time at Toijala cemetery, because my mother is no longer able to take care of our relatives’ graves. For many years already I have planted flowers on the graves in Toijala and also on my grandparents’ graves in Lempäälä and my sister’s grave in Urjala. My mother, however, has been responsible for watering the flowers on the nearby graves. Finnish summers are often so rainy that watering has not been a major task.
Blog: If life had gone differently
Have your sometimes wondered what life would be like if things had gone differently? If you had not fallen ill. If you had been able to go to the summer services. If there had not been an angel to protect you in an accident.
Blog: Light and shade under the sun
Brilliant red and blue flowers, white ribbons and fresh green evergreens against a backdrop of gloomy late October night. Some years ago I went to the cemetery in the night to take pictures. I was due to keep a sermon and was looking for stark contrasts, images of darkness and light, brightness and somberness. I was able to capture all that in one picture.
Blog: Should I give feedback?
I have often come across situations where it would have been good to give feedback. Too often, however, I have not given any. Fortunately, there is still time to learn and develop this important skill.
Blog: Weekdays and holidays
Only some of the days in our unique and valuable lives are ”holy days”. For most of our lives we toil away at our daily tasks and duties. We work hard from day to day and especially hard before a holiday, so that we can then fully enjoy and appreciate the freedom from labor. Slaving away, I would call it!
Blog: Eleventh hour
Many of us know the feeling of having to rush to an appointment or getting an assignment done just before the deadline. Some may even habitually wait until close to the deadline before they accomplish their task. This may be especially true of students preparing for an examination or writing a paper. Some even say that they work most efficiently knowing there is not much time left.
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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