It seemed so much colder there than here in the winter, even though we were only 20 miles further to the north than we are now. And I do miss the friends we made while we were there. Surprisingly, the only friends we made were Amish people. They seemed to think we fit right in the community. I don’t really know why. We don’t dress like them, talk like them or think like them. That leaves me to think that we connected on a spiritual level, something deeper than clothing or hair; a faith connection that centered around Jesus Christ that not one of us really understood or could account for, but knew that it was there.

My friend Martha who lives there, near our old farm and who is Amish, called me the other day. Most people don’t realize that many Amish do have phones and electricity.  Most people in Clarksville don’t realize that the group of folks in and around Guthrie are not Mennonite but Amish.  The Amish here don’t drive automobiles, but they go everywhere in their tractors. Martha was checking to see if we wanted a kitten, and just to chat and catch up.

I had seen her this past summer when the children and I and some friends stopped by her house unexpectedly. We were going to ask her if we could use her picnic table to have our lunch. She offered her dining room table instead and we got to talk to her and her children while having lunch. She and her daughters were finishing up a big batch of home-canned pears.

She wants us to come back and visit some more. Once, Martha confided to me that she knew that if it weren’t for the restrictions of her church, our families would be inseparable. We definitely are very akin to each other in likes and dislikes, in interests and temperament. But their church doesn’t allow for fraternizing with “Strangers”. Those who are not part of the Amish tradition are tolerated, acknowledged, provided for when necessary, but not brought into the fold as friends or visited in their own homes. Martha is taking a small chance of rebuff when she calls me and invites me over.

We both like Tasha Tudor, roses, herbs, flowers in general, tea, messy overflowing gardens, canning and baking bread. That’s mostly what we talk about, that and children. We both sew out of necessity not out of a love for it. And we both have a very soft spot for anything small and fuzzy, like kittens or puppies, really any small animal.

I’m hoping to get up there and visit with Martha in a few days. I will call her today perhaps and set a time to come visit all day long.

We’ll take some books and favorite toys for the children to share. She has only one at home now during the day. I’ll take some little gifts from my kitchen, special breads, a jar of jam and some pickles. And I’ve ordered her some Tasha Tudor Tea. She will have a hot pot of tea brewed, something delicious baked. We’ll look at seed catalogs, books and talk about all those things that interest us.  Friendship bridges all kinds of gulfs.

Some coaches have fueled the flames of controversy by defying the law and the court. One Tennessee High School coach is pushing the envelope when he stated to the Tennessean, “Every day when we finish practice, we take a knee, bow our heads and say the Lord’s Prayer at practice …” and before each game I tell them to pray for themselves and their teammates.

Defying the courts is an unwise decision and there is a price in doing so by coaches or anyone. Such religious practices have been ruled out of bounds by the courts. A football coach job description doesn’t include religious activities. Coaches in high schools are not exempt from the law; ignoring court rulings is hazardous to a coaching career. The courts’ interpretation and application of this ruling only applies to public schools and does not extend to parochial schools.

It’s patriotic, and American, to call such violations to the attention of school administrators and seek redress in such situations.  The court ruling acknowledges that.  There is a proper time and place for religious activities. As I understand it, a football coach can observe the rules by simply announcing there will be a moment of silence by the team and not making any faith-based comments.

At Fort Leonard Wood, the Army’s largest basic and advanced training post, I served with command leaders to include hundreds of drill sergeants of all ranks. I served, too, commanders that I would have followed into combat at any time and any place. How did these men and women impress me and receive my loyalty? They were leaders trained in reassuring and encouraging others. They elicited a sense of self with new recruits, NCOs and officers with a reassuring word.

On Inauguration day I followed my daily routine of exercising at the Athletic Club. As my legs moved my mind was also active as I listened and watched President Obama give his address. His speech captivated and motivated me. before I realized it, I had exceeded my goal at the treadmill of 50 minutes. This awesome speech motivated me; his words somehow improved my power of endurance.

Reassuring spoken words renew and enable us to accept and successfully overcome the challenges of daily living. One source of such reassurance is to be found in the Bible, a book on the nature of God and mankind. In what we call the Old Testament, there is in Zechariah 3:17  words that lifted my morale.  This verse is a potent message:

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to see. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he shall rejoice over you with singing.”

On this day the words “delight” and “rejoice” from the verse give me confidence. Think of it and let this thought massage you spiritually: we are giving to the Almighty delight and our attitude and behavior cause the Almighty to rejoice.

Meditating on this verse fortifies and releases the spiritual resources. in all of us.  Focusing upon these words will enable us to successfully overcome daily challenges and release inner strength to face obstacles honestly and bravely.

Pamela Frueh, as she pondered these words,  wrote:

“God delights in me. I think of the delight I feel when my children and grandchildren, the powerful heart-stopping, breath-catching delight that seems to be part of unconditional love …  I am God’s child, awed by God’s love.”

Thought for the day:

God delights in me — and in you. Repeat these words frequently and experience a healthier outlook.

Humor in Uniform is a favorite section in the Reader’s Digest.  Having served as a soldier and Army Chaplain, for 20 years, in time of peac and for two years of war in Vietnam, I appreciate recognition given our soldiers, even if its humorous.Being rather serious and solemn by nature, I have a psychological need for entertainment, especially humor.  I meet this need for balance for jocularity by selecting cheerful TV programs to watch while exercising at the Athletic Club. When I get there early enough, I’ll watch my all time favorite, M.A.S.H.

For my own benefit, as well as that of listeners, when I give a homily at the Unitarian Church, I introduce the message with a humorous story. I find this is an effective means of gaining the attention of the congregation.  It also gives me some sense of calmness and peace of mind.

In one of my speaking  engagement s at the Church, I used the following humorous story:

“A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked “Is my time up?”

“No, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live,” God said.

After the woman recovered, she decided that if she had that much time left, she was going to make the most of it.

She went to the hairdresser for a permanent and color rinse. Then she returned to the hospital for liposuction, a facelift and a tummy tuck.

After her last operation, she left the hospital. While crossing the street she was hit by a truck and killed.

When the woman got to heaven, she told God: “I thought you said I had another 40 years to live. Why didn’t you pull me from the path of the truck?”

God just shrugged. “I didn’t recognize you.”

– Norbert Robben, Topeka, Kansas

I recommend  joining us in finding and regaining humor today. Exercise your funny bone often.

Crepe Myrtle flower

Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.

In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.

For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches.

Now, after six years of growth, by our own selection of trees, we congratulate ourselves  for investing and improving our property. Our trees include the ever beautiful cherry trees, river birches, maple and crepe myrtle. I am already anticipating with joy the pink blossoms of the cherry trees. These wondrous trees that we have planted are one of the joys of life. They add monetary value to our property, but also brighten our lives. They are a source of considerable psychological benefit.

Our wondrous trees provide us spiritual encouragements. From observing them year-round we can find a source of spiritual nourishment. In The Upper Room, a devotional by Teresa describes how she was blessed spiritually by a tree. Here is the narrative:

The Weight of Bitterness

Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2

“See to it that no fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of  bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it may become defiled.” ~~ Hebrews 12:15 (NRSV)

Twenty years ago the pine tree in our front yard was a tiny sapling that needed a ring of bricks to protect it from being trodden underfoot. Now it shades our house. During a recent winter storm, however, its lower branches swept the ground under the weight of ice and snow.

That weighted tree was a picture of the Christian I used to be. For years I allowed the weight of abuse when I was a child and the death of my mother when I was in high school to sap my strength and keep me from growing in faith. I allowed anger and resentment to grow into bitterness. Instead of raising my face up in praise to God who uses our trials for good, I doubted my heavenly father’s goodness.

When the sun finally melted the ice and snow,  our pine tree stood just as tall and mighty as before the storm.  Unlike a tree, we can choose how we will respond to painful circumstances. We can choose to live under the weight of bitterness, or we can allow God’s love to melt away the ice so we can stand tall. Bitterness can rob us of knowledge of God’s presence. Remaining open to Good and trusting God’s never-ending love bring great strength and deep joy.

Her prayer, inspired by the pine tree, reads:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, free us from any bitterness that remains in our heart. Amen.

Her thought, also inspired by the pine tree, reads:

God offers us relief from the weight of bitterness.

~~ Teresa Dickhoner, Ohio

The trees will be bursting forth with new life soon. As you watch them excel in their development, think and meditate on their spiritual significance.

The Upper Room devotional is available at Local United Methodist Churches.

KeyKey, the rescued Shepherd/Sheltie mix who saved two lives back in August, 2006, died from injuries sustained in an accident.

I’d never been “a dog person,” until I met my daughter Kelly’s dog, KeyKey, a smart, funny, protective  critter who found a second home at my feet, under my desk, on my new sofa, and…well, you get the idea. He wound his way into my heart — a sneak attack of sorts.

One August morning, he woke me from sound sleep, staying by my side as I roused my son-in-law and we three escaped our burning home. This silly wonderful rescued dog had two human rescues to his credit.

He was really my daughter’s dog, hers and her childrens’. But I’ve always kept a stash of doggie treats and saved chewy Easter ham bones for him in anticipation of his visits. I assumed, as most people with beloved pets do, that he’d be around for quite a few more years.

Like many dogs, he loved “rides,” racing from side to side across the back seat of the car, head sticking out the partially opened window, ears flapping in the wind. Back and forth. Back and forth. Had to make sure both sides of the car were moving at the same time.  He was trained to voice commands, with only an occasional squirrel distracting him. KeyKey was a people dog, not liking to be left out of anything. If he had to be left home alone, you could count on him poking his nose through curtains as soon as the car pulled in the driveway, barking his joy at the return of humans. Sometimes KeyKey didn’t know he was really a dog.

KeyKey was a source of comfort to all of us in difficult and trying times, especially after the fire, and when we’d lost other members of our family. He would cuddle up with us, perk his ears up, look at us with his crazy “doggie smile” and somehow our world would be sweeter, bearable.

He loved snow. Loved to race in it, chase snowballs, frolic. At least he got to enjoy that with “his people” today.

Suddenly, turning on a moment in time, we find ourselves with a gaping hole in our lives that can never be filled.  We mourn, for now, but eventually we will smile over the many joys this wonderful dog shared with us.

See related stories:

• The Dog Who saved Lives
• From the Ashes, a first hand account…

Author’s Note: Our thanks to the staff at Animal Care Group in Sango  and to CO Publisher Bill Larson for their compassionate response to our loss.

While on active duty as a U.S. Army Chaplain, I appreciated serving, ministry and  working with chaplains who were also assiociated with the same denomination as President Obama.

Already our new president is strengthening the bonds of religion and society and how government, churches, and religious organizations can work together to better community and country. However, there are guidelines and regulations for each to follow to ensure maximum success.

On the campaign trail. President Obama emphasized his Christian faith;  in speeches he connected faith and public policy. For instance, he spoke about the present “faith-based” initiatives. He recognized the value of a partnership between government and religious faith organizations dedicated to improving communities. He is already pledging  and committing to expanding and renaming the faith-based office.

During the campaign, the Montgomery County Democratic Party established a list of 12 goals to be enacted by Obama should he be elected. First on the list was to rebuild the military. Second, to reform the faith-based office and its mission: he’s already discussing its mission.

Here is what we can glean from his present statements: “He explicitly rejects taxpayer-funded evangelism and religiously-based hiring discrimination with public funds.” This gives us reassurance that our tax dollars will not finance specific evangelistic efforts  to save souls.  That’s the mission of donations by church members in offering plates. Proselytizing on our tax dollars is forbidden.

President Obama succintly gives insight into his policy when he says:

“If you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them — or against the people you hire — on the basis of their religion. Second, federal dollars that go directly to churches, temples and mosques can only be used on secular programs. And we’ll ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to those programs that actually work.“

I give kudos to faith groups who are dedicated to such principles. the Catholics and Lutherans set a high standard in public services without proselytizing. Our own Loaves and Fishes, United Way, and Urban Ministries are giving aid to the disenfranchised without requiring any profession of faith.

President Obama and the Obama family are people of faith and support the mission of serving the public. We, too, can assist by requiring inclusivemness and accountability in the use of our tax dollars by religious organizations.

In summary, we can benefit our needy neighbors and fellow Clarksville residents by recognizing and endorsing the following principles for religious groups receiving tax dollars:

• Groups don’t have a so-called “right” to take in tax money yet still discriminate on religious grounds when hiring staff.
• Ensure that no denomination uses tax dollars for any form of evangelism or religious education.
• Religious schools are part of our American fabric and make a significant contribution to the building of moral character. However, such fine educational institutions are not to be funded with tax dollars.

In addition, I request the following in the beginnings of their new administration:

• Reform of the Justice Department
• Sever ties between fundamentalism and the military
• Do not base  public policy on theology
• Preserve the ban on church politicking

For more information on these issues, read the January edition of “Church and State.”

Our biblical tradition includes many stories, a few credited to Jesus ny his early disciples. In Luke 24:13 a story unfolds about two disciples and an encounter with an unknown person. The heart of this story for me is verse 13: “On that same daytwo (of the disciples) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.”

Why wree the two disciples unknown by name, bound for Emmaus? Though we walk for pleasure and health, they walked because it was their only reliable means of transportation. Their was no evidence they owned or could rent or borrow a donkey to ride.

This extended walk reminds me of my uncle who, then in his 20s, walked ten miles or more to return to their country home on Friday after work, and then back to place of employment on Sunday night. While serving as as a corporal in the Army, when the commander needed a “runner” they were selected with the order “Curtis, take this message to the First Sergeant in the rear of the column.” Army hikes were a mild challenge for them; they were making athletes of the company. They were the champions for demonstrating endurance on the 20 mile hikes.

Those hearty disciples in excellent health from a daily regimen of walking were likely going home. For them, and for us, there isn’t any place like home.

The thought of going home is motivator. Our neighbor on duty in Iraq will return home for a mid-tour leave. the thought of returning home does miracles for a person;  the final five days before rotating back to Fort Campbell precipitates an emotional light.

Though retired from the US Army, and the church pastorate, and calling Clarksville home, I will visit my first home near Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

My home town of St. James is a town of 1200 people with 12,000 budding maple trees.  It’s second name is Forest City of the Ozarks. For six years I lived there and attended the first grade, climbed trees, bonded with my grandparents, played with my first cousins went barefoot all summer, received gifts from grandpa, and regularly bought cherry pies with money from ggrandma.

I’ll never live there again, but St. James is still my home. I anticipate an emotional and psychological renewal as I return, even though I only knew a few people.

Home Sweet Home.

I expect, too, a rush of appreciation as I visit the cemetery to pay my respects to the friends and family who contributed to my welfare as a child.

Home Sweet Home motivated me; positive thoughts surfaced as I walked the streets, dined in the only restaurant, and admired the trees.]

Like the disciples, I’m headed home. These two companions “were going to a village called Emmaus” — home. I hope to encounter part of my history in fresh and new ways as I return home.

Yes, I get a spiritual lift at the club, in addition to honing and developing my muscles and maintaining stamina by physical exercise; it stimulates my mental and physical abilities. On the treadmill I can read a magazine such as  (a magazine devoted to religious news), or watch the Golden Girls or Cheers (two of my favorite comedy shows).  These benefits are foods for the soul.

One of the keys to successful exercise is the combination of discipline and persistence.  Keep trying. Most people get off to a great start with their fitness programs but gradually lose interest or “momentum. ” To maintain such a rewarding regimen demands dedication. There are dozens of excuses from dropping out of an exercise program , including stress at home or work, medical appointments, children’s sports programs,  even an injury — all weaken the resolve to perform physical fitness activities.

One of the leading excuses perhaps is the failure to budget time. For a fit body and soul, one has to give priority to exercising. “I just didn’t have the time” is the most common excuse people use for hanging up their sneakers.

To your body and soul a favor and make time by writing in time for exercise on your calendar or daily planner and treat it with preference. My time at the club in the mornings is consecrated and hallowed; I appreciate its energy for the rest of the day.

Exercising, wherever it’s done, gives fitness to body and soul.

My stomach churns, and I realize again why the sheer lunacy of queuing up in the wee hours of morning for a bargain has never been on my agenda. Never will be. This statement of the American consumer mindset is appalling, and as a nation, we should collectively be ashamed of ourselves.

Kolacky in the Polish tradition

When I hear of parents putting $50 limits per toy even as they stack dozens of toys in their carts and create colorfully mountains of wrapped gifts, I remember a year when my then toddler daughter and I made dozens of loaves of yeast breads — cinnamon, sourdough, rye, and fruit breads — banana, date, pumpkin, then spent several hours wrapping them and tying yarn ribbons with recipe cards and gift tags on each. We had a full pantry but not a lot of “loose change” for store bought presents.

I remember a year when a friend’s mom sent us a stack of recipes from her Slavik relatives overseas; those delicate fruit-filled pastries such as Kolacky were carefully baked and wrapped in colorful tins the following year for us to give as gifts.

The autumn harvest of red raspberries, blueberries, and black raspberries became jams and jellies in crystal jars topped with pinked quilt fabric and tied with ribbon. The last bushels of cucumbers became the sweetest bread and butter pickles ever.

I remember teaching my daughter, then two, to push a tiny finger into the tilled earth, count two seeds, and pat the dirt back in the hole. “These will be cucumbers (”cumbies”) and these will be yellow beans,” I would tell her.

Which is not to say this wasn’t hard work. Or economically necessary. But it had another purpose: it was also a time of bonding, passing on traditions, or sharing activities laced with love and laughter. In the past few years, this homegrown tradition took another step in time as my almost-grown-up grandchildren want to learn the secrets and mysteries of the family recipes they have been gorging themselves on for years. Girls. Boys. Makes little difference. Each has had their turn at learning the craft and joy of cooking and passing along that nourishment, spiritual and physical, in the form of gifts from the hands and the heart.

This is not to say that all of us have to return to homemade gifts and avoid holiday commerce; there were many years after when Christmas was spent in a year ’round hunt for those “perfect” gifts, items that would be unique to the recipient.  I became known for my Christmas shopping which began in January, and continued through the season, with those “finds” carefully hidden in my grandmother’s old trunk.

Again, it is not that we could or should avoid holiday commerce, or return to the allure of those homemade cookies, but when that desire for the item of the year transcends humanity and is trampled under collective greed, it is time to step back, pause and rethink the real meaning of the holidays. No store-bought item is worth the price of greed, selfishness and, above all, human life.

Be it the company of family, of cherished friends, or even the quiet long-distance morning chat between friends on a holiday morning, there are things much more important and far more valuable than showy and often overpriced and overvalued gifts — if we take the time to notice and appreciate them.

My life is upgraded this holiday season; it is a time for cultivating an already good relationship with my five grandchildren. My desire and goal is to make the bond between us an ever growing one. An intimate connection with them will enrich their lives and mine.

On Sunday at church we sang “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” The lyrics and melody escorted me down Memory Lane. I learned that lively song in a Nazarene Church Sunday school. It was comforting to listen to this music again.

In my life of seventy-plus years, I remember men and women of faith who served as lights in my journey of faith. There were Jack Folson and Henry Meade, who picked me up on Sunday for religious education at the Central Church of the Nazarene. I credit their “light” for assisting me in spiritual pilgrimage as a youth. Through the “light” and inner glow of these influential lay leaders I was attracted to God. Through their patience, compassion and and devotion since I was 16 years old, I continue to sing “…everywhere I go, I’m going to let shine” as a testimonial to the development of my spiritual traits nurtured through wondrous grace.

Within the next fifteen years it’s likely that my “light” will be extinguished with my demise. I believe, though, that my grandchildren will memorialize me as a light that continues to exert an influence upon their behavior and values. My “light” is to pass on to them the values of faith, hope, trust, love and generosity.

My design and purposae is to enrich their lives and to be a source of comfort and stability in life and in death. Through my actions of living faith, I am shining my “light.”

This song from an African-American tradition still contributes to our spiritual development.

Prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for for the lights in our journey of faith. Help us, in turn, to be lights for others.”

Thought for the Day: Leave a light on for the grandchildren, friends and the community.

Hymn of Inspiration and Challenge: “This Little Light of Mine” – verse 3

“Building up a World, I’m going to let it shine…”

Founder/Director & Episcopal Priest Becca Stevens

The spirit of the “holiday season,” which is kicked off by Thanksgiving, is buoyed by hopeful, upbeat music and encouragement to express good will to all, but is often squelched by frenetic desires to do too much. That overwhelming energy zap can be circumvented in at least three inspirational ways by the women of Magdalene House, who will speak on Sunday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clarksville.

What can this program do for you?

1. You’ll give yourself the gift of absorbing astonishing stories of hope and even self-redemption. Even though I contend personally that we’re all already “redeemed” just as we are, I’ve noticed that a process of self-acceptance (“love” if you will) must be honored. Magdalene House offers women who have fallen into prostitution and drug abuse the opportunity to change those influences through group support. In a November 3 Nashville City paper article, Nate Rau quotes a Magdalene House participant, “. . . it’s the love, the support. . . They’re not judgmental.” The success rate of approximately ¾ of graduates never returning to prostitution or drugs speaks for itself. Founder/Director and Episcopal priest Becca Stevens told Rau, “We ask people to give in gratitude for all they have been given.”

2. You can give to this wonderful program by simultaneously enjoying Thistle Farms pampering products, made by women in the program, which include: candles, room spray, multi-fragranced or non-fragranced lotions and soaps, mini-sachets, salt scrubs and body and lip balms.

3. You can buy these excellent-quality products for others in the true spirit of the season, thereby radiating your generosity out even further.

After hearing two women share their heart-rending stories to our teary-eyed congregation last year, I strongly recommend that you join us in person, but if you can’t, you can order from this extraordinary organization at www.thistlefarms.org.

Stevens, who started “Thistle Farms” in 2002, has written two books. “Hither & Yon” is Stevens’ latest book encompassing her thoughts on steps you can take and preparations you can make on your own spiritual journey. “Sanctuary,” is about some unexpected places where she has encountered God – a trail in the Andes, her son’s bathtub, a Kroger parking lot. The book written by the Magdalene women – “Find Your Way Home” – sounds intriguing to me.

Hope to see you Sunday, December 7 at 3053 41-A South (Madison Street) about two miles from K-Mart and Walmart on the left (next to a horse pasture).

On the morning following Black Friday, I read a devotional that benefited and motivated me. I share these reflective comments in their entirety from The Upper Room (12.1.08)., as written by William David Willis of Australia.

Impressions (John 1:14-18)

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people – John 1:4 (TIV)

Have you ever visited the lost and found office of a bus or railway station? To do so is to be amazed at the quantity, size and variety of items left behind by travelers. You might be tempted to ask, “How could someone possibly have forgotten that?”

Have you ever left something behind? I well-remember leaving a camera behind on a bus in London and being joyfully  reunited with it two days later!

Every day we leave behind us attitudes and feelings that have a powerful effect on those who “find” them. Perhaps we leave happiness, positive ideas and thoughts, kindness and love. Or maybe we leave behind us bitterness, jealousy, unhappiness, hatred, and conflict.

Our Lord left behind a wonderful legacy — the gift of God’s Grace that brings joy to our lives and purpose to our days on earth.  John 1:16 reminds us that we have all benefited from such rich blessings Jesus brought by his teachings, by his death, and by his resurrection.

Our challenge is to continue Christ’s work by leaving behind evidence of his presence in our lives. When we do, we enrich the lives of those around us.

Prayers: Grant us understanding, O God, of our influence for good and ill in our living. May your loving light shine through our lives to light the way for others. Amen.

Thought for the Day: What do others know of Christ because of knowing me?

~~William David Willis, New South Wales, Australia

Prayer Focus: For deeper intimacy with God

Prayer: Thank you God for the lights in our journey of faith. help us in turn to be lights for others.”

Thought: Leave a light on for those who will follow.”

The Upper Room devotional is available at  United Methodist Churches in your community.

November also, for me,  a month for expressing thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the dozens of people who make life more convenient and pleasant. This the season to acknowledge services provided for us by our pet groomers, vets, sanitation workers, Wal-Mart Associates, and others who benefit our daily lives.

November is the special season identified as “Thanks and  Giving: A Season of Hope” sponsored by the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. November heralds the beginning of the holiday season, but also the start of a campaign that creates extraordinary awareness for the work of St. Jude.

Thanks and Giving is an annual fund raiser for this distinctive research hospital. Its mission is to give medical care to children with unusual and life-threatening diseases and injuries. The St. Jude message of hope, Thanks and Giving, gives us the opportunity for expressing our inner desire to help disenfranchised children. The objective of this seasonal fundraiser is to “give thanks for the healthy kids in your life  and give to those who are not.” This is a way to express the seasonal message of hope, peace and love by helping financially the patients and their families at St. Jude.

St. Jude is the epicenter of productive cancer research. Its staff includes the most knowledgeable and compassionate scientists and doctors in the world, dedicated to eradicating sickle cell disease, infectious diseases and genetic disorders in children of all ages.

For the next 40 days ponder on how to participate in Thanks and Giving. Our contribution will have an immeasurable benefit to children being treated and to their families.

How can you help? Look for the Thanks and Giving magnifying glass this holiday season wherever you shop. For more information on this redeeming program, visit www.stjude.org; details at this site will tell you how you can donate for the welfare of children.

The overwhelmingly majority of America’s religious leaders have apparently rejected the Religious Right’s efforts to politicize their pulpits, according to Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

A new poll by LifeWay Research has found that 95 percent of pastors strongly disagree that their church has provided any endorsements. Baptist Press, the news service of the Southern Baptist Convention, reported Oct. 30 that 53 percent of Protestant pastors affirmed that they have “personally endorsed candidates for public office this year,” but only outside of their church roles.

Said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director, “I have always believed that the vast majority of America’s clergy had no interest in politicizing their houses of worship. Pulpit partisanship divides congregations and communities and jeopardizes the integrity of religious institutions.”

Lynn said the Religious Right’s aggressive efforts to lure churches into partisan politics and violate federal tax law have been largely unsuccessful this year.

The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), one of the nation’s largest and most influential Religious Right groups, urged evangelical pastors to intervene in the election by endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit on Sept. 28. Only 33 did so.

Americans United has filed eight complaints with the Internal Revenue Service about churches that participated in the ADF’s so-called “Pulpit Freedom Sunday.”

Americans United this year has also distributed some 100,000 letters to Christian, Jewish and Muslim houses of worship about provisions of the federal tax law governing candidate endorsements by tax-exempt institutions.

Said AU’s Lynn, “This is the last weekend before Election Day. I’m sure there may be a few misguided clergy who cross the line and endorse candidates from the pulpit. But I am confident that most will obey the law.

“Americans United,” he said, “has chapters, members and supporters in all 50 states. If we learn of tax law violations, we will contact the IRS. I hope we don’t have to.”

About the author: Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.