SERMONS IN A SENTENCE

The Thought For a Sabbath Day you have been receiving the last two months were written well in advance as I prepared for my triple laminectomy and then subsequently my second surgery to repair the spinal leak which was a gift from the first surgery.

As my great friend and computer mentor Paul Maddox once wrote to me in response to my stating in the ‘Before Notice’ of one of my Thoughts that I wouldn’t be having any thoughts the next week: “I can’t believe you could go a week without any thoughts.”

I want it to be known that I have not gone the last two months without any thoughts. I just haven’t had the ability to spend extended time at the computer to write them down. I did have a pad handy and jotted down what I will now present as my ‘Sermons in a Sentence,’ which have come to me during my recovery period.

Gathering pearls of kind acts done is more beneficial than casting stones.

Open arms gather more love than cold shoulders.

Kind words add to joy more than biting comments.

Smiles bring us closer than frowns.

Mercy strengthens relationships while judgments weaken them.

Helping hands lift while closed fists damage.

Understanding unites while misunderstanding widens gulfs.

Adding to another’s treasure pile is better than digging a pit.

Sharing will always bring more blessings than coveting.

Spirit guided deeds are superior to selfish actions.

Accountability builds while blaming destroys.

Listening brings understanding while a deaf ear results in ignorance.

Open eyes give enlightenment while shut eyes will always result in dimness.

Patience profits while intolerance robs.

Ministering is more magnificent than managing.

Singing praises helps growth while critical remarks are deadening.

Faithfully looking forward leads to vision and progress.

Woefully looking back leads to stumbling and hesitation.

Giving brings satisfaction while getting soon leaves us wanting more.

Tender teachings are longer lasting than directive ultimatums.

Providential unforeseen blessings are often more beneficial than well planned adventures.

As these ‘Sermons in a Sentence’ might indicate I continue to believe that the most important part of our earthly probation is how we treat one another. I don’t believe that any amount of clean living, any financial giving or positions of leadership will go as far as loving relationships in preparing us for our Eternal Existence.

It has been an interesting year for Kathleen and me, but hopefully we are both on the continual improvement part of the experience. I am especially grateful that we once again are able to spend these few minutes sharing with all of you.