Lessons from "The Christmas Carol"

Went to see my 'all-time' favorite Christmas movie,"The Christmas Carol", and what a way to kick it up a notch, by telling the story in 3D. There is no greater miracle than a changed heart and eyes opening up to truth.
How much time do we waste on materials of no real value or essence? How many precious moments do we miss with friends and family as a result of daily distractions? How many opportunities do we pass by to share hope and offer grace to our neighbors?
I love how the spirit, "Christmas Present", allowed Scrouge to see for himself the ill-will and pain that his very own hands were causing others. I have always thought about how blessed Scrouge was for being giving a second chance and the opportunity to make it right with his family and his fellow man.
We may not ever know what pain has come to others at the works of our own hands (or our words) and time waits for no man. As Jacob Marley explained to Scrouge, he built his chains link by link and yard by yard. What would happen if the world were given a real glimpse into the lives of others? I have heard it said that one person cannot change the world and I don't believe one person can.. but you change the world one person at a time. We still have time to break free from the chains of life that hinder us and keep us bound to the world's idea that hope is only found in fame and fortune.
As Tiny Tim would put it "God Bless Us - Every One!"

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Today I give thanks with a grateful heart for your presence and eternal love. I thank you for saving and cleansing me. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for the many blessings in my life. And I thank you for your healing power that makes me whole. I come to you with a spirit of gratitude and pray that you continue to teach and guide me.
Amen

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jump High And Carry A Big Stick

In Africa, boys are taught to "Jump High and Carry a Big Stick".

Though literally, for these children...there's a lesson here for us.

"Jump High"....Allow yourself to be so happy that you take a leap of joy?

"Carry a Big Stick".... Make the decision to be strong and prepared!

This Thanksgiving, why don't you add to your thankful list: joy and strength.

A Livestrong Request

Per The Lance Armstrong Foundation's request, I will be delivering the LIVESTRONG ACTION petition signatures to my SC Senators next week. This is a critical time in the debate as the House just passed its version of health care reform legislation on November 7 and the Senate is about to begin consideration of its health care reform bill. Throughout the month of October, more than 65,000 Americans signed the LIVESTRONG ACTION health care petition. The LIVESTRONG petition asks Congress to ensure the needs of cancer survivors are addressed in health care reform by supporting two key principles:
* No American should be denied health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
* No American should lose their coverage due to changes in health or employment. While LIVESTRONG supported the House health care reform legislation, they have not taken a position on the Senate bill at this time. Once the final bill language is released in the Senate, the debate is expected to take several weeks. I have been asked to visit with Jim DeMint and Lindsay Graham along the same basis as I did with several others throughout the country in DC back in 2007 but this time it will be on a one on one basis. I will be introducing myself as a constituent and a LIVESTRONG Leader and let them know that I have a health care petition that I would like to deliver. I am asking for your prayers and support as I do this as I know first hand how badly health care reform is needed in our country. There is no aspect of the failed health care system that has not affected me and my home directly. Please pray for me as I head up to see my Senators, that I would have boldness and confidence in sharing my own personal story. As much as I had to battle two stage 4 cancers, I battled the money/coverage issues that come along with them just as hard.

Thanks

An Awesome Revelation

http://www.roncarpenter.com/?p=491