Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
search menu
The news from Broad Ripple
Brought to you by The Broad Ripple Gazette
(Delivering the news since 2004, every two weeks)
Subscribe to Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
Brought to you by:
VirtualBroadRipple.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com

Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2006 12 01arrowColumn

back button return to index button next button
Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n24)
Life's Ripples from Broad Ripple United Methodist Church by Rev. Timothy Rasmussen
posted: Dec. 01, 2006

Life's Ripples header

Thanksgiving is over and we are heavy into the Christmas season. In the stress that we place on ourselves for gifts, parties, fixing food etc., I wonder just how grateful we were, or are. With all the trappings of the holiday season vying for our attention it is easy to get caught up in the flurry and surround ourselves with thoughts of our loved ones while forgetting those less fortunate.
I am amazed by how many requests the church receives for help this time of year. Given my history of being taken advantage of on more than one occasion, I could easily become quite cynical and not believe any of the stories that I hear. However, it is not my place to judge. I wish I could help everyone who asks, but even the local church can't financially help everyone. Even local churches have limited resources and just can't do all they would like.
I'm not trying to offer excuses for the church, or lay guilt trips on anyone. There are agencies who offer monetary and food help, and still people fall through the cracks and suffer. No one person, church, or agency can do it all. However, if we truly realize all the blessings that are bestowed upon us, and then give thanks for it, the next step is to be a blessing to someone else.
This holiday season, don't try to do it all perfectly. Relax, slow down, and look for someone who God has placed in your midst to help. Making a difference in one life truly matters to God.



Tim has been a United Methodist Pastor since 1973 and has been at Broad Ripple United Methodist since 2003. Email your questions/comments to tim@BroadRippleGazette.com




tim@broadripplegazette.com
back button return to index button next button
Brought to you by:
BroadRippleHistory.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com
Brought to you by:
EverythingBroadRipple.com RandomRipplings.com Broad Ripple collector pins