Monthly Archives: December 2011

Smoldering or Flaming?

Posted on December 28, 2011 by tnealtarver

A magical moment from a Christmas long, long ago still remains in my heart’s treasure house. You know that room—the one mentioned in Luke [“…But his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51 NIV)]. I have a … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Classic?

Posted on December 23, 2011 by tnealtarver

Thanks to a traveling-in-the-car conversation with my friend Chuck, I connected a classic film with a good Christmas message. Are you talking about “What a Wonderful Life?” Nope! How about “White Christmas?” Nope! “Miracle on 34th Street?” I like the … Continue reading →

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Some Days the Dawn Can’t Come Soon Enough

Posted on December 21, 2011 by tnealtarver

Gloom. Distress. Darkness. Deep darkness. Depths-of-despair darkness. Depths-of-despair-can’t-stop-the-tears darkness. For the shackled prisoner… …and the grieving widow… …and the abused child… …and the bankrupt businessman… …and the abandoned bride… …and the soldier far from home… …and the lost soul… For … Continue reading →

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Does “Happy Holidays” Make Your Christian Blood Boil?

Posted on December 16, 2011 by tnealtarver

Merry Xmas! Seasons Greetings! Happy Holidays! Happy Hannukah! …Kwanzaa! …Boxing Day! I’m sure you could add to the list. In doing a quick on-line search, I discovered two more special days that I like—Bake Cookies Day (December 18th) and National … Continue reading →

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A Sunday Morning Observed

Posted on December 14, 2011 by tnealtarver

Following up on last week’s post, here’s a quick summary of my observations from Sunday at church. My longest conversation took place prior to the worship service. Ann and her husband move to Florida this week. I expressed my well … Continue reading →

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No Walk in the Park Let Me Tell You

Posted on December 9, 2011 by tnealtarver

A few months ago, I walked our golden retriever, Penny (alias thieving hound dog), at a dog park. Beautiful, sunny day. Loads of dog owners with their prides and joys. Plus one family—Mom, Dad, and three kids—out for a stroll. … Continue reading →

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Except For A Friend’s Invitation

Posted on December 6, 2011 by tnealtarver

“What a great game. Did you see it?” “No, I didn’t.” “Hey, did you see the Badger game last night?” “No, I didn’t.” “Wow! That was some game last night.” “I wouldn’t know. I didn’t see it.” Why not? Didn’t … Continue reading →

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Knock, Knock!

Posted on December 3, 2011 by tnealtarver

Knock, knock. Who’s there? When you open the door, your excitement level depends on the answer to the above question. How would your insides respond to this list of characters? A uniformed police officer, lights flashing in the background. A … Continue reading →

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