Walking the Ancient Paths

Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in the 1840’s in London to raise awareness for the needs of the poor. As Scrooge changed from a "squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner," to "as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew," Dickens hoped people would follow his example and open their own shut-up hearts, and as we've read the novel, we've thought a lot about what Dickens has to say to us today. This morning, we had the opportunity to look beyond our own needs and consider those for whom Christmas may not be merry. The Miedema family organized a gift packing for people who are going to spend this Christmas in the hospital, and they will deliver the packages on Christmas Eve. Thank you, Allison and Taylor, for your generosity in opening this experience up to us! We can't wait to hear how the deliveries go!

It is 16 degrees on a Saturday morning. I approach the mall feeling the cold, feeling the holiday stress. When what to my wondering eyes should appear?! Thank you, dear students, for getting out of bed early on a weekend to stand in the cold and support those "fellow passengers" that travel life with us. (And thanks for brightening my day!!!)

Thank you Lord, for putting people in our lives that leave footprints for us to follow! When I asked my class about who they see walking the Ancient Path, they immediately and enthusiastically named Mr. Lamfers. In their words: He is not just our custodian, but he does everything with such a full heart and he's a really good example of how we should behave as children of Christ. Whenever somebody has a question or a request, he is the first person to jump up and take action. He takes a lot of time out of his schedule to help us get something done. So thank you for your shoes, Mr. Lamfers--they are BIG, and they show all the steps that you have taken in obedience to God. We will try to follow your footsteps by being willing to help out when we are needed.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens,  and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.                                                            Daniel 12:3 The first person to bring a Christmas Tree into a house, in the way we know it today, may have been the 16th century German preacher Martin Luther. A story is told that, one night before Christmas, he was walking through the forest and looked up to see the stars shining through the tree branches. It was so beautiful, that he went home and told his children that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas. The lights on the tree strung together, shining like the stars. Just as everything we do in the spirit of kindness and generosity spreads light. We are rising to the challenge of shining like stars, grateful for opportunities to reach out to others in kindness. I helped my little sister and gave her breakfast so th

We strive to be: "warm, conscientious people  working hard to get the details right  so that others feel loved and accepted."                                                       Thank you, Carolyn Hax!  (This description appeared in one of her columns.) My college roommate is one person who has shown me how to walk in faith. Sandy Olson and I have been friends since 7th grade. While the rest of us were creating drama, she was always the one to encourage peace and reach out in kindness. And she's a good enough friend to honor a strange request for a pair of her old shoes as an object lesson! And now, dear students--and others reading this blog-- I challenge you to: Think about how your steps can bring kindness and share peace with those around you. and Think about other people that have shown you something about walking in faith. While old shoes may make an odd decorating statement, what better way to remind us to walk the

Join us as we look for the Ancient Paths, follow in the footsteps of those who have led us in faith, and leave footprints of our own that testify to the goodness of our loving God.