Heart Grows Three Sizes

by Jim Liebelt
Dec. 16, 2009

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of
flesh. –Ezekiel 36:26

In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, “How the Grinch Stole
Christmas,” the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The
source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the
meaning of Christmas.

As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes!

This heart change makes a big difference in his life.

I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the
story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian
parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a
person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning
of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save
His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart – and a new
person emerges.

As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

“Welcome Christmas – While we stand – Heart to heart – And hand
in hand.”1

It might just make all the difference in the world.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
    (From O Little Town of Bethlehem)

We celebrate Christmas because of the power Jesus brought to
change our hearts.

Source: Home Word

 

Editor’s Note: You can contact Jim Liebelt   contactus@homeword.com.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Welcome to Kickstart!

By Chuck Norris
Dec. 12, 2009

In August of 1990, I formed the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation dba KICKSTART.

Today, our program operates in 44 schools in the Houston, Dallas, Galveston, and Austin areas of Texas.

We currently serve over 6,300 of today’s youth, making a positive impact in their lives. The purpose of the Foundation’s mentoring program is to help provide an alternative to drugs and gang activities related to peer pressure.

Specific goals of the program are to encourage students to resolve conflicts productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose a drug-free lifestyle, and remain in high school until they graduate.

Martial art training serves as a vehicle to instill the values and skills necessary to combat the peer pressures associated with at risk behaviors.

The core philosophy of Martial Arts stresses the vital importance of a healthy mind and body necessary to lead a productive life.

Our program is evaluated yearly, and studies have shown that KICKSTART has impacted the lives of children in a positive way.

Not only has the program helped children resist risky behaviors, the program has contributed to the development of conflict resolution skills and a reduction in youth violence, has attached youth to a caring adult, created more independence and competency, and nurtured higher aspirations.

The program targets and instills protective factors in the students, which are known to enhance resiliency by incorporating the following key strategies: 

• Teach Discipline
• Instill a sense of belonging
• Provide an opportunity for meaningful participation in communities and schools
• Set reachable goals
• Create reflective individuals
• Increase family participation
• Transfer skills
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators

 

The KICKSTART mentoring program replaces many missing elements of our students’ lives by offering a role model, a figure of authority, and chance to succeed in reaching goals, physical and mental conditioning, and most importantly a feeling of hope for their futures and an opportunity to believe in themselves.

Source: Kick Start

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

If I had to Live My Life over Again

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Dec. 8, 2009

Do you know what “Joy logy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.

This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975

We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com

What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy.

The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!

All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joy logy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.

The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: If I had to Live My Life Over Again

  

by Erma Bombeck

Editor’s Note: This was written after Erma Bombeck found out she was dying from cancer.

 

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that t his wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love yours” and

More “I’m sorry’s.”

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it… live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don’t worries about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what instead; let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.

  

Source: Joyology

  

 

Christmas Gifts Teens Friends

By Jim Burns
Dec. 7, 2009 

We have two questions about Christmas and our teenage daughter. When do we stop paying for Christmas gifts our daughter wants to buy for her friends or other family members?

Also, our 14 year old has informed us that she does not want to participate in any of the family, neighborhood, or work related Christmas parties during the holiday season.

She says they are boring and she would rather be with her friends. What are your thoughts?

I remember as a child how simple and non-complicated the Christmas season was for me! My suggestion would be to give your daughter a one time amount of money for the purchase of gifts for the season.

This way you are teaching her the wonderful and often painful lesson of budgeting. Sometimes my kids think that all we have to do is stick a magical card into the ATM machine and there is an abundance of $20.00 dollar bills in there just for me.

You can make the budgeting process an excellent learning experience. Have your daughter write out the names of which she will be giving gifts to and placing the dollar amount beside their names.

Your daughter may find that she doesn’t have enough money and then she may explore an even more meaningful way to give gifts and that is making special gifts for those on the list.

As she gets older, you will probably want to allow her the privilege to pay for her own purchases, its called learning responsibility.

I think your second question is very similar to your first one. Look at all the Christmas activities as a family before the season starts and budget your time commitments.

Discuss the importance of each activity and help her understand the importance or lack of importance for each event.

I would still make the family celebrations pretty much non-negotiable and discuss the others with decisions, expectations, and opinions.

Who knows, if your season is too busy you may decide to shorten or cut out of a couple of those parties as well.

We are spending more time focusing on a few key Christmas traditions and less busyness and I think we are enjoying the season more.

 Source: Home Word

 

Editor’s Note: This first appeared in the “Let’s Talk” column of Campus Life
Magazine, a publication of Christianity Today International.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

God is the Friend of Silence

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Dec. 4, 2009

Do you know what “Joy logy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.

This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975

We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com

What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy.

The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!

All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joy logy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.

The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: God is the Friend of Silence

 

By Mother Teresa

We Need to Find God,
He Cannot Be Found in Noise and Restlessness.

God Is the Friend of Silence.

See How Nature . . .
Trees, Flowers, Grass
Grow in Silence.

See the Stars, the Moon and Sun . . .
How They Move in Silence.
The More We Receive in Silent Prayer,
The More We Can Give in Our Active Life.

We Need Silence to Be Able to Touch Souls.

The Essential Thing Is Not What We Say,
But What God Says . . .
To us and Through us.

All Our Words Will Be Useless
Unless They Come from Within.
Words Which Do Not Give the Light of Christ . . .
Increase the Darkness.

Source: Joyology

Jenny’s Pearls

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Nov. 29, 2009

Do you know what “Joy logy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.

This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975

We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com

What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy. The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!

All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joy logy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.

The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: Nothing More Important than God.

 

 By Unknown

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. “Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!” Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl’s upturned face.

“A dollar ninety-five. That’s almost $2.00. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday’s only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma.”

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere — Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, “Do you love me?” “Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.”“Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess — the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She’s my favorite.”  “That’s okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny’s daddy asked again, “Do you love me?” “Daddy, you know I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.” “Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper.” That’s okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you.” And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. “What is it, Jenny? What’s the matter?” Jenny didn’t say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, “Here, Daddy. It’s for you.”

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny’s kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure. So like our heavenly Father.
What are you hanging on to?

Source: Joyology

Help A Child Give a Bear

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Nov. 27, 2009

When Kids are in the Hosptal for different kind of Illness. We never think that a small bear could make the difference. On whether they live or die.

Amazing research translated into new therapies is what creates miracles — but a little bear can help the healing.

Would you like to offer encouragement and reassurance to the children at Mott? Your gift of $25 will buy a bear for a Mott child and also benefit the Family Hope Fund, which provides practical help to grateful families in need at a time of challenge in their lives.

 

How You Can Help

Please use our secure on-line giving form to contribute to the Gift of a Bear program. If you’re not comfortable making a donation online; or if you have questions, please contact Anna Beeman at 734-998-7702; or email her at abeeman.

We hope that you would support this great cause. We pray that our children would never get seriously sick. But if they did that there would be a program like this in our child’s hospital. It could make the difference on whether they live or die.

Source: Mott’s Children Hospital

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

America be Thankful for Each Other

By Robin Dugall
Nov. 26, 2009

I thank my God every time I remember you. -Philippians 1:3

Thanksgiving Day is almost here again and I’m sure that across
our country, pastors are preaching sermons pointing out the need
for Christ-followers to be thankful people. As a pastor, I’ve
made impassioned pleas for Christ-followers to rise above our
culture…to resist the temptation for the holidays to be simply
another opportunity for us to be self-focused and self-indulgent.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating to the brink of explosion;
shopping to the brink of bankruptcy; watching television to the
brink of insanity. I’ve tried to make the point that Thanksgiving
for a person who loves God can be so much more.

Even so, I discovered in my own life that despite what I’ve
preached, I have missed a crucial element in the process of being
a thankful follower of Jesus in my own life.

I found that over the years I have been mostly thankful for the THINGS in my life;  for food, finances, the house I have lived in, the clothes I have
worn, and so on.

While there’s nothing wrong with being thankful for these things, I have missed the boat on giving thanks for the biggest blessings of God in my life…PEOPLE.

Consider how empty, purposeless, and meaningless, our lives would be without relationships. Relationships have shaped who we are and who we are becoming.

Without exception, everyone I know has been positively influenced by another person. While it is easy to thank God for the THINGS in our lives, we should remember to be equally thankful for the PEOPLE God has placed in our lives
as well!

Let me give you just one example. I am thankful for my Aunt Patty. She had suffered a brain injury when she was a small child severe enough that by the time I was born, she had become mentally disabled.

But, when I was a child, she would play games and entertain me for hours. She loved me unconditionally. We would play The Beatles records, and pretend to be Paul McCartney and John Lennon. It was her love for music that infected my soul for the rest of my life. I thank God for her!

How about you? Who do you thank God for? This Thanksgiving, take
a few moments and thank God for the relationships in your life.
Truthfully, it can revolutionize your life.

Source: Homeword

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Safety Tip: Protecting your Baby

By Safe Kids/PIO
Nov. 20, 2009

Fragile, helpless and innocent, your infant enters the world completely dependent on you.  From the moment you leave the hospital, you take steps to keep her safe.  You buckle her tenderly into a rear-facing child safety seat for the ride home. 

You check the bath temperature carefully before placing her in the water.  At night, you tuck her in to a new crib, with a label that assures you it meets national safety standards.  But could you be doing more? 

Although your home should be a safe haven for your baby, it can be dangerous.  Babies face a list of potential injuries – including choking, drowning, falls, poisons and burns – that can overwhelm any parent.  Yet each of these risks can be reduced or eliminated by taking simple, time-tested steps.  

The greatest gift you can give your baby is a safe environment.  Explore the links below to learn more.

To learn more about airway obstruction injury, falls and childhood unintentional poisoning read A Report to the Nation: Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality, 1987-2000 (May 2003).

To purchase educational materials about specific risk areas, check out our Resource Catalog (off-site link). 

Source: Safe Kids

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Nothing More Important Than God

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Nov. 21, 2009

Do you know what “Joylogy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.

This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975

We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com

What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy. The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!

All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joylogy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.

The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: Nothing More Important Than God

 

 

By Unknown

I sat next to the bed of old man, a friend for over twenty years, and held his hand. Hal was dying. We both knew these next few days would be his last.

We spent time reminiscing about his long and fruitful career as a church pastor. We talked about old friends. We chatted about his family. And I listened as he offered sage wisdom and advice to a member of a “younger generation.”

At a lull in the conversation, Hal seemed to carefully consider what he was about to say next. Then he squeezed my hand, gazed intently into my eyes and whispered, just loud enough for me to hear, “Nothing is more important than relationships.”

I knew that this was somehow near the pinnacle of his life’s learnings. As he considered all of his experiences — personal, professional, spiritual and family, this one ultimate observation surfaced above the rest: “Nothing is more important than relationships.”

“Don’t get overly caught up in your career,” he seemed to be saying to me. “Likewise, don’t use people in order to achieve your goals, then throw them away. No project, no program, no task should be pursued at the expense of friends and family. Remember,” I heard him saying, as clearly as if he were speaking the words, “that in the end, only your relationships will truly matter. Tend them well.”

Writer Og Mandino puts it this way: “Beginning today,” he said, “treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.”

At the end of a long life, my friend Hal would have agreed.

Source: Joyology

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