A New Year's Resolution
by Doug McLaughlin (SFCS Headmaster)
Monday, January 12, 2004
I want to take this opportunity to wish
all of you and your families a very happy new year.
It is wonderful
to see everyone
back on campus, rested and carrying the warm memories of
recent celebrations of our Savior’s birth in their hearts.
Headmaster
Doug McLaughlin |
As we jumped with both feet into 2004, I
am sure that there were a number of resolutions made
that will lessen the world’s total weight per
pound by a significant amount! Rarely does January
come and go without our self-inflicted promises,
followed soon by the abandonment of our self-improvement
aspirations. I would like to propose a resolution
to you that not only would you want to stick with,
but one that will definitely bring you joy and happiness
for years to come.
Prayer is
extremely important in our lives. It is the vehicle through which we communicate
with God our Father and to petition, on the behalf of our friends and relatives,
for strength and healing. Scripture tells us “Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
to
God”. (Philippians 4:6). I am not going to ask you to do more praying as
your resolution, although it may become a side benefit. What I am going to ask
you to consider is putting your prayers and petitions into action.
Proverbs 11:25
says, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also
be watered himself”. I suggest we put our prayers into actions for others.
Instead of praying for the church to be blessed by God be the one who steps up
to serve and not make excuses when asked. Praying for a family member to come
to a saving faith is good, but it is better to be the one who carries that message
to them as a witness
of God’s love. Knowing and praying for those who struggle with finances
is commendable, but digging deep into our own pockets to provide for necessities
is what we are called to do. What about the shut-ins or the lonely people we
petition God to comfort or encourage? Why not give them a call or drop them
a note. Better still, go visit them!
Yes, God wants us to bring our requests
to
Him, but many times He wants us to add feet to our prayers. Did I mention
the by-product of these acts? What we give, more than
what we get, produces joy
in our lives.
May this year be the most joy-filled year ever.
Attention PTF Board Members!
The next PTF Board meeting
will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 8:30 a.m.
Please be thinking of possible fellowship activities
for the mid-winter and/or spring. Planning for these
activities will need to begin soon!
Only Four Days Left to OnLine Order Sally Foster!
There are only four days left to buy wonderful Sally
Foster gift wrap products online with 50% of all
proceeds going to SFCS. Visit www.sallyfoster.com between
now
and Thursday, January 15 to take advantage of this
final opportunity. The SFCS account number is 0617709.
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