TERRE HAUTE —
OK. It’s over. Pack up the snowmen, the manger scenes, the mistletoe and the ornaments. Put the tree back in the box and cart it all to the attic. Christmas is over. No more “Jingle Bells,” no more endless runs of “A Christmas Story,” no more buying and wrapping and giving of gifts. The only Christmas things left are the rock-hard fudge on a plastic Snowman plate, dried out turkey sealed in a plastic bag, and a bowl of too soggy dressing that has slid to the back of the fridge.
January is less than a day away. The month of dread and hope, endings and beginnings is upon us.
During the hub-bub of the holidays, we yearn for January. We want to re-establish the routines of our lives. There’s a security in knowing what we are going to be doing at a given time on a given day. No surprises, just regularity. It’s Tuesday? Bible Study. It’s Wednesday? Choir practice. It’s Saturday? Grocery shopping and laundry. However, routines have a down-side, for the path of the routines can make some pretty deep ruts that can be boring and depressing.
Is there a person among us who doesn’t hope to fulfill a New Year’s Resolution? Is there anyone out there who doesn’t look forward to the “starting over” feeling that comes to us each January? Do we not vow to rid ourselves of bad habits and promise to establish good habits?
Habits are funny things. How many times do I have to plop my purse on the corner of the dining table for that to become a habit? How often do I put on my jacket right arm first before it becomes a habit? How many times do I end each conversation with a family member by saying “I love you” before it becomes a habit?
Experts disagree on how long it takes for repetitive actions to become habits. Some psychological studies say it takes as little as 14 days for habits to become firmly established, while other studies suggest it can take up to 90 repetitions for an action to become habit.
So, with forming habits in mind, let’s ask some basic questions. How many Sundays will it take for you and your family to attend worship service before it becomes a habit? How many days of praying for your family members before those prayers become habits? How often do you need to offer encouragement instead of criticism before you develop a more positive habit?
The Message translates Hebrews 10:24-25 like this: Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Hmm. Encouragement. Helping each other. Worshiping together. Spurring each other on. Anticipating the return of the Lord.
Those sound like good habits to me. Don’t you agree?
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, maybe reached at vrdspeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: With forming habits in mind, let’s ask some basic questions
- Religion
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
I admit it. I cry. A lot. I cry when I watch TV, for those Hallmark commercials get me every time. I have even cried while watching reruns of Law and Order, for goodness’ sake!
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Church briefs: May 19, 2012
Church briefs
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Don’t let a grudge rob you of living in peace with others
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe asked for “all women in all places to all rise up and oppose all wars.” She called it A Mother’s Day for Peace. The idea never caught on.
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Church Briefs: May 12, 2012
Church briefs
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THE JOY LADY: A few last words that should be taken to heart
My husband and I rarely argue. The more we live together, the more we agree with each other, and we have found that arguing just isn’t worth the effort.
- Church Briefs: April 28, 2012
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THE JOY LADY: April 28, 2012
Last Sunday, as we do most every Sunday, my husband and I went out for dinner after church with some friends.
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Christian recording artist endorses Valley author’s book
Bryan Duncan, Dove and Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer singer and songwriter, recently endorsed Clay County author Marjorie E. Hopkins’ book.
“Dying to Meet Him: Wit and Wisdom from a Funeral Director’s Wife,” is a “must read,” Duncan said. -
Indiana female priest challenges Catholic church
A former Catholic nun went through an ordination ceremony in Indianapolis to become a priest in defiance of the church’s ban on women becoming priests.
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CHURCH BRIEFS: April 14, 2012
Terre Haute St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school and middle/high school youth group meet at 9 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall. -
THE JOY LADY: Worship never has been and never will be about us
King David was a mighty warrior, a popular leader, a talented musician and a prolific hymn writer.
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Seminar on ‘Caring for the Barren Woman’
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church at 645 Poplar St. in Terre Haute, across from Vigo County Public Library, invites the greater Terre Haute community to a free seminar at 11:30 a.m. April 21.
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Easter services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods: A Miracle Retold
The miracle of a risen Christ doesn’t stop at an empty tomb, church leaders told the devout on a brilliant Sunday morning.
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Ministry to screen families for free food distribution
Covenant Cooperative Ministry will begin screening 400 families by taking applications
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THE JOY LADY: Perhaps we understand what we want and disregard the rest
March Madness is over, and I’m going to miss all those wonderful basketball games on TV. I don’t understand how people aren’t inspired by a game of basketball.
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Church to offer Financial Peace University series
New Providence Presbyterian Church announces an upcoming Financial Peace University class series for all area residents beginning at 2 p.m. CDT April 15 at the church at 1751 N. 2250th St. in Paris.
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Church briefs: April 7, 2012
Children’s Religious Education begins at 10:50 - There are two groups, youth ages 5 to 9 and Tweens, ages 10 and up. Child care for younger children is provided for the entire service.
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THE JOY LADY: In April or any month, you’re foolish if you deny God for lack of understanding
On April 1, 1957, BBC reporter Richard Dimbleby announced that because of an extremely mild winter, the dreaded spaghetti weevil was virtually eliminated.
- CHURCH BRIEFS: March 31, 2012
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Interactive ‘Passion in the Park’ beginning Thursday in Fairbanks Park
An interactive nondenominational community-performed drama of the Easter story, “Passion in the Park,” will be staged Thursday through April 8 at Fairbanks Park. Nightly shows will be at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
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Sisters of Providence plan ‘Come and See Weekend’ April 13-15
The Sisters of Providence will host a “Come and See Weekend” April 13-15 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Catholic women ages 18-42 who are considering a call to apostolic religious life are invited to attend.
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THE JOY LADY: ADo you ever wonder if people frustrate God?
Throughout the years, our family has had its share of pets. We’ve loved and buried hamsters, tropical fish, little bitty turtles, dogs, cats and other assorted critters.
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
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Wise men and women are always learning
Reality has hit me like a medicine cabinet full of Metamucil. I am officially — oh, dare I say it — growing older.
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‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ dinner and auction set
Armstrong United Methodist Church, on U.S. 40, east of Marshall, Ill., will host its 11th annual “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” dinner and auction on March 24.
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Church Briefs, March 17, 2012
Church briefs
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Our eyes should always look to Jesus, our faces reflecting God
Mothers fixate on the faces of their children. Not necessarily the beauty of said face … but because of the dirt. “Why didn’t you wash behind your ears? There’s enough dirt back there to plant a garden.”
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Church plans ‘Beatletudes’ concert for tornado victims
Memorial United Methodist Church is planning a benefit event, “The Beatletudes,” for the tornado victims in southern Indiana.
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Applications being accepted for Providence Associates
The Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods are currently accepting applications from persons interested in becoming Providence Associates for the 2012-2013 year.
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
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