Honor Where Honor is Due

Many of today’s dedicated medical professionals, government officials, education specialists, law enforcement, and homemakers knew from an early age what their “call” in life was. At two years old my son would say he wanted to fly airplanes, and although he has been quite successful at other career choices, he is finally going to flight school to fulfill his dreams.

Companions in Christ Group

St. Stephens Presbyterian Church is planning a small interfaith group using the "Companions in Christ" handbook. It is designed to deepen our Christian walk together as we work daily readings. Weekly meetings to discuss the daily readings will be held on Sunday evenings starting October 3, running until early May, interrupted for holiday breaks.

Exploring Our Calling Through Scripture

St. Stephen’s Church Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life? Have you ever felt a nudge to change direction in your life and wondered if it came from God? Would you like to learn to listen for God's voice spoken to you? During this 6-week class we will use Biblical stories to help us reflect upon our own lives and experiences in order to discover more fully what God may be inviting us to do and be. Classes are free. They will begin Monday, March 3rd, and will be held 7-8:30 pm at the St. Stephens Presbyterian Church office, Bolivar and Watt Ave. in North Highlands.

"Optimism Is My Religion"

What if optimism was a religion? Would it gain momentum fast? Would it have a large following? Being an optimist, I hope that it would. Religions possess some traits of optimism, but there is so much other stuff involved. Perhaps optimism is already a religion, just an unofficial, unspoken one. Perhaps the managing editor of this paper, John Walton, is an optimist. He certainly seemed like it the other day when I talked to him. So maybe I’m on to something. This article will explain the makeup of optimism and why the “O” in optimism one day should be capitalized.

The Last Degree

The word love is not a sensitive term. It is used often and sometimes recklessly. We love cars, clothes, shoes, and perfume. We get a certain feeling when those things are around or when we possess those things. It is surely a positive feeling established, a time of smiles, giggles, and even tears of joy. No person would not want to experience such pleasure. For all of us, one imagines, are looking for happiness.

Grow Not Weary

When we are in the thick of the battle it is extremely important that we do not grow weary. We need to stay focused on the prize, the harvest, the desired outcome.

If we do not grow weary or lose heart, we are guaranteed to succeed, and we can be assured that we will fulfill that thing for which we have been called.

Planning Ahead

When we plan ahead, we bring order to our lives, and create an atmosphere for growth and prosperity. It is important for us to do this to be sure our lives are stabilized, balanced, and in proper order.

Our life, left to itself, is a life tossed to and fro. If we fail to chart our course, we leave our life to chance, going whichever way the wind blows.

How to Give More

Are you at a place in life that you want to give more and do not know how to do it? Is your desire to give bigger than your actual bank account? Let us look at ways to cause your giving to go up.

First and foremost, you will want to be on a budget. A budget lets you know how much is coming in and where your money is going. Your finances will automatically improve as you are responsible and accountable with your income. Eliminating your debt and allowing money to flow into your life will increase what you can give. Expenses will go down because you now have a plan for your money.

Good Stewardship Required

We are stewards of the Most High God. It is our responsibility to watch over and be faithful with the things that the Lord has entrusted to us. The Lord is the Lord of all. The earth and all its fullness belongs to Him.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

What is a Steward?

Definition:

* One who manages another’s property, finances, or other affairs.

The Six-Month Rule

What we do from our heart demonstrates who we really are. It is easy for people to say, “I would give more if only I had more to give.” On the surface, that sounds and looks good. It’s easy to say what we could do, if we were able to, if only we were given a chance.