Jesus (quoting Scripture): “Love the Eternal One your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.”This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is nearly as important, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”The rest of the law, and all the teachings of the prophets, are but variations on these themes. -Matthew 22:37-40 (VOICE)

Had a great time this past Saturday ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at a nearby Wal-Mart. In fact, I learned much during the experience that is difficult to put into words. The actual act of ringing a bell is a small effort that offers immense riches in payment. Faith in action is what our Lord requires of us when we are believers and it always feels good to get out of myself and think about others. The look of children passing by that I let ring the bell and occasional stories and comments I heard from people I encountered are priceless. I hope we can all put aside our petty doctrinal differences and embrace the living God this holiday season and remember the love our Father showed us by giving His only Son to teach us so much and eventually die for us. Of course, thank God, we know that’s not the end of the story!