Question from the Oct. 4 Sermon

“What God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mk 10:9

As evidenced in our reading about marriage today, in our relationships with animals, and our relationship with our church, God has joined together financial stewardship and stewardship of relationships. We learn that what we do with our money and what we do with our love are categories so entwined and entangled that they are essentially inseparable.

Question for contemplation: In what ways in my own life does my spending reflect my commitment to God and relationships?

Stampies

In college Heidi and I used to love to get “Stampies,” any piece of mail that had a stamp.  That was legitimate mail, almost always from someone who loved us.  We’d ask each other: “Did you get any Stampies today?”  A Stampie was a big deal.

I still love Stampies.  Bills and ads don’t generally have stamps, but letters from loved ones almost always do.  With the immediacy of email, I get fewer Stampies than I used to, but the sight of a stamp continues to make me smile when I sort the day’s envelopes.

I’m excited about writing a note of gratitude each day in October.  I’m not usually one to add something to my obligations, but I love the idea people opening their mailboxes and finding Stampies.  By focusing on how God has blessed me through the people in my life, I will actually make someone else’s day, too.  I love Stampies.

Greg Rhodes

Question: If you’ve decided to write some Notes of Gratitude yourself, how do you hope this experience will impact you, and impact those who receive your cards?