Steve Sappington CommunicationsDecember 2010

 

 

Hi Everyone--Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

If this is your first time to receive my monthly newsletter, I typically add my Facebook contacts to this list, so read this month's edition, and if you don't want to continue receiving copies, just "unsubscribe" at the bottom of this page.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  I was very gratified to learn that one of my new Facebook friends in Vietnam has begun quoting to her friends my closing line from last month's newsletter, "Remember to thank God every day, not just on Thanksgiving!"  As the yearend holidays approach, I'm sure we all can find many things for which to be thankful.  And if any of you are planning to go to Vietnam, I'll forward my friend's information to you.  She works as a tourist guide.

For those of you who are "fans" of my Facebook book site (separate from my personal site), our new book should be out in paperback form within the next 4 to 6 weeks.  For more information, visit www.todayswordonmoney.com.

And for those of you who believe in the power of prayer, I would appreciate your praying for my friend Robert Mawire and me.  We are working on another book, and our heart's desire is to write a book that blesses people all over the world.  Those of you who know me know that I'm usually not lacking in ego, but this project that Robert and I have tackled is something that is beyond us, and it will only be successful if we do it God's way.  So we would really appreciate your prayers.

To those of you whom I saw last month in Shawnee at OBU's 100th Reunion, it was so good to visit with you.  One of the people I saw was Rick Nease, who used to cut my hair when I still had hair to cut!  Rick and I had not seen each other in about 35 years!  Several of my OBU friends and I went to lunch at Van's on Saturday.  I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard!  And of course we had to get a "van-ized" potato or two!!

Several of my friends who know more about the weather than I do tell me that it looks like this could be a very cold winter.  So do yourselves a favor and have some extra provisions set aside before it's too late.  My good friend Don Blanton says, "If what you thought to be true turned out not to be true, when would you want to know about it?"  I believe that question applies not only to investments, but to many other areas of our lives, including weather, politics, and theology! So take Don's advice and "hedge your bets," in case some "one" or some "thing" throws you a curve.

In case my book is not out in time for Christmas (hint), and you have to look elsewhere for gifts, why not consider buying some Christian movies for your friends and loved ones?  Here are a couple of suggestions: http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com which was funded in part by some of our firm's investors, and www.christianmovies.com, operated by my California friend Rich Christiano. 

As many of you know, our family has a ministry that includes giving DVD's to people we meet.  In fact, today my wife gave out 4 DVD's:  2 to the men who came to make sure our roof is in good repair, and 2 to the faithful men who pick up our garbage every Monday.  All 4 men were surprised and thankful to get their "early Christmas gifts."

Here's another idea: give Chick-Fil-A gift cards.  I've written before about how much I admire Truett Cathy (whose 90th birthday is in March of 2011) and the company he founded.  Their stores are very profitable, and I don't know of another firm that is more of a blessing to others than Chick-Fil-A.  We frequently give their gift cards to clients and people who serve us.

Jimmy Seibert recently preached a good sermon on the power of a thankful heart, and he suggested that for the next 60 days, we cultivate the habit of pausing once every hour to think about something for which we're thankful.  I truly believe that if we spend more time regularly giving thanks, it will become almost impossible to complain and criticize others.  Last month, Nate Bobbit preached a great sermon on how we have underutilized Communion.  For the mp3's of these 2 sermons, visit http://www.antiochcc.net/on_demand_category.php?id=1 and scroll down to Jimmy's 11/21/2010 "A Thankful Heart."  Below that on 10/17/2010 is Nate's "The History of the Lord's Supper."

My friend Leo Percer just posted some great notes from a presentation he attended on how we can determine if scripture is reliable and inerrant.  Here's a link to the podcast:  http://pointcville.podomatic.com/entry/2010-11-16T07_33_58-08_00. Let me know if you'd like the written notes, and I'll email them to you.

Well, I guess this newsletter was a smorgasbord, or bits and pieces, much like many of us have been eating Thanksgiving leftovers.  But maybe you're like me or like Bobby Flay, whom I saw last week on TV saying he prepares his Thanksgiving dishes based upon what he can do the next few days with the leftovers, because he likes them better on Friday and Saturday, than when he eats the original dish on Thursday!  Likewise, I hope this month's newsletter nourished you in one way or another.

Below is an excerpt from my good friend and colleague Glenn Repple's daily email.  If you like this and would like to subscribe, send me an email, and I'll see that you are added to his list.

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"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

 

Paraphrases:

For I have learned to be content flying coach, seated in the last row middle seat, between two pleasantly plump people, next to the restroom, with no window and the engine roaring loudly and I have learned to be content flying first class with full service and a steak dinner.

 

For I have learned to be content with a dial-up internet connection getting bumped off the internet every 10 minutes and I have learned to be content with lightning-fast high-speed internet with a stable connection.

 

For I have learned to be content with an unreliable 15-year-old car and I have learned to be content with a brand new Mercedes.

 

For I have learned to be content when someone is cursing, insulting and rejecting me and I have learned to be content when I am praised.

 

Wow, I've got a ways to go regarding contentment.

 

All of us here wish you a blessed and wonderful holiday season.

Steve