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It’s official.
I Have a Good Heart
No, not that kind of heart.
I’m not talking about my interactions with people or the things I do or say.
I’m talking about that muscle in my chest that pumps blood throughout my body.
My heart.
My actual, physical heart.
I went in to visit my cardiologist. Though it was a couple of days shy of a full year since my surgery, my doctor called it a one-year checkup — and I’m not about to quibble with him.
Anyway, they took my vitals, hooked me up to some machine with a bunch of electrical leads, and then disappeared to study the results.
Then the doctor came in with the official word — my heart is in good shape, and I am off restrictions.
Oh, I still have to take a bunch of pills each day, but I’m used to that, and they don’t plan to see me again until next year.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)
Since I’m doing official announcements, I have another official announcement for you.
Are you ready?
Christmas is Coming
It’s official.
It used to be you could tell Christmas was coming because Christmas displays began appearing in the stores. Well, that doesn’t work anymore.
In our local Costco, for example, Christmas trees and lights were on the shelves back in September. That’s way too early.
So, store shelves are no longer a reliable indicator that Christmas is near.
But now I can tell you, it is official.
Absolutely guaranteed.
I was walking in my mall two days ago and there it was. In a formerly empty store, the lights were on, a person was sitting behind a counter, and displays covered each wall. The displays were boxes of candy. Boxes and boxes and boxes.
The See’s Candy shop is open.
In our mall, when the See’s Candy shop arrives, you know Christmas is near.
In some years, See’s Candy had to set up in the kiosks that fill the center of the hallways in the mall. But not this year. There were enough empty stores in our mall, that See’s Candy has a real store of its own.
I feel sorry for those of you who have to put up with large malls with lots of stores. You probably have a See’s Candy store in your mall that is open all year long.
All year long.
How will you be able to tell that Christmas will soon be upon us.
Do you have to check the calendar?
No.
I’m letting you know right now.
It’s official.
Christmas is coming.
The See’s Candy store has arrived in Missoula’s Southgate Mall.
Speaking of Christmas, you might want to check out Operation Christmas Child. It gives you an opportunity to share the Good News with children from around the world.
Before I go, I’d like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.
“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)
Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today!
It's Official