Sunday School, CCD Teachers–Looking for a Christmas Gift for Students?

“Black Friday” is upon us. If you plan to wander the mall, looking for a gift you can give to your elementary-age students this year–one you can afford that’s also appropriate for both boys and girls–here’s hope for a more relaxing day. This year CTA offers a great alternative for Sunday school teachers, Awana leaders, CCD teachers, [...]

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Giving Thanks–Past, Present, Future

Lanterns swung in the lower decks of the ship as 102 seasick men, women, and children tossed about in a cramped space the size of a volleyball court. All hatches were battened due to severe storms, stealing any hope of fresh air or light. The passengers survived on small rations of dried pork, beans, and [...]

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A Grateful Heart

As we approach that one special day of the year we’ve intentionally set aside to reflect on our blessings, I am reminding myself to take some time to count all of mine. This is not always an easy thing to do.
It’s so easy to look around at other people and envy the things that they have: I [...]

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Happy Thanksgiving Day?

Happy Thanksgiving Day!
But wait! What about the month? What about a Happy Thanksgiving month?! 
I’ve always enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving Day at church and with my family. But this year, I’ve decided to observe a personal thanksgiving month. I want to take some time and effort to say thanks to people who have been a such blessing [...]

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Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart . . .

One night on his way home the great Bible commentator Matthew Henry was robbed. After this unfortunate incident he recorded this prayer in his journal:
“I thank Thee that I have never been robbed before. I thank Thee that even though they took my purse, they did not take my life. I thank Thee that though [...]

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Meaningful Christian Christmas Gifts for Everyone

It happens every year. You make a Christmas list and check it twice, then  scratch your head over dilemmas like these:

Those volunteers at your church do so much. You want to remember them at Christmas with a meaningful gift. But what!?
You work with a great group of professionals on your church staff. You want to [...]

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Give Thanks! A Devotion for Thanksgiving

How empty life would feel if we could not remember! 

The happy lick of a puppy’s tongue.
That week we spent in bed with chicken pox at age seven.
The tottering gait of our child’s first step.
The splendor of a path cut through a yellow, orange, green, brown forest.
The agony of sacrifice that backlights, as it were, our [...]

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Take Courage!

Yes, we need courage. We face many struggles—in the economy, in raising children, in creating a spiritual home environment, in relating to others as good husbands or wives, brothers or sisters, daughters or sons, friends, employee, or employers. Many days, it takes a good deal of courage just to get out of bed in the [...]

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Knee Work

Today’s devotion is the fourth in a series adapted slightly from Serving in His Steps: Focused Scriptures and Prayers for the Fast-Paced Life. It’s one of CTA’s newest products—an accordion-fold booklet with brief daily devotions and a pedometer to use while you walk. It makes a great thank-you gift for church professionals and volunteers who [...]

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Is Your Ministry a Starbuck’s?

We often, in a joking manner, refer to the Parent’s Day Out program in our church as a “Starbuck’s for Children.” Why? At Starbuck’s, customer service is called “personal hospitality” and is their #1 priority. They build a relationship with each customer. It is no secret that people feel special sipping a Starbuck’s drink, but it [...]

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