FFT #9: Separating Fact From Fiction (Halloween)

[Link Reading Time: ~30-50 minutes]

Where does the controversy behind Halloween come from?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

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So much controversy and many strong feelings tend to arise during the month of October, especially concerning the topic of Halloween. But where do those beliefs about the holiday come from? Is there any merit to joining the crowd that regards the month to be a "time of evil"?

If you have the time, check out this article by John Sanidopoulos, from the blog Daimonologia. You don't have to be an Orthodox Christian to take consideration of its analysis on the history behind Halloween. Brace yourself, it's a long read but worth it for the strong points made!

(Article is approx. 30-50 minutes long.)
http://www.daimonologia.org/2014/10/orthodoxy-and-halloween-separating-fact.html

Variety as Evidence for Intelligent Creation?

[Reading Time: ~9 minutes]

How does variety help support the idea of intelligent creation?

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[Click here to read Part 1.]

When I see the world and all that goes on in nature, I don't see randomness or nothingness; I see purpose, design, intelligence, emotion, even creativity. So many discoveries, ideas, all sorts of amazing things in this green earth that people often take for granted. So much has been put into our world that we may not even realize, even some possible answers that can arrive from close observation.

And all these things point to intelligent creation.

FFT #8: Rediscovering Worth

[Link Reading Time: ~6 minutes]

Does brokenness diminish one's worth?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

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Does brokenness diminish the worth of a person?

A number of people experience feelings of worthlessness due to their mistreatment and rejection by others, to no fault of their own. It's heartbreaking to see how those who ought to be loving—parents, the church, etc.—turn away those who need open arms the most: the broken, the lost, the sick, the outcasts...the very people that Christ Jesus came to rescue.

Check out this article from Paul Ahnert via his blog, The Metal Minister. It may pull at your heartstrings and get the wheels in your head turning!

(Article is approx. 6 minutes long.)
https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2017/03/rediscovering-worth-tale-of-3.html

Purpose as Evidence for Intelligent Creation?

[Reading Time: ~8-9 minutes]

How does purpose help support the idea of intelligent creation?

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When I see the world and all that goes on in nature, I don't see randomness or nothingness; I see purpose, design, intelligence, emotion, even creativity. So many discoveries, ideas, all sorts of amazing things in this green earth that people often take for granted. So much has been put into our world that we may not even realize, even some possible answers that can arrive from close observation.

And all these things point to intelligent creation.

FFT #7: Get Rid Of Your Excess Baggage

[Link Reading Time: ~3-4 minutes]

Are you going through life with baggage on your shoulders?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

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Some of us go through life pretending that everything's okay, when in reality we're being held back by a metaphorical backpack full of rocks that's slowing us down and making our work ineffective.

Don't deny it; are you carrying emotional baggage?

Relax those shoulder muscles and check out this article from Gladys Famoriyo, a guest columnist on The Christian Post. It may encourage you to loosen that grip!

(Article is approx. 3-4 minutes long.)
https://www.christianpost.com/news/get-rid-of-your-excess-baggage.html

FFT #6: Impatience

[Link Reading Time: ~2 minutes]

How much are you rushing through life?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

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In this fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves rushing through life, even relying on shortcuts like fast food to get by as we rush through our daily schedule.

How often do we slow down to live life? How much of our time do we spend praying?

Slow down for a bit and check out this article from David A. Fischer via his blog. Make sure you don't rush through it!

(Article is approx. 2 minutes long.)
https://damarministries1991.wordpress.com/2019/03/30/impatience/

FFT #5: Help! Are You Listening?

[Link Reading Time: ~2-3 minutes]

How would you rate your listening skills?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

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It's easy to take our ears for granted. Some of us hold so tightly to the way we use our time, careful not to waste every second. In doing this we sometimes fail to reap the greater benefits of sparing some time to really listen.
 
Some of us are big talkers, but how much time do we spend listening?
 
Take some time to listen and check out this article from Brenda Ferguson via her blog, Becoming His Tapestry. It's definitely worth considering!

(Article is approx. 2-3 minutes long.)
https://becominghistapestry.com/2019/03/08/help-im-not-listening/

FFT #4: Confessions of a Skeptic

[Link Reading Time: ~12-13 minutes]

What made one skeptic turn to faith?
[Click here to view the testimony.]

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Some skeptics can appear so confident in their skepticism. So what made this one skeptic decide to believe and put faith in something beyond our human understanding? Is there any logic and reasoning behind the idea of faith?
 
If you yourself are a skeptic, perhaps you may be surprised.
 
Read on and reconsider in this open testimony from MichaelF via his blog, The Shepherd's Voice. Thank you for sharing your story and your thoughts regarding the Resurrection of Christ.

(Article is approx. 12-13 minutes long.)
https://the-shepherds-voice.blogspot.com/p/confessions-of-skeptic.html

FFT #2: She's Always Been That Way!

[Link Reading Time: ~4-5 minutes]

How far will we go to give someone a second chance?
[Click here to view the blog article.]

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Ever struggle over the idea of confronting or dealing with difficult people?
 
You're not alone there. It's not always easy convincing ourselves to put in the extra effort to give others another chance. How far are we willing to go to reach out to others before we can truly call it quits?
 
Check out this powerful testimony from Paul Ahnert via his blog, The Metal Minister. It definitely got me thinking! Thank you for reminding us that nothing is impossible for God.
 
(Article is approx. 4-5 minutes long.)
https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2017/05/to-hell-with-her-shes-always-been-that.html