In this Thanksgiving season, let us remember that the church has the power and responsibility to restore, empower and include the poor and forgotten. Prayerfully consider how to de-emphasize social class distinctions while learning instead to affirm and embrace the concept of the imago dei, the belief that all humans are made in the image of God.

For better and for worse, your family through the generations has shaped you. Even the family members who push your buttons have strengths that have helped them navigate the world, even if their views and choices are radically different from your own. They may have something to teach you, if you are open to learn.

In Isaiah 55, Isaiah offers a vision of hope to the returnees of Israel. They see the devastation, and have a hard time believing that Jerusalem has any good left in it.While proclaiming hope for the people and their homeland, Isaiah offers a vision for all who thirst, who hunger, and who seek the better path.

I encourage you to dream bigger than you’ve done before because that is where God shows up. If your vision isn’t bigger than you, go and find a larger one.

Every culture has recreated Jesus. The most important missing quality of his personality is laughter. Where is the joy?God laughs. Celebrate that God laughs and that you were meant to laugh too.