Being Alone

Being alone is not a natural arrangement for human beings. We were all born into this world in unique relationship to another. If an infant is abandoned, it is considered to be a travesty. It isn't right. The same is true for adults. You never grow out of the need for relationship. While there is something to be said for being able to enjoy "alone time", it is a short term fix not a long term answer.

Unlike the created arrangement surrounding the birth of a child, relationship is not guaranteed for "adult children". As you grow older and mature in life, the need for relationship does not go away but the responsibility for creating those relationships shift. It moves from a Creator who provides for relationship to a human being needing to choose relationship.

Because you have been created into an experience initiated by love, you are provided the freedom in this life to choose love. In fact, in many ways, the reality of your freedom to choose relationship is love. Relationship with others will not be done to you unless you are found guilty of breaking some law of community or if you become a threat to others. Experiencing that kind of relationship is known as imprisonment.

On the other hand, you do have the power to choose relationship in this life. While it is easier and seemingly more convenient for some, it is true for us all. It just requires your choice and your response. You first have to accept the responsibility for creating them and then you are faced with the challenge of building them. It takes intention and the investment of time. They do not just happen nor are they guaranteed. They take work.

This time of year the tragedy of being alone is so clear. The heightened reality of depression among us presents itself. People who feel alone or those who actually find themselves alone for Christmas find themselves experiencing the reality of the tragedy to its fullest.

So, here are two thoughts for you to remember this Christmas. Look for those who are alone and provide them with the gift of relationship. It will the greatest gift you could ever give. Give them you. And, remember the message of Christmas. Immanuel, "God with us". God's greatest gift to us all is the gift of His love. Remember it and receive it as the divine gift that does keep on giving. It really is the greatest gift of all. Do well my friends.

One Another

Welcome to Tappe Talk, a Purposed Connection podcast by The Tappe Group. Holiday time is here and the New Year is near. This week Allen wants to share with you some thoughts to remember this year.

1. Peace
2. Community
3. Joy
4. Love

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To comment on this blog, click on the COMMENTS link located directly below. I would love to hear your thoughts!

The Mystery of Christmas

"It is the best of times and it is the worst of times". This great opening line is probably the best way to describe what Christmas has become. It seems to be happening every year. The music begins not long after Halloween and it fills the air just in time for Black Friday. Shoppers line up and then run over one another to get to the best deals in the store. Retailers declare Christmas a success or failure depending upon the volume of sales they experience. What has happened to Christmas? Someone has stolen it and it is not the Grinch.

There are those for whom Christmas is a great joy. The trees have found their place in the house and the lights have been strung. Children have put their Christmas orders in with the caveat that there are to be no surprises please just give us what we want. Travel plans have been made for families who will enjoy sweet reunion. Some charity, or needy family, is chosen to receive a token expression of mercy and grace for the year. It always feels good. Hot chocolate, egg nog, fireplaces, stockings hung on the mantles with care. You get the picture.

On the other hand, there are those for whom Christmas brings great sadness. There are no trees because they have no place to live. No gifts will be given or received because they have no money to spend on the best of deals. Families are broken. Loved ones have been lost. Memories are painful. It really is the worst of times for so many.

Here is the mystery. Christmas is a story based in the birth of a baby almost 2,000 years ago. Listen to the words in the music. He brought a message, a gift for everyone no matter who they are, where they are, or how they have lived. "God is with us". He is a gift to be received. Immanuel. I AM is here. There is good news. He loves us and he wants us to love one another. The gift came in a small package but it is a wonderfully powerful gift.

The mystery of Christmas is amazing when it is experienced. Giving is better than receiving. Love is more powerful than hate. Forgiveness is meant for everyone to experience. Life is more than what we see. Jesus came to explain it. He got no great deal in the process. He paid the price required. He did it with words of love on His lips.

It is not about Gimble's or Macy's. It is not about who is right and who is wrong. It is about a world that has gotten it wrong from the beginning and about the Spirit who lives as the answer to it all and He wants to be experienced and expressed year round. He isn't dressed in a red suit. He is clothed in understanding, forgiveness, and grace. Christmas is a gift waiting just outside the door to your heart. He is waiting to be received. Receive His gift and enjoy a truly, merry Christmas. Do well, my friends.

Welcome to Tappe Talk, a Purposed Connection podcast by The Tappe Group.To have this weekly podcast automatically upload to your mp3 player visit the iTunes Store and Power Search "Tappe talk" and then subscribeTo comment on this blog, click on the COMMENTS link located directly below. I would love to hear your thoughts!

The Christmas Story

Welcome to Tappe Talk, a Purposed Connection podcast by The Tappe Group. This week Allen wants to challenge you to live the Christmas story.

• Keep It Simple
• Celebrate
• Listen to God
• Give
• Love

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To have this weekly podcast automatically upload to your mp3 player visit the iTunes Store and Power Search "Tappe talk" and then subscribe.

To comment on this blog, click on the COMMENTS link located directly below. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Breaking Patterns

There are some behavioral patterns that need to be broken. They aren't really habits. They don't necessarily involve addictions or compulsions. They are simply behaviors you have learned along the way. In many ways, they have become your greatest limiting factor because they represent behavior that has worked for you in the past. The truth is there are some patterns you need to break in order to create some new and productive ones.

Just because you have always done something a given way does not necessarily make it relevant to your present. Even though it has provided success in your past, it doesn't follow that it is the behavior you need in today's world. Life has changed and it may be time for you to follow suit.

Just because you have always gotten up at a given time does not make it the time to start your day in the present environment. Playing "the devil's advocate" may have been your syle in the past but it may not make it relevant, productive, or desirable today. You may not have given much thought or time to your health in the past but it may be time for you to start. Maybe you could eat anything you wanted to eat in the past. Today might be the time to make a change.

Behavior is a product of choice so it may be time to re-examine. Beginning again is an essential part of the development and growth process. Don't wait for the new year to begin; instead, make the changes you need to make today. The new year will look a lot better to you if you will. Do well, my friends.

Welcome to Tappe Talk, a Purposed Connection podcast by The Tappe Group.

Powered by Podbean.com

To have this weekly podcast automatically upload to your mp3 player visit the iTunes Store and Power Search "Tappe talk" and then subscribe.

To comment on this blog, click on the COMMENTS link located directly below. I would love to hear your thoughts!

For Whom Are You Thankful?

I am writing this blog on Thanksgiving Day. It is early in the morning and I am enjoying a little quiet time for reflection. When I begin to think about all of the things for which I am thankful I realize how long the list really is. I also believe, at least for me this year, it isn't the right question. It isn't "things" that occupy my mind on this meaningful day. It is the people in my world. It is how my story has played out over a lifetime with and through others.

I have to begin with the most significant Other of all. The One who created me. I am thankful for who I am because of His design. He placed me in this world through people who loved me at a specific time and in a specific place. I am also thankful for who He is continuing to make me to be through His love. It all begins with Him.

I was blessed with natural parents who loved me and who provided and protected me. I am also mindful of all of the other people who were associate parents in my life. They contributed so much to who I know I am today. Their signature is all over my life.

I think about the circle of friends I have in my life today. The circle extends all all over the world and yet I know the circle begins with the love of my life. Barbara and I have been together as best friends and in a marriage for over 40 years. She is really the genesis for most, if not all, of my relationships today. Through her, I met people who introduced me to others who introduced me to others and on and on the story goes. I am so thankful for our story.

As you can see, I am a thankful man. I hope you are thinking through a thankful heart today. If not, spend some time thinking about the people in your life. Think about your origins. Think about the story that has been written through Him, and you, and them. Then, think about the story yet to be written. It really is a humbling and exciting thing. Be blessed, my friends.