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	Quaker Life November/December 2006 Listening Spirituality/ Transformed Lives
Valiant for Truth	Contents
By Patricia Edwards-Konic Combines are running in the fi elds as grain wagons haul the harvested crops. Leaves are changing colors; temperatures are beginning to drop. All are signs of abundant goodness and God’s faithfulness to us. The Psalmist wrote: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” (Psalm 105:1) The Psalmist reminds us: “Give Thanks”—for the abundant blessings poured out for us in our homes and community; “Call on God”—to acknowledge God’s goodness and mercy in our lives; “Make known to the nations”—for the abundant blessings poured out across the world. This scripture also is the basis for the 2006 FUM Sunday theme: “Give Thanks for Our Blessings.” Friends meetings and churches across North America are joining for a time to remember and give thanks for the blessing of FUM to the world. Through your partnership with Friends United Meeting, the Psalmist’s word is being known internationally—in Kenya and Uganda, in Ramallah and Belize, in Cuba and Jamaica, in Canada and United States. People near and far are learning about the Christian Quaker message and living their lives in faith. Recently I read a quote by Patrick Henry Readon: “Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us things for which we failed to give thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have not given thanks, who and what would be left of me?” I was particularly struck by the last line: “If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have not given thanks, who and what would be left?” Whew! I know I fall short here. How about you? The Psalmist reminds us to “give thanks to God;” Paul advises us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV) Only as we give thanks and work together can we effectively meet the needs of Friends around the world. Won’t you join us in prayer and thanksgiving?	9 Baby Talk at Christmas By Stan Banker Christmas reminds us that we are children of a loving God. 10 The Coming of the King By John Hishmeh Change and transition are part of the image of God's Kingdom. The author writes of the changes within during his service in Ramallah. 11 The Lasting Effect of Small Gifts By Tim Schultz "Small gifts are often powerful tokens of tenderness that expand to reach well beyond their intended purpose," writes the author. Do you have a small gift you haven't shared because of its smallness? 12 Stepping in the Light Read a chapter from Howard Macy's newest book in the new "Let's Be Friends" series, which includes a study guide for group reflection. 13 One Step, One Seeing By Valerie Brown "The act of pilgrimage is about changing our relationship with reality," writes the author. "It is about embracing a wayfarer's spirit with a poet's heart." 14 When I was Thirsty...Flowers Bloomed By Charles David Kleymeyer The small acts of kindness are the keys to finding the joy and hope of Jesus. This short story helps children (and adults) understand. _______________________________ Features 4 News from Friends United Meeting 7 FUM Staff/Contact Information 8 Soul Food Living On-Center Kelly Kellum 17 News 18 Reviews 22 Booknotes 25 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 33 Friends United Meeting Member Yearly Meetings 34 Viewpoints