Millions around the planet continue to ponder and wrestle with the painful reality that the King of Pop has died. A reality that is all too soon, way too unbelievable and unmistakably devastating for his family, friends, the music and artistic industries, and the millions of fans he's left behind around the world.

We have all been there, at least I know I have. You come home from a stressful day at work, or maybe you felt too depressed to even get out of the door. The thoughts just swirl around in your head, and you can’t really focus on anything. Even the easiest tasks seem impossible, and at least for now, you just can’t enjoy life. When I feel down, here are some of the things I do to drag myself up...

The text of Pastor Rick Warren's invocation at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The text of Rev. Joseph Lowery's benediction at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Because I have a congregation that loves me more than I deserve, I am often asked by them: "how can I pray for you?" I've tried to put some thought into how I answer that question. So, maybe these ideas will help you pray for your pastor, or tell others how they can pray for you.

Every year around the end of December, people start thinking about how they'll better their lives in the new year. This is all well and good, but sometimes, we forget to have spiritual goals for the new year also. What are your spiritual goals for the new year? What is your game plan to make these things happen?

People don’t care what type of socks they are wearing when they know that they’re going to keep their shoes on all the time. They could have holes in them; maybe they’ve never been washed. But you know that you’re covered. Your socks could be things you wouldn’t want anyone to know you’d even wear; maybe they have a crazy pattern or design that went out of style decades ago. However, those socks are comfortable for you to wear, and besides, no one is going to see them right?

It's all over the news that Illinois Governor Blagojevich might have taken bribes and kickbacks for influence during his term as governor. And like many people, you might be inclined to snub your nose and shake your head at him, but don't. Charles W. Colson, a former aide to President Nixon, who went through something similar when he got caught up in Watergate drama, says that anyone, regardless of how smart or powerful they are, is able to succumb to the same root causes - pride and a culture of self.

Response from ThinkChristian.net

Response from Christianity Today