Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
It’s easy to say “I’m good”, but what are we down deep when no one is looking. Those secret thoughts and actions that no one sees or knows about. Are they good? What would our family, friends, and acquaintances say if they knew? Would they define these acts as good? Yet, is good an act or feeling we can explain? […]
Read moreWhen Fear is Bestowed in Us
I have had dealings with others that have led to insecurities. I had a job where the CEO sat as a Queen in her office. I’ll admit that although I am no longer there, even today this leads me to nervousness when dealing with those in charge. I even confessed this to my boss one day, when she noticed the […]
Read moreFaithful Heroes: Saint Perpetua
We have been taking a look at those mentioned in the Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews 11. We began with those Paul mentioned by name, moved to those he described and finished with the faithful in the New Testament who deserved to be in the Hall of Faith. We are now moving through history to those who are considered […]
Read moreClearing the Air with our loved ones
After two decades of struggling and bad decisions, healing and transforming my life has taken almost a decade. I’m far from perfect and still have many areas in which I am continuing to work and improve. However, it has only been recently that conversation has began to open up between my loved ones and myself about what happened then. For […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise was written by Walter Chalmers Smith, a pastor of the Free Church of Scotland. Smith was born on December 5, 1824 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He studied at the University of Aberdeen and New College in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was an ordained minister at Chadwell Street Scottish Church in London and several churches in Glasgow […]
Read moreLet Go of the Plan and Accept the Reality
Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
Recently, I had someone thank me for my kindness. To me, the act I performed was done without thinking and second naturally. However, to this person it meant everything. Dictionary.com defines kindness as: The state or quality of being kind A kind act; favor Kind behavior Friendly feeling, liking When we show kindness to others, we are providing […]
Read moreConfessions of an Overachiever
I have a confession to make. I’m an overachiever. I have a habit of taking on too much and longing to accomplish too many things, both in my professional and personal life. I’ve found myself lately, praying and asking God to take away these desires that are not of His will. But, letting go of fleshly desires are not easy. […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Paul, Lived His Own Hall of Faith
Paul, was the author of the Hall of Faith found in Galatians. However, his own life was based on faith and he could very well be listed in the Hall of Faith. As I wind up the Hall of Faith series and prepare for the Heroes of Faith series, I could think of no one better than the apostle Paul […]
Read moreWe often Lash Out at Those We Love Most
When we are hurting the person we often lash out to the most is those that are closest to us. With those people, we feel free to be ourselves and show our hurt. But, it is often easy to unintentionally hurt that person in the process of our own pain. Sometimes we do not even see the pain we are […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Brighten the Corner Where You Are
Brighten the Corner Where You Are is a hymn we do not hear in church as often today as we used to. Yet, it has a catchy tune and wonderful message. The hymn was written by Ina Mae Duley Ogdon. Ogdon was born on April 3, 1872 to William and Laetitia Wilson Ogdon in Rossville, Illinois. She wrote her first […]
Read moreObey God and Leave Consequences to Him
Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
Working with Alzheimer’s patients requires a lot of patience, especially while waiting for an agitated individual seek the words to express the feelings s/he is struggling to convey. At times it is easy to long to walk off or wish they would reach the point. On the flip side of the coin, is standing in line waiting to check out, […]
Read morePreparing for the Future
When I was a child and we lived in seminary housing, every time a new family moved in, I was the unofficial welcoming committee. I asked so many questions that I received questions such as “are you writing my biography?” Finally, my parents had to tell me to stop asking so many questions. Fast forward to the present day, and […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Stephen, Full of Faith until the End
When reading the Hall of Faith, one of those listed as those that “were stoned”. Stephen perfectly fits this bill. But, who was Stephen? Acts 6, sets the scene by stating the disciples decided to call seven men “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” {Acts 6:3} “And the […]
Read moreGrieving for What We Don’t Have
I have always longed to have children of my own, but that has never happened. To say that I never hurt over this loss would be an omission. There are times when my heart breaks over this unreceived blessing. There are some hurts that are so deep and ingrained that it is difficult for other people who have that blessing […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go was written by George Matheson. Matheson was born on March 27, 1842, in Glasgow, Scotland to George and Jane Matheson. At the age of twenty, he was engaged to be married and studying for the ministry. He discovered that he was going blind when his fiancée told him she could not go […]
Read moreGet Better Rejoice Daily
Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
I have several acquaintances that thrive off drama and I want to ask why. It is difficult to me why they want to constantly be in an uproar rather than enjoy peace and serenity. Dictionary.com defines peace as: The normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations; or an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations or […]
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