Owning Up to Our Mistakes
On two different occasions lately, I have had to own up to my mistakes. This included taking ownership, apologizing and working to resolve the situation. Owning up to our mistakes is not always easy and…
As Iron Sharpens Iron
I have an individual in my life whom I have a love hate relationship with. This individual is a good friend, but on multiple occasions this person has stabbed me in the back, usually by…
Faithful Heroes: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, theologian and one of the founding members of the Confessing Church. His stand against anti-Nazism cost him his life. He was born on Feburary 4, 1906 in Prussia, which…
Hymn Story: The Ninety and Nine
Jesus told the parable of the shepherd who left his ninety-nine sheep to go after the one lost sheep. {Luke 15:3-7} Elizabeth Clephane lived in Melrose, Scotland during the 19th Century. She was an invalid…
Names of God: Goel
The term Goel drives from the Hebrew word lig’ol. The term means to redeem or redeemer. “Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares…
The Alamo Bride
Ellis Dumont stumbles upon an unconscious New Orleans Grey on her Grandfather Dumont’s property in 1836. While unconscious, he mutters about treasures and war. Ellis wonders who Clay Gentry really is, a friend or foe.…
John and the Spirit of Fire
“It was about time for Jesus to be taken up into heaven. He turned toward Jerusalem and was sure that nothing would stop Him from going.” {Luke 9:51} The time has come for Jesus to…
Filling Our Love Tanks
For Chinese New Year last month, we had a party for our residents. Part of the Chinese New Year tradition is for the older adults to give children red envelopes with money. Instead of giving…
Heroes of the Faith: Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. She was born on May 12, 1820 in Florence, Italy to an upper-class British family. She was moved after the place of her birth, before her family…
Hymn Story: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Horatius Bonar was a Scottish minister and writer who lived throughout the majority of the 19th Century. He is described as a “most gifted and influential” minister. Bonar wrote the lyrics to I Heard the…
Names of God: God
Often, when we speak of the supreme being we refer to him as God. The term God means creator deity, principal object of faith and supreme being. Judiasm refers to God as “Him” or “Father”…
Women, Rise Up!
In Women, Rise up! Cindy Jacobs shares her heart and experience to answer the call on our lives. Whether this means working in the secular world or in ministry, the struggles are real. The book…
John, part of the Inner Circle
Jesus has called his twelve disciples, however of these men he has a closer, more intimate inner circle. He has three with whom he is very close. These men often go with him when the…
When We Are Blessed
While I am very outgoing when I need to be, I am naturally an introvert, especially in new situations or large groups. I usually take my sweet time to acclimate myself to these new circumstances.…
Heroes of the Faith: Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was admired by many for her charitable work among the poor in Calcutta, India. She was born Anjezë Gonxhe {Mary Teresa} Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910 in the Ottoman Empire. Her parents were…
St. Patrick’s Prayer
Christ be with me, Christ within me,Christ behind me, Christ before me,Christ beside me, Christ to win me,Christ to comfort and restore me.Christ beneath me, Christ above me,Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,Christ in hearts…
Hymn Story: Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart
In 1898, Mrs. Lelia Morris was at a camp meeting in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. When the invitation was called, a woman “of culture and refinement” responded to the invitation. Leila Morris joined the lady,…
Names of God: Father
God is referred to as Father throughout the Bible. One source says, “In general, the title Father (capitalized) signifies God’s role as the life-giver, the authority, and powerful protector, often viewed as immense, omnipotent, omniscient,…
Book Review: The Power of Positive Words
I don’t know about you, but I need more positive words in my life. There are too many times when negativity wants to creep in and whisper lies. Often times it is easy to forget…
James and John, the Sons of Thunder
Last week, we met James and John with their father, Zebedee. Jesus has called James, John and Simon {Peter} who was with them as fishers of men. However, he has a special command for these…