When We Are Grateful
There are days when I struggle with depression and finding the gratitude in a situation. The other week, I heard a speaker say “When we are grateful our entire life changes”. I began to think…
Heroes of the Faith: Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was a Puritan preacher and philosopher. He is considered by many to be America’s greatest theologian. He was born on October 5, 1703 in the Connecticut Colony. He was the fifth of eleven…
Hymn Story: The Wonder of it All
George Beverly Shea’s deep baritone voice, set the mood during the Billy Graham crusades. George Beverly Shea was born on February 1, 1909 in Winchester, Ontario, Canada. He later said he gave his life to…
Names of God: Faithful and True
The Lord or Yahweh is referred to as “faithful and true” on four occasions in the Bible. “They said to Jeremiah, “May Yahweh be a true and faithful witness against us if we don’t do…
John, the Fisherman
We are continuing our Eyewitness to Easter series with the apostle John. Like Peter, John was a fisherman. When we meet John, he is going about his trade. “Jesus went on a little farther. He…
God Often Changes Us Little By Little
As I continue on my wellness journey to a healthier life, I easily become frustrated at times by how little progress I seem to make. Only when I look back over the last few years…
Heroes of the Faith: John Calvin
John Calvin was a pastor, French theologian and Geneva reformer in the Protestants Reformation. The theology of Calvinism is named for him, and he strongly developed the system of predestination, eternal damnation, absolute sovereignty of…
Song Story: Church in the Wildwood
This is one instance in which the cart came before the horse. The area of Bradford, Iowa was first settled as the California Gold Rush was getting underway in the late 1840s. William Pitts, was…
Names of God: Esh Oklah
Esh Oklah is a name of God we may not recognize as easily as some other names. The Names of God Bible says “Yahweh your Elohim is Esh Oklah, El Kanna….If you do this thing…
Discovering the Hidden Blessing
I often have people ask ‘how many children do you have’? For years, my heart broke as I told them none. With two abusive relationships behind me, I’m thankful I did not have children with…
Faithful Heroes: Frederick Douglas
Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey is estimated to be born around 1818, although his exact birth date is unknown. He chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14. He believed the master was his father and…
Hymn Story: What Wondrous Love is This
What Wondrous Love Is This began as an American folk hymn, which was passed down from one generation to another through the course of time. The origins and text of the song are not known…
Names of God: Elyon
El means god or deity and can refer to any god. The word Elyon is an epithet of the God of the Israelites, which is found in the Hebrew Bible. The word is translated to…
Guest Post: How God Helped My Struggles With Makeup
I abruptly opened my eyes to the blaring sound of my alarm. As the blurriness began to subside, I slowly sat up and peered toward the window directly in front of me, it was a…
Praying for the Prodigal
Recently, I heard some disturbing news about an extended family member. My heart broke at the news and the long-term effects this may have on not only this person’s life, but also other lives. Immediately…
Faithful Heroes: Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth went where she felt God was calling her. She was one of a dozen children born to James and Elizabeth Bomefree and given the birth name of Isabella Baumfree. She was born around…
Hymn Story: More Love to Thee
Elizabeth Prentiss, wife of a Presbyterian minister, spent much of her life as an invalid, “scarcely knowing a moment free of pain”. She was described as friend as “a very bright-eyed little woman with a…
Names of God: Deliverer
The term deliverer means to take and hand over or leave for another and to set free. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray saying “and lead us into temptation, but deliver us…
Letting Others Know They Are a Blessing
I was bragging to Mama about my staff and what a blessing each and everyone of them were to me and our residents. “Be sure you tell them.” Mama reminded me. I make it a…
Faithful Heroes: George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a renowned agriculturalist scientist and inventor. However, he felt as if his research was doing the Lord’s work. He stated: “I am simply trying as best I can and as fast…