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…
Confessions 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…
Hall 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…
We 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…
Behind 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…
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…
Preparing 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…
Hall 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…
Grieving 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…
Behind 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…
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.…
Living with Humility
Recently, I was speaking with my boss. She said, “you came with little experience and I did not know what to expect, but you’ve blown me away with the way you have built the program…
Hall of Faith: John, the Faithful
In looking at those in the New Testament who belong in the Hall of Faith, one would think of the Apostle John. In the Gospel of John, he is referred to as the “Beloved disciple”…
Healing can’t be done alone
When we’ve been hurt, the one thing we long for is to move past the pain to a better place in our hearts and lives. Healing is a very personal experience and the process is…
Behind the Hymn: And Can It Be, That I Should Gain
And Can It Be is one of the better-known hymns written by Charles Wesley. According to The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, the song was written immediately after the conversion of…
Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
I have an acquaintance who always has a smile on her face, no matter what she is going through. I must admit that this joy is very attractive and I wish I could exude this…