Whether it’s a pipe organ or praise band, chanting liturgies or repeated choruses . . . everyone has an opinion of the “right” way to do “church.” And we don’t just bark at and bite each other over service styles, we get hot with our different understanding of points of theology and condemn those who…
On July 4th, 199? A news reporter stuck a microphone in my face and asked, “Why do we celebrate the 4th of July?” As only a well-educated teacher could answer, I replied, “It is the Day the Constitution was signed.” One more on my list of life’s embarrassing moments . . . especially when friends at…
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. ~ Martin Luther “I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?” ~ C.S.Lewis…
Personal nosey questions… They can make you break out in a cold sweat, avoid new situations, and look for the closest exits. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying…
Do you know a dad who feels overworked and under-appreciated? Take a moment to tell your favorite dad that he’s doing a great job! “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, singers of songs.” ~ Pam Brown “Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.” – Ruth E….
Wagon in the Woods I wish we knew the whole story. We know where it started and where it stands now, but so much of the middle is unknown. We were told a farmer in East Germany made it in the late 1800’s. After WWII, when the Russians took over East Germany farmers received tractors, but…
Do you know the difference between flattery and encouragement? Flattery is nice, but what we need is real encouragement because . . . “We are what we believe we are.” ~ C.S. Lewis Who do you believe you are today? If you are discouraged and hurting, or if you simply need a the seed of…
Do you enjoy a creative outlet? If you had more time would you: – draw – paint – sing – sew – knit – decorate – design – compose – write – scrapbook – bake – play an instrument – take more photos Do you have someday dreams? It’s time to drop the “someday,” and turn…
Do you have a favorite corner in your home? This is mine. A little corner in my kitchen that holds my favorite 30-year-old Habersham Plantation bench, an artificial antique feather tree complete with collection of ornaments, a window to let in lots of sunlight, and now a new painting.
Rev and I enjoyed a late lunch at our favorite restaurant yesterday afternoon. We were the last table at the end of the lunch rush which gave us a little time to visit with our server, Nikki. We’ve enjoyed her kindness before . . . she had a beautiful smile and infectious laugh, both of…
“What day is it?” asked Pooh. It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. My favorite day,” said Pooh.” ~ A.A.Milne Today is your day . . . This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today! Psalm 118:24 Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future…
Have you turned multitasking into an art form? Is your middle name – Worry? Regret? Fear? Anxiety? Albert Einstein defined insanity as: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Are you ready for a change? One that will stop the insanity? Here are some things that I have found…
Did you know hope is a synonym for encouragement? When encouragement is shared; hope is given. Before we get to today’s activity, be encouraged by the following words. Encouragement Quotes and Verses Commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land…
How do you handle mistakes? I’m talking about errors in judgment. Unintentional blunders caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, or insufficient knowledge. Michael Hyatt wrote a great post titled The Difference Between a Sin and a Mistake, where he talks about his belief that our society has the tendency to make the words sin and mistake…
We just enjoyed a once in a lifetime kind of weekend. The kind where you not only take lots of photos, but you also take mental snapshots to keep each joy-filled moment with you always. This weekend we welcomed Sadie Belle to the family. A three and a half pound ball of sable-colored Cavapoo (Cavalier…
We live in a world where we can find out almost anything in under sixty seconds. Quiet is a thing of the past, and multi-tasking is no longer considered optional. Psychologically – information overload relates to an overabundance of incoming information into the senses. (Dictionary.com) The human mind is organized like a filing cabinet ….
We’re used to thinking of firefighters running into burning buildings when others are running out. We’re familiar with stories of their bravery and daring rescues. It is less common for us to hear about their everyday humble acts of service. The other night Rev and I came downstairs to start making dinner and noticed a…
I love to laugh! An added bonus is . . . it’s good for you! Just look at all the health benefits of laughter: Relaxes Your Whole Body Relieves Stress Works your diaphragm, abs, facial, leg and back muscles Adds Joy and Enthusiasm to Your Life Increases disease fighting cells Strengthens Relationships Lowers blood pressure…
I’ve always loved words, talking or writing it didn’t matter. My high school English teachers encouraged my gift for gab every time I gave a speech, but not so much when it came to my writing. So, I never listed creatively putting words together as one of my strengths. Have you ever given up something…
It’s not what she owns that gives Arminda her beautiful smile. It’s the love of God and her family. Find our more about her story here and here. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have…
My fortieth birthday was the worst. I was certain my family would go out of their way to make me forget about the number I was reaching by celebrating . . . me. Big mistake. My teen, tween, and pre-school age children felt no need to smother me with adoration and affection as I crossed…
