It’s the holiday season and so it begins. Many Christians complaining because people are saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” I hear claims that we cannot now say “Merry Christmas.” But no one is stopping us from saying that. A few employers may ask their people to use the “Happy Holidays” response to customers, […]
Most Americans know all about Benjamin Franklin. His many inventions – the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals as well as organizing the postal system are all well known. Perhaps less well known was his desire to reach moral perfection. At the age of 20 he decided he would strive to become a perfect moral […]
Located in Jamestown, North Dakota is the National Buffalo Museum. They state that their purpose is “to advocate for the restoration of the North American bison through education and outreach.” It was an interesting stop on our road trip out west. The museum’s website states: The National Buffalo Museum opened in June of 1993 and […]
Most of us grew up seeing the Ten Commandments posted on walls of our schools, courthouses and churches. Many have claimed these principles are the basis for our Judeo-Christian society. My husband and I started 2019 by reading through the Bible – starting with Genesis. The story was interesting at first as we read about […]
With recent health issues, I have been spending way too much time at home. Experiencing a lot of severe pain, I am faced with two choices. Take pain medications and then feel too sleepy or zombie-like to do anything. Don’t take pain medications and hurt too bad to do anything. I have missed church, given […]
I love this picture of Jesus laughing! I think too often we vision Him as somber, even stern. But He talked about giving us joy. At His birth, the angels proclaimed “Joy to the world.” Studying the book of James this week I again realized how much we miss when the Bible is translated from […]
My devotion today told the story of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume as he sat at dinner with his disciples. Her action was criticized by those who thought it was money that could have been better spent on the poor. Jesus responded that she had done a beautiful thing and this act […]
Thoughts of a Retired Pastor Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. A […]
As I approach the final chapters of my life and look back at the earlier chapters, I realize the big flaw (do I dare call it sin) in my life has been my tendency to speak before I think. Many times my motives have been good. I’m the kind of person who likes to fix […]
In our worship today we sang about the Lion and the Lamb. Those two terms are often used in Christian circles to describe Jesus. But what a contrast! Think of a lion. The mighty king of the jungle. He is big, he has a tremendous roar. He symbolizes power and strength. Lions have often been […]
October is a month that brings back so many memories to me. It was in this month nineteen years ago that I was diagnosed with a very advanced and aggressive cancer. So it’s natural that I have memories of that time every October – and especially since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Some of […]
I recently wrote on the thought of being blessed. Are You Blessed? Our idea of being blessed of God often only looks at the physical or material aspects. A nice home, a good marriage, a great job. While these ARE blessings of God for which we should be thankful, the Bible is clear these kind […]
It’s Fall! My favorite time of year. This year I am experiencing Fall in a new home in a new town in a new state. Talk about change! And I think I have moved to the perfect location to see all the beauty that God creates for us in the Fall. Let’s hear it for […]
You never know what treasures you will find when you get off the interstate and roam down country roads. When my husband and I first moved to Michigan three years ago we found a beautiful old church in the small town of Muir. Passing through the town on the main road you would never see […]
