“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another...” (1 Peter 3:8a) Do you consider yourself to be compassionate? When I want to describe truly compassionate people, I think of pastors, nurses, missionaries, counselors, food pantry volunteers, and others who are “in the trenches” with people who are suffering and need help. I think of... Continue Reading →
“The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings’ palaces.” Proverbs 30:28 I came very close to swallowing a live black widow spider. Several years ago, I bought a large container of fabulous red grapes and was joyfully munching on them when I noticed skinny black legs on a stem. Using a fork,... Continue Reading →
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 Who doesn’t love stained glass windows? They captivate us, tell us ancient stories, and lift our eyes to worship the God of Light. From lofty, ancient cathedrals to tiny jewel-like chapels around the world, these frozen kaleidoscopes of stained... Continue Reading →
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) Are you having one of those days when everyone tells you “no”? No, you didn’t get the raise. No, you can’t afford that new car. No, you can’t have that piece of cake.... Continue Reading →
“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Mark 9:41 (NKJV) As world events unfold in the news, it’s easy to recoil in dismay...to be fearful and depressed...to wring our hands when there is... Continue Reading →
“The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.” Psalm 77:18 I love thunderstorms...especially after dark, when lightning illuminates our mountains and thunder echoes hollowly in the treetops. Just beautiful. Of course, I prefer to be indoors while enjoying them. But I’ve been outside before and very... Continue Reading →
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel....’” (Numbers 13:1-2a) James Bond. Mission: Impossible. Charlie’s Angels. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Jack Ryan. Harriet. Those names should invoke images of spies, secret agents, and all kinds of clandestine activities. Well, fictional ones... Continue Reading →
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Olympics are in full swing in Tokyo...and once again, they are simply mesmerizing. As millions of viewers around the world hold their collective breaths, members of the human race put aside their... Continue Reading →
“Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls....” Jeremiah 6:16a Ancient trails are all around me in Appalachia. Just a hop, skip, and jump from where I live is Boone’s Creek, named for Mr. Daniel himself who hiked around it.... Continue Reading →
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b There’s a “clue in the old books.” And it’s a mysterious syndrome.... I’m talking about Nancy Drew, sleuth extraordinaire and paragon of all teenage fictional heroines. Nancy’s stories arrived on the scene in 1930, authored... Continue Reading →
