What would the world be like without fire? With it we cook our food, heat our houses, fly in airplanes, and drive our cars. Just imagine trying to bake bread without heat or only eating raw meat—or there being no heat or light. Without the creation of fire, we would live in a vastly different... Continue Reading →
Real Ingredients
The other day I went to the store for American cheese for hamburgers. My wife wanted to be sure that I got the stuff with “Real” ingredients, real cheese, not a substitute. After staring at labels that said, “Made with Real Milk products.” I selected the one which was not made with canola oil and... Continue Reading →
It Won’t Matter
When I stand at the gate of heaven, it won't matter anymore what people thought of me. It won't matter, all the petty things that caused me to struggle, they will all seem so small and earthly. It won't matter if I was misunderstood. It won't matter if I was not the most popular person... Continue Reading →
Hopeless Hopeful
There are times when it seems like the boat of life is so full you are bailing water, then another wave comes; other times the plate does not have room for one more cookie, yet we get one anyway. This is what life felt like as I sat alone at the kitchen table, gazing through... Continue Reading →
The Inner Critic
Tramp, tramp, tramp, bang! The door practically flies off its hinges. Short and fat, tall and thin; red, yellow, black, white, and blue. March, march, march, like an army of ants, they pour through the door as if someone pulled the plug on the dam. They climb onto the table and under the chairs, they... Continue Reading →
Alone, Yet Not Alone
Alone he wrestled with an angel, and alone he almost prevailed, yet not quite. He halted upon his thigh, which bore testimony for the rest of his life of the struggle he had there; alone. - Jacob, later known as Israel. Alone he took the journey into the wilderness. Angels came to strengthen him along... Continue Reading →
The Positivity of Negativity
Empty, hungry, void, longing, lonely, sad, broken, hopeless, are all words that describe a need—the need to be filled, full, happy, joyful, hopeful, whole, and satisfied. God created us for a level of comfort—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When these levels are not met, the result is a need. God intends these feelings to let us... Continue Reading →
The Gift of Peace
It was not with pretty ribbons or covered in beautiful wrapping. No wreaths or garlands or beams with holly entwined, no drummer boys, and likely no angry innkeeper. No reindeer and sleighs, or cedar boughs, and no bells to herald his arrival. But there was Joseph and Mary, and a baby in a manger. There... Continue Reading →
Beautifully You
Your are beautifully who God created you to be. He makes no mistakes in His creation and purpose. If He had wanted to make you a butterfly, He'd have given you wings. If He'd wanted you to be an elephant He'd of given you a trunk. Had He wanted you with blond or black hair,... Continue Reading →
Clay and the Potter
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. (4) And the vessel that he made of... Continue Reading →
My Cabin of Peace
"I awoke, and behold it was a dream." John Bunyan Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalms 51:6 Truth in the deepest part of my heart; peace, security, hope, comfort, and stillness. Outside the storm rages, the wind blows, the freezing... Continue Reading →
Calling Home
A quick internet search says that currently twenty-seven percent of the homes in the United States of America have a landline. Twenty years ago, that number was ninety percent. If you are under the age of twenty, you may not be familiar with collect calling. When calling collect, you dial the operator, they make the... Continue Reading →
Adversity
Adversity Adversity is the schoolmaster of life. What we do with it will determine the final outcome. It can make us or break us, or it can mold and strengthen us; it all depends on our reaction to it. If we turn inside and begin to feel sorry for ourselves and helpless, the outcome will... Continue Reading →
God
God This morning as I began my prayer, I thought about what I should pray for and how little time I actually spend talking with my heavenly Father. I know that there are those out there who rise early and spend much time, perhaps even hours in prayer. Comparing myself to them, it feels like... Continue Reading →
The Window of Receiving
I had a small impression this morning. The sun provides both light and warmth for the earth. Without sunshine, it would not be possible to live on the earth. Even when clouds cover the sun, it is still up there providing the necessary heat to keep the earth and its inhabitance alive. Without the sun,... Continue Reading →
The Flight
The little plane bucked and bounced as it scrambled its way upward to a place above the clouds. After being on a large plane across the ocean, this one felt like a little boat on a big sea. The way the pilot handled the plane, it reminded me of a kid doing stunts, or riding... Continue Reading →
Letting Go
Why is letting go, and letting God have control, so difficult a thing to do? Letting go of personal rights, attitudes, and surrendering of the will, are the greatest struggles the Christian will face. At times surrendering can seem impossible, but we will find the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. Does letting go mean I... Continue Reading →
Fragrance of God
Have you ever wondered how God can be everywhere all the time? Sometimes I think about how God reaches out to men and women, boys, and girls, all over the world at the same time, calling, comforting, and saving them, and my mind almost stops; I cannot comprehend it. He is one being, yet his... Continue Reading →
Calling on God
I paused this morning on my knees and began to think about talking to God. Here I am on this cold morning in my warm comfortable living room, while outside I see the white frost laying like a blanket across the field. And I thought about addressing God. Then I began to think that I... Continue Reading →
Personal Identity, Observations, Healing, and Me
Part – 1 Introduction Today there is much effort put in to preventing identity theft. Cyber security is of high priority, to keep us, our assets, and countries safe from those who want to steal information. To do so, they may masquerade as someone or something benign to gain access; masters of disguise, trying to... Continue Reading →
God’s Working
I suppose many of us have tried to understand the plan God has for us. Perhaps it is a relocation, or whether we should embark on a financial adventure, go to the mission, or a host of other things. Maybe it is the smaller everyday things that we face: like strength to train our children,... Continue Reading →
Fear
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18 KJV The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 KJV The cold talons of fear silently... Continue Reading →
Riches of Christ
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)… Revelation 2:9 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: Ephesians 3:8 Rich, rich in the kingdom of God... * The richest people may... Continue Reading →
The Descent and Answered Prayer
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24) Perhaps if we prayed with simple faith more like children, we would experience more answered prayer. I have told this story many times since it happened, because of its uniqueness and... Continue Reading →
Heart Condition
A Sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and some fell upon the rocks; and some fell among thorns; and others fell on good ground. Luke 8:5-15. It does not take a lot of wisdom to know that there was only one condition in the above... Continue Reading →
Spiritual Anchor Points
The soft rise and fall of the swells cause the ropes which hold the ship to protest and groan. Time and again it rises, the rope stretches almost to the breaking point it seems, as the anchor firmly pulls the ship back against the pier. As the swell subsides, the rope becomes relaxed waiting for... Continue Reading →
Morning Meditation & Prayer
Good morning, Lord. I wonder how you are this morning. I know you never sleep; your eyes continually watch the world to observe your creation. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be you, watching the people you have created. So much fighting, wars, and unrest; surely your heart must almost be torn... Continue Reading →
Cry
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! Job 23:3 KJV To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?... Continue Reading →
What is Man?
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalms 8:3-4 What a mighty God we serve. My heart is overwhelmed when I consider the greatness of... Continue Reading →
You
Your are beautifully who God created you to be. He makes no mistakes in His creation and purpose. If He had wanted to make you a butterfly, He'd have given you wings. If He'd wanted you to be an elephant He'd of given you a trunk. Had He wanted you with blond or black hair,... Continue Reading →
Not Everyone is a Hero
Not every warrior becomes a decorated hero. Not every heroic act in a battle receives recognition. It may be that the most unselfish, daring acts of courage are unknown to anyone other than the one who did it and the recipient. For him or her, it may not have been considered an act of courage,... Continue Reading →
Lessons From a Country Farm Girl – Tractor Driving
This little country girl loves to drive the tractor, any chance she gets. She’s big enough to work the clutch and brake pedals of the old tractor, while I am nearby if she needs help. This tractor is not a modern one with the latest bells and whistles. No, it's a gear-grinding model that was... Continue Reading →
Kingdom of Peace
It was not God’s original plan for people to fight one another and have war. In the beginning He placed them in the beautiful garden where all was peaceful, and they lived in sweet communion with God. However it was not long until the tempter slipped in and presented the choice which caused man to... Continue Reading →
The Cellar
"Nothing has changed," I tell myself. “Things are the same as they were before.” This is the line I preach over and over to myself, hoping to convince my mind to believe it. The inner conflict feels like a summer thunderstorm overhead; rolling and sweeping across the sky while the wind of the gathering storm... Continue Reading →
Where Will I Dock My Boat Tonight?
Where will I dock my boat tonight, trouble all around; been tossed about with many thoughts, and almost going down. The tossing waves upon my soul, threaten my weary mind; I wonder where I'll find relief before I’m out of time. While the billows round me roll, my vessel tossed about; I need to find... Continue Reading →
Corridors
Today we stand in a long corridor, with lots of doors. Some are closed, some swing idly on their hinges while others stand slightly ajar. Most doors are nondescript with little marking. Some of the doorknobs show evidence of daily use, while others appear tarnished and old; not having been used for a long time.... Continue Reading →
Kits, Cats, Little Girls, and Angels
I am not particularly an animal lover. Sure, I like having dogs and cats around, but I appreciate them from a distance; generally, that is the distance from my hands to the ground. The same cannot be said for our 9-year-old girl. Perhaps when God created kittens, He thought of the need that little girls... Continue Reading →
Chaos – Security
Today the world is in a fit of chaos. Political struggles for power, threats of war and violence, threats of nuclear warfare, and nations and people within nations fighting for what they feel is rightfully theirs. Through social media and news channels these fears and unrests are brought to our doorsteps, homes, and pockets. Information... Continue Reading →
The Evolution of Thought
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7 KJV Who knows where the intersection of the power of our own thoughts, and where the influence and power of Satan converge? All of us have many thoughts which... Continue Reading →
I Created You
I created you the way you are for my purpose; you are my creation. Please do not be frustrated my child. I did not intend for life to be easy. Rewarding? Yes, it can be, but not easy. I uniquely create all my children just the way I want them, which shows you how much... Continue Reading →
Brokenness
This article came up which I wrote a year ago on my journal app. With a little editing I decided to share it. I have written a couple other pieces using the same theme, so hope the readers can bear with it. The Lord impressed this inspiration on me during a trip to the Smokey... Continue Reading →
Things I Have Learned in Dark and Hard Times.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.Isaiah 45:3 KJV None of us enjoy suffering and adversity. We would take a bypass around that part of life if we... Continue Reading →
Healing Without Stigma
Here is an article my wife wrote. She said I could share with you all. Is your heart crying today? There is a remedy. There is a healing in your journey toward absolute joy despite your circumstances. No matter the grief, the turmoil, the anxiety, the abuse, the emotional and mental stress you are under,... Continue Reading →
Why Suffering
"Why suffering? If God is indeed good, why does he allow innocent people and children to suffer? " I have asked this question, and I am sure that you have as well. Loved ones suffer from debilitating disease and sickness; innocent children are born with deformities, while hunger, poverty, disease, and abuse make our hearts... Continue Reading →
