There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 On the evening before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect love. Over the past week I have read and reread chapter 17 in the gospel of John. After the last supper…
This morning in church we sang the hymn All Creatures of Our God and King. The words, originally by Francis of Assisi, were paraphrased by Thomas Ken (1637 – 1711) and translated by William H. Draper (1855 -1 933). Here are verses 1 & 3. All creatures of our God and…
Throughout the past year I have thought about our education system. We pay taxes for public schools. What is the return for the money? I am grateful for the education that I received in the public school system in the 1950s and 60s. I had classes in art and music…
Tragic events happen. Yesterday I went to the funeral for a young man, just 31 years old. There were unanswered questions about his death, but the service provided a message of hope. Thirty-four years ago, my son passed away after a two year battle with leukemia. The pain of his…
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a Jesus healed many people during his ministry on earth. In the eighth chapter of Matthew the healing of a leper, the Centurion’s son, Peter’s mother-in-law and two demon possessed men are recorded.…
Thanksgiving is coming. As I shop and make plans for preparing special dishes (the cornbread dressing everyone loves), I’m giving thanks for . . . Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community .
It is good to pause and give thanks for God’s gifts. I am very blessed to have ten grandchildren. It is a joy to spend time with them, to attend games and concerts. I am also called to help them on a life of faith. Only take care, and keep your…
This past week my Bible study group discussed chapter 3 of the book of James. Verse 8 states, but no human being can tame the tongue. We see that in our world today. Much is being spoken on social media, news media and among friends and relatives. We are divided over…
The disciples were fishermen and skillful at managing a boat on the Sea of Galilee, but when a sudden storm came up, they were frightened. They didn’t know what to do. When they woke Jesus, who was asleep in the boat, they had no idea how he was going to…
Have you heard the phrase, “the greater good”? It refers to choices for the good of society, the good of a nation, outweighing individual rights. A high priest once spoke about the greater good for Israel. Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up.…