What does Happy New Year mean? How does one actually accomplish happiness in the coming year? Does it come from without or within? Are others responsible to help me find happiness? Can I change what happens in the coming year? Most times, no. Is it possible to change how I respond to what happens in the future (or what has happened in the past?) Certainly. hap·py /ˈhapē/ adjective 1. feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. … Read more
Compassion is a noun. Compassion. What is it? Who has it, and who doesn’t? Compassion is a noun. That means it’s not action – but the result of this noun will develop into a verb of action. It is “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.” Another definition is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” There’s a way, I’ve discovered, that helps me develop compassion. … Read more
Christmas is not about things. It is about Who He Is. A Child Born Holy, He is our Redeemer; –[God with us]— Immanuel Before time, the Son of God He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life No Christmas magic- a Miracle! He is from the Beginning, All Powerful Glorious, conquering King, our Savior! To hear the song I Know that My Redeemer Lives, click on one of these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Hy0zqnqbU — classic … Read more
Pre-silence: fig leaf promise. Before the fig leaves were dry on Adam and Eve’s new garden clothing, God promised a way out for their sin. He signified it by providing garments of skin (animal clothing) – no doubt from the sacrifice of an animal. He promised a Savior. God led His people through the Red Sea and across desserts. He provided manna and quail for nutrition, water from a rock, and protected them as they … Read more
52 Wednesdays for the Deacon’s wife You know what amazes me most about this story? The fact that someone committed herself for a year. A gesture done once is great. But a weekly gesture – fifty-two of them? Now that’s commitment and caring. I have never forgotten the story, even though I heard it a quarter of a century ago. It was the daughter of the deacon’s wife who shared it with me. I think … Read more