God gives us time to reminisce and enjoy the simple things in life. He wants us to share our joy and love with others in happy pleasures. Blowing bubbles is fun at any age. As my grandchildren have grown, I fondly remember teaching them to blow bubbles. There were...
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Summertime, and the living is easy. Our cultural memories are rich with summertime: the slap of a screen door to the excited calls of children; of dozing in a hammock over a good book or casting a fishing line onto the black river; of days on the beach, ice...
There is a saying in the 12-step Alcoholic Anonymous program that “You will not regret the past, nor wish to close the door on it.” And mostly this is true, except when I find myself awake in the darkest hours of a morning night defenseless against the Inner Judge...
Psalm 100: 1-2 (King James) Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. When I retired from teaching general music at elementary schools, I still had the desire to create music. There had been a...
Mark 14: 32 (NIV) They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,”...
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of Irish glee! Parades, everything green is worn, time for drinking green beer, turning the Chicago River green, and even eating green Kristy Kreme Donuts. Music of Ireland is exciting, fun, happy, and beautiful. Traditional Irish instruments include the fiddle, tin whistle, bodhran...
Psalm 150: 3-6 (NIV) Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath...
Not long ago a Canadian wrote me about a mysterious encounter he’d had with a homeless man, Helmut, who always carried in his shopping bags spiritual books, herbs, treats and notebooks, and you could imagine that many people thought this ragged man was probably a little crazy. But Helmut...
Winter comes with gloomy, cold, rainy, snowy days. A fireplace for centuries was used to provide heat and cook food to castles, cabins, and homes. A place to gather for warmth, family time, peace, and security. In the 21st century a fireplace seems to be more for visual enjoyment....
Music is a beloved part of the Christmas season. From the Messiah’s Hallelujah” chorus to Burl Ives singing “A Holly Jolly Christmas” music brings precious memories. As I was shopping at the mall, I heard people humming along to the Christmas music. with smiles on their faces. Christmas parties...
This is the season for harkening to angel songs, believing—even joyfully—the warmth, comfort, healing and optimism offered by the angels, the sense that everything is goingto be all right, and that with all our doubts, inadequacies and fears we, too, are all right. We are perfect just the way...
It is Thanksgiving week, and I am late with offering my few words before the T-Day feast of gladness that we are called to, because in the last weeks it feels as if all I’ve done is attend memorial services (three in three days; others earlier). Each service took...
2 pkg. Frozen chopped spinach 1 large pkg. Cream cheese (8 oz.) 1 stick of margarine, divided in half grated rind of one lemon Pepperidge Farm dressing crumbs (herb seasoned) Blend cream cheese, ¼ stick of margarine and lemon rind. Cook spinach according to directions. Drain well. Squeeze out...
Every October, with its falling leaves and brilliant colors, I’m reminded of my father’s death: October 30 the night before Halloween. My mother had died three years earlier, leaving our father, stroke-ridden, in our house. What was curious, whenever I visited Daddy, I could feel my mother in...
The gemstone for September is sapphire, who knows why? (For that matter who made up the order of any of the 12 monthly gemstones, or put another way—to whose financial benefit? ) Well, I’m not even going to go there. I want to talk about the color blue and...
What does it mean to be a person of faith? Martin Luther, one of the movers and shakers in the Protestant Reformation, thought that it meant to be a theodidacta, a “person taught by God.” I like this definition. It suggests that faith is a gift from God that...
The last couple of weeks I have been struggling with remembering the Sovereignty of God. Thus speaks the ego of one who loves to be “in control.” One Sunday I came across much comfort in the book of Colossians. I began to realize that life is truly all...
As I reflect upon the earth, I think of all the amazing photographs from space. What spectacular sights the astronauts have seen. From John Glenn first orbiting the earth; Neil Armstrong, landing on the moon with the famous quote, “One small step for man, One giant leap for mankind.” and Scott...
“O Supreme Spirit of Creation, from Your sacred breath came forth birds and beasts, fish and fowl, creatures of such variety and beauty that we are continuously amazed at Your divine imagination. These children of Yours have been blessed by You, their Creator, with simplicity, beauty and a cosmic...
A More Personal Side to Estate Planning Estate planning is a topic that conjures thoughts of spacious estates, jewelry, taxes and other financial matters. Yet, estate planning is really about our loved ones and providing for them in the event of our death or disability. When viewed in that...
“Celebrate God all day, every day.” Philippians 4:4 (The Message) July 4th is one of my very favorite holidays. I like everything about the day…decorating with red/white/blue, having a picnic with family and friends, fireworks, flags fluttering in the summer breeze, parades, and celebrating the birthday of this wonderful...
Veterans Leadership Ministry: Helping Veterans Re-establish Social Connections to Loved Ones Like many others I had a scar or two from Vietnam and the 4th ID. I did not know what some of that baggage was called until November 2014 in Sarasota, FL when I attended a Moral Injury...
A few months ago, high school senior Samantha made a huge, selfless decision: she decided to join the US Navy as soon as she graduated high school. Before she left for her first of many months of training and service at the beginning of this summer, I sat down...
In December, 2007, I traveled with the Knoxville Choral Society to Israel on a “Prepare the Way” concert tour. We were able to see so many Biblical sites related to Jesus’ life. When you visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, you enter through a small door into the church. Then...
There are several verses in the Bible that express peace for our daily lives. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give onto you, not as the world giveth,...
I can think of no greater example in the Old Testament of gentleness and strength required by a mother than Moses’ birth mother, Jachobed. She gave birth to a son during such a cruel time in the history of the Israelites knowing immediately what that birth would mean. Like...
Magdalen Walks By: Oscar Wilde The little white clouds are racing over the sky, And the fields are strewn with the gold of the flower of March, The daffodil breaks under foot, and the tasselled larch sways and swings as the thrush goes hurrying by. A delicate odour is...
These are super easy to make and the frosting is optional. Brownies: 1 (19.5-19.8 oz) brownie mix 1/2 cup veg oil 1/4 cup water 4 eggs 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup brown sugar Frosting: 6 Tbl creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened 2...
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (King James) An Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you, May...
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples. He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him. Matthew 28: 6-7 O Sons and...
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none...
February is a month known for several things. It is Black History Month and a time to celebrate the heroes of the past as we look to the future. It is also National Bird-Feeding Month for those who have a love of small winged creatures. Perhaps it is best...
Heaven's Valentine On this special day that's known for love, the greatest Valentine was sent from above. God sent His only Son to save us from sin, that was before holidays did begin. The colors of this time are red and white, both are hues that are really bright....
This is a great recipe, the apples are good by themselves but work with pound cake, shortcake, over ice cream or even as a side dish to pork. Ingredients: 4 McIntosh apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 lbs) ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon...
Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here, To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer, To stop without a farmhouse near, Between the woods and frozen lake,...
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. II Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) Dear God, at the start of a new year, may you bless new beginnings for our...
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not; for, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 (King James) Hark, the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful...
Christmas Love Whenever we think of Christmas, thoughts turn to long ago. To a stable in Bethelem, and a story that we all know. The young maiden had been told by an angel that she would bear a holy child, not knowing what this would mean. She traveled for many miles...
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. I Chronicles 16:34 (King James) November is a month to give thanks for many reasons. This is a country that can freely elect a president, a country that shows respect, pride and love for Veterans, and...
November is a month best known for sharing thanks. It has always been a treasured practice of mine to spend each day recognizing something or someone I am thankful for. There are the obvious things I am thankful for like cherished friends and a family that has always loved...
We made this for our class buffett and all 200 cookies were gone before the event was over, they are a little slice of thanksgiving without all the work! Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground...
My favorite time of year – Fall! It always seems there is so much to do and not enough hours in the day to get everything done. The beautiful clear, crisp days and cool evenings are a welcome respite from the hot, humid and hazydays of summer. I love...
Fall is alive on the campus of the University of Alabama. The trees are flushed with vivid colors of red, orange, and yellow. They burn at the edes and fall gently to the sidewalk. The cool air is crisp to the touch and everywhere you turn, students wear bright...
Nothing reminds me of fall more than pecans and walnuts! Not only is my front yard covered in nuts but everytime I watch a college football game or the baseball postseason I always crave nuts to munch on. Ingredients 6 cups sugar 3 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon 2 teaspoonsground ginger...
My mother would always say, "Be ye kind." Wise words to live by. Psalms 117: O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great towards us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord. (King James)...
Did you know that comfort and encouragement are often used interchangeably in the Bible? Our homes are a source of comfort and what can help make our homes more comfortable than pillows? I had been in search of new décor pillows for more than two years. My cousin...
I discovered years ago that when I paid attention to my dreams (both nighttime variety as well as goals), that I began to look at life differently. It is a real challenge to listen to our inner self and for "God's Voice in the Dream" and align that with...