Encouraging Word

Tourists

A few years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Italy. The land was beautiful and rich in history and the residents were kind and helpful. However, it was obvious to everyone, including ourselves, that we didn't belong there.

Making it Clear

The local pizza parlor sports a room full of game machines and prizes. Our youngest thinks it's the closest place to Heaven on Earth. As several of the teens from our group made their way to the fun, she quickly followed but first had to secure money from dear old mom and dad.

Sidetracked

I have a problem. It seems that I can't accomplish one task without getting sidetracked by another. Last night I realized that a load of towels needed to be washed so I went to the kitchen to gather towels. That's when I saw that the dishwasher needed to be unloaded.

Scars

Thomas always gets a bad rap. His friend had just been murdered, his world turned upside down, and his expectations for his future in shambles. Was it too much to ask for proof that what he had been through was real (John 20:25)?

It Could Be You

Beside a quiet stretch of interstate in southern Kentucky stands a small wooden cross with the words, "It Could Be You" in the center. Sadly, it isn't the only cross that borders I-24. However, it is the only one that proclaims this written message.

Giving Up

Many speeches, books, and sermons are written on the importance of perseverance. Keep on, keepin' on is a familiar adage for many of us and rightfully so. However, there are times when the most valuable move a Christian can make, is to give up.

Got Peace?

In the very near future, peace is going to become a very popular topic. Signs, songs, and attitudes will declare peace on earth and goodwill toward men then the New Year will arrive, and for a few, life will, sadly, return to normal.

Letting Go and Letting God

By the time you read this, my oldest child will have been at boot camp for three days. He has mentioned joining the military since he was a boy and I will admit to you that, as a mother, I secretly hoped he would pick another career path.

Blind-Sided

Peter had been blind-sided. One moment he was in the calm and quiet garden with Jesus. The next he stood in a chaotic courtyard at the door of the high priest (John 18:16).

Mowing the Flowers

I am convinced that somewhere in the world there is a young person whose sole joy in life rest in tending to his parent's lawn.

Building Your Ark

It seems like every now and then certain issues in the news create a panic. Even Christians are guilty of worrying as we contemplate the changes that could occur to our way of life.

Optimism

I recently asked some friends who they thought was the most optimistic person in the Bible. They replied with some of the standouts. Folks like Caleb, Steven, Barnabas, Abraham, Mary the mother of Jesus, Paul and Job were mentioned. What wonderful examples of faith and positive attitudes in times of troubles.

When Reputation Met Character

It was a cool morning in Jerusalem when they came face to face. One, a ruler, had come to town due to politics; the other, a King, had come out of love.

Gratitude

A few months before our oldest graduated from high school, we went through our address book, and as tradition, sent announcements to friends and family, near and far. After the cards filled with gifts and well wishes started to arrive, we bought thank you notes and encouraged him to promptly mail them.

Decisions

Each summer our family is blessed to be part of the local Bible camp. It was there 30 years ago when I attended for the first time. My father was director that week and my mother a counselor. I went nearly every year until my late teens then as our children reached the appropriate age they too became campers.

Influence

Two months ago our oldest child enlisted in the Marines. As parents we are a bit apprehensive. He shouldn't be old enough to make such big decisions, yet we are extremely proud and fully support him as he begins this next chapter of his life.

Even If

As Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah faced their imminent death by the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar and his fiery furnace, they made a very bold proclamation. In one of my favorite stories in the Bible these three young men from Judah, brought to Babylon as slaves, faced a great ruler and because of their faith, introduced a pagan empire to the God of the Israel.

Why Me?

Many 'why me' questions don't have an obvious answer but there are some that do and only when we accept these answers, will we have what we need to get through the times of tragedy and despair.

Kids These Days

At a recent Wednesday night Bible study, a precious young soul gave his life to Christ. After the service, his seventeen year-old big sister ran down the aisle to embrace him, weeping tears of joy as he was quickly surrounded by the rest of the youth group.

And Now You Know

Paul Harvey's popular radio show, The Rest of the Story, began in the early 1940s and was always a fan favorite. At the conclusion of each broadcast Harvey would end a fascinating story by supplying a surprise twist and uttering the famous words, "And now you know...the rest of the story."

What's Your Plan?

I have the privilege of coaching a local elementary school chess team and love watching the students come to realize that playing chess can, at times, mirror life. Victory results from good decisions involving careful forethought and concentration, whereas failure derives from poor choices and impulsive moves.

The View

Joseph had a lot of problems. It started with family turmoil, and then problems at work which led to him having to serve prison time unjustly. However, throughout all his bad times he never lost sight of God. When Potiphar's wife had eyes for Joseph, his eyes were on the Lord (Genesis 39:9).

Our Dear Graduate

Spring begets a bittersweet time in many of our congregations as some of young people will be graduating from school and starting a new chapter in their lives. Let us take a moment and focus on those who at a tender ago are determined to live godly lives in ungodly times.

No Excuses

As I read her story I was brought to tears. Due to the law in her country, neither she nor her husband, a Gospel preacher, can talk openly to friends about Jesus or even invite others to worship without the possibility of being arrested and serving jail time.

Disaster

For the past few weeks, my family has been dealing with the worst ice storm to ever hit Kentucky. On January 26th through January 27th, nearly two inches of ice coated roads, power lines, and trees. The storm left half a million people in Kentucky without electricity, phone service (including cell phones), and water for days.

Mission Possible

Recently, my family visited the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The sites and exhibits were breathtaking and provided a good time for the entire family. One of the features that the center offers is a 3-D IMAX movie detailing the mission of the twelve men who have walked on the moon. I was amazed at how these men achieved a feat that many throughout the centuries have failed to do and some had deemed impossible.

Where Is Your Light Shining?

With Jesus lighting our path, it should be simple to walk in his light, however, have you ever stopped to consider just where your light might be shining?

The Trail

Every October, for the past few years, my family and I have participated in a church retreat at Fall Creek Falls State Park in southeastern Tennessee. The park features the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and many hiking trails.

Tips for a Happy New Year

As we bid good-bye to one year and usher in a new one, many in the world will make resolutions hoping to change their lives for the better. However, as children of God, our resolution should be to become more like Christ. We know that the best way to grow closer to God is to saturate our lives with his word.

The Greatest Generation

Over those years, we have been blessed to meet and come to love many great Christians. Sadly, though, we have said good-bye to thirteen this year; some lived many years and some were still in their prime. While we are sad to see them leave, we know that we will, one day, be together again.

Whom Are You Seeking?

You are running, heart pounding, and sweat streaming, faster than you have ever run before. While the moon casts shadows on the ground beneath you and the cool breeze rustles the leaves on the trees, you try to escape the weight of the world, including the endless stresses at home, work, and the demanding lifestyle that you lead.

Lessons Learned from the Prodigal Son

Whether it's time, energy, money or food we have allowed ourselves to become a wasteful society. Jesus even speaks of being wasteful in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Not only can we learn about wasteful living in the parable, we can also learn other valuable lessons.

What God Says versus What We Hear

Remember the old song "Lucille" by Kenny Rogers? There is a verse in the song that says, "Four hungry children and a crop in the field." When I was a little girl I thought it said, "Four hundred children and a crop in the field." I always worried about that poor man raising four hundred children on his own!

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

They were living in sin, in all likelihood, in a beautiful beach house on the coast. They were rich, influential, admired, and used to getting everything they wanted. They had it all or, at least, they thought they did.