After a week of suffering with a cold (or flu, or possibly COVID), I’m beginning to hold my head a little higher. Add to that obligations for family, music activities, etc., and watching too much “war” in  Ukraine and man’s stupidity, attending church livestream, trying to celebrate my son’s forty-second birthday through tissue encounters, today I’m looking forward to my sister’s extended visit and her birthday on Wednesday.

In need of peace and grace, I looked at my “Blessings for…..

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There is no more comforting place in scripture than the Shepherd’s Psalm 23. May it bless your day today, whatever you’re facing, whether sickness, depression, anxiety, loneliness, or every possible need in your life, because it speaks to God’s sovereignty and His constant care.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness…..

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Have you noticed that “Have a Great Day!” is casually thrown out to us as we check out from the grocery store, or finish any kind of interaction at a drive-thru, and often is followed by “Be Safe?”

These are strange times we’re living in. One person’s “great day” these days may just be staying free from contagion or criminal mischief, certainly for our police officers. The “be safe” comment covers all things, but usually means, stay away from people…..

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When in the Ten Commandments God directed us to do all our work in the six days of the week and to rest on the seventh day, some may say, like the sign in my laundry room: “A Woman’s Work is Never Done!” However, there is grace when we meet goals and can finally put projects to the completed place and move on to others. Today was such a day.

A week ago I was reeling under reports that my…..

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Mornings are good times to reevaluate our lives, to take stock of where we are physically and spiritually. John Kebble wrote this hymn in 1822. It is one of my favorites. Although the language is a bit “old fashioned,” its message suits me this morning. When I was at Hope College, I often had the task of conducting the Chapel Choir members who showed up each morning for chapel. This, the first and last stanzas linger in my memory. www.hymnary.org……

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Spurred on by Pastor Klemm’s sermon on Sunday, the story of Saul’s conversion in Act, and the concept that many sow seeds in our lives preparing us for our own conversion experiences, I’ve been thinking the last few hours about how many people influenced the growth of my faith. God put these people in my life at just the right time, for His purposes. And I, hopefully continue to pass on that tradition to others through my prayer, actions, writing,…..

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Have you though of yourself as an exquisite fragrance? While I enjoy fragrances, especially sigature ones of people I know and can appreciate as they walk by, my husband does not appreciate perfumes or scented candles, or anything of the sort. So, I pretty much abstain. But, the Bible uses the idea of exquisite fragrance in the contest of the peace and grace I’m concentrating on in 2022. Here’s what 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, first from the NIV and then…..

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Without question, when we’re strong, we feel the grace of God and inner peace. When we’re struggling, whether physically, emotionally, financially, or especially spiritually, we tend to withdraw, to cower, to worry, to seek relief, and to utter the word, “Why?”

The Bible is full of stories, examples, verses, and advice as to what to do about this common malady of the human condition. Where do the heroes of the Bible turn in times of difficulty? In every case, especially…..

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Some of you may remember the 1965 song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” Lyrics were by Hal David and music was composed by Burt Bacharach.  I content that that’s the world has always needed, and, from my perspective as a Christian, what God has always given the world. You, of course have heard of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.”…..

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If you’ve had a week like I have, you’re looking for peace and grace today. I know where you can find it!

Walk into any church (I hope you choose ours if you’re in Florida: www.covenantpalmbay.org) and you will find a welcome, a warm greeting, and most of all, the intentional “stop action” on everything outside, and worship the God Almighty who is not only capable of providing peace and grace, but Who bids you come into His presence. In…..

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