Recently, the subjects of excess money, spending on homes, convenience services, cars, vacations, luxuries, even huge savings accounts have been in my peripheral sidelight.  Seems like everyone around me has something brand new or cutting edge technology or buying a home or luxury item. I wonder how they do it? What sacrifices do they make … Continue reading "…Are You Forfeiting Your Life?"

There are so many times we want to give up. Every day we contemplate whether to continue on a project, or stay with a certain job, or just trash everything and start new.  I wonder how all these struggles, internally and externally, are going to benefit us. How they benefit us is by showing us … Continue reading "…God Is Our Purpose"

“The sun doesn’t ask who deserves its warmth or its light before it shines. It just shines, and both good and bad people receive it. Neither does the rain inquire as to the moral rectitude of those upon whom it showers its life-giving goodness. It just pours—and both just and unjust people receive it.”

As I sat in a pew today contemplating the burnt palms for ashes, sin and repentance, I suddenly realized that I have been transforming from within.  It’s been very difficult – and it will continue to be – because I am human. But thank God, I am His. Prior to 7  years ago, I would … Continue reading "…Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust"

“This is precisely why the two great commandments are so tightly linked: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself.” In loving God, you feel the feelings of God, and God is compassionate to the poor and oppressed. That’s all the argument that a Biblical person needs.”

This takes talent and a good humor.

“Why should you turn the other cheek to someone who has struck you? Because it’s practical?! No, because that’s the way God operates, and you’re being called into the divine life. Why should you go beyond simply loving those who love you? Because that’s the way God operates: he loves the saints and he loves … Continue reading "…Vine, Divine? Both?"

Making a day enjoyable for someone else, who has caused personal turmoil, could possibly seem like monumental growth, but actually, it was small in comparison to what I received in return.  I’ve re-acknowledged how strong my will is to hold on to Christ through the storms of life. All else is irrelevant.

Peace. It’s whatever it is that keeps us moving forward. That peace is hope. That hope is God. God is peace.

This commitment can change daily, weekly, by the month or yearly.  But our first priority needs to be committed to God, then He will put everything in for us in it’s place.