Being God’s Child; Keeping the Wonder “Then God looked over all that he had made, and he saw that it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 Ah, these hot and lazy summer days are slipping by. The honeybees hum as they work the clover, and the box turtle stops for a visit. Have you ever seen a black snake rise in a warm field and look at you as if to…Keep Reading

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you – Isaiah 41:10 A cartoon showed Lucy instructing Charlie Brown about life. She begins by saying, “Life is like a deck chair. Some place it so they can see where they are going; and others to see where they have been. Some just want it…Keep Reading

Good Things Come to Those That Wait “Truly my soul waits upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” Psalm 62:1 The cell phone has changed the way we wait. With heads down and fingers texting, no one seems to notice or talk anymore. Is waiting becoming a passing art? What about waiting on the Lord? Do we wait with anticipation? The Bible says much about waiting and the good that…Keep Reading

Lazy Thinking “Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys” (Proverbs 18:9, ESV). The Living Bible reads: “A lazy man is brother to the saboteur.” Solomon was speaking of physical laziness, as he does in Proverbs 26:15: “A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.” For most of us, we need to beware more…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware Peace – Definition A. The absence of war or other hostilities. B. An agreement or a treaty to end hostilities. “negotiated the peace.” C. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations. Most of us are so fortunate that in our areas, there is the absence of war, which is not the reality for many. Hopefully, we are free of disagreements and enjoy living in harmony….Keep Reading

A Word to the Wise If we were so inclined and had the brute strength to do so, we could beat someone senseless; however, contrary to the common expression, we cannot “beat some sense” into anyone. Solomon said, “A single correction makes a more lasting impression on one who is wise than a hundred lashes do on a fool” (Proverbs 17:10, The Voice). Behavior that is changed by coercion lasts…Keep Reading

Growing Old Gracefully “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness” (Prov 16:31, NKJV). Some people say they want to grow old gracefully, when they mean they want to live a long, long time without looking their age. While neglecting what really matters—the inner self, they enrich plastic surgeons, cosmetic companies, supplement peddlers, and others in the age-defying industry. The secret…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware First Interview Years ago, when visiting the Garment District in New York City, near Macy’s Department Store, it was a younger girl’s fantasy land to see what garments lay hidden in the design fields before going to market. Every wholesale clothing merchant had something different. Walking into one store, the shirts with the embroidery caught my eye. The owner told me, “I just order ordinary…Keep Reading

The Right Bus to the Mountains and Hills “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) “Number 8: Bunker Hill and Around the Mountain.” How I loved hearing those words. Going home from school was a short trip to heaven for me. When…Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – Luke Chapter 10:38-42 From Pastor Will Shewey Saturday morning worship time was filled with sounds of joyful celebration. It was a different kind of service, but one in which the audience was engaged and testimonies were shared. I saw several first time guests and a number who returned after one or two visits. We are having…Keep Reading

Solomon on “Swag” They call it “Swag” for short, and those who have it flaunt it. “Swagger Magazine maintains a consistent mid-to-luxury product environment, speaking directly to the fledgling influential, intelligent, and savvy generation of younger men that simply get it.” Many, young and old alike, subscribe to “swag” without ever having read the magazine. In fact, like most things, the spirit preceded the product, which caters to the spirit….Keep Reading