What If It IS True, that ...

 It is highly likely that anyone reading this blog has made at least one promise/vow (such as marriage, or New Years Resolution) in their lifetime thus far; perhaps even in the past few days or at least has contemplated such. It is not an off-the-wall concept to want to make commitments when we are ruled by our feelings and good intentions. However, when we do promise "this or that" no matter what it is, there will be people who count on us to fulfill such a promise. Ecclesiastes 5:5 says: " It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."  It is true that this is an Old Testament message and even though those of us who are believers are covered by the blood of Christ and not governed by Old Testament law, it still makes sense that we should honor our commitment's. Those of us who have broken a vow, or perhaps multiple commitments (this writer included) may feel some extra conviction when it comes to the discussion of such things. We ...

What if it is true that ... God is real!?! I began to write this post months ago but only got as far as the theme with one paragraph that is included later in this text. The fact that Christmas is right around the corner is what prompted me to continue with this subject matter at this time. Most people are aware, to some degree anyway, that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is what Christmas is all about. This is evidenced by all the nativity scenes one is able to view on people's lawns as well as the fact that "Christian" church pews fill up at this time of year. There are people who choose not to even set foot into a church at other times of the year much less show up to regularly fellowship with other believers on a weekly basis. There are also plenty of people who celebrate Christmas simply as a tradition of getting together with family, and or all that is entailed with gift giving. You may choose not to believe in God, but that doesn't make God any les...

 We are well into the Christmas season as evidenced in the stores, the festive clothing people are wearing, and the lights and decorations that are showing up daily in yards around town. This is a time when we tend to reflect on the past and times when we shared joys of the season with loved ones who are no longer with us. There may also be a sense of melancholy in the air with thoughts of what could have been. Then, lest we forget, there are some people who have heavy hearts due to thoughts of the family and friends who are either physically distant, emotionally distant or both. Not everyone can claim the blessing of having a church family, I gratefully do have people in this category in my life, some of whom I have known for decades or even for most of my life. I am grateful for these people I know, with whom I share a faith in God. Some of my best memories of Christmastime are connected with the message of Jesus birth that I share at church with family and friends. These a...

 Someone who knows I do this blog, and who's opinion I value, asked me today if I was planning to write a blog for Thanksgiving. I have been feeling melancholy of late in spite of the fact that I have much to be thankful for, so, I am a real-life example of someone who can be having a personal pity party and still have gratitude. In spite of myself and my personal pity party, I do feel led to write a blog on Thanksgiving, for Thanksgiving. So, here goes. I believe that thankfulness, gratefulness, faith, and love are congruent with each other as far as being attitudes of choice. Most of these are also part of a grouping of a specific nine aspects considered part of the "fruit of the spirit" as discussed in the book of Galatians in the Bible. What if it is true that Thanksgiving, aka giving thanks is simply a choice. I tend to vacillate from pondering my many blessings, to feeling sad about certain things. That which saddens me are things like world events, unfulfillment in...

"YOUR Truth" MAY NOT be "THE Truth" There was a time, seemingly not that long ago, when common knowledge of what "truth" meant was evident in the hearts and minds of mankind in general. Today, evidence suggests that such an awareness is not so common… or perhaps, is just being ignored. According to Miriam Webster dictionary definitions (as found on random web locations as well as in the physical bound dictionary), the word ‘truth’ is used specifically in relation to ‘facts’ ‘reality’ ‘actual events’ and such. Nowadays, people have taken personal liberty regarding what “truth” means in a similar way as they have taken liberty in terms of what “justice” should look like. But we will save the topic of “justice” for another time. Most Christ followers are aware of a familiar scripture that states “Jesus said to him ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. This is quoted in the book of John, Chapter 14, ve...

 Fellow Americans, please take care in making your choices concerning the people and the proposed laws that are on the ballot for 2024. Your choices do matter. Your choices can affect the lives of others for days, years, decades, and generations to come. I do not have the answers, no one person, media outlet, church, club, or other entity has all the answers. It is our civic duty to educate ourselves on the propositions as well as the positions for which the potential leaders of the free world (America) offer that will keep us a thriving and free country. Here is my two cents worth for you to ponder... * Do you want someone who has demonstrated their ability to make decisions and follow through on making positive changes OR someone who has a record of no follow-through other than talking in circles and speaking in "word salads"??? * Do you want a secure border where people will be able to come in legally and be proud to live the American dream, OR a border where heads are tur...

 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Truly there is nothing better than the above description of love as defined in scripture of the Christian Bible. Love is more than eloquent words it is supported by behavior of those professing love. One can say, "I love you" and they will not/should not be believed if the words are not backed up by loving behavior. Similarly, one can do nice things for other people, but if they do these things begrudgingly or without love, then they may do some good, but personally, I would rather people who choose to do things out of obligation alone just not - where I am concerned. Sure, in any relationship there is perhaps some sense of obligation due to the mere...