Valentine’s day began as the remembrance of the martyrdom of St. Valentine for his faith. Over the centuries, it has morphed into a celebration of love - romantic love. Like Christmas, an entire business has developed around it. Chocolates, flowers, diamonds, etc. and, of course, dinner out. This day has become a big deal for … Continue reading Happy Heart Day
The click-clack of my winter boots on the tile floor echoed off the painted concrete walls. Thrumming filled my ears with every heartbeat, and butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach as I followed the postered and bulletin board-dotted hallway. Thirty-two years old and a mother of three, I had decided to go back … Continue reading Paths
My dear husband is a big fan of the Chicago Bears football team. So for his sixtieth birthday, I decided to surprise him with a weekend in Chicago and tickets to a game in Soldier Field. I was thrilled to find a deal on tickets. I booked a Boutique Hotel and purchased two train tickets … Continue reading Identity Theft
In the well-known movie Galaxy Quest by Paramount Pictures, we frequently hear the spaceship Captain's motto, "never give up, never surrender!". And this is what I want to encourage you to do today. But first I want to tell you a story. The woman sat on a low wall of grey, cold, cement cinder blocks. Snow … Continue reading Never Give Up, Never Surrender
Dying to self is hard!! "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." Philippians 3:7-8 NIV EVERYTHING a loss! All that … Continue reading Dying to Self
"In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."Ephesians 1:7 NIV Forgiveness, can it be, that you have truly forgiven me? Unworthy, full of shame. kneeling before you, broken, in pain. Repentance, in my soul, knowing I've fallen away from you. Desiring, in my … Continue reading Forgiveness
Elisabeth Elliot, whose first husband, missionary Jim Elliot, was speared and killed by Auca Indians in Ecuador in 1956, said that obedience is the test of our love for God. John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:21 "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one … Continue reading Playing Second Fiddle
Well Living 