March 11, 2011 • Leadership & Inspiration
What does the word hope mean to you? One definition I have seen for hope is Having Only Positive Expectations. When we put our hope in God, we can always trust that events will turn out for the best. Chances are they may not turn out how we want them to, but the all-knowing God, who knows what is best for us, will have such events turn out according to His will - His will, not ours! When we have H.O.P.E. in God, we are truly Having Only Positive Expectations.
March 6, 2011 • Spiritual Growth
Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God. I was first introduced to the "Three Simple Rules That Will Change the World" at a Lenten study. This book by Bishop Rueben Job was written to give Christians a blueprint for faithful living. To quote, the rules provide "a message that can be clearly understood by persons of every age, every educational and economic level, every condition and circumstance of life." I have not forgotten the rules and I try to live my life by them -- although it is sometimes very difficult!
February 28, 2011 • Health & Personal Growth
How do you loosen your grip and let go of something you hold so dear? How do you survive the loss of a loved one? Lean on your Heavenly Father and find solace in the knowledge that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18)
February 25, 2011 • Relationships
I believe that our prayers are one of the most important gifts we can give our children. This is why I joined with another mom to form a Moms in Touch International prayer group for our elementary school. Each child, support person, teacher and administrator, as well as every classroom, grade level, committee and function that we can think of throughout the course of a year, receives the blessing of our prayers.
February 23, 2011 • Culture & Events
The Saint John's Bible is the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible to have been commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey since the invention of the printing press. Donald Jackson, the master calligrapher, had dreamed of illuminating a whole Bible ever since he was a teenager, and it was largely due to his inspiration that this project was conceived. Thinking about the profound impact that this decade-long project had on those involved in its creation made me realize that we must never underestimate the power of dreams, inspiration and talent, even at a very early age.
February 19, 2011 • Leadership & Inspiration
Take some time to reflect on what it is that leaves you wanting to be a better person. Nurture those things and thank God for them. As you learn to appreciate the special things God has given you, you will learn to be inspired by God in your everyday life.
February 14, 2011 • Relationships
Who in your life helps you rediscover the beauty of life? What have you learned from that person? In this Valentine's Day post, Fran Dwelle recounts "ten proverbs" from her granddaughter and considers what Jesus meant when He said, "Let the little children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of God."
February 11, 2011 • Health & Personal Growth
We live in a fallen, sinful world. As such, realizing that conflict will be an unavoidable presence in life is key. The good news is that conflict provides an opportunity to please God by responding in a biblical, godly fashion.
February 8, 2011 • Spiritual Growth
Joining a Bible study can be a great step to take in your walk with God. The reasons and benefits for engaging in a Bible study include fellowship; bettering yourself; learning more about the Christian faith; learning to apply biblical principles to your life; and, strengthening your relationship with Jesus. But how do you know which one to join? And what's expected after you join?
January 31, 2011 • Health & Personal Growth
The power of touch has been on my mind lately, how it fits into our lives, and how our participation in the action of touch changes over time. I am trying to incorporate the notion of touch into my spiritual life as a way to better understand our connection to Christ.