I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God\’s grace – Acts 20:24 NIV Many (many, many!) years ago, I attended a cheerleading camp. All week long, we practiced our cheers and choreographed our steps. At the end of the competition, the best squad won a trophy. Another competition went on simultaneously. Whoever won that one received the coveted ‘Spirit Stick.” After all, what would any self-respecting cheerleader be without that school spirit? The competition... Read More

I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a niv The secretary at my church publishes a monthly newsletter detailing church events and news from the members of the congregation. When I expressed an interest in writing an article to be included, my suggestion was met with great enthusiasm. What she didn\’t know was that she would be dealing with a procrastinator. Sure, I start putting some notes together at the beginning of the month, but I always intend to get them together ‘later.\’ And next thing I know –... Read More

The other night I heard the song by Steppenwolf, Born to Be Wild. It brought back memories of Junior High and High School – that song had legs! When it came on the radio, my friends and I turned the volume up, and da-da-da\’d through the verses, and on the chorus belted out, “Born to be wi-l-d,” and played air guitar or in my case, drums. Oh, were we wild. Born to be wild. Born to — you fill in the blank. Sometimes we watch sports and think someone like Michael Jordan was born to play basketball. As a wee child, Julie Andrews opened her mouth, and a voice with a four-octave... Read More

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Luke 6:45 NIV Several years ago, my son fell on his arm while skating. From the outside, his arm looked fine, but his cries of pain told a different story. When the doctor held the x-ray up to the light, even my untrained eyes could see the jagged edge of his small bone sticking out. I can still hear my brave little soldier\’s cry of “Ow-ow-ouch!” when the doctor needed to \’set\’ the bone back into place. They had ushered... Read More

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – I Corinthians 15:58b NIV One of the women who attended our church died unexpectedly. Melinda was twenty-five years old, but had suffered with terrible seizures from birth, which affected her mental capacity. Just two days before her death, she brought me a picture torn out of a coloring book. She had filled the page with scribbles of bright blue, red, and green crayon. Although she never knew it, Melinda taught me about being consistent. She never missed a church service. I know... Read More

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV) As a little girl, I had nightmares, vivid dreams so disturbing I can remember them to this day. On more than one occasion, I\’d climb out of bed, and sleepwalk and talk trying my best to rid myself of the images playing in my head. My mother would hear me bumping and stumbling around in my room and she\’d come to my rescue. Usually when she turned on the light, I\’d wake up. But a couple of times, I didn\’t... Read More

“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” – (Galatians 3:3 NIV) This morning when you started your day, did you have an agenda? Many people, at least the more organized ones, begin by consulting a ‘to do\’ list. In our society, being goal oriented is viewed as a good attribute. It seems as if I fight a continual battle to get and stay organized. I make out my list, marking off the more important tasks, dividing them into categories, and putting a checkmark beside each task as I complete it. Many times, I... Read More

“Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,\’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” – John 4:10 nkjv The church service began as usual with our singing a few choruses followed by a time called “Select a Hymn” – a favorite with the members of our congregation. As the pianist, I\’m challenged when this time rolls around. I never know which hymn will catch someone\’s eye on any given evening. Some nights, I know them all. At other times, I\’m at a loss,... Read More

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God\’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ. – Ephesians 1:7-9 niv As children, my brother, sister, and I looked forward to visiting our grandmother during the sweltering days of summer. Dad would drive along the winding gravel roads, with me getting sicker by the moment, until we finally came to her small house, deep in the hills of Kentucky. Every evening... Read More

“…Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24 I\’m one of the healthiest people I know. I try to maintain a positive outlook on life, and thank God every day for my health. Recently a nasty bug invaded my body and wreaked havoc. After three long days, I feel better and almost back to my old self. No further comment on the ‘old.\’ Being sick made me so thankful. Does that sound odd? While I lay in bed, I thought of those who feel sick in body day... Read More