Help for Writers

December 16, 2014

Although, I have much to learn, I’d like to share with you some of the influences that have helped me tremendously in my own writing and I’m sure will be a great help to you wherever you may be in your own development as a writer.  I especially wanted to let you know about an online course that is currently accepting new students.

Photo: Leszekglasner Deposit Photos 18383043

Photo: Leszekglasner Deposit Photos 18383043

About a year ago, I began sensing that God was leading me in a new direction. I wasn’t sure what that direction would look like or where He would lead, but I stepped out in faith. As some time passed, I began to realize that writing would somehow play a part in that future direction.

I had developed a particularly meaningful and well-received sermon over the years and thought that might form the basis for a book. The thought was equally exciting and terrifying! As I started to develop the thought, I realized that although I had written some articles over the years, I had never entertained the thought of actually writing a book! After all, just reading a book took some effort for me. (I remember John Trent one time remarking that “I’ve written more books than I’ve read.”)

So, I knew nothing at all about writing a book, I set out to learn as much as I could. Continue Reading…

In Equip, Skill Development, Training ,
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Thank You Veterans

November 11, 2014

Thank you for serving!

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.

– Billy Graham

We wouldn’t be who we are today without the brave sacrifice of so many who have served, protected and preserved the peace we enjoy today.

Thank You For Serving

By the way, here’s a link to a number of freebies or discounts from merchants who also appreciate your service. https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html

(Please note this is just posted as a public service and is not necessarily intended as an endorsement of any of the links contained.  However, I do appreciate and applaud those businesses who seek to honor our vets)

In Courage is
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I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Sunday Verse: Psalms 122:1 (NIV)

Posted on October 19, 2014 In Encouraging Bible Verses, Sunday Verse ,
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But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Sunday Verse: Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Posted on October 5, 2014 In Encouraging Bible Verses, Sunday Verse
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This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go.

Sunday Verse: Isaiah 48:17 (HCSB)

Posted on June 1, 2014 In Encouraging Bible Verses, Sunday Verse
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The Wednesday After Easter

April 23, 2014

So, on Monday, I shared how much I enjoyed Easter Sunday.  What I didn’t mention was that I was a little surprised.  You see, I can be one of those people who tend to think we shouldn’t need a “special day” every year to celebrate something that we should be celebrating every day.  Do we really have to wait till Thanksgiving Day to be grateful?  Do we have to wait for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc to show our favorite people how much we care about them?  Shouldn’t we be mindful every day of the amazing fact that God, the Son left His place in heaven to take the human form–even a newborn infant, a suffering servant, a crucified sin-bearer, and a risen savior?

But, then I get a day like this past Sunday.  Even though I do try to be mindful of all we have because of Jesus, somehow it all came into an even sharper focus this past Easter.

Photo Credit: https://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-1444495 by McIninch

Photo Credit: https://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-1444495 by McIninch

On the family and fun side, two of my kids were able to come home for Easter dinner and brought a good friend from Gordon College.  I even made a quick dash to the local CVS to pick up the usual bunnies and chocolate eggs.  Even at my ripe old age, I can still remember waking up in my single-digit years and seeing the kitchen table filled with goodies.  OK, so I do realize we are talking about a spiritual holiday, but family fun is good, too.

On the spiritual side, I began to ponder anew on the wonders of the resurrection and what that can mean and should mean in my daily life. Continue Reading…

In Encourage, Focus , ,
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It’s Monday. But, Sunday Came!

April 21, 2014

I really enjoyed yesterday.  It was Easter Sunday–a day that can embody all the best of faith and family. Plus, the weather was great. Two of my three kids were able to come back home and enjoy a great dinner together with an extra friend.  It was just a really good day.   Church was very nice.  Somehow songs about the resurrection took on a whole new significance.

He didn't stay on the cross. Because He Lives, I can...

istockphoto.com 9332062

The pastor referred to Dr. Tony Campolo and his, now classic, sermon.  My daughter wasn’t aware of the message so it gave me an excuse to look it up so I could send her a link.  It is truly a great message. Toward the end, Tony shared his memories of preaching at a “preach off” at an African-American church.  One of the preachers did a 90 minutes focused on one phrase.  He would describe the followers of Christ in various stages of despair seeing Jesus on the cross.  Then the pastor would say, but they didn’t know.  “It’s Friday but Sunday’s a comin'”.

It also made me remember the opening line of a sermon I heard about this time over thirty years ago.  “The problem with many Christians is that they are living on the wrong side of Easter.”

You see, before the resurrection, it’s a little easier to understand how some people can tend to give up hope. I can’t really imagine what that first Good Friday must have felt like.  Not knowing what would occur in two short days, it’s understandable that they would feel that all was lost.

However, the sadder truth, is that so often knowing what already did happen on the first Resurrection Day, we can fall into old patterns of despair and disillusionment or just distraction and drifting through life.

I woke up this morning thinking about both of those older sermons and reminded myself that even though it is Monday, Sunday’s not coming.  It already came.  I don’t need to wait for the power of the resurrection in my life, I need to live in it. Continue Reading…

In Encourage, Focus, Prayer , , ,
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Sunday Verse: Luke 24:5-6

April 20, 2014

HeIsRisen

 

Photo:  Rick Short.  Find more of Rick’s work at https://www.lightstock.com/users/rick-short

In Encouraging Bible Verses, Sunday Verse ,
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Thank you for serving.

November 11, 2013

In the United States, this is the day we set aside to remember the valor, the courage and the sacrifice of those who have served to protect and preserve the freedoms that we enjoy this day.

In this blog, I try to instill and to celebrate courage in everyday life, ministry and relationships.  When I think of courage, one of my role models is the serving men and women in the armed forces.  Whether they begin their service in a time of peace or war, they always know that putting on a uniform means they might be called upon to give their life so that others may live free.  To those who have served in spite of their own fears, we salute you!

Thank you for serving!.

Remembering those who have served.

In Courage is
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Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. —G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

Friday Quote: G.K. Chesterton on Courage

Posted on August 23, 2013 In Courage is
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