Children have a unique ability to slow down and notice things. This is why as grown-ups our memories  are stirred by old songs, a fragrance in the air, or a season in time.  Sadly, this childlike way of sensing life fades as we grow up, unless we slow down and ...

As I was writing my final article in my series on the fruits of the Holy Spirit, I was dealing with a medical situation. It was not something that required immediate emergency care, but I wanted to see my doctor as soon as possible and he was booked up for ...

The little treasures of childhood, some are stored away in boxes or hidden in the backs of closets, others are displayed somewhere in our adult world. One of my treasures is the wooden doll crib Grandpa gave me for Christmas in 1967. It was his last gift to me, he ...

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NLT Dear Abba Father God, How could it be? You came ...

Self-control is the last of the fruits of the Spirit, but certainly not least in importance. Some of the other fruits like love, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness are contingent on exhibiting self-control to one degree or another. It is of prime importance when it comes to living a godly ...

Ray Harroun was the first winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911; he was also the creator of the rearview mirror. Ray needed something to replace his 160-pound mechanic, who rode with him to help in navigating the twists and turns of the race track, but also added unwanted weight ...

  Holiness fits the saint, Who has been justified by God’s righteousness through Jesus’ death and resurrection.   It cost Christ Jesus His precious life, Telling God’s truth slant: Father God aggrieves over His children’s wandering in darkness of sin. Without making them holy, He can never embrace them again. ...

 “My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never happened.”   Michel de Montaigne uttered these words 500 years ago, and how true they are today! If you read them when things are going well in your circumstances it almost makes you chuckle, knowing inside that it ...

When I think back on the other seven fruits of the Spirit, gentleness includes love, patience, kindness, and goodness. Gentleness, however, has a special significance not given to the other fruits. The Greek meaning is along the line of “sweet reasonableness.” I Peter 3:4 in the NASV says it is ...

I remember when it really dawned on me how much my parents had done for us kids. There were four children living under one roof in our blended family, two teenage boys and two girls in elementary school. Mom would come home from work and start dinner, cooking meat and ...