Devotions•
on May 30th, 2006•
It never fails! Whenever you decide to wear a light or white outfit, there is a good chance you might spill or drop something on the outfit. Chocolate is especially dangerous. Ok, maybe the chocolate itself is not, but in my case, as a chocolate junkie, I sometimes manage to add a cocoa colored smear on my clothes. Not a pretty sight!
The key to taking care of any stain is to remove it as soon as possible. The longer you wait to take care of the stain, the more likely it will decide to stay. Now depending on where the stain is located on the outfit, it could be savageable. After several frustrating, unsuccessful tries, the outfit will either get tossed to the “only wear this around the house, never in public” pile or in the “this will make a good rag” pile. A perfectly good outfit has been downgraded, but still usable.
Most stains occur because of carelessness. I imagine when God observes us, He sees stains or blemishes due to our carelessness. At some point that ugly spot may turn more serious. The Israelites over the course of their history found themselves with a serious problem – one that could not easily be removed. read more
Devotions, Musings•
on May 23rd, 2006•
I’m still reading the book of Genesis this month. Genesis was the first book I started reading when I picked up the bible in 1991. In college back then, I was looking for something, but was not quite sure what I was looking for. The one idea that kept playing over and over in my head was this pursuit of who is God? I told friends I believed in the “man upstairs” and I believed He watched over us. I was not aware at the time that a relationship was possible with Him. I had a strong sense one day as I purchased my first bible from the college book store that I needed to inquire about who God was through His word. Over the years I have read Genesis a number of times since the first time I tackled the book at the desk in my dorm room.
A few weeks ago I talked about choosing to panic or trust when situations occur. Abraham and Sarah had a panic moment. Sarai (Sarah) obviously up in age had grown weary of waiting and the way Abram (Abraham) jumped in – he obviously thought it was a good idea. I wonder if their decision delayed the arrival of Isaac. There is no indication in these verses that the couple inquired or prayed to the Lord for guidance. read more
Bible Study•
on May 16th, 2006•
My bible study class started a new study this evening, “Breaking Free: Making Liberty In Christ A Reality In Life” by Beth Moore. I’m really looking forward to the study. It’s a ten week study but because our group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, the study will last a little longer. Beth Moore is an awesome bible study teacher. read more
Fiction•
on May 15th, 2006•
“Decorating Schemes” is the second book in the Deadly Decor Mystery series. I’ve read good reviews about Ginny Aiken’s books so this series has been on my reading list for awhile. Haley Farrell is an interior decorator who manages to stumble into trouble. In the first book in this series, “Design on a Crime”, Haley finds a dead body and becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. After making it through that ordeal, Haley soon finds herself facing another one. read more
Fiction•
on May 14th, 2006•
Pink is the first novel in Marilynn Griffith’s SHADES OF STYLES series. Meet Raya Joseph, the head designer at Garments of Praise. After her hopes of walking down the aisle have been crushed, Raya has adjusted to life outside the family business, designing uniforms and choir robes. Not only has Raya been crushed by her cancelled wedding plans, but she is struggling with her faith. A chance encounter on a train brings Raya in contact with personal trainer, Flex Durham. read more
Nonfiction•
on May 12th, 2006•
Deborah Lintz-Hill candidly shares her personal story from difficult circumstances to living in peace. She plainly states this book is "not an autobiography or a manual to life." The book is her personal search for peace.
Sharing various events from her childhood and her relationships, she shares with the reader how she has been shaped as an individual. In a down to earth style she holds back none of the "ugly sides", but keeps it real so that the reader can see her growth process. Her willingness to show vulnerability and examine her own self-righteousness is extremely admirable.
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Devotions•
on May 11th, 2006•
I have been reading through Genesis the past few days. God promised Abram on several occassions, that he would have descendents that came from him and Sarai. As they looked at each others old, withering bodies, they panicked and produced Ishmael (Genesis 16). Sarai was under the impression using Hagar would help fulfill God’s plan. Later, she finds she might have made a mistake. Despite the couple’s interference, God’s promise was fulfilled years later as Isaac was born (Genesis 21:3). read more
