I’m sitting here at my dining room table, looking out over my beautiful snow-covered front yard and a baby blue sky with puffy white clouds and a warm sun. Standing sentry in God’s majesty is my American flag. It is a symbol of the sacrifices made by my husband and my grandsons and as a tribute to America’s moral principles of right and wrong. Sadly, in recent days, it also appears to be a symbol of where wrong is considered…..
I’m reaching the point in my life where I have to make a major decision. Is it time to fully retire? I’ve been retired from public-school teaching for almost thirteen years, but I have continued to teach private music lessons since that decision in 2007. I’d like to say I’m confident in my decision-making skills, but for some reason, this decision scares me. What will I do with my time that has been filled with students? They have literally been…..
I will fear nothing with the Lord as my light and my salvation. I will fear no one with the Lord as the strength for my life. I ask and seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord. I ask to see the face of the Lord and to seek God in His temple. God will shelter me and hide me in His temple when troubles come. God will lift me above my enemies who surround me……
We are all given the ability to paint our life’s purposes and values on a blank canvass. Someone looking at that beautiful life painting can see who we are. I am a child of God, and I will raise my praises to God, the Almighty King, in faith, hope, and charity. Praises to God, the Almighty King Let us rejoice and be on our way. Christ has conquered and destroyed every foe. Christ is our security; Christ is our heart……
As Sarah inches towards that last day, she remembers the people and experiences that have shaped who she has become. Until her last breath, she will make a joyful noise to the Lord, thankful that her life has mattered, that she had an impact on those around her, and that she left the world a better place. Knocking on the door of her Father’s home, she will say, “God, Wonderful Counselor, Almighty creator of the heavens and earth, thank you…..
I am writing this poem as I remember my private music students and countless groups of choirs, bands, orchestras, and music classes in the public schools. My students were literally the “poets of my life.” Understanding today’s children and future generations, we need to engage the world with honor, integrity, dignity, and courage, so that they will have a better world than we have today. They are asking more from us than ever before; it’s time to be the role…..
Tears and dreams are the voice of God. Whether we listen to them is largely how deeply we feel our faith and how much we trust God to take care of our needs. God will not simply change our lives and all that life sends our way. He uses our problems and trials as ways to proclaim the gospel, to bring hope to its highest level of triumph, and to let grace shine into the world. The Christ child was…..
It’s Christmas Eve, and the fog, like a foaming milk, has covered the world. The music is washing over me, as I let the beautiful, age-old carols warm my heart and soul. The angel atop my tree sends its love into the world, saying, “Peace on earth, good will to men!” So many memories call to me from the tree ornaments, and the pure white lights say, “I am loved by the One who sends His light into the world…..
We lit the fourth Advent candle today in church. We’ve been watching for the Messiah with the lighting of every candle, in the hopes that the darkness surrounding the world will be destroyed and the light of Christ’s love will show through everyone. God, who always fulfills His promises, will bring us salvation. He will feed us like a shepherd and gently lead us home. Make straight the highway and make a joyful noise to the Lord our God. Send…..
My mother said, “Put your coat on; it’s cold outside.” My mother said, “Eat your supper; children around the world are starving.” My mother said, “Clean up your room; get those dust bunnies before they jump on your bed.” Before she passed, my mother said, “You have to grow up more quickly now. Take care of your dad and brother.” At her grave site, I could still hear my mother say, “Always remember your are a child of God.” I…..