A better New Year? The meaning of resolutions

"A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living." — Virginia Woolf "Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let every new year find you a better man." — Benjamin Franklin "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; …

A childlike anticipation

"What a wonderful thought that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet." — unknown "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind" — C.S. Lewis  "My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your …

What will fill you?

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep …

She let go.

"Cast all your anxiety on him." 1 Peter 5:7 "Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties" – C.S. Lewis Most of the time, giving something up is the last thing we want to do. We were raised on the message of working hard until we achieve what we want, striving …

Inconsistent versus constant

Nature and nurture are two very different concepts… Within many churches today, it appears we are emphasizing nurture as the means to spiritual growth. We’re told we should focus on nurture through small groups, personal Bible study, accountability groups, and special events that spur us on to new commitments. Of course some of these things …

Time to shake things up

"God is making things happen for you. Even when you don't see it, even if you can't feel it, even if it's not evident.. God is working on your prayers." – Lifehack.org "The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." – Unknown "Speak, Lord. …

What does Lent mean for you?

"Empty yourself and let God fill you." – Unknown "God prunes us when He is about to take us into a new season of growth and expansion." – Christine Caine “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12 Or as a pastor …

How do you define good health?

"She’s a very tranquil person and nothing fazes her." – Regarding Sarah Knauss, age 119 "The key to longevity is being happy and making people happy." – a friend's 100 year old grandma "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let …

Blind faith

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" – John 20:29 "When we choose to follow Jesus' voice instead of our eyes, our faith can be life changing." – Tracie Miles "...And he who thinks only with his mind Will be blind to Truth. He who does not think With his conscience, Does …

For when you unplug the Christmas lights

"Let your heart by light. From now on our troubles will be out of sight" – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane "All is calm, all is bright" – Silent Night, Joseph Mohr "May all your days be merry and bright" – White Christmas, Irving Berlin "For at one time …