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If Only, If Only…
If Only, If Only … While I know it is not possible, If Only it were plausible; Rewrite my wrongs, restore my path, Redo things in the aftermath. My heart cries out a bellowing sound; The burden echos, over and over I’ve found. No-I cannot forget, Sorrows of my past regret. Deepest remorse, pains that ache; The blame is mine I cannot shake. If Only I could, Redo, restore, renew, I would. But all the same- I cannot mend, this shattered frame. Choices made rippled through, Became pains worn by those I love too. I do not cry just for my remorse, But the ones who have been so…
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Heartfelt Imprints
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Certain events in our lives are so devastating that they leave an everlasting mark on our hearts. For me, it was the death of my Mother. She lost her battle with cancer on February 5, 1988. As I reflect on the 36th anniversary of her death I realize that my grief is still there. Every year on this…
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Advent Season
The season of Advent is a period of both repentance and celebration. Christians spend time in spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Believers remember not only Christ’s first coming to earth as a human baby but also celebrate his continued presence with us today through the Holy Spirit. Advent is also a time for worshipers to anticipate his return at the Second coming of Christ. The word “advent” comes from the Latin term “adventus” which means “arrival” or “coming,” particularly the arrival of something or someone of great significance. The lighting of an Advent Wreath is a traditional custom that originated in 16th-century Germany. On the…
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The Heart Speaks
“The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart, and the[intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.” – Luke 6:45 It is amazing to think that our words have such power. We can speak kindly about another person being an encouragement to them, which will lead to life. On the other hand, we can speak negatively, which will most certainly lead to death. The lives of our relationships are created by the words and actions that stem from our hearts. Matthew 7:12, “ So in everything, do to others what you would have them…
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Good Friday
John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
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The Compass Points the Way
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 CSB Long before GPS, a compass was used to find directions. The compass is an instrument containing a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of the magnetic north and bearings from it. This is exactly what we need on our life’s journey. Without a compass we can find ourselves running in circles, never arriving at our desired destination. Maybe this is the time to change course, but how and where do we go? I have experienced true life-changing joy by coming to know God, and firmly…
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The Word, Light & Life
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14 Who do you say Jesus is? The answer to this question is the key to life. Our belief in Jesus through faith brings us eternal life. The more we come to know Jesus’s true identity, the greater our faith will be, and it is through that faith we live here, now, and for eternity. When we see the true identity of Jesus, we see that life is found in Him. From the very…
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Rest in Hope
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11: 28-30 It is that time again, the afternoon, after lunch, when I feel a nap is a must. Something has to give, and it can’t be me anymore. This is a daily thing, a true story, my story for way too long. I feel…
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Gift of Grace
1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the [remarkable] grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect. In fact, I worked harder than all of the apostles, though it was not I, but the grace of God [His unmerited favor and blessing which was] with me.” What is the good news? The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that sets the record straight and sets us free! Paul reminds us what the good news is in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the…
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Wake Up!
“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 We are all searching for our purpose, a life best lived! Is this purpose all about quantity and movement? I think not! Like most of us, I have a very demanding life with limited time, which requires supernatural multitasking ability. Through my constant struggles and striving, only to fall short, I have realized that all the movement may not be necessary. To live that purposeful life we must see past the tasks, the stuff, and all the busyness. We can find the best life, the eternal life, through our…
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Gospel Shoes
The Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet…
