Book Review: The Orphan Train Children: Will’s Choice

The Orphan Train Children series, a spin-off of the Orphan Train Adventures Series, tells the story of children who were sent West on “orphan trains” to be fostered by townspeople. The children in this series are fictional; the orphan trains themselves are not. In Will’s Choice, twelve-year-old Will, whose mother died when he was four, travels with his father who works in a circus. When Will shows no signs of being talented enough to earn a living with the circus (okay, he’s rather clumsy), his father tells him that he has arranged for him to go “on a grand adventure”—to … Continue reading

Do You Have a Will?

A horrible thing happened to a friend of mine. Her husband’s best friend died suddenly of a heart attack. He was only 40, active and slim. There was no heart disease in the family. It was a shock to all, one that put fear in our hearts and sent many to the doctor for a physical. Unfortunately, you just never know when disaster will strike. This is why people pay loads of money for insurance, they hope to never use. What is surprising is while most families carry home, car, and life insurance, they don’t bother to have a will. … Continue reading

I’m Too Far Gone for Jesus to Save

“Jesus wouldn’t want me; I’m too much of a sinner.” It grieves my heart to hear these kinds of statements from people who are very much in need of a savior. People with these feelings of inadequacy seem to miss the point entirely of what it means to need saving. Being “far gone” at any level is precisely why Jesus paid the price He did for us; we were not capable of saving ourselves. While it’s true that God expects us to strive toward holiness, He knows that spiritual maturity doesn’t happen over night. That’s why I believe it’s important … Continue reading

Demonic Doors

Demonic oppression happens a number of ways. We as believers genuinely in Christ cannot be possessed by demons because what fellowship has light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). This does not mean that we can’t open doors for demonic oppression in our lives. As a Christian, I believe the Holy Spirit will guide us to truth as we seek the Lord. God is gracious to work in us, changing our hearts to desire what He wills for us. Still, not everyone is receptive or at the point in their walk where they discern things in their lives that can draw … Continue reading

Advance Planning Before Mom Has Surgery: While At The Hospital

In my last guest Blog I wrote about the fact that on Monday I will be having surgery and some of the things I have done to prepare my home and family. This Blog is about the planning I need to do for the time I am away at the hospital. Hospital stays are typically as short as possible in years past I might have expected to stay for five or more days, but this time I don’t expect to be hospitalized for more then a day of two (if I am lucky it will be 2 days!). Short or … Continue reading

Advance Planning Before Mom Has Surgery: Home and Family

This Monday, I will be having surgery, and my estimated recovery time is the standard 6-weeks. While I’ll be able to do many things after the surgery I know I won’t be doing everything I usually do. The idea of catching up after recovery is more frightening to me then the surgery itself. After all this is going to be my 8th time to have an operation so, I have a good idea what I am in for. I’m not in the mood to fall too far behind this time. So, rather then have my whole world of responsibilities stand … Continue reading

The Body of Christ

The body of Christ is a wonderful metaphor used by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 to describe the church. He shows that each body part has a role. Each one of these parts is useful in helping the body of Christ function properly. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another … Continue reading

The Prayer of Jabez: Be With Me

“…that Your hand would be with me,…” Perhaps after asking God to bless you and to increase your territory, you are feeling a bit overwhelmed. You just can’t do it all by your own power and need your mighty Father’s hand to help you. Recognizing the need for the Lord’s hand in your life is such an important step in your walk toward abundant living. As acknowledged in: Joshua 4:24, “…that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Isaiah 59:1, “Behold, the … Continue reading

The Prayer of Jabez: Increase My Territory

“…and enlarge my territory,…” When we are applying Bruce Wilkinson’s book The Prayer of Jabez, based on 1 Chronicles 4:10 to our own life, “territory” does not have to mean real estate or financial gain. There are so many ways this prayer can be incorporated. For example: Influence: That God would expand the area in which you can be of influence others by the message of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. There are so many out there who are lost and searching for purpose and hope. Responsibility: Whether it’s in your job or any other aspect … Continue reading