Prayers

Prayers

  The Prayer of Jabez–Oh, that thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst keep me from evil, that it might not grieve me! (I Chronicles 4:10). The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi–Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where […]

When Things Go Wrong

When Things Go Wrong

  It had been a hard day, for some reason. No earthquakes or tornadoes or devastating news, but it seemed as if a spirit of evil or a spiteful sprite had been present. A prickling word here, a worrisome conversation there, an unsettled, fearful feeling of something just out of sight, something left un-done, something […]

Do You Believe in Angels?

Syria’s king was out for blood. (II Kings 6) He was determined to defeat Israel but every time he set a trap for King Jehoram, God revealed the plan to the Prophet Elisha, who warned Israel’s king about each ambush. Syria’s king was puzzled and frustrated. How, he asked, did it always happen that Israel […]

Thoughts on the Old Year

Thoughts on the Old Year

  It’s a funny thing about tomorrow; although it’ll be the start of a brand-new year, 2020, were it not for turning the page on the calendar, would anyone notice a difference? The 1920s were known as the Roarin’ Twenties. What will the 2020s be known as? Looking back at several past New Years, I […]

Boxing Day and All is Well

Boxing Day and All is Well

  In many countries, this is Boxing Day. This special day after Christmas is a tradition started by elite Britishers of giving gifts to those who serve them throughout the year. The gifts are boxed and I suppose that’s where the name comes from. This is also St. Stephen’s Day, in honor of the first […]

Batten Down the Hatches

Batten Down the Hatches

  It seems that life is made up of one storm after the other, with peaceful stretches in between. When we feel tossed around by circumstances, it’s time to batten down the hatches and hold tight. One of my favorite poems is The Voyagers by Van Dyke: O Maker of the mighty deep, whereon our vessels […]