I gaze out my back picture window and there stands my President Clematis in full bloom and in full glory. It's abundant, large purple flowers stand tall and gaze heavenward. Now that's the way a plant is supposed to look! But it didn't get that way overnight. No, my clematis took a few years, six to … Continue reading Lessons From a Clematis
Author: Eva Burkholder
Would You Please Consider…?
We have all heard the old adage that 20% of the congregation does 80% of the work. Why do we have a shortage of volunteers in our churches? There are many reasons. I think some are lack of time and lack of confidence. Families, jobs, sports, and other charities compete for the time and energy of our members. People are … Continue reading Would You Please Consider…?
On Turning 50
In my playpen on the porch in PNG where I broke my leg on my first birthday. As I stare down the road to the final days before I turn 50, I ponder this milestone. How did I get here? And how did I get here so fast? I am one of the youngest of … Continue reading On Turning 50
We Who Teach
Three incidents recently have made me painfully aware of what the Bible means when it says: Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.James 3:1 The first incident was when I carelessly gave my opinion on a controversial subject. I was unaware … Continue reading We Who Teach
How Far Will They Go?
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Andrew spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far with they go among so many?"
Letting Go
I have started going to another church. I can't worship here anymore. My heart sank. Not again, Lord, why are we losing yet another one? If I am honest, sometimes when I hear those words, I feel like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, "Go, go, I would not have you back again!" But this … Continue reading Letting Go
For My Dating Sons
Today, I pulled out my old Bible, a dilapidated, well-loved and worn Living Bible from my youth. It is filled with markings, notes, papers and indications of my young faith in Christ. I was startled to find a piece of paper with notes about dating. This information is not for me anymore, so instead I … Continue reading For My Dating Sons
Meditation on Isaiah 32:1-8
READ See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no … Continue reading Meditation on Isaiah 32:1-8
