I AM and I am

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell If God is I AM and Jesus is his Son and the very Word of God, we should be careful when we say, “I am…,” because the next word we use matters! Is it coincidence that the verb “to be” is conjugated in the first person singular as “I am” or… Continue reading I AM and I am

Did You Read Your Valentines?

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell Did you read your valentines? I hope so, but it’s not too late if you missed them. Here are a few I received that I’ll share with you, because these were sent to you, too! –Valentine, Our love grows the more we share it. Please share my love with others. I… Continue reading Did You Read Your Valentines?

A New Year’s Snow

Just a week into the new year, I find myself at the keyboard of my computer, looking out my window now and then, at the fresh snow fall. In some ways, it’s a hassle.  No church services tomorrow, a possible glitch trying to get to the local funeral home to conduct a memorial service, a… Continue reading A New Year’s Snow

Silent Night, Holy Night

Tonight, it will be as it is every year.  The sanctuary lights will be lowered to a soft glow, the candles will be lit, the crowd will hush as they hear the lovely music begin.  We will gather – those of us who come to church every time the doors open – those who only… Continue reading Silent Night, Holy Night

It’s Time

I know, I know…it seems I say it every year…but it’s true.  I can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here. Once again, I turn on the car radio and hear “Jingle Bell Rock.”  Once again, I see the traffic backing up into the highway, snaking it’s way into the mall parking lot.  Once again,… Continue reading It’s Time

The Stones Will Cry Out

Each year at this time, Christians are reminded of something very important. Even if our praises fade away – Creation itself will keep the song of praise going. Jesus reminded us of this when, during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem two thousand years ago, he told his critics that even if they were silenced the… Continue reading The Stones Will Cry Out

vive la dif·fé·rence

So what’s wrong with being a little different – that is different from those around you – including (or even especially) those whom you love? That’s the question I pose for us today, one day after Valentine’s Day. I am struck by how often someone says to me, while attempting to explain the deep conflict… Continue reading vive la dif·fé·rence

Unplugged…sort of.

I’ve decided to unplug from all my various computerized devices…sort of. I came to this decision shortly after losing, and very probably riding over, my aging iPhone in the driveway of my home, while desperately attempting to free our van from a whole bunch of snow.  I’m pretty sure that, having temporarily put my phone in… Continue reading Unplugged…sort of.

Waiting

At the time of this posting I am sitting comfortably inside a warm house, sipping a cup of rich black coffee, waiting for the snow storm to pass – an event which someone at USA Today has called an “epic blizzard.”  Well, I don’t know about that, seems like overkill to me.  Then again, should the power… Continue reading Waiting

First Things

My friends in the recovery community like to say it often: “First things first.” It’s an old AA slogan, one that recovering alcoholics and addicts fall back on when they are feeling the need to re-group and re-think what they need to do, or not do, as the case may be.  To hear some of… Continue reading First Things