It’s mid-November, and my first Christmas event is already behind me. This was not intentional, but rather dictated by the availability of large venues that can accommodate, in our case, 200 women. On Saturday morning, we gathered at the country club in our city for a late breakfast, Christmas carols to sing along to, and a speaker…
Category: Uncategorized
273. And then…
This past week, I received a lot of feedback on the last Pebbles about forgiveness. I shared what I had to go through myself. Some things had accumulated and built up. Thoughts multiplied, grew, and almost took on a whole life of their own. I know the teachings about forgiveness. Knowledge is nothing and helps nothing if it doesn’t take root in…
272. The whole caboodle
Evil comes in waves. It catches you off guard, like a rogue wave suddenly breaking through the rhythmic beat of the sea. The wave that sweeps your feet out from under you is a bundle of disappointment, insult, hurt, and rage. The sins of others in your life tear your heart apart in an instant with words that wound,…
Who me? …Yes you!
Of course, you know the Bible story. It’s one of the most beloved stories in Christianity. The picture is in the Children’s Bible – beautifully illustrated in colour. A man in a long white robe carries a sheep draped over his shoulders. The caption reads: The Good Shepherd. You might remember it well, or perhaps the image is a bit blurry….
271. One Word
It is just like a contract. One of the requirements of a contract is mutual agreement. Two parties must agree on a certain matter or condition in order to achieve something. The willingness to agree is powerful. Such a decision, where two people agree, whether on big things or even very small things, is the driving force behind so…
270. Unlawful Authority
It’s so easy to criticize. Actually it comes quite naturally. From the sidelines of any situation, the perspective is different, and of course, I know exactly how things should look and unfold. My grandfather apparently always said: “You don’t argue about what is beautiful and pleasant.” He wanted to prevent personal preferences from turning conversations into arguments. This applies to…
269. The Only Door That Matters
Just as we previously philosophized about life’s path, there is certainly a lot of symbolism and sayings related to a door. Doors open and doors close—life “doors” that actually signify major decisions that determine a career, residence, and circle of friends. We often speak in this way. I did, however, hear the other day that if you’re in…
268. Road sign and guideposts
Set up road signs; put up guideposts.Take note of the highway, the road that you take. (Jeremiah 31:21) We often talk poetically and philosophically about the journey of life. This is entirely appropriate. Life is indeed a journey. It is not a soft resting place by a stagnant pool of calm water where we can collapse and rest. Perhaps there are times…
267. Saved and yoked
In life there are times that the “fiery oven” of circumstances and affliction is burning with hardship and adversity. Human words are weak and superficial and God’s words are strength and hope. It could only ever be God’s words that transform and renew, that comfort and give hope, that are a refuge and write a song in…
266. The crucible of distress
It is in the quiet crucible of your personal private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given. (Whintley Phipps) I wrote down this quote while watching a Gospel music concert. The singer who said it sounded as if he knew what he was talking about—in a moment, his heart was…
Pebbles of Perpetuity 