Matthew 22:37-38 - Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (NIV)I had a problem with my ice maker. The repairman responded quickly to my call. He performed...
Psalm 86:11 - Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (NIV)Some preschool children were in a race to see who could reach the red flag first. Jane, a spirited little girl, was gaining speed on a...
Galatians 5:22-23a - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (NIV)Our grape arbour is filled with grapes this year. What a joy it is to go pick this fruit directly from the vine. These are...
Proverbs 13:18 - If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. (NLT)I learned early in life to be teachable. My mother had taught me a few sewing skills at home, so when I began Home Economics classes in...
Luke 13:8-9 - "Sir," the man replied, "leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." (NIV)An hibiscus tree has sat in a pot on my patio for several years. Last year, it did not...
James 1:18 - In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creations. (NRSV)My little ten-year-old friend Maggie, who lived in a second-floor apartment building, was asked to play a role...
Proverbs 12:11 - He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. (NIV)The whale had followed a delectable small fish called a capelin into the inlet. The lighthouse keeper told us that he was "beached" in shallow water until...