obedience – Signora Sheila

Only Man Walks Upright [and Our Sacred Trust]

Silhouetted man stands with a dog beside a calm lake at sunset, with reflections, distant homes, bare trees, and a pale moon.

The beauty and mystery of the heavens and the stars have long fascinated humanity. They speak of something higher and greater than ourselves. The wise men who worshiped the Christ-child were stargazers too. They searched the heavens for a sign of the coming King — the greatest King ever. They were searching, as humanity always has, forContinueContinue reading “Only Man Walks Upright [and Our Sacred Trust]”

The God of Reckless Abandon

They said we were crazy — and we probably were. But we’ve got a story to tell. It was May 1989, 37 years ago, when we embarked on this crazy adventure, a craziness that has only intensified over the years. “It’ll never work”, they told us. “Don’t do it! It’s crazy, insane. You’ve got toContinueContinue reading “The God of Reckless Abandon”

Simon Peter and Why We Love Him

Two bearded men, one the apostle Peter, in historical clothing face each other indoors; one wears a white turban and holds a weapon, while the other gestures tensely.

Simon Peter, how can we not love him? Delightful in his spontaneity. Lovable in his gregariousness. Transparent and enthusiastic. Quick to act, and react. So sure of himself, yet at times timid and even cowardly. There is something genuine and endearing about Peter and his ways. Simon Peter, with his transparent humanity, is the disciple with whomContinueContinue reading “Simon Peter and Why We Love Him”

Life’s Turning Points

Weathered wooden sailboat with raised, tattered sail crosses a calm lake as two robed figures wait on shore, backed by barren mountains.

That day, as always, a large crowd gathered around the young rabbi, who was new on the scene. Amazed at His wonderful teachings, the crowd sought Him out wherever He went. And now that news of His miracles had spread, the people pressed on Him even more, almost backing Him into the Sea of Galilee. So Jesus boardedContinueContinue reading “Life’s Turning Points”

Little Becomes Much in God’s Hands

Two hands cradle a heart-shaped pile of golden seeds against lush green leaves, conveying care, generosity, and a connection to nature.

Have you ever told the Lord that you couldn’t do something? I have, and I was completely convinced it was useless to even try. But then the Lord showed me that even small things become great in His hands. Large crowds often followed Jesus. And that day, after He had crossed the Sea of Galilee,ContinueContinue reading “Little Becomes Much in God’s Hands”

Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah

Silhouetted woman stands in a calm lake at sunset, arms outstretched, with a dark pine forest and pink clouds reflected in the water.

Moriah means “chosen by God” and it was a holy place that was special to Him. God had his temple built there. He also sent King David there to offer sacrifices after David sinned by taking a census (1 Chronicles 21). Counting the people seemed like a minor offense, but David did it out of pride.ContinueContinue reading “Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah”