LOVE
Expressions of God's love for us, our love for Him
and the love He requires we share with one another.
The Ultimate Royal Wedding by Ann-Louise
In a solemn moment, the world watched in wonder this morning as Kate Middleton and Prince William vowed to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days. As I watched some of the news coverage of this historic event, I was reminded of another wedding. This bride is more beautiful than any this world has ever seen. Her bridegroom has given everything to ensure a marriage covenant that will last for the rest of eternity. Read more...
Our Immanuel Forever by Ann-Louise
In the early 90s, as coalition forces took a hands-on approach in the Middle East, the idea that God has somehow taken a hands-off approach to His creation resonated in the ears and hearts of the youth of America. Singer Bette Midler crooned “God is watching us from a distance,” encouraging the idea that God is somewhat like an absentee father. The prophet Isaiah, however, proclaimed that a child would be born and His name would be called ‘Immanuel.’ (God with us.) Read more...
Spritual 'Kodak Moments' by Ann-Louise
Do you remember the 'Kodak Moment' commercials? The theme of those ads was that we should preserve our precious memories for a lifetime (using Kodak products, of course). One morning in church, I was very blessed to witness a spiritual 'Kodak Moment.' Read more...
The Author and Perfecter by Ann-Louise
In a race, the runners keep their eyes on the goal – the finish line. They have rid themselves of all baggage, and take only what they need; nothing that can weigh them down. They don’t keep looking back where they’ve been; they just look straight ahead to the goal. They keep on, patiently putting one foot in front of the other. What do you look forward to at the end of this race? I look forward to falling at my Savior’s feet and washing them with my tears of gratitude and joy. Read more...
ABIDE by Ann-Louise
Although winter is not my favorite season, I love those quiet, cold Wisconsin Saturday afternoons when I can curl up with a good book, a fluffy blanket, and a nice warming cappuccino. Ahhh...now that's a great way to unwind from the stresses of the week. When visiting at the home of someone I've just met, kicking off my shoes and curling up in a comfy corner of their couch would be the last thing I would do. The same level of comfort we find at home exists nowhere else. Home is the place of security; the place we find acceptance, love and nurturing. It's the place we live; where we abide. When Jesus speaks of us abiding in Him, He wants us to find that same level of comfort living in Him. Read more...
A True Friend by Ellen C
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 (NKJV) says, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. and we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” How often do we REALLY take heed to these exhortations? Are you REALLY a friend? Read more...
Left Speechless by Ann-Louise
Have you ever been left speechless? What was it that left you unable to respond? What left you without words? The Bible talks about a few people who were left speechless. What left them without words? What was it that left them unable to respond? Let's take a look... Read more...
How Many Stones Will You Pick Up? by Ellen C
The Pharisees were a prominent ‘sect’ of the Jews. They were very concerned about keeping the minute areas of the law (Matthew 23:23). The problem with the Pharisees was in their preoccupation with the minute, they had forgotten the “weightier matters of the law’. Jesus said, “…these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Read more...
The Promised Gift by Ann-Louise
Long ago in a garden, a gift was promised to the world. Throughout the ages, this promised gift was gradually unwrapped and revealed for the world to behold. The first glimpse was given as blood was shed in the garden to provide a temporary covering for sin. As blood poured from the brazen altar in the tabernacle, the world was given a daily reminder of the awesome promise of the gift. While the walls of Jericho crumbled, the scarlet cord in Rahab’s window secured redemption for her family and provided a visual reminder of what was to come. Through the mouths of the prophets, the Giver of the gift continued to proclaim His promise from generation to generation. Read more...
The Ultimate Royal Wedding by Ann-Louise
With splendid pageantry, ornate carriages, exquisite wedding gowns, and fairy tale romance, a royal wedding is an extraordinary event that captures our imagination and our hearts. In a solemn moment, the world watched in wonder this morning as Kate Middleton and Prince William vowed to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days. As I watched some of the news coverage of this historic event, I was reminded of another wedding. This bride is more beautiful than any this world has ever seen. Her bridegroom has given everything to ensure a marriage covenant that will last for the rest of eternity. Read more...
The Easter Message... According to the Scriptures by Ann-Louise
At the moment the doors swoosh open, row upon row of baskets, synthetic grass, plastic eggs, cards with sweet messages, candy and toys beckon the eye (and, the manager hopes, your check book). This has been the scene at our local ‘super store’ for over a month and probably at yours, too. In a week or two, or even in a few days, the goodies will be gone, the cheap trinkets broken or forgotten, and life will go on. For many, life will go on with something else missing. They will enjoy the Easter fun, but miss the good news of the Easter message. And, just what is this good news? The good news of the Easter message is that: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Cor 15:3-4). Read more...
By Two Immutable Things by Ann-Louise
We serve a God who keeps covenant and mercy to a thousand generations, who does not lie and who keeps His promises. Many times in Scripture we are reminded of these truths. God wants us to know that we can trust Him. He wants to remind us that He will do what is best for us and will never fail us. He wants us to be fully aware that He is the God who is there who will never leave us or forsake us. Our God says what He means and means what He says. In Hebrews 6, we are reminded again of the covenants God made with Abraham and with us.
Read more...
In a solemn moment, the world watched in wonder this morning as Kate Middleton and Prince William vowed to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days. As I watched some of the news coverage of this historic event, I was reminded of another wedding. This bride is more beautiful than any this world has ever seen. Her bridegroom has given everything to ensure a marriage covenant that will last for the rest of eternity. Read more...
Our Immanuel Forever by Ann-Louise
In the early 90s, as coalition forces took a hands-on approach in the Middle East, the idea that God has somehow taken a hands-off approach to His creation resonated in the ears and hearts of the youth of America. Singer Bette Midler crooned “God is watching us from a distance,” encouraging the idea that God is somewhat like an absentee father. The prophet Isaiah, however, proclaimed that a child would be born and His name would be called ‘Immanuel.’ (God with us.) Read more...
Spritual 'Kodak Moments' by Ann-Louise
Do you remember the 'Kodak Moment' commercials? The theme of those ads was that we should preserve our precious memories for a lifetime (using Kodak products, of course). One morning in church, I was very blessed to witness a spiritual 'Kodak Moment.' Read more...
The Author and Perfecter by Ann-Louise
In a race, the runners keep their eyes on the goal – the finish line. They have rid themselves of all baggage, and take only what they need; nothing that can weigh them down. They don’t keep looking back where they’ve been; they just look straight ahead to the goal. They keep on, patiently putting one foot in front of the other. What do you look forward to at the end of this race? I look forward to falling at my Savior’s feet and washing them with my tears of gratitude and joy. Read more...
ABIDE by Ann-Louise
Although winter is not my favorite season, I love those quiet, cold Wisconsin Saturday afternoons when I can curl up with a good book, a fluffy blanket, and a nice warming cappuccino. Ahhh...now that's a great way to unwind from the stresses of the week. When visiting at the home of someone I've just met, kicking off my shoes and curling up in a comfy corner of their couch would be the last thing I would do. The same level of comfort we find at home exists nowhere else. Home is the place of security; the place we find acceptance, love and nurturing. It's the place we live; where we abide. When Jesus speaks of us abiding in Him, He wants us to find that same level of comfort living in Him. Read more...
A True Friend by Ellen C
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 (NKJV) says, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. and we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” How often do we REALLY take heed to these exhortations? Are you REALLY a friend? Read more...
Left Speechless by Ann-Louise
Have you ever been left speechless? What was it that left you unable to respond? What left you without words? The Bible talks about a few people who were left speechless. What left them without words? What was it that left them unable to respond? Let's take a look... Read more...
How Many Stones Will You Pick Up? by Ellen C
The Pharisees were a prominent ‘sect’ of the Jews. They were very concerned about keeping the minute areas of the law (Matthew 23:23). The problem with the Pharisees was in their preoccupation with the minute, they had forgotten the “weightier matters of the law’. Jesus said, “…these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Read more...
The Promised Gift by Ann-Louise
Long ago in a garden, a gift was promised to the world. Throughout the ages, this promised gift was gradually unwrapped and revealed for the world to behold. The first glimpse was given as blood was shed in the garden to provide a temporary covering for sin. As blood poured from the brazen altar in the tabernacle, the world was given a daily reminder of the awesome promise of the gift. While the walls of Jericho crumbled, the scarlet cord in Rahab’s window secured redemption for her family and provided a visual reminder of what was to come. Through the mouths of the prophets, the Giver of the gift continued to proclaim His promise from generation to generation. Read more...
The Ultimate Royal Wedding by Ann-Louise
With splendid pageantry, ornate carriages, exquisite wedding gowns, and fairy tale romance, a royal wedding is an extraordinary event that captures our imagination and our hearts. In a solemn moment, the world watched in wonder this morning as Kate Middleton and Prince William vowed to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days. As I watched some of the news coverage of this historic event, I was reminded of another wedding. This bride is more beautiful than any this world has ever seen. Her bridegroom has given everything to ensure a marriage covenant that will last for the rest of eternity. Read more...
The Easter Message... According to the Scriptures by Ann-Louise
At the moment the doors swoosh open, row upon row of baskets, synthetic grass, plastic eggs, cards with sweet messages, candy and toys beckon the eye (and, the manager hopes, your check book). This has been the scene at our local ‘super store’ for over a month and probably at yours, too. In a week or two, or even in a few days, the goodies will be gone, the cheap trinkets broken or forgotten, and life will go on. For many, life will go on with something else missing. They will enjoy the Easter fun, but miss the good news of the Easter message. And, just what is this good news? The good news of the Easter message is that: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Cor 15:3-4). Read more...
By Two Immutable Things by Ann-Louise
We serve a God who keeps covenant and mercy to a thousand generations, who does not lie and who keeps His promises. Many times in Scripture we are reminded of these truths. God wants us to know that we can trust Him. He wants to remind us that He will do what is best for us and will never fail us. He wants us to be fully aware that He is the God who is there who will never leave us or forsake us. Our God says what He means and means what He says. In Hebrews 6, we are reminded again of the covenants God made with Abraham and with us.
Read more...
