7 Surprising Benefits of Sadness

by | posted in: Devotionals, Family, Uncategorized, Writing | 0

(This article was published at Crosswalk.com) Is your smile feeling a little strained lately? Worried that your joy cup doesn’t always “runneth over?” You might be relieved to know that God doesn’t expect Christians to be “happy” all the time.  In fact, he fully expects us to experience sadness. I know, sadness is not a “positive and encouraging” topic. Nobody … Read More

The Pleasure in Perseverance

by | posted in: Arts Conferences, Arts Ministry, Christian Arts Conference, Family | 10

“…but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance…”(Romans 5:3 NKJV) Several years ago my parents got an “Award of Perseverance” from their church; a little framed certificate of recognition that was probably designed on a pastor’s computer. But it was a big deal for our family; an acknowledgment of two people who “gloried in their tribulations”. For … Read More

The beginnings of creative Gloucester sunset.

Faithful Creativity

by | posted in: Art, Creativity, Devotionals, Family, Uncategorized | 4

I think it may be human nature to take beauty for granted after we’ve seen it a few times. At least that’s the case for me. Take sunsets for example. These live-painted masterpieces in the sky can become just another barely noticed moment in a busy day. But when I make an effort to pause and watch—even for a few … Read More

Why Your Family is More Awesome Than the Roosevelts

by | posted in: Creativity, Devotionals, Family, Uncategorized | 0

I got somewhat addicted to Ken Burns’ fascinating series The Roosevelts on PBS recently. It chronicles the life and times of the famous family, focusing on the irascible 26th President, Theodore, and his niece Eleanor and cousin Franklin, the 32nd President, as well as their children. I find it inspiring that a family had such an effect on our country and the … Read More

When Unmet Expectations are Part of God’s Plan

by | posted in: Devotionals, Family | 2

J. Scott McElroy I felt God drawing me to Isaiah 53 during quiet time today. I’ve read that passage many times and honestly wasn’t very excited about going through the suffering and sorrow and punishment again. I had hoped that God would lead me to something “positive and encouraging”, the kind Christian radio stations promote, minus the blandness. After reading … Read More

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