“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;”   Isaiah 61:3 KJV. The alarm rings and I pop out of bed in spite of the 3:30 am hour. Off to work and, although mostly informational, the first full day of my new journey, all wrapped into one. Though against my upbringing, I...

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). The view out the window to the left is a beautiful white Art Deco sky scrapper looking down on sometimes busy streets, lined with cars and blinking lights. This city is much quieter than...

The sky is N. Carolina blue with billowy clouds and sparkles as the sun reflects off of the icy snow out the window. A cup off coffee within arms reach, earbuds in, legs straight, crossed at the ankles and a three hour wait with no place to go: I am excited! A date with Heavenly Dad! “My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ These...

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16). The snow flakes were HUGE and numerous but falling ever so slowly. I would watch one flutter from two or so stories high...

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the...