SEATED LEG PRESS

Man performing heavy leg press workout

READ MATTHEW 8:5-13      My husband Barry is at the gym by 6:00 a.m. every Saturday working out on the equipment.  When he uses the seated leg press, his knees are bent as he readies himself to push 750 lbs.! Not bad for a 71-year-old gym rat, right? Every weekend he completes an impressive routine…

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THE DAY ELVIS DIED

Singer in jeweled white jumpsuit singing into microphone

READ HEBREWS 4:14-16      I remember the day Elvis Presley died; August 17, 1977. I was working at a bridal salon inside a shopping mall in Florence, Kentucky. When the news of his death broke, our store manager, who was a devoted Elvis fan, began crying uncontrollably. She had to leave work early because she…

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“Z” IS FOR “ZUCCHINI”

Yellow squash blossoms among broad green leaves

READ MATTHEW 19: 27-30      Zucchinis are weird looking vegetables, growing out from the bottom of the plant stem, topped by a golden star-like flower. They remind me of the long, stretchy balloons that clowns blow up and twist together at carnivals to create hats or replicas of wiener dogs! Zucchini plants command the vegetable…

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SCOREBOARD

Digital basketball scoreboard showing 2:06, 47-35

READ TITUS 3:1-7      We live near a community football stadium where local high school teams compete for conference titles and state championships. Sports fans park their cars at a nearby shopping mall and walk to the stadium carrying their padded cushions, binoculars, blankets and thermoses of hot coffee. From our window we can detect…

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LOST AND FOUND

A tabby cat sitting with one paw raised, looking curious.

READ JOHN 10:1-15      Our cat, Striper, routinely stands on the back of our living room couch, parts the curtains with his nose and looks out the window, scanning the front yard for birds, squirrels or anything that moves. My neighbors have seen him do this and have commented on how adorable he is.     …

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THE FRUIT OF THE VINE

Two glasses of wine with green and purple grapes beside them.

READ JOHN 2:1-12      Cheers! This is the hallmark of the holidays; the quintessential salutation followed by the clink of wine glasses raised in unison. The crystal stemware held up against the festive room lights reflect tiny rainbows caught within the patterns of the cut glass. People voice their genuine well-wishes to extend hopes for…

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CHILDLIKENESS IS CHRISTLIKENESS

Colorful outdoor playground with slides and climbing structures under a clear sky.

READ MATTHEW 18:1-6      One night I stayed up late reading, leaning comfortably against the couch armrest under the glow of a floor lamp. I was engrossed in a tense story about a kidnapping. I was finally getting to the good part about how the victim safely escapes when my husband came downstairs to check…

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OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION

Cluttered workbench with paint cans, brushes, and various tools.

READ JAMES 4:6-17       I pride myself on keeping a clean house. Without notice, someone could stop by and tour my home without stepping over piles of dirty clothes or a week’s worth of garbage. No negative judgments would I endure from an impromptu guest, shocked at what they see. Dishes are washed, laundry is…

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THE VALUE OF GOAL SETTING

Vintage pocket watch with intricate hands and Roman numerals.

READ PHILIPPIANS 3:10-14       I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions because they usually never materialize. Instead, I adhere to setting goals to achieve a future desired outcome to benefit my family and me. Holding yourself to daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals gives you a doable framework to accomplish your dreams. Planning is…

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ARE YOU LONELY AND BLUE?

A small blue bird perched on a branch.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7      Blue Jays are intensely beautiful birds that can be spotted in North American and Canada. They are related to crows and can mimic the calls of other birds. Most interestingly, they are not lonely. They keep the same mate throughout their lifetime and have an extensive social system, living within…

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