As a young man, Charles Thomas Studd (1860-1931) had everything going for him. A famous cricket champion during his Eton and Cambridge days, fame and success were his. But after his older brother George died, he started questioning it all. “What is all the fame and flattery worth,” he wondered, “when a man comes to face eternity?”
Continue reading “CT Studd and God’s Reputation”
No one likes roadblocks or delays. We prefer doing what we want and going where we wish. But sometimes we find roadblocks in our way, and frustration sets in. Or irritation, anger, resignation, sorrow. Disappointment can bring a whole spectrum of emotions. And we wish for a bulldozer to clear the way.
Continue reading “When the Way is Blocked”
It’s Carnival week in Italy. And our small town, like many, holds a traditional parade and a masked street party. But no Italian carnival celebration in Italy is more famous than that of Venice.
Continue reading “The Italian Carnival: A Venetian Tradition”
Moriah, which means chosen by God, was where God had his temple built, for it was a place special and holy to him. It was also where he sent King David to offer sacrifices after his sin of taking a census (1 Chronicles 21). It seemed like such a small thing, counting the people, but David did it out of pride. Which made God so angry that he sent a plague upon the people.
Continue reading “Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah”
Jonah was an unwilling missionary. An odd one, but not because he was reluctant. I have known unwilling missionaries. I’ve even been one. In Jonah’s case his unwillingness stemmed from disobedience. But sometimes the reluctance comes from fear. Fear of failure. What if no one listens? What if I bear no fruit? Or if they hate me, and they stone me or something?
Continue reading “Unwilling Missionaries”
“Out with the old, in with the new.” Where or how this saying got started, I’m not sure. But Italians take it to heart and throw old plates and other items out the window on New Year’s Eve. Although it has dwindled, some people still do it, even chucking furniture out the window!
Continue reading “Plans for 2023: Finding Purpose”
Signora Sheila 