"It's time for passing the peace." I cringe every time I hear those words in church. It’s my least favorite part of the service. But I dutifully stand up, shake hands in the radius of parishioners who surround me, smile and say “Peace be with you,” or reply “And also to you,” if they say it first, sit down, grab the pew Bible, and look up the day’s verse. I pretend, usually, … [Read more...] about Passing the Peace – Fruit of the Spirit
10 Life Lessons I Learned as a Football Mom
Howdy! Maybelle Crabtree here. I am a Football Mom. Or at least I was. Matthew played youth football here in town for six years. It's what our family did from August to early December. Everything, and I do mean everything, in our household revolved around the football schedule. Football was good for Matthew; it kept him on track. It was a release for his boundless energy. … [Read more...] about 10 Life Lessons I Learned as a Football Mom
Joy Versus Happiness – Which is Better?
Maybelle Crabtree here. The US Constitution guarantees us the right to pursue happiness. But what about joy? Do we have a right to pursue that? Why can't we seem to find joy? And why can't happiness be enough? Sometimes the pursuit of happiness can lead to emptiness and an unsatisfied life. The problem is we confuse joy with happiness. Joy, as the second element of the Fruit of … [Read more...] about Joy Versus Happiness – Which is Better?
Love is the Most Important Element of the FOTS?
Love is the first element mentioned in the Fruit of the Spirit (Click here for FOTS post). Why is that? Why did Paul the Apostle mention it first? My answer: it is. Paul states that in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, we have nothing and are nothing without love. In the King James version of the Holy Bible which I grew up with, the word used is "charity." But no matter which word you use, … [Read more...] about Love is the Most Important Element of the FOTS?
My Kid-Friendly Halloween Decorations
Howdy! MayBelle Crabtree here. I have the most kid-friendly house on the block at Halloween time. Always have and I always will. My neighbors think I’m crazy and they may be right. Most of them have spooky ghouls, goblins, ghosts, and witches in their front yards. Scary noises emit from somewhere, skeletons pop out from behind trees and shrubs, and black lights flash on and … [Read more...] about My Kid-Friendly Halloween Decorations