“For Goodness’ sake, Maybelle," my mom exclaimed. “Stop asking so many questions!” "Here comes Miss Goody Two Shoes,” my sister sneered to her friends every time she saw me walking toward her. “You’re just too good sometimes, Maybelle," a friend once advised me. “You’re going to explode someday.” I have heard the word “good” in one form or another associated with my … [Read more...] about Be Good, For Goodness’ Sake
Biblical Garden
We All Need a Little More Kindness
“Why is kindness so hard for family members to show each other?” Tom asked me one morning. It was a rare weekend morning with no activities or appointments and we were alone in the kitchen having breakfast together. “What?” I said. “Well, it just seems that people are nicer to strangers than they are to their own family members. And I was just wondering why that … [Read more...] about We All Need a Little More Kindness
Grant Me Patience, Lord, But Hurry.
Grant me, patience, Lord, but hurry. How many times in your life have you prayed that simple phrase? Yes, patience seems to be in short supply in the world these days. Instant gratification, road rage, same day or next day delivery, and speeding are examples of our need to have it NOW! We cannot wait. Therefore, we run ourselves ragged. As a result, we are stressed, anger, and … [Read more...] about Grant Me Patience, Lord, But Hurry.
Passing the Peace – Fruit of the Spirit
"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
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?