Reflections of the Heart

9/10/2010   Noah ​Violence filled the world! Wicked, perverse and evil were the continual imaginations and thoughts of mankind.  The Lord was angry! He grieved and promised the destruction of mankind, and all other living creatures. “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (Gen 6:6).  Furthermore, the Lord goes on to say, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Gen 6:7). A dooms day message for certain! However, a message followed by a breath of hope for just one scripture away the writer declares, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen 6:8). ​Who was this man that stood out in the eyes of God, finding grace in the midst of an evil and perverse world?  As the rest of his generation partied, and performed evil acts and lived lascivious lifestyles, Noah was just and per

Pitch black sky, twinkling stars and crisp autumn air was what I experienced when I left my home at 5:30am. As I looked up and gazed at the Big Dipper, I wondered if the Lord allowed the stars to twinkle this morning just for me. Nocturnals would say they love the brilliant night skies, however I am a diurnal otherwise known as a lark, and I truly enjoy the brilliance of the morning sky. I embrace the freshness of the early morning hours. I am truly thankful that the Lord allows me to experience the brilliance of the shining morning stars. The scripture says that he (Jesus) is the "Bright and Morning Star!" (Rev. 22:16) As the sun rises in the East, He paints the sky with marvelous hues that are new each day. The beauty of each sunrise is unique. Every day is a new beginning; a new opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. Embrace life and look up. Is is possible that the bright and morning star that you see is Jesus?

Friday, November 11, 2011 I captured this picture of the moon following a dynamic prayer service during the "Call to War" conference at Antioch the Apostolic Church in Arnold, MD.    The sight of the shining moon was breath taking. Joanne

Authors Tony Townsley and Mark St. Germain have cleverly put together a short story teaching children the dynamics of finances. This witty book should be on the shelves of every home with small children 5-8 years of age. The book is wonderfully illustrated and teaches the discipline of giving, saving, and spending. The story centers on a young boy who receives three cups for his birthday.  His parents explain that they will begin giving him an allowance and will help him divide the allowance each week into each of the three cups; one for giving, one for saving, and one for spending.  The boy begins to understand the meaning giving and how it feels to help someone out.  Later his mom takes him to the bank to deposit the money he has saved where he learns about interest earned.  His spending money is eventually used to buy the baseball glove and a little something for his sister. I would recommend this book to any parent.  It is never too early to begin teaching children finanical re

Gabby, God's Little Angel - eBook, is a precious story that shows how much God loves His children. Gabby, God's angel in training, accepts her assignment to watch over a little girl named Sophie. Sophie, the typical active little girl, likes to frolic and play and soon becomes a challenge for the unexperienced Gabby. In the end, Gabby accomplishes her mission and keeps Sophie from falling off of her pony. The story reinforces Psalm 91, reminding the reader that God will "...put his angels in charge over you."   The e-book is easy to read and the pictures are cute and colorful. I loved the different fonts, especially the large, bold fonts that caught our attention that the message was important. My 6 year old loves technology and is rewarded by being able to use the I-Pad. This little e-book fits, and I would recommend it for any child who likes computers.

While visiting my aging mother, I opened the refrigerator for a drink and could not believe my eyes. Moldy cheese, shriveled potatos, fermented juice. You get the picture. To my amazement, she became very agitated when I suggested cleaning out the refrigerator and throwing out all of the out dated items. It concerned me that she may be consuming food that was spoiled. Expiration dates are placed on products to preserve good heath. When the Israelites were fed by mana from heaven, they were instructed to gather the mana daily. Each family was to gather only the amount necessary to provide food for one day, the exception being the day previous to the Sabbath. On that day they were instructed to collect a portion to provide for two days. Like many of us, the warning was not heeded by all and the mana that was left until morning grew worms and stank (Exodus 16:19-20). God had placed an expiration date on mana! Frugal living. Just the sound of that simple phrase brings an unco