Christine's Blog (2,628)

Daniel Szakalski was red-headed, skinny, freckle-faced and a bit of a rapscallion in class.  Personally, I thought he was adorable, but I could tell by the way his mom cozied up to me on the first day of school, I just might have my hands full, having her fourth grade son in my class.  It was many years ago now, but the reason I recall him so keenly, is because I remember when he found his…

Philippians 4.

Before we embark fully on this last beloved chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, looking at individual verses and groups of verses, please read it in full today.  Before you read, please ask God to…

I love this time of year.  I have been listening to Christmas music for weeks now, since right after Halloween I guess!  I have my early morning coffee with the Lord next to our very large Christmas tree, and for a little while, all seems well with the world . . .…

“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”  Paul’s love for the Philippians just screams off the page, doesn’t it?  I can relate to Paul’s feelings for those to whom he ministered . . . oh boy, can I!  You see, ->when God calls an individual to serve, he places within his or her heart a…

Samson had hair, you have ______.  [Take Four from my conference at the B-Tab]

I forgot to tell you one thing about crazy Diana or formerly…

Stop talking about it, just do it—pray.  [Take three after ‘What do…

It is almost Thanksgiving Day, so I’ve been thinking … we know it is a time to stop and say “thank you”—but, why should we give thanks? Why do we make a special day out of the year, and close more retail shops than any other day of the year, for the purpose of giving thanks? Because a long time ago, we Americans were thankful people.



Pilgrims first came together on American soil in 1621 to thank God for helping them bring in a…

We are entering the season of “Immanuel” – “God with us”.  We have been talking about being more keenly aware of God’s presence in our lives, understanding his promise to us, his children, that he will never leave us or forsake us.  God will never leave us alone.  But, what about in our pain?  What about in times of suffering … where is God…

Are there things I do, or might do, that would silence his presence?

God has promised he will never leave you, but your ability to feel him might be dimmed.  So, if you want to maintain an awareness of God’s presence in your life,

Refrain from activities…

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord;   but the Lord was not in the wind~ and after the wind, an earthquake;     but the Lord was not in the earthquake~ and after the earthquake, a fire;    but the Lord was not in the fire~ and after the fire, a still small…

I like to hear from other people on the journey--people who want God in their lives--who are endeavoring to think deeper, truer thoughts, and turn them into prayer. . . I have included some of the responses to my questions: How is your prayer life? What are your challenges? What is most meaningful to you? Where do you lack? The responses below were from women and men~



>I seem to pray more when things are not going as well. I know…

What is your definition of prayer?  ‘Talking to God.’  Well, sure--but the first time Scripture recorded someone was talking to God, it was Eve, lying to him, in Genesis 3.10. Was that prayer, then? Not really.  So then perhaps we need to broaden our description of prayer . . . so let’s give it some thought.…

Had prison made Paul crazy?  I mean, maybe when Paul was stoned or flogged, he had been hit in the head one too many times. . . maybe he just was not thinking straight any longer, because he advised the Philippians, ‘No matter what, >My brothers and sisters, be full of joy in the Lord. …

It is difficult to navigate his name: E-pa-phro-di-tus . . . and why bother?   It seems as though Paul is just addressing a housekeeping matter--sending him back to the church in Philippi.  The point seems superfluous in this magnificent chapter two of Philippians, so rich with teaching about the body of Christ.  When Paul talks about the importance of humility, saying we ought have the…

Some Philippians thoughts . . . 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.     Words to live by from…