Interviews are okay, but I like to hear what you have to say.

Many times through my life with God, I have gone to Him and said, "I have no knowledge, no understanding, and no wisdom--please give me Your knowledge, Your understanding, and Your wisdom." Then I take time to think through what I want to do. I also will knock at doors, but I won't push them open. If it is God's wisdom for me to do something, He will make the way for me.

One thing for sure--God wants you to know and experience His absolute love for you. Everything else is secondary to that. Concentrate on loving God with all that you have and loving your neighbor as yourself, and everything else will work out. Sometimes, I think we forget that the being comes before the doing.

I have given this as a writing assignment for my high school English students--now it's my turn. I would love to travel up and down the Atlantic Seaboard and visit the historical places located there. I love the Atlantic Ocean and being reminded of how our country came into being would be wonderful.

I'm not a leader in a church, but I do understand the concept of sustainability. I guess the first step in tackling this challenge is deciding just what one wants to sustain. Is the goal sustaining the church or enabling believers to sustain their relationships with God? I have a feeling if you work on the later, the former will take care of itself. I think it's important to remember that the individuals in your church may leave your fellowship, but they won't leave God's. The time you invest in strengthening believers in their walk with God and giving them the freedom to be led by Him will pay off.

Can I ever relate with your prayer! Back in the mid-seventies, I asked God to help me understand the Bible--I didn't want someone else's understanding, but I wanted His understanding. I followed through with an insatiable hunger to study and pray and study and pray. Well, I have my understanding and I sure hope it's real. I hope Isaiah 25:6-8 and Revelation 21:4 quickly come to pass.

First, my sympathy on the loss of your friend--nothing separates us from God's absolute love, nothing! Second, although I don't live in a major cultural center, the beauty of art surrounds me in my high school. I don't know why, but our students seem to flourish in visual arts (which are always displayed in our halls) and music. In the midst of the most challenging days, I can stop at the displays and enjoy a moment of beauty.

Just a thought--when you feel really discouraged, look upward and see God cheering you on. His purpose is good in our lives, and He is a strong help to us in our difficulties.

My recent post #29 BECOMING A SON OF GOD: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (1)

I visited Zoecity today at school (during a free moment), and I did something that I hope is okay. I registered my blog as my favorite website (sorry, Michael). I'm hoping some of my content will find its way onto the site. One of the things that I really like about the internet and being connected is that there is something for everyone. I hope Zoecity is successful and helpful to many readers.

My recent post #28 BECOMING A SON OF GOD: THE NEW BIRTH

I know my experience in writing has made me a better English teacher. When my students complain about not wanting to do a writing assignment, I know what they are talking about. And, as I venture farther into writing my blog, I am continually checking my life to make sure my actions match my words. The power comes in the doing, not just in the saying.

My recent post #28 BECOMING A SON OF GOD: THE NEW BIRTH

Thanks! Ohio is in the process of firming up requirements for high school graduation by requiring a senior project which would involve a presentation. While the 80/20 rule would be moot in that venue, good communication skills would be necessary. My school is in the planning stages now--I'll try to make sure we include instruction of effective communication.
My recent post #28 BECOMING A SON OF GOD: THE NEW BIRTH