...
But believe me when I say — it’s tough to fast. On days I fast, everything looks like food to me! I tell people that I am the world’s worst faster! But when you are faced with a need, a burden and a problem that is too great or painful or fearful, you cannot help but push away from the table and go on your face before God.
At this hour, our nation needs our fasting and prayer. The last time Boston faced a terror attack was in 1774. ...
...
Long-term care insurance protects the individuals/family from the high cost of long-term care and protects assets for heirs. Long-term care insurance is designed to pay some or all the costs of nursing home, community or home health care when you cannot meet the needs of everyday living on your own. While such insurance is costly and might not cover all of your expenses, it can help to safeguard your assets and protect your financial stability. It is not for everyone. If your only income is Social Security, it is unwise to buy a long-term care policy.
...
...
The father told the boy that during the squirming and struggling inside to cocoon the butterfly’s wings became strong enough to open. Also, the same movement that it took to open the cocoon helped to strengthen the butterfly’s wings so that it could fly when it was born.
Because the boy had opened the cocoon, the butterfly did not get the needed experience to be independent enough to fly on its own, thus leading to its death.
...
... This last Sunday, my church family celebrated the Lord’s Supper. The breaking of the bed symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the wine represents his blood. We are to “do this in remembrance of [Jesus]” (Luke 22:19). It serves to remind us of the salvation that Jesus Christ secured through his wonderful cross.
But who would forget such an act? ...
...
So what is STEM? STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Why has STEM become an important topic among educators, employers and economists? Science proficiency among students in the United States is shamefully low and we should all be concerned about it.
...
...
The final chapter of the Gospel of John (John 21) ends with a challenging story where Peter has his three denials of Jesus prior to the crucifixion met with an opportunity to love and serve Jesus post resurrection. Jesus asks Peter to love and feed his sheep.
Such request does not come lightly. Whether it is a literal interpretation that Jesus wanted Peter to feed sheep like a neighbor asking you to feed her animals while on vacation or a greater commitment to feed and love all those who follow Jesus with the teaching, love, grace, and mercy that leads to kingdom living — Peter is asked not once, not twice, but three times to commit his life to love and service of Jesus’ sheep.
...
Pines are an integral part of the North Carolina landscape with most yards having at least one. And truth be told, they are a fair tree. At maturity the substantial trunks develop attractive bark, copper colored and deep fissured.
In fact, the pine is the State Tree of North Carolina, and worthy of the appellation. From turpentine to timber, it has been a mainstay of our economy for centuries.
But “pine” is actually a very general term, and the genus includes scores of species.
...
The mother dog would stop allowing them to nurse as often. She knew that it was in their best interest to start eating dog food. She knew that they would never grow and develop the way that they needed to if they only nursed her milk for the rest of their lives. She wants them to grow and become mature adults.
...
Part of the appeal of gardening is the idea of depending less on the grocery store and more on your own labors. In the past I’ve argued, based on personal experience, that harvest value will rarely if ever exceed expenses. However I’ve recently seen data that proves otherwise, perhaps calling into question my qualifications to pontificate on the topic. Not that I’ll let that stop me.
...
The Bible says that Mary went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, but once there she discovered that it was empty. Had someone stolen the body of her Lord? As she wept in despair, the Bible says that an angel asked her, “Why are you weeping?” Of course, she was standing before an empty tomb! But, Jesus’ body was not stolen. He had risen on that Easter morning, just as he had promised!
...