(October 16, 2025) Brian Bell shares about repeating oneself…
Question: Ever been told you talk too much?
A few decades ago, I was told that I tended to repeat myself… no, not by my wife, Eveline (she who says that I am ‘the quiet man’!’).
But seriously, did you know that Psalm 107 is a chapter of repetition? I was taught that when scripture repeats a matter it’s emphasising a matter of real importance. So, I trust that you too sense that God is saying very important to our hearts here.
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(June 27, 2025) Brian Bell shares some encouraging points…
In this short meditation we will consider some thoughts from Nahum 1:7NLT— ‘The Lord is good, He is a strong refuge when trouble comes. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him.’
(June 12, 2025) Carol Round shares comforting truths for troubled souls…
While cleaning my house recently, I listened to a talk show interview with a woman in her late 40s, maybe early 50s. The news was up next, and I didn’t want to miss the weather forecast.
What grabbed my attention was a statement made by the woman being interviewed. I put down my dust rag so I could focus on the interview.
I don’t recall her name or the name of the show, but her statement made me think. She said, ‘I don’t want to age gracefully. My idea of aging is growing peacefully.’
Aging gracefully, according to various websites, means embracing the natural process of aging while maintaining physical and mental well-being. This means adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in regular exercise, and forming positive social connections.
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(January 04, 2025) Carol Round reflects on 2025…
As we move ahead in 2025 trusting our God, what a wonderful, comforting and strengthening scripture is Deuteronomy 7:9 TLB, ‘Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is the faithful God who for a thousand generations keeps His promises and constantly loves those who love Him and who obey His commands.’
I also draw attention to John 16:33, one of my favourite Bible promises, one that Jesus gave His disciples… and we can believe that it applies to us to as we follow Him! Jesus had pointed out that ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble‘ and added encouragingly ‘But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
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(October 11, 2024) Carol Round encourages trusting in Jesus in these ongoing troubled times…
Right now, the aftermath of a devastating hurricane that hit the southeastern part of the United States dominates the news. Amid the hurricane’s destruction, the current presidential election season leaves us reeling with concern about the outcome.
Adding to the chaos, we hear constant updates of wars around the world — and the damage and fear war causes mentally, destruction, negativity.
Trouble fills our world. We can’t escape it!
Besides avoiding social media and the 24/7 news cycle, how can we find peace in a broken world?
(September 04, 2024) Carol Round encourages us to be at peace in God…
Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favourite Bible verses: ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’
When I read or recall this scripture, my heart soars as I imagine a magnificent eagle gliding in the wind. My hope is renewed and whatever negative thoughts are plaguing me scatter with Isaiah’s words
Allowing our negative thoughts to lead us down a path of hopelessness is easy when we are overwhelmed with life’s trials. But God never promised His children an easy life.
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(April 08, 2024) Robert McQuillan shares…
Last month’s news about Australian billionaire Clive Palmer refloating his dream to build a replica of the Titanic caught my attention.
His company, the Blue Star Line, intends the replica – Titanic II – to set sail in June 2027, the billionaire claiming that this ship would be ‘far, far superior to the original.’
Although the replica will have four funnels as had the original, this 21st century ship will be powered by a diesel engine. Modernisations will include upgrades to navigation technology and modern safety procedures – including sufficient lifeboats!
Recalling
My mind immediately recalled a little romantic 19th century novella. It’s by Morgan Robertson and I found myself digging it out to reread. Originally called Futility, it was renamed The Wreck of the Titan.
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(August 19, 2023) Carol Round inspirationally shares encouragement regarding storms of life…
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18TLB is a very inspirational scripture – ‘Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.’
The emphasis here is on the word ‘always,’ and this simply means ‘at all times, on every occasion.’ But note Paul’s encouragement… ‘No matter what happens.’
I remember a discussion of 1 Thessalonians in a Sunday school class. One member shared this about the above verses: ‘Until our family was faced with cancer, we did life as usual. I’m actually grateful, not for the cancer, but that it changed our lives.’
Unexpected crises are a part of life!
Disappointment, heartache, pain and other challenges in our lives are sometimes the motivating factor in seeking salvation or our spiritual growth.
(June 23, 2023) Carol Round challenges us to bless others.
‘I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live’ declares Ecclesiastes 3:12.
Standing on my deck, my five-year-old granddaughter sang a popular song released in the year 2000. At the top of her lungs, she sang, ‘Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who? Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who?’
As she belted out the lyrics, several neighbourhood dogs started barking and howling. Ruby stopped long enough to hear the dogs’ response before she continued singing. However, in a fit of giggles, she couldn’t continue when I said, ‘Ruby, I think they are singing along with you. What do you think?’
The rest of our day was filled with more happy moments as I experienced the joy life brings when you’re spending time with a child. Maybe that’s why Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14).
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Connecting with You! 