While knitting is my main love in terms of crafting, this winter I decided a new challenge was needed. Here’s a first effort at a counted canvas sampler. It’s based on the Twinkling Gems pattern by DebBee’s Designs. The colors, arrangement, and border have all been customized by me.
Some recent books above the desk.
Puzzles will multiply!
New Year’s Eve 2025. It was quite a party! Full size image
Rosey Grier, football star and avid needlepointer. He made it cool for men to stitch. Thanks Rosey!
A typical ukulele.
Many years have passed since Richard Teel was profiled on The 51st State, a long-forgotten local interest program about New York City. Here’s the story of a real-life, everyday hero. May he be an inspiration to you, too.
Someone asked, “Could genocide against natural born citizens happen here as it did in Germany?” The answer is included in the video below.
It is essential for our peace of mind as Christians that we understand what is real. Part of the enemy’s attack is the sowing of confusion through a preponderance of conflicting information. We are aware of his devices, and are warned to be on guard against them.
A wonderful reminder that everything is in our sweet Lord’s hands. If you’re not on the train, now’s the time to get on. If you’re on the train, it’s not too late to warn, beseech and encourage.
Someone wrote: A co-worker told me that we need to make sure everyone wears face masks since lives are in danger. Nobody is taking rights away. It is just like seatbelts - they save lives.
Nearer, My God, to Thee is based on the dream of Jacob in Genesis 28.11. It’s passionate, decisive, and is said to have been sung in the closing minutes before the Titanic went down.
This happy song was recorded in 1940 by the Blue Sky Boys. Can you catch all of the words spelled? “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” — Jesus. John 15:11.
“There is no need for Protestants to be stampeded into making a choice between the power of the Pope [Fascism] and the power of Russia [Communism]. Protestants have in their possession a power greater than both of these combined, namely, the very power of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Brian Shilavy writes the following: “The heart of idolatry is looking to sources outside of God for our basic needs and desires in life. The idol is an attempt to explain life apart from God, our Creator.
“For more than twenty years Johnny Appleseed had been making his name one to laugh at and love in the log cabins between the Ohio River and the northern lakes.”
The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible is becoming a de facto standard in American Reformed churches. Many pastors and others know that the ESV is a revision of the Revised Standard Version, which years ago was rejected by Bible believing Christians because of its treatment of Isaiah 7:14.
The following teaching on election and predestination was delivered by professor Matthias Loy, and is well worth taking the time to read. You can download a PDF version Who are the Elect?. As always, may God richly bless you.
I converted to Christianity as a teenager. But the spiritual search continued. I practiced astral projection, became a skilled astrologer, and began to read tarot. I justified what I was doing as “service to others”, and felt superior to anyone who might judge me.
According to an online website specializing in hymns, Come ye thankful people come appears in 608 hymnals. On the one hand it’s a song of gratitude to the Lord for the food provided in this year’s harvest. Yet the references to Mark 4:26-29 and Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43, also call for a hastening of God’s final harvest.
The origin and the content of this hymn emphasize its meaning and value. “Rome boasts that she never changes; the Turk has not improved, new and diverse enemies have risen round about us, so that there are numerous occasions when sincere Christians, realizing their environment, can enter with appreciation into the singing of this old Luther hymn, recognizing that though some conditions vary, the real dangers are the same, and the need of every influence and protection and guidance of the Triune God prayed for in this remarkable Luther hymn is needed today and every day that the Christian lives.
The old battles in the church are here again. Perhaps the most important one is not about spiritual gifts for today, but rather what constitutes salvation. Is it all Jesus Christ? Or is it Jesus Christ plus our obedience?
Back in 1983 when this music video was released, times were hard and well-paying jobs were scarce. Inflation was in the double-digits. War in the Middle East and violence on the streets. In 2025 it has all come ‘round again.
Do you remember the slang term, reality check? It’s a reminder from a friend when one’s thinking is distorted. As the current political drama beats down on all of us, this hymn can serve as a welcome balm and pull us back into a Biblical way of thinking. Kings and queens rise and fall, but God is on the throne. He establishes governments. In contrast to this fallen, sinful world, The Lord has decreed an eternity in which righteousness will reign in justice and without sin, tears or suffering. Glory to Him.
I’m neither a picture-taker nor -saver. I’ve always preferred the moment. But I returned home Thursday night with a bag of framed images. And I’m so glad that I did.
Tarot was an important part of my life for almost 20 years. I studied it, wrote about it, performed countless readings, and was considered knowledgeable by experts. Here’s why I stopped.
Today when I visited you in the hospital, it took all my courage to say, You need to ask God to help you. But I didn’t go far enough. What I wanted to say is written in this letter.
Written years ago and in need of an update. If you’d like to read it anyway, send a note.
The Augsburg Confession is the defining document of the Protestant Reformation.
The Nicene Creed has summarized essential Biblical faith for the last 1700 years.
![The Singing Bus Driver - NYC Transit Authority Bus Hero Richard Teel [Video]](/the-singing-bus-driver-nyc-transit-authority-bus-hero-richard-teel-video/featured_hu10003543010891707351.webp)
![Photographs and memories [Video]](/photographs-and-memories-video/featured_hu16173070158225534841.webp)
