Category Archives: Encouragement

Kind and Encouraging Words

Posted on December 16, 2022 by pastorpstephens

I recently had an opportunity to spend some time with our grandson Theo who just turned three. We sat on the floor and played with trucks, drums, and a few other toys. I had a great time. My favorite part … Continue reading →

Posted in Being Thankful, Christianity, Encouragement, encouraging others, faith, God has blessed me, grandchildren | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This is the Day

Posted on November 18, 2022 by pastorpstephens

On the news tonight, I heard one newscaster touting a new segment on their program called “Working for the weekend.” The segment provides information about local activities available in our area during the weekend. One of the other anchors said … Continue reading →

Posted in Being Thankful, Choose to be happy, Christianity, Encouragement, faith, Faith during hard times | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Sad Song

Posted on May 25, 2022 by pastorpstephens

In the wake of the tragic and senseless loss of life yesterday in Uvalde, I have been overwhelmed by various emotions – sorrow and sadness and anger and outrage.  There is so much that needs to be done, so much … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, faith, Faith during hard times, Grief, Grieving Together | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Praying for Friends and Family

Posted on October 9, 2021 by pastorpstephens

I have many friends who serve in the medical field and in ministry in one capacity or another.  They have all been on my heart this past week.  I know the last 18 months or so have not been easy … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Don't give up, Encouragement, faith, Faith during hard times | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus Comforts and Confronts Us

Posted on August 21, 2021 by pastorpstephens

Each week I get to lead a Bible study with some young children.  Generally, we take turns reading some scriptures, reading a reflection on those scriptures and then sharing our thoughts on what we have read.  The theme of the … Continue reading →

Posted in can't go on, Christianity, Don't give up, Draw close to God, Encouragement, Faith during hard times, Matthew 14:31, Trusting the Lord | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Build Upon the Rock

Posted on July 31, 2021 by pastorpstephens

In chapel this week, we looked at a passage from Matthew.  In Matthew 7:24 – 27, Jesus tells a story about two kinds of people.  He speaks of one person who built their house on the sand and another who … Continue reading →

Posted in A refuge, a stronghold, Build Upon the Rock, Christianity, Church, Draw close to God, Encouragement, faith, Faith during hard times | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God is Able

Posted on July 17, 2021 by pastorpstephens

I was helping with a chapel service the other day at the hospital where I work and one of the songs we sang was “God is able.”  It was a beautiful song and a great reminder of the faith and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Encouragement, encouraging others, Ephesians 3:20, faith, God will help you, God's Strength | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lord Bless My Family

Posted on May 21, 2021 by pastorpstephens

Lord bless my family, Be with them today; Walk close beside them, Lead them on their way. Hold their hand in every valley, Help them climb each hill; Guide them and protect them, Help them do Your will. And while … Continue reading →

Posted in Being Blessed, Christianity, Church, Count Your Blessings, Draw close to God, Encouragement, faith, family, following Christ, God Answers Prayer, Poem, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Taking Flight

Posted on May 17, 2021 by pastorpstephens

Today I have been reflecting on a quote from Maya Angelou.  She says, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” I love that quote and I … Continue reading →

Posted in can't go on, Christianity, Church, Encouragement, Give it your best, God is doing a new thing, God's Strength | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Trusting God’s Timing

Posted on January 26, 2021 by pastorpstephens

Last Saturday morning, I took advantage of the good weather to do a chore on my “to do” list.  The flower garden in the back yard had produced a pretty good crop of clover and other small weeds in recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Dealing with grief, Don't give up, Draw close to God, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Encouragement, faith, Perseverance, Promises | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment