2009-07-15
Unexpected Hope
by Dr. James PorchFrequently, a surge of hope rushes into my life and passes my abiding expectations with an element of serendipity. The word of Persian origin, born in the writings of Horace Walpole, finally gained legitimacy into both Funk and Wagnall’s and Webster’s Dictionary.The testy term, coined from a fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip,” alludes to experiencing desirable, exciting, favorable discoveries unsought and unexpected. (MORE)

2009-06-17
Things to Consider: Retirement Contributions
CONDSIDER THESE BEFORE STOPPING CONTRIBUTIONS TO RETIREMENTBy: Richard SkidmoreI remember my father trying to teach me to “measure twice and cut once.” When you are cutting a board for a barn or fence, if you aren’t careful, you can cut too much off the board. Then the board will not fit and you will have to cut another board and hope for a shorter place to use the one you miscut. (MORE)

2009-06-05
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Joseph
by: Dr. James PorchPersonal hope rises to abide at some point in a season of struggle against despair, provided…Admittedly blocked and struggling to complete my own sentence, I realized desperation to discover and validate my own role in knowing new hope.The following perspective offers my best shot, up to now. (MORE)

2009-05-11
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Job
By James PorchIn a hurry, attempting to rescue my grandson from the daycare center before the after hours late charge kicked in, I veered off the urban street to the right, rolled down the paved shoulder, passing a line of traffic. Nearing the corner, I experienced a sudden unexpected encounter—flashing blue lights from the car of a metro policeman. (MORE)

2009-05-04
How to Have Physical Well-Being in Times of Fiscal Uncertainty
By James FlorenceHeadlines, news anchors, internet service homepages, all announce the unpleasant reality: we are in the midst of a serious national financial crisis. Nearly everyone feels its impact.We dread looking at our monthly retirement savings statements; we flinch at the grocery store checkout stand; we cringe at the fuel pump.Our pocketbooks may not be the only victim in times of fiscal uncertainty. (MORE)

2009-04-27
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Nahum
by James Porch“Nahum.” As a newly recognized presence in my great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11:1), please excuse me for neglecting your message before now.Wow, I feel better!As usual with me, a story precedes a confession. Last week rumbling again through my Mama’s stuff (she died in 1997), I happened upon a printed sermon—a Norman Vincent Peale (late pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in New York City) homily. (MORE)

2009-04-21
When Life Tumbles In What Then?
By Archer ThorpeI frequently talk with people that feel that life is tumbling in, and they fear that they will not be able to dig their way out. The economy is being described as one that is contracting and tumbling in upon itself. Some may be feeling that their business is going under, and they fear that the ground beneath their feet could tumble in on them. (MORE)

2009-04-14
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Moses
By James PorchMoses, now there goes, or comes, a traveling man.Rambling through the Pentateuch, you repeatedly see him on the road again, again, and again. From Egypt to Midian, to Mt. Horab, back to Egypt, once again out of Egypt, now taking the first steps to shepherd Israel for 40 years plus on a trek toward the Father’s Promised Land. (MORE)

2009-04-13
Emotional Helps During Difficult Times
By Tony RankinBe honest with yourself and accept the fact that you make mistakes just like everybody else.Refuse to believe that you are the only person in your world that is hurting.Get some exercise (like walking) and try to do it outside if at all possible. (MORE)

2009-03-27
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Nehemiah
Ole brother Nehemiah!Now that feller sits somewhere near the top of my human hope chain. (MORE)

2009-03-25
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Abraham
Abraham, now there’s quite a fellow. He’s even listed in the hall of faithful in Hebrews. But he also pulled one of the dumbest stunts of all the personalities in Scripture.Hard times! He had to prepare for a famine (nutritional depression). So gathering up his family, he lights out for Egypt and food. (MORE)

2009-03-24
Hard Time Hope from Biblical Folk - Naomi and Ruth
Ruth and her sister Orpah, Moabite ladies, married the two sons of Naomi, a widow from Judah. Naomi’s family, fleeing famine and conditions wherein “every man did what was right in his own eyes,” had arrived in Moab hoping their less-than-friendly neighbors would welcome them. Naomi’s husband died, and her sons (husbands to Ruth and Orpah) also died. (MORE)

2009-03-23
There’s a Seepression in the Wind
O.K. So economic RECESSION and/or financial DEPRESSION poses a political, economical and/or cultural offensive label. How about SEEPRESSION?Absolutely! We’ll all SEE the advancing threatening economic stampede if by courage we are willing to look! (MORE)

2009-03-20
Church Budget Adjustment Reflections
Holy Spirit led planning for efficiency in the use of tithes and offerings through budget adjustments honors Biblical stewardship.Allow your process and intent to involve the total church family, especially in the final decision. Giving follows commitment; understanding nurtures commitment. (MORE)