God’s Opportunities

jar of oil

by Nancy Patten “We are near the end of all things now, and you should therefore be calm, self-controlled men (and women) of prayer. Above everything else, be sure that you have real deep love for one another, remembering how love can ‘cover a multitude of sins.’ ” 1 Peter 4:7-8 (JB Phillips) The times … Read more

Welcome Them as Friends

quiver sunrise

by Nancy Patten Dad often used J.B.Phillip’s New Testament translation when he taught and preached. It seems that this passage from James 1 well describes challenging times and how we should respond to them: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them … Read more

Who Holds the Reins?

sleigh ride

Sometimes the circumstances around us can make us feel that everything is out of control. That is the place where our adversary, the devil,  steps in to grip us with fear. The circumstances in this nation—Covid-19, and now the rioting, demonstrations and violence—may appear to be hurtling out of control. But we have to remember … Read more

“Lord, help us to see You from Your high tower”

By Nancy Patten Today, May 13th, was the day, 76 years ago, that my parents were married, in the midst of WW II and a thunderstorm. Their groomsman was wearing his military uniform that had been soaked by the rain. William and Wilma Barr—Papa and Mama Barr to many of you who knew them and … Read more

The J-Stroke for Course Correction

canoe & paddle

By Nancy Patten Mark had such a gift to use visible things to help illustrate the ways of God. I remember a message he shared at the chapel one summer that was refreshed to me yesterday.  He had a paddle in his hands and was sharing about how the “j-stroke” in paddling a canoe was … Read more