Russell Conwell was a 19th-century attorney, philanthropist and writer, who later became a Baptist minister and founder of Temple University in Philadelphia. Conwell was known for his eloquent sermons, and the stories he often told to illustrate spiritual and life principles. One of his most acclaimed essays is titled “Acres of Diamonds.” It was written before Conwell became a pastor, and published in book form in 1890 by the John Y. Huber Company of Philadelphia. He delivered this message Continue Reading
All Articles by Patricia Holbrook
Grace is amazing. Breathtaking… Empowering… Everlasting… All-surviving… Grace makes you soar.
And as you browse through my messages,
Come Soar with me!
When You Feel Discouraged to Keep On {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
"Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne." Ezra 4:4-5 (NLT) After years of idolatry and blatant disobedience, God’s warning to Judah came through. His patience paused for a moment to make way to a much-needed gift: Discipline. 70 years of Continue Reading
Cherish Your Loved Ones… and Live with NO Regrets {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I barely turn off the car engine and I hear the loud barks echoing from inside the house. As I come in, the usual ritual starts: Our miniature Schnauzer jumps up and down, crying and wagging her tail, showing the extent of her love and devotion. No, I haven’t been gone for weeks or even days. My trip to the grocery store took less than an hour this time. Indeed, it doesn’t matter how long I am gone, nor if I accidentally step on her pawn, my dog’s display of affection has never changed for Continue Reading
Giving Hope to the “Least of These” {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Elena. Irinia. Ted. I have a lump in my throat while listening to their stories. For about one minute, these teenagers share a synopsis of their life story, starting with the pain and hopelessness of abuse, neglect and despair, and ending with the joy of adoption. And everything started because someone, on the other side of the globe, cared enough to send them a shoe box filled with simple, inexpensive toys. While I watch the videos, pictures of children around the world parade across the Continue Reading
Finding JOY {Anywhere}
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. “ Philippians 4:12 (NASB) One of my favorite songs that our church’s choir sings, by Richard Smallwood, is entitled “The Center of My Joy”. In its chorus, the composer was divinely Continue Reading
Are You an Eagle Living in a Barnyard? {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
A farmer was walking by a field one day, when he spotted a small bird on the ground. While carefully approaching, he realized that the baby bird was an eagle. Excited about his find, he brought the eagle to his barnyard, where soon it started living and behaving like the chickens. Several months went by when one of the farmer’s friends stopped to visit. While observing his friend’s barnyard, he was dumbfounded when he watched the king of all birds pecking around like a chicken, refusing to Continue Reading
