It was 30 years ago today I received that call. You know “that call.” It’s one you’re expecting sooner or later, but hoping against hope that it’s later. The voice on the other end speaks softly, slowly, and kindly. In hushed tones they gently inform that your loved has died. On that day, April 25, 1994, the voice on the phone broke the news that my father, Roy C. Weliever, had passed from this life. It wasn’t unexpected. Dad had suffered some TIA’s (mini-stokes) and was in a Rehab facility in Brandon, Florida. I had been to see him the previous week. He was lucid and conversant. We had a goo ..read more

John W. Gardner, who wrote the book “Excellence” says we have the potential to make a difference, not only in our own lives. But also in the lives of those we meet. Gardner illustrates that point by relating the true story of a cheerful gentleman who invested his life in others. When the old fellow met people he never asked the conventional questions that we usually ask such as “What do you do for a living?” He always asked, “What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?” For some folks, it was an unnerving question. For those whose self-worth was based on wealth, position or f ..read more

The ancient wise man opined that “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting” (Eccl.7:2). This sentiment was never more evident and applicable than in our attendance at the memorial service for Bob F. Owen this past Saturday at the Temple Terrace Church of Christ. The service honoring Bob, who passed away on April 13, 2024, at 94 years old, was more a celebration of a life well lived than a typical funeral service. Reflecting on Bob’s life flooded my heart with many wonderful memories. I first met bro. Owen as a teenager, probably about 14 or 15, when my parents ..read more

John W. Gardner, who wrote the book “Excellence” says we have the potential to make a difference, not only in our own lives. But also in the lives of those we meet. Gardner illustrates that point by relating the true story of a cheerful gentleman who invested his life in others. When the old fellow met people he never asked the conventional questions that we usually ask such as “What do you do for a living?” He always asked, “What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?” For some folks, it was an unnerving question. For those whose self-worth was based on wealth, position or f ..read more

The ancient wise man opined that “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting” (Eccl.7:2). This sentiment was never more evident and applicable than in our attendance at the memorial service for Bob F. Owen this past Saturday at the Temple Terrace Church of Christ. The service honoring Bob, who passed away on April 13, 2024, at 94 years old, was more a celebration of a life well lived than a typical funeral service. Reflecting on Bob’s life flooded my heart with many wonderful memories. I first met bro. Owen as a teenager, probably about 14 or 15, when my parents ..read more

A Sunday school teacher was teaching her kindergarten children about the Golden Rule and the importance of helping others. After telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, the teacher said, “Remember, children we are here to serve others.” With that a little girl piped up and asked, “Then what are the others here for?” Serving is fundamental to our faith. Jesus said, “but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a r ..read more

Greetings From Beverly Hills, FL April is off to a great start with almost 9,000 visitors  accessing our blog site.  While we realize these are small numbers in the big world of blogging and social media, we appreciate everyone’s interest and words of  encouragement so many of you have expressed for our efforts.  If you find these posts helpful, please share them with your friends, family, and brethren. If you’ve missed a post this week, today’s recap with its live links is a good way to catch up.  Also included at the end is a bonus post. Tomorrow we are preaching at ..read more

Melody Hammer Biddle shared this story on Edwin Crozier’s facebook page credited to Mark Twain. I’ve never heard this story before, but apparently it has been repeated in multiple books. A man died and met Saint Peter at the gates of heaven. Knowing that Peter was very wise, he asked a question that he had wondered about his whole life. “He said, ‘I have been interested in military history for many years. Read everything I could, studied it, went to battlefields and walked the grounds. “‘Who was the greatest general of all time?’” “Peter said, ‘Oh, that’s easy. It’s that man right over there ..read more

Nancy Kennedy is a writer for our local newspaper the Citrus County Chronicle. In a her weekly column “Grace Notes,” she recently recounted the story of lady who each year had a personal theme to live by. One year was “The Year of Overcoming.” Another was “The Year of Trusting.” Nancy relates the theme which caught her eye was the one “Your God is too Small.” Now the lady was a Believer in God. She knew He is all powerful. The Creator. The Sustainer. And able to do anything. Yet, she admitted there were times in her life when she made God small by not believing He cared enough about her probl ..read more

Names mean something. For instance in America when you hear the name Patrick Henry, you think of patriotism, heroism, and courage. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” he proclaimed. On the other hand, Benedict Arnold conjurers up thoughts of betrayal, treason and disgrace. In the Bible names are important to God. One’s name often identified some characteristic of the person or event at their birth. For instance, Isaac’s name means “laughing.” Jacob means “deceiver.” Moses, “drawn out.” Names may reflect some aspect of one’s life or character such as “Simon the Zealot,” “John the Baptist, or ..read more