Dealing With Depression

October 31, 2023 By Ken Shelton

“Dealing With Depression,” is not easy, but with support from loved ones and professional help from counselors and physicians, it is certainly possible. If you or someone you love has dealt with depression, then you know that it is a real and complex issue. Further, many people misunderstand and mischaracterize it. Hopefully, I can shed some light and share some hope. Dealing With Depression: What is it? According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common... Read more

Van Gogh’s Struggle & Faith

October 28, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Van Gogh’s Struggle & Faith Van Gogh’s struggle & faith are well-documented. Few painters represent the image of the starving artist as does van Gogh. Books and songs refer to his misfortune both as an artist and as a man. Born in 1853 in the Netherlands, he was only thirty-seven years old when he died from a gunshot wound to the chest. However, in his brief but troubled life, the masterful artist found an expression for his art and life... Read more

Learning to Love is the Big Lesson of Life

October 28, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Learning To Love is the Big Lesson of Life Learning to love is the big lesson of life. You and I may have never met before, still, we have much in common. Even in our differences we have similarities. For instance, we might live in different parts of the world, however, we both assimilate our perceptions and attitudes about society from the culture in which we are brought up. This is true of the culture of our home, church, school,... Read more

The Way of Escape

October 22, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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The Way of Escape in Scripture When facing trouble or trauma, who doesn’t want “the way of escape.” “For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such... Read more

Come and Dine!

October 17, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Come and dine! I like the way that sounds in 1907. Charles B. Widmeyer (1894-1974) first published his song by that name. It soon became a staple of revival services and camp meetings. It was recorded about 20 years later by a quartet called “The Happy Four.” There is a great deal to be said about the call to eat together and to be happy about it. The theme of the song is taken from John 21. After Jesus’ resurrection,... Read more

Forgiveness in Marriage

October 12, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Marriage is a wonderful God-ordained institution that is filled with situations that require forgiveness. If a person has trouble with forgiving, they will most likely have a difficult time in marriage. From forgetting special occasions to messing up airplane reservations, all the way to checking out of difficult conversations, to badgering, to flirting with a member of the opposite sex or having an affair, being married presents more opportunities to practice and perfect forgiveness than most any other type of... Read more

Marriage Under Pressure

October 10, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Marriage Under Pressure When you have a marriage under pressure, little things turn into bigger things, a spat becomes a fight, and both parties feel the need to win. This is Part 6 of “7 Steps To A Healthy Marriage.” When a young couple starts, they are often amazed at the number of things they have in common. Perhaps it’s their taste in music, cuisine, hiking, or reading a particular genre of books. Over time though, the couple begins to... Read more

Israel & Hamas – A Christian Response

October 9, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Israel & Hamas – A Christian Response. Many of us know someone from Israel or someone who currently lives there. Today, I recognized this picture on CNN as the interviewer shared this gentleman’s grief. Yesterday, a friend and fellow writer, posted their picture on Facebook. Her post read, “Shlomi a dear man, a wonderful musician fell yesterday along with his wife. They defended their house and the children in a sandy kibbutz and were murdered in cold blood by the... Read more

Truth & Lies In Marriage

October 7, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Truth & Lies In Marriage “Truth & Lies In Marriage” is part 6 in the “7 Steps To a Healthy Marriage.” The phrase, “Honesty is the best policy,” is usually attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Actually, Sir Edwin Sandys first wrote the sentiment in 1599. His interest was more political. Still, the truth is the truth! Here’s a bit of truth for you, everybody lies. You might disagree, but it’s true. Consider this statement, “It’s a fact that everyone lies. According... Read more

Spirituality and Mental Health

October 4, 2023 By Ken Shelton

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Spirituality and Mental Health Spirituality and mental health are important and frequent topics of newscasts, talk shows, books, and magazines. Hardly a day goes by without hearing about research and treatment options as well as the unprecedented rate of violence, often due to mental health issues. As a bishop, I am part of an active community of trained professionals who counsel hurting people. While my training and relationships help ensure quality care, it’s my personal life experience that motivates me... Read more