-Author of Journeys With Jesus-
NINA BISSETT
BOOK EXCERPTS
Emma, an exceptional student since her early school education in Victor, graduated from Ingham University in 1858 with high academic honors. In fact, the administration highly valued and recognized her abilities and appropriately offered her a teaching position. For the next two years she trained students in astronomy and mathematics before accepting a principal position at Ewing Female University in Knoxville, Illinois.
While Emma rose in educational distinction, D. L. Moody, actively involved in the Chicago YMCA, gradually began to abandon his business aspirations. In the process he met Emma C. Revell (1843–1903], the sister of publisher Fleming Hewitt Revell (1849–1931). Within two years Miss Revell became Moody's wife on August 28, 1862, and would also become a future God-chosen friend to another notable woman, Sophronia Emeline Cobb Dryer.
“She dresses with strength and nobility, and she smiles at the future."
Proverbs 31:25 GWT
Click on PDF for book excerpt
When Will We Meet Again: Journeys With Jesus
Introduction
Have you ever met someone for the first time and KNEW instantly that you enjoyed being in their presence? You could hardly wait to meet with them again! That's how each of us should respond from the very first time we meet the most important person in all of history — Jesus!
As a young child I listened intently to my Sunday School teacher and gazed at the large chart of pictures that she displayed of Jesus. Even then, I knew there was something very special about this amazing man who had a miraculous birth and performed powerful supernatural miracles. I found that Jesus overflowed with an unfailing love for me and every other person on earth that resulted in His sacrificial death on a cross. His death and resurrection brought forgiveness of sins and a transformed life. And I wanted to know Him more.
Through the years, my life verse has spoken of an inner desire and prayer to nurture and maintain a deep relationship with this One who has won my heart:
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may ... know the power flowing from His life ... Philippians 3:10 AMP
Jesus graciously answered my prayer and longing as He progressively began to show and reveal Himself more clearly to me. Did you know that the Lord is in the show-business? In the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, the words show, behold, see, look, face, and watch are used over a hundred times. That tells us the magnitude of God's desire for us to SEE Him and to KNOW Him! Over the years there have been many ways in which the Lord has let me know Him more deeply and intimately. And in the process I have found that in the vision of Him I have received the fulfillment of all my dreams.
Jesus' Feelings
"There his whole appearance changed before their eyes, his face shining like the sun and his clothes as white as light. Then Moses and Elijah were seen talking to Jesus." Matthew 17:2-3 (Phillips trans.)
I asked the Lord, "How did You feel when You were praying on the mountain and Your clothes and face were changed and You saw Moses and Elijah?"
"At HOME!"
I realized that at that moment in time Jesus experienced a reunion of His own heavenly, glorified existence and felt right at home! Jesus, change me — open my eyes — I want to be at home with You!
Ice Cream Special
“Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”Psalm 37:4
Pulling up to the drive-up at Culvers Restaurant, I asked the Lord
what His favorite flavor of ice cream was. He triumphantly declared,
“The flavor of the day!” I looked at the sign which said,
“Candy Cane — back by popular demand!” The Lord reminded me of
the story of the candy cane maker who designed the cane to describe
the true meaning of Jesus' birth. The Good Shepherd with His staff reaches down for the lost with His purity and the power of His blood. I really enjoy Your loving companionship, Lord — ice cream and all!
Introduction
Have you ever met someone for the first time and KNEW instantly that you enjoyed being in their presence? You could hardly wait to meet with them again! That's how each of us should respond from the very first time we meet the most important person in all of history — Jesus!
As a young child I listened intently to my Sunday School teacher and gazed at the large chart of pictures that she displayed of Jesus. Even then, I knew there was something very special about this amazing man who had a miraculous birth and performed powerful supernatural miracles. I found that Jesus overflowed with an unfailing love for me and every other person on earth that resulted in His sacrificial death on a cross. His death and resurrection brought forgiveness of sins and a transformed life. And I wanted to know Him more.
Through the years, my life verse has spoken of an inner desire and prayer to nurture and maintain a deep relationship with this One who has won my heart:
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may ... know the power flowing from His life ... Philippians 3:10 AMP
Jesus graciously answered my prayer and longing as He progressively began to show and reveal Himself more clearly to me. Did you know that the Lord is in the show-business? In the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, the words show, behold, see, look, face, and watch are used over a hundred times. That tells us the magnitude of God's desire for us to SEE Him and to KNOW Him! Over the years there have been many ways in which the Lord has let me know Him more deeply and intimately. And in the process I have found that in the vision of Him I have received the fulfillment of all my dreams.
Jesus' Feelings
"There his whole appearance changed before their eyes, his face shining like the sun and his clothes as white as light. Then Moses and Elijah were seen talking to Jesus." Matthew 17:2-3 (Phillips trans.)
I asked the Lord, "How did You feel when You were praying on the mountain and Your clothes and face were changed and You saw Moses and Elijah?"
"At HOME!"
I realized that at that moment in time Jesus experienced a reunion of His own heavenly, glorified existence and felt right at home! Jesus, change me — open my eyes — I want to be at home with You!
Ice Cream Special
“Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”Psalm 37:4
Pulling up to the drive-up at Culvers Restaurant, I asked the Lord
what His favorite flavor of ice cream was. He triumphantly declared,
“The flavor of the day!” I looked at the sign which said,
“Candy Cane — back by popular demand!” The Lord reminded me of
the story of the candy cane maker who designed the cane to describe
the true meaning of Jesus' birth. The Good Shepherd with His staff reaches down for the lost with His purity and the power of His blood. I really enjoy Your loving companionship, Lord — ice cream and all!
His Great Name: More Journeys With Jesus
What Value is in a Name?
In The Language of Names,* Justin Kaplan and Anne Bernays discuss the significance of a person's name. They compare one's name to a passport without which travel in life is inhibited. Without a name one's humanity, likened to the dehumanization of the Jews during the Holocaust, is lost. Similarly, nineteenth century American poet James Russell Lowell wrote in his work A Glance Behind the Curtain, "Let us speak plain ... there is more force in names than most men dream of." The name of Jesus is a limitless passport that takes us beyond our own name, circumstances, and humanity into a divine force and power that surpasses impossibilities. His Great Name brings healing, grace, strength, salvation, peace, protection, and rest. His Great Name is a miracle --- an imperishable mark of His eternal identity.
The Stitching
Integrating God's Word Into Daily Living
The family gathered around the kitchen table. Father opened up the Bible. Each of the children were deep in thought. What would they share about the day? What lesson of righteousness would be stitched into the fabric of their lives?
Father owned and operated a leather harness and bridle making shop in the early 1900’s. The family lived above the corner store. The scent of leather permeated the wallpaper of the dwelling. In turn, customers often lingered by the door leading upstairs as the scent of fresh baked goods tumbled down into the shop.
Once in a while, the children would see and hear the dogs being fitted for collars. They were even allowed to pet the more gentle horses that were waiting for their harnesses and bridles to be stitched or sewn.
Father would cut the leather into appropriate widths. Each strip would be laid upon the other depending on the required strength of the lead. He would then sew them together with strong thread and even stitches. Many times, the children would assemble downstairs to assist in holding the longer leads.
As the family worked together, they would share about life. Mother would often come down with her coffee cakes and strudel. Joy emanated throughout the atmosphere of the home and the heart.
As Father and Mother watched over their growing family, they prayed for wisdom. The answer came from the work around them. As the events (the leather) of everyday life were ‘laid out’ and shared, Scripture would be woven into the stories, much like the stitching of the strong threads. The resulting lessons learned were able to withstand the pressures and pulls of life circumstances. These stories, rich in God's Truths, would be shared for generations to come.
Okee: The Cherokee Bear
of the Great Smokies
Chapter Five: The Parting -- Atohuna
The trees were beginning to turn into beautiful colors of red, yellow and orange. The weather was becoming cooler.
Kanati was excited for soon it would be Atohuna, the friendship ceremony. This ceremony lasted seven days and nights. At night, there were dances and everyone celebrated. Atohuna was a time to forget grudges and celebrate love and friendship and new beginnings.
Kanati wanted us all to come. As we gathered on the third night, we began to realize something. We were all changing. B.J. was much taller and stronger. She had made some new deer friends, and often ran ahead with them on the trails.
Squish was no longer little and cozy. He had enjoyed a lot of food this past summer. He was now a big strong masked raccoon, quite capable of taking care of himself.
I, too, had grown much bigger. I now knew the trails and could gather berries and other food for myself. I could even fish for myself!!!
Kanati shared the news with us first. His family felt that it was time to join the others in Cherokee, North Carolina. That was way across the mountains. They would be leaving after the Atohuna celebrations.
William Thomas was very, very sad. We all promised to come back and visit whenever we could. As we joined in the dances that evening, we celebrated the meaning of Atohuna deep in our hearts: Love, Friendship and New Beginnings!!!
Sir Terrance of Lionheart Castle
Chapter 7
"As the deer panteth for the water..."
"Oh do let's go to the forest, King Lionheart. It is such a lovely day.
I have finished all of my lessons. Lord Alex of Great Book was most
pleased with me. Please let us go on an adventure!"
"Very well, Sir Terrance. The Great Father has created this day
majestically. Come ride upon My shoulders, and we shall be off!"
And King Lionheart swept one small boy up and onto His shoulders
while together they blazed into the brilliant sunshiny day. The trails
of the forest beckoned them, and the coolness of the shade refreshed their souls. The forest trees stood tall and stately. The wild flowers elegantly speckled the pine-needled floor.
"I do so love this place. Please set me down that I might run like a deer along the trail."
King Lionheart smiled as He lifted him carefully down. Together they raced along the path. Soon the trail ended and before them lay a large grassy meadow. A stream rippled softly over a rocky bed. The clear water sent sparkling rays of light as the sun beamed upon it.
"Oh King Lionheart. It is so splendid! May we stay here for a bit?" And with an overflowing, happy heart Sir Terrance lifted his arms and shouted with great glee. "Oh Great Father!"
