Pathways That Lead to Christ

I am posting this article about the virus because it is such a positive look about the virus. I hope it  helps you, as it has helped me. Even though this virus has caused pain and loneliness, it has also forced us to reevaluate and appreciate our lives. Toni Star Author of this peace...Samuel Paul Veissiere Ph.D. 1. We  are no longer inattentive to what matters.  Illnesses and accidents always trigger a cascade of unexpected positive events.  First, they tend to channel our  attention  toward things we usually take for granted.  Paradoxically, it is not until things break down that we start appreciating them – or even remembering that they exist.  People with asthma, for example, speak of how  grateful  they are for the wonders of air and breathing.  A broken leg or a broken car can make us appreciate the privilege of free movement.  Or again, an unexpected inability to move effortlessly can trigger a wave...

I saved this article from last year and wanted to post it at this time. With all the bad news we have received from this awful virus, I thought this article would uplift and encourage you to get closer to Him. I hope you like this article and I hope it brings you closer to Him. Toni Star 2020 Bound to Jesus Aug 28, 2019 by: Lisa Stilwell Faith is being literally bound to Jesus. Have you seen a branch that has been grafted to a tree? A branch from one tree is wrapped and bound to another, and over time, the branch and tree begin to grow together. The branch grows so entwined with the tree that it no longer needs to be wrapped – they literally become one. That’s what happens when we place our faith in Christ. There is a spiritual closeness like no other – we become part of His royal priesthood. We are complete. We are forgiven. We are able to walk in His power and experience freedom like never before. Fear no longer has a home when we are one with Jesus. Our residence is ...

Don’t let this virus steal away your peace. Soon, it will be over; you’ll see it will cease. Our Lord and Savior are aware of it all. He will keep you from the fall. There are lessons to be learned from all of this. No need to focus on the abyss. Focus on God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. All three will keep you fit. Friend; so much beauty and life ahead. Focus on the good and not the dread. Soon, all of this will be over. Then, you and I will be living in clover. So, think of good and not bad. This will keep you from feeling sad. Life is for the living; of that I am sure. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit—all three are pure! Focus on the Creator, for He loves us all! Copyright Toni Star 2020

The below article, from Rick Warren, is wonderful and helpful. How many times have I gone ahead and did things not really knowing what I was doing and expecting things to turn out right. Or, there have been times when I asked for opinions from others--husband and friends--on what to do. What I finally learned, and will try to hold in my brain and heart, is how important it is to follow God's will. In the last couple of months I turned to God, asked Him for guidance and also asked for directions. I only wish that I did this a long time ago. God has given me guidance and directions and I have gained the "peace that passes all understanding." I wish for you all peace, love and the steps below that will guide you toward knowing God's will. Follow Him and He will show you the way! Toni Star Two Steps Toward Knowing God’s Will By Rick Warren — March 23, 2020 ...

What Lent means to me Lent is the six week period that leads up to Easter. It is one of the most sacred and important times of the year for Christians—here in our country and around the world . Even though Lent is seen as a time of pre paration and solemn observance, it is most importantly, the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. His resurrection is one of the most joyful and happy events of the Bible and of the Christian world. From the beginning on Ash Wednesday until it conclusion on Easter Sunday, Lent has been a traditional time for fasting or giving up something or abstinence. However, some Christians, instead of giving up something, take “on” something—like doing everything they can to spread the word of God or helping others in need—be it contributions or giving help to a neighbor or relative. Lent invites us to make our minds and hearts ready for remembering the life, death, body and resurrection of Jesus. As a Christian, find out about Jes...

Be strong in the Lord! I often see these words as on the picture below and every time I feel encouraged to do just that; however, like many, I feel weak. Weakness, for me and for many, often comes when I am tired, stretched out and overdoing. Those times I feel weak. But, that is the time when I need to "be strong in the Lord." Do you often feel this way, too? If you do, don't be discouraged. Run to the Lord, your Father, and He will give you rest and peace. He loves us so much that He will provide the rest, the comfort we need. Why does He do this? He does this because of His great love for you and me. Never give up! Winston Churchill, during WW II was famous for these words but those same words can apply to anyone who feels like giving up. Our Father in Heaven knows that it is rough her on earth and just when you think you can't handle things anymore, that is when He will help you. Actually, He will be there long before you can't handle things anymore. We...

Christmas at Peg’s Diner (1956) by Toni Star Christmas at Peg’s Diner during the mid-1950s was nothing more than spiritual, magical, and wondrous, seen through the eyes of me—a young girl of 10. I remember coming into Peg’s on a cold December night after helping my grandma with her beauty business. She was what they called then, a beauty operator. She washed, set, permed, and colored hair. In our small Ohio town, she was one of the best hairdressers, and her salon was always busy. After a busy day of helping Grandma wash, set, dry, and perm hair, we trekked down to Peg’s Diner. It was only a block away, and as we walked inside, there would be a row of truckers sitting at the front table, talking, laughing, and enjoying the delicious but fattening food the waitresses put before them. As we walked into the diner,  we enjoyed the aroma of her hamburgers, fries, and pies. Peg made all kinds of pies; apple, cherry, and of course, pumpkin for Christmas. We chose a booth, where a sm...