Category Archives: Choices

The Only Thing That Counts is Faith Working Through Love

Posted on January 26, 2017 by richrockwood

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”  (Galatians 5:6 NRSV) I have had pride over some of my accomplishments in the past.  I was in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishments, Background, Belief, Bible, Choices, Christ, Faith, God, Grand Valley State University, Perspective, Spirituality, Values | Leave a comment

Hung Up Over “Nice”

Posted on January 8, 2017 by richrockwood

It’s a perfect setting.  The sun’s reflection peers through the trees on the water. I can hear the sound of the fountain in the middle of a pond.  This pond is two-thirds covered by shadows.  The sun has not yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adaptability, Appreciation, Belief, Choices, Communion, Contentment, Creation, Enjoyment, Inspiration, Learning, Life, Perfectionism, Perspective, Priorities, Quiet Time, Reality, Spirituality, Stress, Values, Wonder | Leave a comment

A Second Look

Posted on December 5, 2016 by richrockwood

While I traveled through The back pages of my mind In search of something meaningful To calm my awareness of failure, I realized under layers of Forgotten dreams That my heart had been disappointed To the Point of Despair   … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adversity, Belief, Choices, Claustrophobia, Courage, Darkness, Depression, Faith, Fear, Feelings, Grief, Healing, Identity, Learning, Letting Go, Life, Memory, Morale, New Covenant, Peace, Perseverance, Persistence, Perspective, Quiet Time, Resolutions | Leave a comment

The Road Less Desired

Posted on November 25, 2016 by richrockwood

If I could have before me the path I took at age 40 or an alternative, which would I take? I now have walked the path I’m on for thirty years, so I am somewhat familiar with it. Imagining another … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Accomplishment, Adaptability, Appreciation, Belief, Choices, Church, Commitment, Contentment, Creativity, Disappointment, doubt, Employment, Faith, Feelings, Focus, God, Happiness, Identity, Letting Go, Life, Memory, Mission, Old Age, Passion, Perseverance, Perspective, Priorities, Questioning, Religion, Retirement, Self-Discovery, Self-Worth, Spirituality, Status, Stress, Study, The Past, Trust | 4 Comments

Why Attend Church With the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted on June 24, 2013 by richrockwood

Many people are turned off by church people and so don’t attend.  Although I attend, my feelings run in different directions because of my experiences: a.   Church people have been unusually nice to me, visiting me in the hospital, … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adaptability, Belief, Bible, Choices, Christ, Church, Commitment, Communion, Despair, Diversity, Eternal Life, Faithfulness, Feelings, God, Grace, Healing, Identity, Music, Peer Pressure, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Persistence, Perspective, Praise, Reconciliation, relationships, Religion, Social Pressure, Spirituality, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thoughts on Memorial Day 2013

Posted on May 27, 2013 by richrockwood

It is my family’s custom to go out to breakfast on all holidays so today was no different.  On my way home, I thought about my observance of Memorial Day.  I hoped I could find a service somewhere either in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Appreciation, Bravery, Choices, Commitment, Country, Courage, Faithfulness, Fear, Freedom, Holidays, Life, love, Loyalty, Memorial Day, Military, Mission, Patriotism, Prayer, Quiet Time, Service, Soldier, The Past, Values | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Disaster on the Horizon

Posted on March 15, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/15) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations: Read Habakkuk 3:16-19 Being blind-sided means getting hit by something bad you didn’t see coming. But what if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adversity, Balance, Choices, Contentment, Country, Evil, Faithfulness, Fear, Feelings, Focus, God, Grace, Letting Go, Life, Perseverance, Perspective, Priorities, Providence, Trust, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Connecting with Old Friends

Posted on March 8, 2013 by richrockwood

Connections A blessing breeze blew through my life the day I connected with someone I had known many years ago.  We were in school together and had shared common interests.  He was older, wiser I felt, and an accomplished organist.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishment, Aging, Appreciation, Choices, Faithfulness, Friends, Memory, Old Age, Perseverance, Perspective, relationships, Retirement, Self-Worth, The Past, Values | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Was a Pioneer

Posted on February 22, 2013 by richrockwood

Living in the Past:  I was a pioneer in the Autumn of 1963, a member of the first and only class, entering Grand Valley State College, the newest in Michigan, walking in brand new buildings, enjoying a complete lack of … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishment, Adaptability, Adventures, Appreciation, Choices, Claustrophobia, Courage, Education, Faith, Fear, Focus, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Identity, Letting Go, Life, Passion, Perseverance, Principles, Priorities, Resolutions, Self-Worth, Soldier, The Past, Trust, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sometimes You Have to Spend The Higher Amount

Posted on February 20, 2013 by richrockwood

Observations About Life:  Many years ago a wise man gave me some good advice.  He said  “There are two things in life for which you should go first class:  1) your first date with someone and 2) the oil in … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishment, Balance, Choices, Economy, Elvis, Enjoyment, Entertainment, Extravagance, Famous People, Life, Love of Money, Music, Pleasure, Priorities, Purchases, Values, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments