Category Archives: Prayer

“Fire and Forgiveness” A Mix of a Boy’s Fascination with Fire and Problems That Never Seem to Go Away

Posted on October 2, 2026 by richrockwood

My three volume novel is a story about the struggles of Barry Brown, a Catholic boy’s fascination with candles and other sacred objects causing him many problems. It started when he served his first Mass. He had been excited to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Challenge, Choices, Faith, Fathers, Fathers and Sons, Forgiveness, Friendship, Grief, Healing, Life, Loss, Parenting, Peer Pressure, Prayer, Reconciliation, Rejection, relationships, Religion, Religious Heritage, Right Standing with God, Self-Worth, Sin, Symbols, Thankfulness, The Past | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“It’s Just Not Fair”

Posted on April 14, 2025 by richrockwood

      How many of us, having suffered for something we didn’t do or subjected to a gross mistreatment we didn’t deserve, have ever said “It’s just not fair?” I confess that I have thought or said it more … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Belief, Charity, Choices, Conflict, Crucifixion, Disappointment, Forgiveness, Good Friday, Healing, Holy Week, Jesus, Letting Go, Life, Palm Sunday, Prayer, Reconciliation, Rejection, relationships, Restoration, Spiritual, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Happy? New Year

Posted on December 27, 2024 by richrockwood

We’re here again-at the start of another new year. The typical greeting (or is it a wish?) we give each other is “happy new year.” Is that what we all really want? To be happy, according to the Apple Dictionary … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Adaptability, Adventures, Attitude, Balance, Challenge, Choices, Courage, Fear, Holidays, Learning, Life, New Year, Perseverance, Prayer, Spirituality, Stress, Tests, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Looking for Restful Sleep

Posted on March 7, 2024 by richrockwood

Say a prayer before you sleep. Let His gracious love surround you as, without a care, you drift into sleep. This is your time now to revitalize your mind, body and soul. All the thoughts that directed your words and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Life, Night, Old Age, Perspective, Prayer, Quiet Time, Relaxation, rest/sleep, Sleeplessness | Leave a comment

Snake Wrapped Around a Staff

Posted on August 16, 2023 by richrockwood

A reader of my blog posts asked if a serpent wrapped around a staff in a doctor’s office is related to the ancient healing practice used by Moses for everyone bitten by serpents. “Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Belief, Bible, Christ, Clergy, doubt, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Fear, Focus, God, Healing, Health, Heaven, Hospital, Letting Go, Medical, Morale, Peace, Prayer, Providence, Relaxation, Religion, Salvation | Leave a comment

Bread Used in Worship

Posted on May 3, 2023 by richrockwood

According to Wikipedia “Bread is a staple food prepared from a dough of flour (usually wheat) and water, usually by baking. Throughout recorded history and around the world, it has been an important part of many cultures’ diet. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Atonement, Bible, Christ, Church, Communion, Crucifixion, Culture, diet, Eternal Life, Faith, God, Grace, Healing, Heavenly Father, Holy Week, Jesus, love, Maundy Thursday, Messiah, Miracles, New Covenant, Praise, Prayer, Religion, Religious Heritage, Restoration, Sacrificial Lamb, Scripture, Sin, Spiritual, Symbols, Thankfulness | Leave a 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

It’s a Test!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by richrockwood

Do you remember dreading tests in school?  I was never fond of the cramming method and was always looking for the best way to take a test.   One fellow I met suggested having a drink beforehand because it helped … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Faithfulness, Fear, Focus, Learning, Letting Go, Medical, Morale, Patience, Perseverance, Perspective, Prayer, Providence, Questioning, Relaxation, School grades, Self-Discovery, Study, Suffering, Teacher, Temptations, Tests, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Put Your Hand in Mine

Posted on May 15, 2013 by richrockwood

To my dear wife:  I feel a rolling warmth through my being every time I put your hand in mine.  First I feel connected to you and then surrounded by you.  Why should this be if I am claustrophobic?  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Contentment, Despair, Feelings, Gifts, Grace, Grief, Happiness, Healing, Life, love, Marriage, Memory, mercy, Miracles, Perspective, Praise, Prayer, Priorities, relationships, Restoration, Sleeplessness, Thankfulness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spy Wednesday or Holy Wednesday

Posted on March 27, 2013 by richrockwood

What is Happening  On Wednesday Jesus remains in Bethany.  According to Wikipedia “Bethany has traditionally been identified with the present-day West Bank city of al-Eizariya (Arabic (العيزرية), meaning “Place of Lazarus”), site of the reputed Tomb of Lazarus, located about … Continue reading →

Posted in Adaptability, Adversity, Belief, Bible, Bondage, Christ, Darkness, Focus, Guidance, Holy Week, Jesus, Mission, Peace, Perseverance, Perspective, Prayer, Priorities, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment