
The Ticking Clock
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 This week, I read the obituary and discovered I WAS IN IT! Well, almost. While casually scanning the “Life Stories” section of Focus magazine, Andrews University’s alumni quarterly, I saw the name Richard Martin. My eyes widened, and I gasped in disbelief. “Surely, this is misinformation,” I exhaled. “I’m still alive!” Then, looking closer, I read one more name. Ritland. Richard Martin Ritland (19

In Memory of Elder Walter L. Pearson, Jr. (1945-2020): A Tribute
God used the preaching ministry of Elder Walter L. Pearson, Jr. to further clarify and sensitize me to His call on my life. For several years, I admired him from a distance, hearing him speak on television and in person. Later, after I’d completed seminary, I would have the opportunity to get to know Elder Pearson better as we both pastored in the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Once, he and I sat alone in the pastor’s study at Emmanuel-Brinklow SDA Churc

Momma's Meal
What is your favorite “Momma’s Meal”? That meal only your mother can cook. The one you request whenever the opportunity presents itself. The one no one else can match. The one that makes you want to shout, dance, and clap your hands. Can you smell it? Can you taste it? There are many wonders in this world, but there’s just something about a home-cooked meal from Momma. Do I have a witness? Maybe you consider your mother to be the best cook in the world or maybe you don’t. But

The Blessing of Now
It was an untimely and unlikely baby shower. Untimely, because neither of them should be pregnant. Unlikely, because neither of them could be pregnant. Yet, somehow, this providential rendezvous defies all assumptions. Although each occupies a separate end of the age continuum, their current sitz im leben binds them together with a miraculous cord that would not be broken. Mary was probably between 13 and 16 years old. She was engaged to an older man, which was culturally cus

Oakwood University Aeolians - "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"
The world renown Aeolians are the official choral ensemble of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. I was privileged to spend four years as a second tenor with this phenomenal group under the directorship of Dr. Wayne Bucknor and Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand. I recorded the video you are about to see one evening a few days after I had surgery on my hand (basketball injury!). Be blessed! #Family #Reflection #God #Lifestyle #Inspiration #devotion #faith #Video #prayer #com

5 Bible Verses My Mother Taught Me
I believe parents play an integral role in the spiritual development of their children. I believe this in part because of my personal experience. My parents were intentional about teaching my sisters and me about the Lord, His love, His Word, and His will for our lives. During my devotional time (this morning), I was drawn to one of the passages of Scripture my mother rehearsed almost everyday. It was Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the

Why I'm Writing an Autobiography
I'm turning 30 this year! As I look back over my life, I've been blessed to grow up in a loving home, meet great people, and travel to some pretty awesome places. I have also endured hurts, grown apart from people, and been in a tough spot or two. What I'm trying to say is, I believe I've done a lot of living in the first 30 years of my life. Due in large part to my parent's example, I enjoy conversing with elderly people. Many are living vessels of history. However, I find i

Momma's Meal: A Tribute to Mothers
What is your favorite “Momma’s Meal”? That meal only your mother can cook. The one you request whenever the opportunity presents itself. The one no one else can match. The one that makes you want to shout, dance, and clap your hands. Can you smell it? Can you taste it? There are many wonders in this world, but there’s just something about a home-cooked meal from Momma. Do I have a witness? Maybe you consider your mother to be the best cook in the world or maybe you don’t. But