Me and the Ten Commandments

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford The bride’s grandmother and I sat in the very back of the church watching the wedding rehearsal.  Donna and I had just met, and we were thoroughly enjoying getting acquained.  We talked quietly so we wouldn’t...

Unexpected Grace

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Handford My husband loved the people he pastored, and he carried them on his heart all the time. One Friday afternoon, to ease his burdens for a a bit, we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and had a sweet time enjoying God’s...

Regretting Past Decisions?

 A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford “Many people in their ’40’s and ’50’s,” my pastor said the other day, “regret decisions they made in their ’20’s and ’30’s.”  I ruefully thought, “You’re right, Pastor, but it gets worse...

When You Don’t Feel Like Singing    

A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford At a gathering of enthusiastic young people at our church one night, one dear girl seemed to isolate herself from the group.  Her face was remote, aloof, as if she dared anyone to speak to her. She didn’t sing with...