Beech Tree News Network

There is much confusion on the subject of God’s grace. Part of the reason why there is confusion is because folks teach things the Bible doesn’t about grace. For example, some try to say we are saved by grace alone, which is not true. Other religious folks seem to take the opposite extreme, implying that one can “earn” salvation, thus leaving little room for grace in our lives. This problem was discussed in Bible days, and folks were reminded that God’s grace is needed in our lives. In writing to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul said, “by grace are you saved…” (Eph. 2:5, 8).

I’m an avid reader.  Being that summertime is upon us, I figure I’d share some of my favorites.  Maybe some of these will capture enough interest that someone out there will try one.  Lately I’ve been reading a lot of Derek Blass.  I’m absolutely hooked on his Enemy In Blue series.  These books are subtitled as Cruz Marquez novels.  In short, these books chronicle a tale of cops whose former superior, Sergeant Shaver, went rogue.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” - Joseph Campbell
Memorial Day is upon us, which serves as a reminder that we, as Americans’ are blessed to have the freedoms than our forefathers fought and died to preserve.

I’ve seen strawberries and fresh corn in the grocery store – a hopeful sign that the season of fresh food is approaching! I enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. They just taste better than canned or frozen. I’ve been looking for recipes that would go well with summer foods and found the following recipes that I plan to prepare soon. I hope you enjoy them, too!

Sometimes, I read back over journals I’ve written years ago.  Recently, I read an entry that said, “I was raised by the wrong mother.”  The entry was a reference to my stepmother.  It wasn’t written with resentment, it was simply an observation. 

There are many that teach that in order to be saved, one must have faith that Jesus is the Son of God, just as John 8:24 teaches. Many agree also that repentance and the confession of our faith in Christ is necessary just as the Bible says in Luke 13:3 and Romans 10:10. However, when we talk about a person being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), these same folks will be among many who deny that baptism is necessary. What is the problem? Why do some reject a Bible teaching like baptism, while accepting faith and repentance?

Companies change logos all the time.  I remember when ESPN2 began October 1, 1993.  I was a freshman in high school.  I remember thinking how cool it was that I was there for the birth of a network.  Sure, I was alive for the birth of MTV (’81), but I was 2.  I don’t know about you, but I can’t recall anything from 33 years ago. 

As mentioned before, my oldest daughter gave me a journal entitled Mom, Share Your Life with Me… Each page has a question to which I respond. One question recently said, “Do you have some good advice for me?” Now, when did a mother not have advice – good, bad or indifferent – for her child?

First, a word about fame and fortune, if I’ve ever had any to speak of.  Oh, I do get a “I enjoy your column” every now and then.  That’s nice.  Mark Twain said one time he could live two months on a good compliment.

Recently, I saw an interview with Garrison Keillor (A Prairie Home Companion).  One of the questions put to Keillor was what inspired him to go with radio during an era in which television had taken over as the essential medium for American entertainment.  (Prairie Home Companion started its broadcast in the early 70’s and continues through today.)  Keillor responded simply, “People like to be spoken to.”