ReverendPaula J Behrens is a Christian Author and pastor. She is a full membership Elder in the Texas Annual Conference ofthe United Methodist Church, Ordained in 2007. She graduated from Houston BaptistUniversity with a Bachelor of Artsdegree in Christianity and English and acquired her Master of Divinity from PerkinsSchool of Theology, Southern Methodist University.
Shehas served as pastor in six United Methodist congregations and is currentlyappointed as the Senior Pastor of Chappell Hill United Methodist Church inChappell Hill, Texas. She has threegrown children and three grandchildren. Her desire is to use her gifts and graces in such a way as to bring asmuch glory to God’s kingdom as possible in this lifetime.
<p>A psychic medium once said that if you find a random dime, it is a sign that someone that you have loved and lost is thinking of you.</p><p><strong>A Dime is a Sign Through Time</strong></p><p><em>If you find a dime, </em></p><p><em>You will know that I'm</em></p><p><em>Sending thoughts of love</em></p><p><em>Through the veil of time.</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Ten cents with a silver shine, </em></p><p><em>A sense sent you to help remind</em></p><p><em>That someone who left you behind</em></p><p><em>Is always living in your mind.</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Sending love and vibes, </em></p><p><em>Felt as psychic sighs ...</em></p><p><em>The ones that you miss, </em></p><p><em>Send you a kiss ...</em></p><p> </p><p>Sherrill S. Cannon's second book of poetry contains messages written through the years in poetic form that put feelings into words. As a teacher, many of her poems helped counsel troubled teens and friends.</p><p>There are three sections in the book: Heads, Spinning, and Tails ... (Love & Loss: Coin Toss?). The variety of lyrical poetry forms include free verse, blank verse, haiku, and sonnets, while some are just playing with words!</p><p>Hopefully, this is also a book of healing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Sherrill S. Cannon, a former teacher and grandmother of ten, is the author of nine acclaimed rhymed children's books, plus a recent award-winning book of poetry <em>(A Penny for Your Thoughts), </em>which together have received 63 national and international book awards since 2011. She also wrote seven published plays for elementary school children that have been performed in over 25 countries. Most of her children's books emphasize consideration for others. Married for 58 years, she and her spouse are now retired, live in Pennsylvania, and travel in their RV from coast to coast, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and sharing her books along the way!</p><p> </p>
<span style="border-collapse:collapse;font-size:12px;line-height:20px;"><span style="font-size:11px;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;"><span style="line-height:24px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#222222;font-size:14px;line-height:19px;"></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;margin-top:.75em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font:normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="color:#222222;font-family:Georgia, serif;line-height:29px;"></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">"Thinking of Him" - Review </span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">by Dr. Chet Weld</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">I’ve been “thinking of Him” for the past few weeks while reading Reverend Paula Behrens’ book of the same name.<span> </span>Behrens’ book is short and can be read quickly, but as with the classic, <em>The Practice of the Presence of God,</em> by Brother Andrew, there is more benefit in reading slowly, contemplating each page, than there is in reading the book as if it were a novel.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><em>Thinking of Him</em> is written primarily for these three noble reasons: To help us have a “higher understanding of God,” to help us know how God relates to us and to creation, and to guide us into a tangible and close relationship with our Creator who is a continual source of hope. <span> </span><span> </span>As Behrens explains that only God can reveal Himself to man and that these revelations will not contradict scripture, these intentions begin to be fulfilled. As the scriptures teach, says the author, our “good works” will not bring us these revelations or accomplish these longings of the human heart.<span> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">Anyone who reads or shares this book with others can be confident that there is a sound scriptural base for every inspiring word. <span> </span><span> </span>At a time when such diverse and false understandings of God permeate our culture, this book contributes to the stability of a true faith that can change lives. </span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">In simple language, Behrens explains one important doctrine at a time, follows the explanation with questions, and then provides a page for writing down “Journal Notes.”<span> </span><span> </span>As I reflect on each question, I’m aware of God’s presence and the importance of internalizing the truths of scripture. <span> </span>I quickly forget that I’m reading a book on theology!<span> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">Beginning with the doctrine of the trinity (that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of the same “substance” and equally God, but have different functions), Behrens offers Old and New Testament scriptures that support the reality of the trinity.<span> </span>As the author launches into this doctrine, she states, “Knowing God goes much deeper than describing who God is and how He relates to us; knowing God is a lived experience; it is a personal encounter with the divine.”<span> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">Because the author speaks both from her knowledge of the scripture and from her personal relationship with God, the reader is invited into more than just a deeper “head knowledge” of God.<span> </span>The reader/seeker is drawn into more intimate fellowship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.<span> </span>This is the author’s intention, and for all hungry souls with open hearts, I believe that her goal is achieved with ease.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">The seven doctrines that Behrens’ explores are the following: The doctrine of God, Creation, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Salvation, and Eschatology (e.g., end times and everlasting life considerations).<span> </span>Included in the discussion are the two sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion), which help to equip believers to fulfill the mission of the church.<span> </span>Again, each doctrine is briefly and simply explained, enabling even new believers to firmly grasp eternal truths about our faith and lives.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">As with the lofty spire on a cathedral, Behrens’ final chapter points us toward the ultimate hope of all believers: Our temporary experience of the kingdom of God from within and in our midst becomes our permanent, unshakeable inheritance; and the New Heaven and the New Earth will become the eternal reality for all who choose life over death, heaven over hell, Christ over false gods and other oppressive taskmasters.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><em>Thinking of Him</em> is an excellent book for use in small groups.<span> </span>Groups could meet for seven or more weeks for fellowship, discussion, and further teaching by a leader.<span> </span>I think that group discussion of this book could easily stretch to 20 or more weeks.<span> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><em>Thinking of Him</em> seems especially useful for new believers who may have never heard of any of the doctrines.<span> </span>No longer will they need to see where the bible flops open in order to “know” what God might be “saying” to them!<span> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">Mature believers can also benefit from reflection and discussion of the doctrines, as well as from Behrens’ insights, e.g., “The nature of the church is to <strong>re-present</strong> Christ to the world.”<span> </span>Well put!<span> </span>Here’s another example: Communion “is a foreshadowing of the feast to come, God’s own ‘heavenly banquet.’”<span> </span>I’m still reflecting on the heavenly banquet, and partaking of the Eucharist will never be the same for me!<span> </span>Here’s one more example from the final chapter that summarizes a number of scriptures: “The kingdom of God is an <strong>inward holiness</strong> and cannot be merited by outward works.”<span> </span>Meditation upon <em>Thinking of Him</em> will certainly help the reader to cultivate the inward holiness that God longs to impart </span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Cambria, serif;">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"> His children.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">I have John Wesley’s journal on my nightstand, which I read from occasionally.<span> </span>Behrens is an ordained Methodist minister, but the purity of the doctrines and of Behrens’ explanations transcend denominational differences.<span> </span>And from what I’ve been able to learn about Wesley, I think that he would be pleased with <em>Thinking of Him!</em></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">How many short devotionals have you read that have <strong><em>focus</em></strong>?<span> </span>I’ve read many devotionals, but none with a specific focus on the most important doctrines of the church.<span> </span>I don’t know about you, but my highest goal and value in life is to know God more intimately, as I walk with Him daily.<span> </span>Because <em>Thinking of Him</em> helps to accomplish these goals, I highly recommend this book, and I expect that joy and personal growth will likely come from taking a journey with Reverend Paula Behrens.</span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma, 'sans-serif';">Dr. Chet Weld is the Director of Pastoral Counseling and the Pastoral Care Dept. of Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona.<span> </span></span></em></p><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;margin-top:.75em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font:normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="color:#222222;font-family:Georgia, serif;line-height:29px;">************************************</span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;margin-top:.75em;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font:normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="color:#222222;font-family:Georgia, serif;line-height:29px;">"Thinking of Him" - Recomendation</span><br /></h3><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:20px;color:#222222;font-weight:normal;">by Dr. Louis Markos</span><span style="font-size:22pt;font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#222222;font-weight:normal;"></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:13px;">In her brief, but concisely written and organized book, <em>Thinking of Him</em>, Paula Behrens has done the faith community a great service. In direct, layman terms, free of academic jargon, she has provided both a theological primer and a catechism of what C. S. Lewis has called “mere” Christianity. Though Behrens writes from a Methodist perspective, her book affirms all the key doctrines of the Nicene Creed (Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection) and, as such, should be accepted by all orthodox believers. Some may wish to add to her primer, but there is nothing that can or should be taken away. She is to be commended in particular for her clear treatment of the three persons of the Trinity, her affirmation of the Church and sacraments, and her discussion of justification, sanctification, and prevenient grace—which affirms fully the sovereignty and prerogative of God while not robbing man of true freedom of choice. Both orthodox and accessible, <em>Thinking of Him</em> will help Christians to know what they believe.</span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:10px;line-height:18pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:13px;"> </span></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:10px;line-height:18pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:13px;">Louis Markos, Professor in English and Scholar-in-Residence, Houston Baptist University; author of <em>Apologetics for the 21st Century</em></span></span></p><p></p>