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Welcome
to the Nehemiah Ministries
Website . . .
And thank you for visiting! I began this site in 1997, as my effort to bring
encouragement and counsel to Christians online -- especially regarding relationships and realizing their personal potential. I've
posted a “Nehemiah
Notes” article twice each month since then, and all
are archived here. While I’ve reissued some, over 100
individual articles are available. You’ll also find information on all my books,
with sample chapters, and links to online sellers
where they are available. And there’s also a history of
this ministry, and I've posted some photos (updated
June 2017), in case you're interested. I hope an article or book featured on
this site will provide the help you need, and God’s best to you as you browse! - Blaine Smith |
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* * Memorial
Photo Tribute to Evie * * *
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Evie
Kirkland Smith November
14, 1951 -
March 8, 2017 |
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On March 8, 2017 my wife Evie
died at Casey House Hospice in Rockville,
Maryland, from ALS. She
was diagnosed with the disease in November, 2015,
but, looking back, she had probably suffered from
it for close to three years. It is a brutal,
degenerative disease, and this vibrant woman
ultimately lost the use of both legs and feet, her
left arm and (primary) hand, and some right arm
function as well. Then in her last weeks she
suffered serious respiratory decline. As is so
common with ALS patients, this is what finally
took her life.
By
the time she was hospitalized on February 21, she
had reached the point where she wanted to be freed
from her sufferings and be with the Lord. Her
longing for Heaven, and her confidence that Christ
had a place there for her, was so strong that it
stunned some who worked with her at Casey House,
the hospice to which she was transferred on March
1. She went peacefully, with joyful expectation of
a much better life to come. While I am heartbroken
over losing her, I am so glad she is relieved of
her suffering and is now in the presence of
Christ.
Evie
taught elementary school music in Montgomery
Country,
Maryland
public schools for 25 years, and was highly
successful at the task. She was loved by a
great many people, and will be dearly missed by so
many. Most of all, she was the most amazing
possible wife and mother of our two sons, Ben and
Nate.
The
photo above is of Evie and Ben dancing at his
wedding reception, July 28, 2008. I've posted a photo
tribute to Evie on YouTube, including about
100 pics from throughout her life. Even if you
didn't know her, you may still enjoy watching this
display, for she was highly photogenic, and her
constant smile was an inspiration.
Your prayers for me and for my family are much
appreciated during this time, and I'm so grateful
for the condolences that many on my Nehemiah
Notes list have sent to us. - Blaine
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Nehemiah
Notes, April 15, 2019 |
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Christians and Self-Talk
How Much Can we Psych Ourselves Up?
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Few biblical incidents do more to ignite
my faith than the story about the woman with the hemorrhage. For
twelve years she experienced the indescribable discomfort and
embarrassment of a blood flow that no physician could heal. To add to
her misery, she became financially destitute, bankrupt from her
extensive medical expenses.
Finally, pressed through a dense
crowd to touch Jesus. Though intensely afraid, “she
kept saying to herself, ‘If I can only touch his coat, I will
get well’” (Mt 9:21) . . .
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I explore the benefits of positive “self-talk”-- and
its limitations--in this article.
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Nehemiah
Notes, April 1, 2019 |
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Looking Inward and Looking
Outward
Which Is More Important in Knowing God’s Will?
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In seeking God’s will, is my
responsibility to consider how Christ has made me, then look for
situations that best fit my gifts and interests? Or is it to try
to understand where the greatest areas of human need lie, and do
my best to relate to them? Do I find the will of God by looking
inward or by looking outward?
The issue is much more than an
academic one for many of us . . .
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In choosing what to do with our life, how should we
weigh our talents and temperament vs. the needs of the
world? I look at this question and offer advice in this article.
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Nehemiah
Notes, March 15, 2019 |
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Golden Opportunities and God's Will
Weighing the Significance of Open Doors
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Here’s
a problem you might say is nice to have.
You
have an opportunity. A golden opportunity. The chance to develop a
serious relationship, or to marry. Or a job opening with generous pay
and benefits. Or an invitation from your pastor to direct one of your
church’s important ministries.
At
first you’re euphoric, stunned at your good fortune, flattered that
someone believes in you so strongly.
Then, with time and
reflection, come the reality checks . . .
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Sometimes a great opportunity just doesn't seem to fit
us well.
I offer guidelines for weighing open
doors in this article.
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How
It Radically Affects Your Happiness, Health, Success and Effectiveness
for Christ
