Barbra Davis
I am a wife, mother and grandmom; a Church Secretary; a stained glass artist and store owner; a Bible teacher and speaker. I have loved to write since I was a young child. These are all things about me, but who I am, first and foremost, is a Christian. I live in SW Florida, near the silver beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 77,920
- Content
- 64
- Fans
- 12
- Contributor since
- 6/11/2010
Education/Experience
English major, Ursinus College, Church secretary (20 years), reporter for Tri-County News (13 years), stained glass artist, 30 + years as researcher/writer/teacher of Bible studies, newsletter authoInterests
The Bible, my faith, stained glass, arts and crafts, missing children, Smallville, beachcombing, sea shells, sand castles, the Beatles, King Arthur, Ireland, orchidsMotto
Trust God from the bottom of your heart and don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Fans
Featured Content (1 of 1)
Displaying Results 1 - 64 (of 64) for Yahoo! Voices
-
5 Biblical Ways to Encourage OthersBarnabas means “Son of Encouragement,” and his actions teach us much about what it means to really encourage others. Here are 5 principles gleaned from his extraordinary life.
-
How to Decorate a Tropical Christmas TreeWhether you moved to a tropical area this year, or you just want to try something different for Christmas this year, why not try decorating with a tropical twist?
-
The Importance of Jesus Being Both God’s and Mary’s SonAt Christmas we hear the message of the child “born to Mary,” but what about Jesus’ father? Inheritance laws in ancient Israel make his sonship very important to you.
-
From Trash to Treasure: The Story of Sea GlassThe use of sea glass in jewelry and crafts has renewed interest in these beautiful gems from the ocean. But what is the history of these trash to treasure gems?
-
How to Walk on WaterWalking on water (doing what seems impossible to us) depends solely on our faith. Here are 5 principles to help.
-
Was Jesus Really a Carpenter?Often you hear Jesus referred to as “the Jewish Carpenter,” but is that accurate? Was Jesus really a carpenter?
-
What is Heaven Really Like?Generations of people have heard tales of a place where people sit on clouds, strumming harps, and walking streets of gold. Is heaven really like that?
-
A Dozen Useful Things to Do While Watching TVDo you sometimes feel guilty for the time you spend watching TV? Here are 12 ideas for using that time wisely to complete some household tasks.
-
How to Set Up a Stained Glass WorkshopIf you have gotten some good instruction in the art of stained glass, and you've acquired all the tools and supplies you need to get started, your next step is to set up a stained glass workshop.
-
Englewood Florida's Fourth of July Fireworks ExtravaganzaTwo years ago Englewood's traditional fireworks display was canceled due to lack of funding, but this year's event should be better than ever with the addition of an all-day Cajun Festival.
-
Does the Bible Contradict Itself?Many people refuse to believe the Bible is God's message to the world because they see contradictions in the text. For Christians, however, these contradictions are really paradoxes, understandable with the right base.
-
On the Beach: 10 Steps for Creating Great SandcastlesSand castles have always fascinated me, but it wasn't until I moved to Florida that I learned the proper way to create one. Here are the 10 tips I learned to make the best sand castles. -
A Brief History of Sand Castles and SculpturesThe art of sand sculpting has been around for centuries, but it's only recently that sand artists have been able to make a living with their craft. The history of the art is fascinating!
-
More Cute Sayings and Clever Titles for ScrapbookingI've collected funny sayings and clever titles for years. I find them on tee shirts, calendars and in e-mails. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
-
A Brief Study of Luke 8:43-48We know very little about the untouchable woman in Luke 8:43-48, not even her name. But we do know she was healed with just a touch, and Jesus said it was because of her faith. How does this amazing Bible story apply to us today?
-
Basic Stained Glass Tools and SuppliesIf you are considering stained glass crafting as a hobby, here's a fairly comprehensive list of items you will need to get started. -
Cinderella's Closet in Englewood, FL, Makes Prom Dreams Possible for School GirlsWith prom night looming and prom dresses costing upwards of $100, what are high school girls to do? Their fairy godmother may be waiting to help you at Cinderella's Closet.
-
God's GPS: A Brief Study of John 14:6In John 14:6 Jesus challenges his disciples about their understanding of his mission as Messiah. Their response shows that they didn't really know the one they were following, even at the end of his ministry.
-
Discover the Beautiful Beaches of Englewood, FloridaEnglewood Florida is a little, largely unknown, village tucked along the Western coast of Florida, but it boasts some of the nicest beaches in the whole state. For a touch of the old Florida beach town life, visit Englewood's Manasota Key. -
The Best Online Bible Study ToolsWith so many on-line Bible translations and study books available it's difficult to determine which are the best ones for your personal research. As a Bible study teacher I have sifted through many of them, and these are my 5 favorites.
-
What is the Purpose of Megaliths like StonehengeStanding stones, huge megaliths that stretch to the sky, are found across the world. The remnants of ancient cultures, they fascinate us today, but what is their intended purpose?
-
The Origins of Awareness RibbonsMany of us wear an awareness ribbon as the symbol of a specific cause. This is a brief look at where this idea come from, and who chose the colors.
-
Why Should I Keep Praying when God Doesn't Answer?Sometimes it feels like we pray about something forever without getting a response from God. Does that mean we should give up praying?
-
Using Copper Foil in Stained Glass WorkWorking with copper foil makes creating panels with a lot of interesting detail a much easier process. Keep these foiling tips in mind when you purchase and store your foil, and you will be able to get the most out of every roll you buy.
-
Jesus' Parables of Lost and Found ThingsDid it ever strike you as odd that a shepherd would leave 99 sheep alone to go on a risky search for just one? Would a woman expend so much time and energy looking for a small coin? Let's consider the real meaning of Luke 15:1-10. -
The Little Drummer Boy, a Christmas Song with a Real MessageWhen we look beyond the charming picture of a small boy playing a drum for Mary's baby, we see some very important biblical principles illustrated in the song "Little Drummer Boy."
-
Start Your Own Handcrafted Ornament CollectionWhile most of us can't afford those wonderful vintage ornaments, we can start a handmade ornament collection of our own. This article has suggestions for 10 wonderful starter pieces. -
The Venice Florida Christmas Boat Parade of LightsIn Florida we celebrate the holiday, not by decking the halls, but rather by decking the decks. Locals drape boats with as many lights as possible and create a floating Christmas parade for all to enjoy.
-
What is an Ambassador for Christ?What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? This is a brief study of 2 Corinthians 5:20: We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.
-
The Common English Bible, a New Bible TranslationRecently a new version of the Bible, the Common English Bible, was released. The publishers claim it is an easily readable and theologically accurate translation. Should you buy one?
-
Choosing a Church that Fits YouIf, like me, you are searching for a new place to worship, you may be totally confused about where to start. Here are 6 things you should be sure you see in a new church.
-
Why Did God Change the Names of Some People in the Bible?In Bible times names were carefully chosen to represent some aspect of who the person would become, or what the parents hoped for their children. Yet sometimes God changed peoples' names. Here's the reason.
-
When Speaking Up Can Get You in Real TroubleYou probably know there are many times it is wiser to be quiet than to speak. Here are 7 specific times the Bible warns you to always be silent.
-
Plan a Unique Destination Wedding Floating in FloridaCouples seeking a unique destination wedding should consider "Weddings on Water" near Sarasota, Florida. Weddings held on their floating chapel combine Florida's natural beauty and a traditional church setting to make beautiful memories.
-
Getting Free from Your Past and Moving ForwardToo often our energies are used up dealing with the past, and we don't have the power to move ahead. The biblical answer to finding peace with the past: forget it. Here are 4 specific things we need to forget.
-
A Struggle Between Separation of Church and State and FaithThe little town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, has long been known for summer festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations. Two years ago, though, the town became the center of a protest that might just spread across the nation.
-
The Bible in American History -- the Aitken BibleBibles were rare in America during the Revolutionary period. With the recommendation and approval of Congress, Robert Aitken produced the first truly American Bible. Here is a brief history of how this Bible came to be printed.
-
Englewood, Florida, a Well-Kept SecretEnglewood, Florida, is a little beach town snuggled between Sarasota and Fort Myers. It's a perfect place for a vacation, but once you get here you just might find you never want to leave.
-
What to Look for when Hiring a Church SecretaryA good Church Secretary is like a wonderful gift for any church, but he or she can he hard to find. Here are some suggestions for making the search a bit easier.
-
Cute Sayings and Clever Titles for ScrapbookingScrapbook pages are such fun to make! Adding cute sayings and clever titles really enhances the look of your work. Feel free to use this collection with your ideas to come up with unique works of art.
-
3 Things Christians Should Never Worry AboutGod addresses a vital issue in the parallel passages of Matthew 6 and Luke 12: worry. According to these verses, there are 3 things we should never worry about.
-
Liturgical Colors -- How the Lutheran Church Uses Color in WorshipIn themselves, liturgical colors have no significance, but when used in conjunction with the Church calendar they take on a deeper meaning. It is one of the ways the Lutheran Church helps it's members focus on God during a worship service.
-
Easy Ways to Remove Sticky Labels and Gummy ResidueNo need to buy expensive products for label and glue removal. Here are 5 products you probably already have in your house that will do the job just as well.
-
Does God Provide for His Children?Sometimes our expectations get in the way of our seeing how God is really working in our lives. Here is a practical lesson from my own experience that illustrates how God provides.
-
The Blessings of Being a Sunday School TeacherTeaching Sunday School is a big responsibility, but it is also one of the greatest blessings you will ever know. This is a story about one unforgettable student.
-
Help with Stained Glass QuestionsWith over 40 years of experience, our Master Glass Artist has learned a lot of "trade secrets," but we still find our students and customers teach us new tricks, too. These are a few stained glass tips we pass on to our classes. -
Tips on Hiring a Church Secretary from an Experienced Church SecretaryA good Church Secretary requires more than a basic knowledge of office work and the ability to effectively use office machinery. She must know how to effectively minister to people and mirrors the love of Jesus to all who enter her office.
-
Themes for 3 Different Women's Socials You Can Hold in Your ChurchIf you help plan Women's Ministry events for your church, you are always looking for new ideas. Here are themes for 3 different events you can use with your group, including games and decorating tips.
-
5 Bible Verses that Have Made a Difference in My LifeAlthough the Bible was written centuries ago, it's message has stood the test of time. Through it, God speaks to us, inspires us and encourages us. Here are 5 of my favorite inspirational verses and how they have impacted my life.
-
You Can Be a Virtual Astronaut: NASA's "Fly Your Face in Space" ProgramBecome a part of history when the final 2 space shuttle flights are launched: sign up for NASA's "Fly Your Face in Space" program. When you sign up, your picture will fly into outer space with the crew of one of the last 2 space shuttle missions.
-
Ruth: The Bible's True "Prince Charming" StoryThe ancient tale of Ruth and her "white knight" Boaz is both charming and significant. In this overview of the Old Testament book you can see why this story has appealed to people of every age since it happened.
-
Parental Kidnapping -- a Personal ExperienceWhen a child is taken by a parent, is it a different crime than a regular kidnapping? What is the real impact of parental abduction? This is a first hand account of parental abduction and it's impact.
-
Tips for Using a Stained Glass GrinderOne of the biggest investments a stained glass artist makes is the purchase of tools. Here are a dozen easy and effective ways to make the best use of your costly stained glass grinder, and to keep it in good working order. -
Free and Low Cost Stained Glass PatternsFree stained glass patterns and potential patterns are all around you. With a little help you can even learn to create your own patterns.
-
Using Texture in a Stained Glass ProjectWhen creating stained glass art, the type of glass you choose sets the tone for the finished piece. Using color, type and texture wisely will help you produce a unique and realistic art piece. -
Make Easy Liquid Hand Soap from Soap ScrapsIf you have accumulated a collection of soap scraps, here is a great use for them. Recycle old soap bars into new liquid or gel soap.
-
More Free Advertising for Your Stained Glass BusinessFree and low cost advertising opportunities are available wherever you have a business. Hopefully these ideas will get you thinking of ways you can advertise in your area for little or no cost.
-
How to Choose Copper Foil for Your Stained Glass ProjectWhen using the copper foil method of stained glass construction, choosing the proper foil is very important. This is how to know which foil is best for your project.
-
Does God Love Me?Many people stumble over the Bible's assurance that God loves them because they don't feel worthy of His love. Yet the Bible tells us that we are involved in the greatest love story of all time'"and it's only because God chooses to love us.
-
Is Christianity Different from Other Faiths?Aren't all of the world's religions really the same? Won't any path you choose lead to the same place'"to God'"or is Christianity different?
-
Will the World End in 2012?Bad things are happening all over the world, changes and upheavals that just may signal the end of the world. How can we know for sure when it will happen, and what can we do to get ready?
-
Free Advertising for Your Craft BusinessYou may have the best product in the world but it does no good if no one ever sees it. Advertising usually takes a huge bite out of any business budget, but there are many free and almost free advertising opportunities out there.
-
Should I Start a Full-Time Stained Glass Business?If you have been considering taking the leap from making crafts as a hobby to making a living from crafts, here are some things to consider. We made the leap 6 years ago and made many mistakes along the way that I may be able to help you avoid.
-
Choosing Stained Glass for Your ProjectChoosing the right glass for your project is one of the most important steps in the stained glass process. Take time to make sure the glass fits the vision you have for your finished work of art.