Author: Noel Williams

Welcome to my sweet Life Kitchens. My name is Noel Williams. I am a Christian, but I label myself a hobbyist food photographer. I have never had any formal training in photography. And I have never attended any photography seminars. My knowledge about photography comes from books and tutorials I bought online. I started out taking pictures of my environment. But I soon realise that that was too much of a drag for me. After coming home from my 8-5 job, I was too tired to go out and shoot. I knew I had to come up with an option that would keep me excited about photography. So, I started to take pictures of food, and I did not have to leave the comfort of my home. I am still learning. But, I have come a long way from where I was. Thanks so much for stopping.

Hosanna in the Highest!

“When they drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,

‘Behold, your King is coming to you,

Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:”

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

Hosanna in the highest!”

Matthew 21:1-9–NKJV

I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You

He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him:
But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor:
But he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:
But the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind:
And the fool shall be a servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
and he that winneth souls is wise.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed on the earth:
 Much more the wicked and the sinner.

Proverbs 11:29-31–AKJV

Why are American Churches closing their doors?

According to an article in the Guardian, American Churches are closing their doors at a rapid pace. Experts believe the rate may have been accelerated since COVID-19.

Churches are closing at rapid numbers in the US, researchers say, as congregations dwindle across the country and a younger generation of Americans abandon Christianity altogether – even as faith continues to dominate American politics.
As the US adjusts to an increasingly non-religious population, thousands of churches are closing each year – a figure that experts believe may have accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic.
About 4,500 Protestant churches closed in 2019,
“In the last three years, all signs are pointing to a continued pace of closures probably similar to 2019 or possibly higher, as there’s been a rapid rise in American individuals who say they’re not religious.”
Protestant pastors reported that typical church attendance is only 85% of pre-pandemic levels, McConnell said. At the same time, research by the Survey Center on American Life and the University of Chicago found that in spring 2022, 67% of Americans reported attending church at least once a year, compared with 75% before the pandemic.

The Guardian

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:18-19–NKJV

Goodness of God–Worship song

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:1-4