The ABOUT page is for Bill Elliott; his counseling, his photography, his devotionals, and his writings. G.W. Bill Elliott, Jr Email cknufnd AT Outlook COM VocalBill ity Bill Elliott is the voice, writings, and thoughts behind the VocalBillity efforts. He IS “The voice of one crying in the Bewilderness® “, not at all because he is bewildered about his place in the Lord, his place in this world, or even his place among you and yours. It is due to the utter bewilderment of the people that moves his soul into action and causes him to bend-a-knee in prayer for you, for yours, and certainly for himself. He is a devoted Christian, an Ordained and Licensed minister, and most especially, a wholly committed and born-again soul. These writings, tweets, and photography snippets are many of the ways he expresses his perspectives on life, love, and certainly the hope of eternal salvation. Sermon Central - Contributor Faith Writers - Contributor eZine Articles - Contributor (site now defunct) GoodReads - Author Got Questions Ministry - Author/Contributor Futher Details A life of craft, teaching, and ministry Bill Elliott’s story is one of steady craftsmanship and a persistent calling to teach and serve. He began his professional life in technical drafting and design, learning the discipline of precise drawings and the patience of iterative problem solving. Those early years—at Westinghouse and later at Los Alamos—taught him how to translate complex engineering ideas into clear, usable artifacts. The same care for clarity would later shape his teaching and ministry: lesson plans that fit a child’s attention span, puppet scripts that land a theological truth, and sound mixes that let a worship leader’s voice carry without distraction. Bridging two worlds Bill never treated his secular work and ministry as separate compartments. While managing CADD labs and teaching vocational students, he was also building puppet ministries and leading children’s programs on Wednesday nights. The classroom and the church stage became complementary arenas: the curriculum design skills he honed for vocational students translated into structured, repeatable children’s lessons; his AV and technical know how made him the go to person for live events and touring ministry logistics. Wherever he went—whether a college classroom, a national lab, or a youth camp—Bill brought a teacher’s heart and a technician’s attention to detail. Teaching as vocation Teaching is the thread that ties Bill’s life together. From vocational credentials in the late 1980s to a master’s in theology in 2010, his education reflects a commitment to both technical excellence and spiritual formation. In the classroom he demanded high standards and clear outcomes; in ministry he expected volunteers to show up prepared and children to leave with a memorable truth. He mentors generously, believing that the best teams are built by honest feedback and steady encouragement. Events, puppets, and presence Bill’s ministry is tactile and theatrical. Puppet ministries became a signature method—simple, visual, and deeply effective for communicating spiritual truths to children. He also mastered the technical side of worship: multi channel mixing boards, stage logistics, and the pressure of live sound at youth camps and concerts. Those moments—when a sound check goes right, when a puppet skit lands, when a child repeats a lesson—are the quiet victories that define his ministry. A later chapter in software leadership In the 2000s and 2010s Bill expanded into full stack software development and leadership. He led teams at McKesson, U Haul, and ultimately at the Washington State Department of Health. His technical leadership combined with his teaching instincts: he mentored junior engineers, translated stakeholder needs into technical requirements, and kept teams focused on delivering value. He retired in April 2024, closing a chapter of public service work while leaving a legacy of systems and people he helped develop. What holds it together Across decades and roles, Bill’s life is defined by two commitments: to do the work well and to bring others along. Whether drafting a technical drawing, writing a lesson plan, mixing sound for a worship set, or mentoring a developer, he shows up with curiosity, patience, and a practical optimism. His story is not about dramatic pivots but about steady accumulation—skills, relationships, and a reputation for reliability. That steady work has produced a life that is both technically competent and pastorally generous. Believe it or Not Personal Beliefs — Bill Elliott I am a follower of Jesus Christ and make His name and example central to my life. I believe Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, born of the virgin Mary, who lived a sinless life, died as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, and rose bodily on the third day. I hold the Bible as the verbally inspired, inerrant, and final authority for faith and practice, and I regard the King James Version as my preferred English translation. I affirm the person and work of the Holy Spirit—coequal with the Father and the Son—who regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, guides, and empowers believers. My conviction is that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone, not by human works, and that each believer is given a spiritual gift (conviction) at conversion to build up the church. I believe the church is called to glorify God, make Christ known through evangelism and discipleship, and remain distinct from false teaching while welcoming those far from God. I seek to live surrendered to the Spirit, to serve faithfully in ministry and community, and I hold to a literal reading of Scripture that includes a pre-tribulational rapture, a seven-year tribulation, and Christ’s premillennial return to reign for a thousand years. Writer There are many writings on this site, and in various categories, too; Devotionals Stories / Sermons Quotes & Snippets Counselor Bill has been rpoviding counseling since around 2015, and you can book a phone/video sesion with him by clicking the buton below. Check Availability Photographer Bill has a very odd eye for photography and there are many categories to review his captures! See Gallery Writer Sermon Central – Contributor Faith Writers – Contributor eZine Articles – Contributor (now defunct site) GoodReads - Author Got Questions Ministry - Author/Contributor

Devotional Keywords ...But Wait! Keyword/Tag Fellowship Searching Peace A Fresh Breath of Joy Keyword/Tag Trust Follow Joy A Man of Inaction Keyword/Tag Patience Rest Quiet Anchored in Spirit Keyword/Tag Trust Eyes on Jesus Surrender And the Future Holds... Keyword/Tag Trust Hearing Worry Appreciating Anguish Keyword/Tag Faith Patience Attention to Derail Keyword/Tag Hearing Worry Tomorrow Be Thou Vulnerable Keyword/Tag Trust Surrender Forebearing Because You Can Keyword/Tag Follow Fellowship Holy Spirit Beholder's Beauty Keyword/Tag Patience Quiet Thankful Break Time! Keyword/Tag Connection Eyes on Jesus Rest Broadminded and Resistant Keyword/Tag Follow Strength Choose Love, Not Fear Keyword/Tag Barriers Defensive Perspective Close Your Eyes, You'll See Keyword/Tag Follow Faith Barriers Close as it Gets Keyword/Tag Connection Fellowship Surrender Consider the Source Keyword/Tag Forebearing Criticism Retaliation Cure the Common Chaos Keyword/Tag Trust Quiet Tomorrow Death Everlasting Keyword/Tag Devil Made Me Do It Keyword/Tag Testimony Condemnation Guilt Divine Inseparability Keyword/Tag Connection Victory Abandonment View More

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Week: 9 Priorities and Alignment Ordering life, priorities, aligning with God’s rhythm. This week helps participants evaluate and reorder commitments so life reflects gospel priorities. It offers practical frameworks for decision-making, time use, and aligning daily routines with spiritual values. The focus is on coherence—making choices that sustain spiritual health and mission over time. Objectives Practice practical ordering of daily life. Align time and energy with God’s purposes. Reassess priorities and simplify life. Reflections How will I measure alignment with God’s purposes? What is one priority I will protect this week? What drains my time and energy? NowTo the HowTo Accountability/Tracking Use a weekly planner template to block time for top priorities and submit a screenshot to your partner. Community Action Host a “priority swap” where members share one thing they’ll say no to and one thing they’ll protect. Creative Project Build a “Priority Map” poster with top three spiritual priorities and daily actions for each. Leader Prompt Lead a short exercise to help participants identify one nonnegotiable spiritual priority. Personal Practice Do a one day time inventory and circle one activity to reduce; replace it with a spiritual priority. Previous Week Devotionals Pants First, Then Shoes 4 min read Too often, we dive into solving our problems without checking in with the Lord and tend to ask Him for direction once we have totally boogered things up! This devotional helps remind us that God's sequence of 'faith first' is always the right way to go. Sparrows and Ants; Fancy Pants 2 min read Not sure how you grew up, but me... I'll bet I was well into my teens before 'the future' really crossed my mind. Sure, I worried about... More or Less 2 min read God doesn't tear down any barriers we put up between Him and us. God doesn't set up any barriers between us. Now, is it just me, but isn't it odd we aren't very, very close to God? The only barriers keeping us apart are our own! Sure, physically close is not part of the equation, but it seems like we'd be much more spiritual, much more content, and certainly much more 'heavenly minded' than we are as a people, let alone as individuals. Mostly, one of the key things that keeps us from being... Peace at Stake; Piece of Cake 2 min read It is very, very simple to choose peace. It is quite a whole other thing to apply that choice! Consider the last time you had a gut-wrenching decision to make... many times, that quickening from our Lord IS the path He wants you on, but too often we choose something safer, something less ridiculous appearing (to those around us), and maybe even something not quite so challenging for our lives. His peace is at stake, so just how do you chose that path, and stick with it? Our devotional today... Synchronize Your Spirit 2 min read I know, the typical phrase is, "synchronize your watch", so pardon me as I make a spiritual reference to that well established phrase. Way too many times through my day, through my week, through my life I have gotten my spirit sort of out-of-sync. Something of a disjointed feeling, or 'pending doom', or maybe even just an unsettled and restless feeling of anguish, fear, and/uncertainty... and I finally hear 'that still small voice', and get linked back up with the Lord, and sort of... And the Future Holds... 2 min read ...nothing you should worry about today! Sure, we hear that all the time, but so quickly and rather easily we are right back there... fussing over a pending job opportunity, toiling over a potential home, stressing about the weather and an upcoming outdoor event... even just planning a strategy for your career or retirement... forget medical concerns... those alone are more than most can handle! The Lord insists we refrain from 'getting ahead' of today, from getting all wrapped up in 'what... View More Next Week

Week: 10 Trials and Perseverance How suffering refines faith and endurance. This module addresses the reality of hardship and how trials can deepen character and trust when met with faithful practices. It provides pastoral frameworks for lament, endurance, and meaning-making, plus community practices that sustain people through seasons of testing. The aim is resilient faith that endures without losing hope or compassion. Objectives Build community support items for hard seasons. Learn practical ways to persevere. Reframe trials as formative, not meaningless. Reflections What spiritual practice strengthens me in hardship? What supports help me endure now? How have past trials shaped my faith? NowTo the HowTo Accountability/Tracking Use a shared tracker to note daily practices (rest, prayer, Scripture) and one sign of endurance. Community Action Form triads for mutual prayer and check ins during a current trial. Creative Project Compose a short, honest letter to your future self about what you’re learning in this season. Leader Prompt Offer pastoral language for lament and lead a brief guided lament/prayer time. Personal Practice Write a one paragraph “perseverance plan” listing Scripture, person, and practice to rely on in hard moments. Previous Week Devotionals Appreciating Anguish 2 min read I once knew a man who did not pray for patience... hated the thought/idea of it... strictly because of God's promise that came along with... The Meaning of Suffering 3 min read Almost since the beginning of time, we have wondered, pondered, contemplated, argued, and fought over this one question; "If God is good, loving, and merciful, why does He allow suffering and pain?". The short answer is, 'He doesn't, you do'! See... suffering is actually a tool that is intended for you specifically, not the world populous in general. Sort of a separating of the sheep from the goats , as we recently discussed. Too often, we want to lump the world (the masses) into an... Wearing Your Bearings 2 min read What? Bearings as in Ball Bearings? No, those are rarely worn, if ever. But Bearings as in 'directions', or 'route', even a 'destination point'... those bearings. Now, wearing them may seem odd, but you know me... I'm aiming to show you not only why, but how. Today's devotional is actually close to the Wandering You one in-that the focus is regarding how the Lord promised to be close to us, to lead us, and especially give us His peace, love and grace... He never falters. Isaiah 26:4 ... Guilty by Reason of Calamity 2 min read No one really knows the intents of the heart, the core thing(s) that motivate us to do and to be like we are... many times, we don't even understand them ourselves. Too often, we go through the motions. In many ways 'powering through' some crisis or event for the sake of impressions, or your commitment to a task, or even just out of fear, guilt, or lack of strength to challenge what you've become. Our devotional today reminds us that a guilt driven life can certainly lead to more calamity... Perseverance Preserved 2 min read There have been times when I inherited someone else's project, and had to get my head/heart wrapped around their original vision, or intent/goal for the goal and intent of it all. Until I actually 'took ownership', it was really just a half-hearted responsibility I was fulfilling. Today's devotional touches on that same lackadaisical way we approach our life with the Lord... almost like we are 'going through the motions' of someone else's vision or 'project' for our lives; be it a perceived... Frazzle Beater 2 min read G.W. Bill Elliott, Jr presents a practical encouragement for calming frazzled hearts through prayer, rest, and simple practices. View More Next Week

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Explore Bill Elliott’s curated photo gallery: Kauai landscapes, quirky street finds, vintage vehicles, and abstract perspectives. Browse by category. Photography Gallery Bill is a photographer-wannabe, although he does have a keen eye for framing, content, and especially showing you the unobvious and odd-perspectives. Browse through the categories below, and see! Kauai Adoorable I Do Windows Rust Bucket Buster's REO Stairoids Colorless Random Sightings Kauai Adoorable I Do Windows Rust Bucket Buster's REO Stairoids Colorless Random Sightings Kauai Adoorable I Do Windows Rust Bucket Buster's REO Stairoids Colorless Random Sightings Kauai Adoorable I Do Windows Rust Bucket Buster's REO Stairoids Colorless Random Sightings

Week: 3 Community and Witness Relationships, testimony, hospitality, and mission. This week explores how faith is formed and expressed in community—through honest relationships, shared stories, and intentional hospitality. It equips participants to give and receive testimony, to practice welcome, and to join God’s mission in ordinary contexts. Emphasis is placed on mutual formation: we grow as we serve and witness together. Objectives Encourage everyday witness without a platform. Learn to evaluate criticism and respond with grace. Practice listening, hospitality, and testimony. Reflections What hospitality step can I take this week? How do I respond to criticism—defend or discern? Who needs the witness of my life? NowTo the HowTo Accountability/Tracking Each person invites one non church friend to a low pressure event and reports back. Community Action Host a “Pull Up a Chair” gathering—invite three people for a 30 minute conversation about life and faith. Creative Project Create a simple invitation card (digital or print) to invite someone to a future group meeting. Leader Prompt Teach a 3 step testimony framework (problem, turning point, God’s work) and run a practice round. Personal Practice Write a one minute testimony and practice delivering it aloud twice this week. Previous Week Devotionals Consider the Source 2 min read When others slander or wound you, pause and consider the source. A short devotional on patience, forgiveness, and trusting God’s perspective. Jesus' Little Secret 3 min read For many years, I wondered why Jesus would tell some of those whom He'd healed NOT to say a word to anyone about it... to keep it a secret... to just be hush-hush about it and go on about their lives. Here are several incidents; Matthew 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ . Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony... Our Two Edged Lord 2 min read Do you ever find yourself treating God kind of like a Bellhop? Too often, we only communicate with Him when we need Him and/or there is something going on that's just too big for us to handle. We know He's "always there"; we know He's ready to meet with us; we even know we can count on Him. So, it is just too easy to reach out to Him when 'we' need/want Him... you know... like a Bellhop. Psalms 105:4 reminds us; " Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ", so we really... Sheep and Goats Part Company 2 min read There are many sayings for dividing things that are commingled; the race of the tortoise and the hare, separation of church and state, mixes like oil and water, even the separating the sheep from the goats. Farmers in fact detest weeds because they can voraciously choke out the good crops around them. In our spiritual world, there are so many variations of spiritualism, religions, and faiths... it is so hard to distinguish some from others, and it seems like some are so very ridiculous and... Pull Up a Chair 2 min read " Pull Up a Chair "... Now that's a phrase that just exudes, 'grab a spot, I've something you'll want to hear'. We seem to naturally do that when our favorite sport game is on, or when you have an opportunity to have an exchange with someone (or a group) who share your hobby interest or passion (finances, politics, music, gardening, etc.). We seem to naturally and eagerly focus our attention, give specific concentration, isolate our thoughts and energy on this 'pull up a chair' topic. Our... Go It Alone 2 min read Personally, I find it so much easier to do things alone. Not all things surely, but certain things like; errand running, project work (yard work, construction, cooking, etc), even just simple down time. Not at all that I favor doing things alone, but coordinating efforts with someone else can add more stress, more uncertainty, and worse more of 'not' getting something done 'my way'. Our devotional today reflects on how God made us to 'not' be so solitude in our lives, to include Him more and... View More Next Week