But in that day, the branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious; Isaiah 4:2a Advent – Day 3: Read: Luke 3 As I read this chapter, it seems to me it can be summarized in one word: preparation. John the Baptist is preparing the way for the Messiah preaching repentance from sins and baptizing with …

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-3a …

Today I read an Advent challenge; something that will prepare my heart for Christmas and the celebration of this magical season. Beginning today, read one chapter of the gospel of Luke every day. There are twenty-four chapters, so you will finish the day before Christmas with a fresh and deeper understanding of the reason why …

And just like that we are at the end of November, headed right into the next holiday. Perhaps Christmas spilled over into your Thanksgiving celebration in a Thankmas gathering. As Christmas television specials abound, offering a heart-warming rendition of the magic of Christmas, I keep reminding myself of the real magic of Christmas. For a …

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 Black Friday! Are you a die-hard Black Friday shopper? Do you wait until Cyber Monday? Do you like to shop at all? No matter where you find yourself today, remember that having more “things” will …

Thankful: conscious of benefits received; expressive of thanks Thankfulness: the quality or state of being thankful HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today as I write in a local coffee shop, I can’t help hearing the conversations around me. Shhh…don’t tell anyone I am listening. I hear all kinds of holiday plans. These cousins coming in, those people going there, destinations near and far, family in to sort through dad’s things, conflict anticipated, nerves already on edge. …

Social anxiety? It takes many forms and hits people in different ways, but I think we all experience it at one time or another. A while back I left a social gathering feeling a more than normal amount of angst. Discussing it with my husband brought some relief, but I woke the next morning still …

In a world where change happens at lightening speed, I’m grateful for the consistent character of God who loves me. It is my anchor in the storm. Psalm 103 is a beautiful reminder of all that he has done and will do for me, his dearly loved daughter! A psalm of David. Let all that …

Jonah, or at least the story of Jonah and the Whale, has to be one of the most widely known of all stories in scripture. I think I understand what Jonah was thinking. He didn’t like what God asked him to do, so he went the other way thinking he could escape God’s presence. Nope. …