Tag: Christmas

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.27.2021

Lindsey Stirling is an American violinist who performs worldwide. Today I invite you to step into the subway with Lindsey as she performs, completely disguised. Watch until the 3:15 mark and ponder the question she asks. Then watch just a few moments more to hear her answer it. Do you see the gift?

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.23.2021

In a world riddled with chaos and conflict, the concept of experiencing peace that is deep and real seems illusive. Yet that is just what scripture promises! There is a formula, when applied in faith, that ushers a supplicant into the peace of God that is beyond understanding! 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.22.2021

This week the focus is peace — peace that is beyond understanding. The quiet strength that seeps through everything regardless of circumstances. How do I access that kind of incredible staying power? There is a formula! Step one: practice joy. Step two: relinquish worry into Father’s capable hands and thank him while you’re there! 6Don’t …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.20.2021

The final week before Christmas. I wonder what it is like at your house. Are the decorations up? Cookies baked? Candy covered in chocolate? Presents bought and wrapped? Christmas music playing softly in the background while you sip a cup of Holiday Blend? That sounds so peaceful! I sincerely hope that is what you are …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.17.2021

22But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 Last week I wrote about love. Not the kind of love displayed in Hallmark Christmas movies or the love expressed for dark chocolate peanut clusters, …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.16.2021

Joy is a commodity we cannot live without because joy is our strength. Joy is found in the presence of the Lord. Therefore, strength comes from being in the presence of God. 11Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. 1 Chronicles 16:1`1 31But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.15.2021

There is an increasing emphasis on self-care. It is important to incorporate into our routines those practices that renew and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. It might be a massage, a quiet day away, a few hours of sitting with a good book and a glass of your favorite beverage, a shopping trip, fishing by …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.14.2021

What is joy? I wanted to make a case that joy and happy are not the same. Except that in the original language of scripture – Greek – the two words are quite similar. Perhaps I want to make them different because I always believed that happy depends on circumstances and joy is a deep, …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.13.2021

Advent Week 3 – Joy The focus of this third week of advent is joy. What is joy? Is it happy? Does it depend on circumstances? The writing of Nehemiah records the rebuilding of the wall around the city of Jerusalem after the people returned from captivity in Babylon. The wall was finished in fifty-two …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 12.10.2021

Here we are just two weeks before Christmas. I wonder what you are experiencing. If you picked a movie to illustrate how you feel, would it be a Hallmark movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Christmas with the Kranks? It’s a Wonderful Life? Or maybe something else entirely! What would you choose? I wonder if …