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. …
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 …
I find it helpful and interesting to look deeper into the original languages of scripture to help me understand concepts. In Yahweh’s self-description (Exodus 34:6-7), forgiveness is listed as one of God’s character qualities. The original Hebrew word used is one that literally means to pick up or lift an object and move it away. …
I shared scripture yesterday that said God never changes. The three passages I cited all speak of God’s promise to Abraham to make a people for himself. In other words, God will not “unchoose” us in favor of a different plan. He sticks with his Plan! (See Isaiah 14:24-27 for more on God’s unchanging plan.) …
I grab a cup of coffee, my favorite flannel blanket, light a candle and curl up on the chair in my office. This is my safe space where I ponder and reflect on all things related to living. I plan, I write, I meditate in this sacred space. To my left is a rustic cross …