Are you someone who believes it’s important to prepare in advance? Are you ready for the days ahead? Are you patting yourself on the back because your organizing skills have enabled you to enjoy a calm and relaxing week? No! Me either. I admit I can get so busy preparing for the physical celebration of Christmas…
I’m not a fan of cold weather, but one thing I love about a cold winter night is the stillness and peace. It’s hard to find a moment of either at this time of year. Between shopping, wrapping, cooking, church and school activities, holiday get-togethers, and random unexpected appointments … oh my, stillness and peace…
Who’s the person with whom you’d most like to spend an afternoon? Are they full of joy? I’m guessing you didn’t choose the grumpiest most miserable person you know. I’m not talking about your grieving friend or the person who’s going through a difficult struggle. I’m thinking about the consistently cranky one. Nope! Most of us want…
Everyone has them. These are the hard questions that are difficult to answer. Inquiries that most people answer easily but that you find personally painful. Questions like… The Christmas season is called the most wonderful time of the year, but many find that these inquiring conversation starters are painful reminders of someone or something they lost or long…
How would you answer the following question… What are the reasons Jesus came into the world? If you know, love, and trust Jesus, you would probably be quick to discuss His suffering, death, and resurrection. But is that all? If that were the only reason, He wouldn’t have had to leave heaven for 33 long…
About 30 years ago, I walked into a beautiful bookstore and found a copy of In His Steps by Charles Sheldon in the sale section. Rev and I were on vacation and had a little free time; so, I decided to get a copy. I quickly learned that the book is based on this verse……
How’s your soul? Would you say you have a healthy joy-filled soul? Rev. George Whitefield wrote… “I was delivered from the burden that had so heavily suppressed me. The spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was to truly rejoice in God my Savior.” That’s the message of Jesus. The…
I don’t know if you can relate but I’ve had too many years when I’ve allowed holiday busyness to distract me and keep me from focusing on the gift of Jesus. December is a crazy busy time of the year. We fill our calendars with church and school activities, extra time with friends, shopping, wrapping,…
Do you ever have trouble expressing your emotions? Is it hard for you to share your feelings when your heart hurts? It can be especially hard to deal with sadness during the holidays. There seems to be the unspoken message that we’re all supposed to be filled with peace, joy, and twinkle lights. But many…
Jesus said… So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. Matthew 7:11 But what does it mean that God gives good gifts? We know it’s not like making a list of things we want…
How would you like to make gift giving easier? The Christmas shopping season officially begins today, and for many of us, it brings with it an abundance of stress. Where to shop – online, at local small businesses, or the big box stores…When to shop – with the crowds or anywhere without crowds…What to buy…
Everyone has at least one relative who makes the holidays difficult for everyone else. Jesus told us, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” That includes “love your family.” Sometimes the most difficult people to love are the ones to whom we’re related. Most Americans will gather with their families later today or tomorrow to…
I recently received the following comment on a post about SEEKing God through Bible TRUTH and prayer… “Seeking an imaginary deity is reaching for a state of delusion.” A few months ago, the same individual left this… “Reading what ancient charlatans invented is a waste of time. You will learn nothing.” His attitude is nothing…
I used to read the Bible in bits and pieces. But then, nineteen years ago, I read it from beginning to end and discovered the continuity of God’s love letter to people. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have faith but that’s when I truly began to love God through His Word. Sitting…
Promises are only as good as the integrity of the one who makes them and they only become powerful promises if the recipient confidently trusts that integrity. David wrote… For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. Psalm 145:13 Because of the…
I did a quick internet search for Thanksgiving photos and couldn’t find one that didn’t include a holiday feast or pumpkins, gourds, and colorful falling leaves. How do you traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving at your house? I love traditional Thanksgiving meals as much as the next person. I have a stuffing recipe made with brioche bread,…
I wonder how often we pray powerful words of gratitude around the Thanksgiving table and stop as soon as the family leaves and our overbooked schedules return. Imagine how our lives would change if we made Thanksgiving linger beyond the 4th Thursday in November to every day of the year. Paul wrote… Be thankful in…
Happy World Kindness Day! Did you know if you want to be happy it’s good to be kind? I love watching videos of Random Acts of Kindness. Have you ever noticed they always end with a smile? The participants in the video are smiling and they make us smile too. If we only watch the…
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward Did you know that grateful living can make you healthier? I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. Medical professionals have known the connection between our minds and bodies for years. An article from the Mayo…
How much do you worry about the future? Are you able to live without fear? Several years ago, one of the characters on a show I was watching said… “It’s not the unknown I’m afraid of, it’s the known unknown.” That’s true! Isn’t it? We’re not afraid of things we’ve never heard of. We’re frightened of…
I had another post written for today when I realized it’s the morning after the U.S. Presidential election. So, I’m saving that one for another day because the Lord has prompted me to share something else. Many of us voted yesterday and did so with strong feelings about the outcome. With that in mind, assuming…
