Holy Week, the last week of Jesus' life, began with praise, endured sorrow, and ended with glory. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the …
Perfect Love, The Gift of Christmas
Perfect love came a a gift through the child in the manger. God gave the purest gift to us, but many do not receive the gift. Who doesn't love to get gifts at Christmas? What is motive for giving …
Autumn Glory Brings Change
Several years ago we planted an Autumn Blaze maple tree in front of our house, which turns crimson during fall. I look forward to the beauty of the color change, hoping the leaves remain on the …
Knowing God – The Power of the Cross
An intense, powerful storm passed through last night. Lightning flashed like strobe lights, pounding thunder shook windows, sheets of rain poured from the angry sky. Lights flickered. Would we lose …
Is Knowing God Possible?
Have you ever made the mistake of not knowing someone after you met them? Recently I met with a few people to discuss an upcoming event. I knew only one person of the four and proceeded to introduce …
Passover Lamb
Passover is remembered as the time when God provided a way of redemption for the people of Israel. Each family was to chose a year old male lamb without defect, slaughter it, and put some of its …
The Story of “Joy to the World”
Christmas carols stir many emotions. From the gentle, sweet melodies of “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” to the exuberant sounds of “O Come all Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” we …
Praise and Thanks
What’s the difference between offering praise and thanks? Praise and thanks are closely connected but separate. Each has a specific objective, yet they overlap in purpose. In thanksgiving we list …
Surrendered to Redemption’s Plan
Passover. The Last Supper. The Garden. The betrayal and arrest. The beatings and crucifixion. The tomb. When you think of the events of the final days of Jesus' life on earth, is there one …
Christmas Joy!
Joy is one the great blessings of Christmas. It shows up Christmas services with beautiful music. Joy is in the giving and receiving presents. Joy can be evident in reconnecting with family. True joy …
Presence at Christmas
Presents or Presence? As Christmas day nears, even the last minute shoppers have presents on their minds. Some people have been planning their presents for months while others are just beginning to …
Traditions at Christmas
Traditions abound during Christmas. There are Advent calendars and wreaths, candy canes, Christmas cookies, caroling, trees, pageants, and Christmas Eve services. Also, there are stockings …
Expectations at Christmas
Remember the old-fashioned bubble lights on Christmas trees? After plugging in the tree, the colored lights immediately came on, but there were no bubbles. For a child watching, it seemed like hours. …
Recapture Wonder at Christmas
The wonder of Christmas... twinkling lights, presents, sweet treats, family hugs, candle glow, music, programs, church services, baking, decorating, rushing, wrapping,....Oh no! I just …
Praise and Thanks
What’s the difference between offering praise and thanks? Praise and thanks are closely connected but separate. Each has a specific objective, yet they overlap in purpose. In thanksgiving we list …
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Friendship develops by spending time together, talking and sharing life together. It takes time for the friendship to grow deep. A true friend loves and accepts us as we are. So it is with our …
Prayer: Where Would We Be Without It?
Prayer. Where would we be without it? When I wondered what to write about in this blog post, I reviewed my past week and realized that one thing I had done often was pray. I'm not saying this to …
Eliminate and Exchange
Exchange happens every day. We exchange money for food when we are in the check out lane. Consignment stores are popular now, where a trading agreement is made between a seller and buyer, exchanging …
Unique Workmanship
“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 What comes to mind when you think of workmanship? I think of something …
God is Able
Have you ever tried to cross from one side of a river to the other without a bridge? It takes longer and can be dangerous. Sometimes it is impassable. How can our hearts reach to God when there is …
