Although we are God's unique workmanship we are still in need of redemption. We set out and sail our own way. God went to great lengths to bring us back. Not only did he form us in his image, …
Pathway to Praise: Holy Week
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 …
Ending One Year, Preparing for the Next Year
Ending one year and preparing for the next year with purpose takes thought and prayer. Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV Another year will soon be …
Wrap God’s Love Around You
Wrap God's love around your heart. Try to grasp how wide and far and deep and high it is, like standing on the ocean shore seeing the infinite sky and water. Find comfort in reading the words of …
Christmas Hope Versus Darkness
Hope gets stirred up during December through the anticipation Christmas gifts. Kids …
Christmas Peace versus Chaos
Everyday situations and people rob us of peace is we let them. A baby in the night cries and the mom wonders if she’ll ever have a silent night again. The caregiver of a terminally ill person wonders …
Knowing God as Redeemer
Do you know God as the Redeemer? The redeemer is the one who buys back. We were lost and separated from our Maker. Although we are God's unique workmanship we are still need a redeemer.Through …
New Year, New Perspective
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians …
Simplicity at Christmas
Simplicity becomes elusive during the Christmas season. We are bombarded continually with advertising to buy something NOW. Shopping with the deadline for the best price brings stress to …
What is Your Anchor for Hope?
The first time our family went to an ocean beach was memorable—not because of the serenity of gentle waves lapping the sand, but from crashing waves knocking us off our feet. At first it was a fun …
Abiding in Christ and The Grace Impact
As we grow in our faith, we learn more about abiding in Christ. Abiding is a life-long process of nurturing faith through seeking and worshipping God. This develops through prayer and …
Abide – 2014 in Review
The one word that guided me through 2014 was ABIDE. As I reflect on the past year, I see how I've been encouraged by those five letters. I discovered this word is both an active and …
Summer Faith
Summer is upon us! It's transition time again! The next three months could be full of ball games, picnics, vacations, extra lessons, and camps. A different kind of agenda settles over the calendar. …
8 Verses for Abiding in Christ
The tiny leaf in the middle of the photo illustrates the word "abide." It is new growth, protected by larger leaves. The smaller one shares the same source of nourishment for life. But if it is …
Abide in Grace
Last year, instead of resolutions, I chose one word to focus and guide my actions. This approach was new to me. The word for 2013 was "intentional." This word helped me focus on and complete some …
Time in His Hands
Time passes quickly when we are enjoying life, but creeps slowly when we walk through trials. We yearn for control over time. Everyone has the same amount of time every day. The Bible uses two …
Time, Days and Wisdom
This is the time of year we think about resolutions, goals, a fresh start, and TIME. A new year has begun with all its promise, opportunity and challenge. We have many choices ahead regarding how …
Trust the One Who Knows
A new year brings new challenges and ways to more trust the Lord. On New Year's Day when I changed the calendar on the fridge, I uncovered a familiar magnet. Once hidden by pictures, coupons and …
Year-end Tips
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians …
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 …