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 highest.” …
Shelter in Place, in Peace
"Shelter is place" has become a way of life, requiring us to stay at home during the CoVid-19 pandemic. This is an unprecedented time in our lives, with uncertainty of how long it will last. 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 …
Transitions Abound
Transitions abound during this time of year. The summer routine is over as the school year begins. Bedtimes become more regular. Kids are in different classrooms with new teachers. …
Three Simple Prayer Instructions
Have you ever attempted to do something without the instructions? The other day I decided to bake a favorite recipe for baked oatmeal, one that I've created many times. I glanced at the directions to …
The Blessing of Personal Freedom
The blessing of personal freedom is a key component of life for us. I'm thankful for the everyday freedoms to make decisions, worship, travel, and choose many personal preferences. I'm also grateful …
A Message for Moms: You Are Enough!
Moms, have you ever judged yourself as not good enough? Always coming up short of what is expected or needed? As I’ve observed moms of all ages throughout the decades of my life, I’ve seen a common …
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 …
Why Trust the Sovereign God?
Trust. A simple but powerful word that is the belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc. The all-knowing, sovereign God is trustworthy. When we can't see through 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 the …
The Birth of True Joy
True joy entered the world in the birth of Jesus. Shepherds, outcasts on a hillside watching their sheep, were shocked by the angel's announcement. Suddenly life changed forever. "Today in the …
Need an Infusion of Genuine Hope?
Hope stirs up expectations in our minds. We look forward to good things with an optimistic perspective. We long for a good school year. everything getting done before a deadline. good …
Reflections on Freedom
Freedom is a key component of life for us. I'm grateful for courage and battles fought during the Revolutionary War. George Washington and others persevered against the odds, facing hunger, disease …
Destination Unknown-Where are You Headed?
A destination is necessary when you plan a journey. Have you ever headed out without one in mind? Have you gotten lost? Journey implies there is a beginning and ending point, moving toward the end …
Will You Linger Longer with Joy?
Will you linger longer or jump to the next thing? January conversations usually include this question: "How was your Christmas?" A quick answer is given, but then discussion moves on to new projects …
Faithful Resolution for the New Year
The new year is faithful bringing new opportunities for weight loss, improved fitness, better diet, ending bad habits and starting new ones. Commercials bombard us of our need to change and improve …
Redemption In a Manger
Christmas brings the redemption of many things. For one, the boxed Christmas tree is spread out, fluffed and decorated with lights and ornaments. The once smashed tree is transformed into a beautiful …
How are You Preparing for Christmas?
Christmas is fast approaching; the simple thought can stir up anxiety from considering all the tasks involved in preparing for this major holiday. December can be one big headache if we let …
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 …
