The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all and His mercy is over all that He has made. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You! They shall speak of Read more…
The gospel according to Hallmark says this is the season for sleigh-ride snuggling, jolly holly-ing, and rockin’ around the Christmas tree, but what if you are alone in a desert where snow is once-in-a-lifetime, can’t remember the last time you felt anything close to jolly, or are fresh out of Read more…
It’s been a challenging couple of months, and irritability has become a noticeable trait in me, enough that my easy-going husband pointed it out. He probed a bit about what might need to be done to deal with it, not so much looking to fix the symptoms, but seeking what Read more…
During a lively question-and-answer time that included the subjects of heaven, hell, the New Jerusalem, and why it wasn’t creepy for all those who belong to Jesus to be His Bride, the Lego platform on my dining room table was adorned with all the yellow bricks, eaves and flats I Read more…
So…I asked for a way to give order to my days, and attempted to make a to-do list that matched my calendar slots. I made a plan. I asked for instruction in what to celebrate in preparation for Christmas. He said, “My plan.” So, I set up the manger and Read more…
When I think of a plan, it might be a blueprint for an addition to my parents’ house, it might be a calendar grid populated with menu ideas, it might be a flow-chart for ministry processes…but these things are all comprehensible, human-brain-sized, linear, and chronologically time-oriented. Recently, I have been Read more…
Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. –Luke 1:38 With only a few days till Christmas, my schedule feels even more full than normal. Regular household work competes with parties and decorating, and the rivalry generates chaos. Just after I Read more…
Whichever news source you read or hear, there is news better than we know! And no matter how well we “know” it, there is always more to learn and explore. I am speaking of the good news for all people. This news is so hard for us to grasp that many have Read more…
“Let it be to me according to your word…” — Luke 1:38 Christmas is only a few weeks away! That means this is Advent! If you are in a liturgical church, the folks and the furniture up front are draped in purple. If not, you may not even be aware Read more…
Christmas is coming. I know when that’s happening, and I am not ready! I know what is expected; I know what I want to have done; and I know how few days I have left. Yet here I am, unprepared. Advent! The Bridegroom comes! Jesus said even He did not Read more…