We enter the time of Advent. The time of the arrival has come. Have you ever been in a place of great expectation? Anticipating the arrival of someone or something? Last week, I was fluctuating between anticipation and excitement as I waited for my daughters and sons-in-law to arrive for a long Thanksgiving weekend. Because of our crazy schedules, we …
“The sun comes up. It’s a new day dawning…10,000 reasons for my heart to find” It’s the beginning of sunrise in my part of the world. It’s that moment when light begins to emerge from the darkness of night. Contemplating how Jesus was sent into a world full of darkness to be the light, my heart suddenly felt overwhelmed with …
The sunsets here in SE Arizona have become spectacular since we entered the autumn season. Although, by the temperatures which still are at about 100°, you wouldn’t know it. Sometimes, seasons are like that. Summer blends into autumn, and winter blends into spring. Happiness blends into grief, and frustration blends into joy. Emotions get muddy, and life is confusing. Things …
I love water. It is my happy place. I’ve spent many years of my life along Lake Michigan and, later, near an ocean and other lakes. Recently, I was on a sunset cruise on a sailboat, soaking in every moment. I didn’t want to forget the smell of the water or the sound of stillness when we were adrift. One …
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 HCSB We were sitting in a Bible study with five other couples. Part of our study that day led us to a time of confession and repentance of sinful behavior we were holding onto that might be keeping us at arm’s length …
“I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the Lord.” Jonah 2:9 HCSB Have you ever been told to do something and chose not to do it? We are all guilty of willful disobedience. I learned this very well when I taught 4-year-old children in a preschool. When …
“Lord, God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before You with our guilt, though no one can stand in Your presence because of this.” Ezra 9:15 HSCB A remnant of Israelites had been allowed to return to Jerusalem after long captivity in Babylon. God had called Ezra to minister to the …
In Numbers 21:4-9, the children of Israel rebelled against God and were punished for their sins by being bitten by fiery serpents. Many people died. Moses interceded on behalf of the people, and God provided a remedy, salvation, for them. He told Moses to make a brass serpent and lift it up for everyone to see. If they looked up …
Love Was When God Became A Man, Locked In Time And Space, Without Rank Or Place; Love Was God Born Of Jewish Kin; Just A Carpenter With Some Fishermen; Love Was When Jesus Walked In History, Lovingly He Brought A New Life That’s Free, Love Was God Nailed To Bleed And Die To Reach And Love One Such As …
“I’m proud of you.” “You happen to be one of the strongest women I know.” “I want you to know that I miss you!” “I learn so much when you teach me!” “Thank you for being my piano teacher. I love you!” These are some texts I have bookmarked on my phone to remind me when I need encouragement. Some …
