Our time of Advent is winding down. Soon, Christmas Day will be upon us. Over two thousand years ago, our Lord and Savior was born. We wait now for the returning King to be merciful to His people just as He promised. In Mary’s Magnificat, she extols the character of the Lord, God her Savior, glorifying His humility, mercy, greatness, …
Beautiful Feet…Good News
I recently traveled to my home state for a visit with some friends. What joy to stay with them, talking late and waking early to share morning coffee. As I would go to another person’s house, the questions were almost consistently the same. “How is Dave? How are you doing? Have you found a church? What have you gotten involved …
Mary’s Song
Mary’s song of praise continues to bring to mind the many ways God has shown Himself faithful to His people. In her song, she praises the Lord for His mercy from generation to generation. Then she extols Him for performing mighty deeds with His arm…but He has lifted up the humble. That’s what she was. A humble young teenage girl. …
ADVENT
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 …
Gratitude
“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 …
Praise God…First
Recently, at our Connection Group, we had enjoyed a time of Bible study and were moving into our prayer time. As we went around the room sharing, I was amazed at how many times individuals would start their requests by saying, “First of all, I want to thank all of you…” or “First, let me praise God for…” It was …
Grace-Filled
I have a wonderful friend named Barb. She is the epitome of a grace-filled woman. There was a time when I was letting my emotions get the best of me in a situation. Calmly and lovingly, she sat me down and began a conversation, “Now listen…” At that moment, I understood what Paul was saying to the church at Ephesus …
Be a Blessing
As we prepare to sit around the Thanksgiving table, look around you in your family, your church, or community to who has a need that YOU have the ability to bless. Is it inviting someone who is lonely to eat dinner with you? Perhaps dropping off an extra bag of groceries at your local food pantry or homeless shelter? Maybe it’s making a donation to help with an influx of refugees?
Oh, the Irony!
I wanted beef. I was sick and tired of eating chicken. My thoughts became complaints and grumbles to God. In an ironic turn of events, I became the recipient of a half of a cow. (If you are from the Midwest, you understand this…if you aren’t, we can order portions of beef from a local locker.) Someone I knew was …
Believe the Best
I was a bit of a troublemaker in middle school. I struggled with learning, so I took on the role of the class clown. I used to really act up in my science class. Mr. Cline was often the recipient of my shenanigans, outbursts, and disrespect in some cases. I hadn’t seen him in 25 years, but when I walked …
