Christmas Day is over. Maybe like me, you still have lots of celebrating to do, but the greatest festivities are finished. As I sit quietly during the pre-dawn hours the day after Christmas, I thoughtfully reflect. I adore the stillness of my living room; with only the tree lights glowing and a balsam candle scenting…
Category: Challenges
The Gift of Faith
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV Startled, young Mary was scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary…
With Thanksgiving
Black Friday! The holiday season is in full swing! Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming. Does the thought of the approaching holidays increase your blood pressure? So much to plan, to do, trying to keep everyone content, all the while maintaining the reason for the season? Maybe you, like me, have to fight a feeling…
When Thanksgiving Is Hard
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV This week, those of us in the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving. We remember what the Pilgrims did, thanking God for seeing them through their first year here in their settlement. …
Making A Habit of Thanksgiving
“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift.” II Corinthians 9:15 “What is a Thanksgiving Box?” our youngest daughter asked our oldest. “It was a decorated shoe box we would fill with strips of paper outlining what we are thankful for. We’d fill it all year long and then open it on Thanksgiving Day.” Our…
Blessed By Imperfection
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to…
Grateful He Doesn’t Give Up
This autumn I undertook a mountain of work. My day job intensified. My next degree is almost completed. My family needs me just a much as ever. There seems there is just never enough time! I bet you know the feeling! Yet I prioritize. Not perfectly of course. I have my moments, just like anyone…
Soul Destruction
Frustrated with myself, I tried to do the Christian thing. I wanted to be happy for her. Wonderful circumstances had just fallen on her, and she was realizing my goal. The goal I had worked years for. Yes, I was closer to reaching it yet I was still a work in progress. She had done…
The End May Be The Beginning
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “Lord, why did I ever think I should attempt this?” I desperately prayed as I stared at the computer screen. Why on earth did…
Humbled
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 Stormily, I stared out the window as trees, fields, and flowers flashed by. My husband sat beside me, in screaming silence, occasionally revving the engine as he switched gears. “Speak to him. Reach out your hand,” the words burned…