Outside my door, a cacophony of voices arose from the first floor of the hotel atrium. Seven hundred women excitedly conversed, practiced speeches, pitched proposals, and met one another. Encouragement rang out amidst the conversations. This was a godly Writer’s conference. Upstairs, clad in heels and a suit, I sank onto my hotel bed. In…
Like A Boss
Influence. Power. Persuasion. She possessed all three. She also possessed a rare beauty, at least in the eyes of the man who adored her. Without her, he knew he’d lead a lonely existence. He didn’t want to displease, disappoint, or discourage her. He’d do anything to keep her attention, her admiration, and her respect. She…
Joy Is A Choice
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
Trusting Him With Tomorrow
The call came in: “Get to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital- that’s where they’re life-flighting her.” Our healthy ten-year-old had just been diagnosed with Type I diabetes, and she was in diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a life-threatening emergency! While en route on the 200 mile trip, I tried to process this life-altering diagnosis. As a nurse, I…
Treasure and Ponder
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…
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…
The Wisdom of Wise Men
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.” Matthew 2:11a, NIV After endless months of treacherous travel, the star stopped over a humble home. With great reverence, we slowed to a stop. Dusting our clothes and wiping our hands we unpacked the gifts…
Seeking Him Wisely
“Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews?” Matthew 2:2a, NIV Arising from my mat I glanced outdoors. Another day had already begun. The stillness of the morning peacefully greeted me. I wondered what the day had in store. As my thoughts meandered to the daily tasks at hand, I recalled…
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. …