The joy of Christmas. I’m just not feeling it! Instead, I feel the weight of programs, projects and plans; of school, schedules and sickness; of my own aches, anxieties and angst. Where is that joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8, KJV)?
Immanuel
My granddaughter is four months old. If she cannot see or hear mom and dad, she cries, turns red and kicks her legs. Little does she know, they are close by, probably watching her every move on the baby monitor. As soon as she is aware of her parents’ presence, she starts to calm down.
Son of God
Israel had a history of great leaders, such as Abraham, Samson, Moses and David. The Jews often reminisced about the days Israel lived under those leaders. They each possessed admirable strengths but they could never match those of the Son of God.
Wonderful Counselor
Do you need help making a decision? Or understanding the Scriptures correctly? Or relating with someone in the best way? The Wonderful Counselor is ready to assist you!
Prince of Peace
December just began and already my calendar is filling up with Christmas activities, parties, and baking. I haven’t even started buying gifts yet. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly become overwhelming for me. Where can I get some peace?
Jesus
Most couples struggle to decide on the best name for their children. My parents batted around several names before I was born. They arrived at the hospital to deliver me, certain I would be called Robin. When I left the hospital, my name was Terri.
God, the Gift-Giver
As I studied my Christmas shopping list this morning, I remembered a statement I’ve heard my pastor, David Dykes, say many, many times: “You are never more like God than when you give.” Our God is a giver. In fact, the Word says that every good and perfect gift is from him.
Your Story
My heart broke when I heard her story.
Pain and difficulty caused by others and sometimes herself.
The struggle to forgive.
Then my heart jumped for joy when she shared the difference Jesus made in her life.
Making the Most of it
His heart hurt, he was frustrated.
I asked, “What are you going to do?”
He said, “I am going to thank God anyway.”
Crossroad
As I sat at a crossroad, I was unsure of which direction to turn.
I have never had a good sense of direction.
If anyone gets lost… it’s me.
Can you relate?
What rules your heart?
The words just spoken over me tore a gash in my heart.
Harsh words can hurt.
In a moment… I had a decision to make… How am I going to respond?
Unanswered Prayer
Do you like to share your dessert?
It can be a nice way to have a tasty treat by sharing a small amount.
But what happens when the group partaking becomes selfish… and the spoon almost seems a weapon?
Free to Be All In!
The demands and distractions of life can quickly dull our spirit. Just by missing a few Sundays of fellowship and worship, too much focus on daily demands and the ordinary pressures of life can lead us quickly down the path to mediocrity.
The Healing Grace of Gratitude
The Apostle Paul’s closing prayer to his friends reminds me of a time I experienced God’s pure grace and nothing but grace.
It was when I was excited about having lots of summertime fun for two-weeks with my grandchildren in their city! But just when I had adjusted to the hustle and bustle of their busy days, I got sick.
I Am Equipped
Eugene Peterson’s expression of Psalm 13 in The Message is dramatic, and I often rely on it for encouragement and personal renewal. When I am discouraged, the words instruct me to keep on wrestling in an all-familiar battle initiated by the enemy of this world.
Aligned
The level is one of the favorite tools in my toolbox. It corrects my natural judgment when I think artwork is straight on the wall. Just when I am certain of my decision of placement, the level often proves me wrong.
The Art of Losing
It was a day of “Studio Renewal” as four ladies came to my art studio for the afternoon. One lady drew a meticulously rendered sunflower with colored pencils, while sisters painted nature scenes with watercolors.
Dirty Lamps
Several months ago, a broken sprinkler head under high pressure sent muddy water spraying across the front of our home. The deep front porch took the brunt of the filth, with windows, shudders and our pretty red door dirtied.
Oh Mercy
I sat in Bible study one evening, during a time in my life I was struggling with obedience to the Lord in a particular area. Experiencing the cycle of sin, regret, asking forgiveness, and then continuing to regret over and over made me weary.
Beauty in Barren Places
Last month, while jeeping on an alpine trail at 12,500 feet altitude, I was astounded at the bounty of glorious flowers. There were natural-formed bouquets of golden sunflowers, delicate lavender blooms scattered among them, and an array of pink and white blossoms peeking around the rocks.