The blind man tells the story of Christmas. He was born in darkness and remained in darkness… until Jesus came to him. In his hopeless state, the blind man couldn’t come to Jesus, so Jesus came to him.
All in Faith/Trust
Advent: Who Is Jesus?
After our family tree was decorated sixties-style and the felt tree skirt lay around the stand, our nativity set and stable were unwrapped and placed on the handcrafted stereo cabinet. Joseph, Mary, an angel, a couple of shepherds, animals, and three kingly-type men with gifts gathered around baby Jesus in a manger. This replica of an ancient historic scene was merely a part of our Christmas holiday decorations. But who were these people? I wondered through the years. Who was Jesus? Why do we celebrate His birth? Traditional carols gave me a clue, but not much else
What’s Over the Bridge?
What’s over the hill or around the bend? Does it scare you when you cannot see ahead? My two great-grandsons in the photo were excited to get over the bridge to get to the ocean. A trip to the beach is a big adventure!
Sun and Clouds Together
I love all beach sunrises—even the gray ones—because… well, we’re at the beach. But my absolute favorite is when sunshine and clouds meet. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of colors revealed as sunlight breaks through the clouds. Only a Creator God could design something so breathtaking.
Joy in Fear
Lord, I don’t want to die yet. If I must go through cancer, give me joy and strength.
I wrote those words just a few days before a dear friend sent me today’s verse.
She knew I needed joy and peace. I waited for a biopsy — scheduled on my son’s eighteenth birthday. Of course, my mind swirled with fear and what-ifs.
Helplessness in Prayer
My ancestors braved the Atlantic Ocean as some of the earliest settlers of what later developed into the United States of America. Their children navigated rivers, mountains, and extreme weather in their covered wagons before eventually settling in the southern states. Once there, they cleared the trees and tilled the ground. They planted, harvested, and hauled the produce to market by mule-drawn wagons. In short, I come from hearty stock!
A Picture of Prayer
A visit from my brother and sister-in-law provided multiple opportunities to visit during meals. Some conversations focused on health needs. Another time we discussed the content of our best-loved books. My favorite meal, though, included hilarious stories of my brother’s adolescent escapades!
Reflections from a Well-Worn Classic
I treasure my collection of vintage books. One of these tattered treasures holds an honored spot on my bookshelf—the thirtieth edition of Prayer by Ole Hallesby, a Norwegian theologian.
Pagan Land or Not?
Ever felt like you had experienced banishment to a pagan land? I did when we moved to South Texas. Even though our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson lived in Houston, I did not relish moving there. My husband’s new job required the move so I did not really have a choice.
I Can Appliqué, or Can I?
When my daughter decided to decorate her new baby’s room in Hyland cows, my sister-in-law sent me a pattern to do an appliqué of one on the sewing machine. She thought using the leftover scraps from the baby quilt I had done made a great idea. She even supplied me with a YouTube video about how to do it.
An Unexpected Adventure
Nestled in the middle of the Psalms are three verses that describe the blessed life of a believer. The psalmist begins by describing a believer’s heart. Blessed are those….who have set their hearts on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5). In other words, blessed are those who have a longing in their souls and a determination in their minds to journey through life with Jesus.
Faith Garden
It’s fascinating to watch a garden grow. My parents have a huge vegetable garden that they plant in late Spring. I find the process interesting how it takes different types of plants to finally bear fruit. Each plant bears fruit based on their individual schedule.
My Joy
Joy is not found in our circumstances. Lord knows that hardships, difficulties, and disappointments will come our way. We are given tools that can help us find joy in the midst of our circumstances. When we focus on reading God’s word, praying to Him and serving others we can find joy.
My Shield
During the Greek Empire the Spartans relied heavily on their military armor. The shield
would be their primary source for protection against an attack. The Romans took their military reliance on the shield to a whole different level. They took pride in their shields typically decorating them with their legion emblem. This would allow the soldiers to be quickly identified, causing a sense of intimidation and pride of the Roman power.
Legacy
One of my favorite things to do with my little granddaughter is to sing Bible songs with her sing along book. She is only one year old and I am the only one singing, but she is smiling and clapping as “we” sing “Jesus Loves Me.”
Delight
I recently saw the funniest response to a baby tasting marinara sauce for the first time. When the stronger flavor of a marinara sauce was added to the baby’s simple palate of food, she did not like it at all! Her face told the whole story as she frowned and tried to rub the taste from her mouth with her hand. Yet, she kept tasting it over and over, perhaps expecting a different result. Each time she responded the same way and soon everyone watching was giggling at her consistent response.
Amazing Grace
Recently, I was reminded of the sweetest video of my friend on an African mission trip. She was surrounded by a group of young children while she sang, “Jesus Loves Me” to them with hand motions. The children were all singing along with her while copying her hand motions.
Ice Cream
If I want the approval of the young, the old and almost everyone in between, I offer them ice cream!
I mean… who doesn’t like ice cream?
Think about this Scripture…
When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them (2 Corinthians 10:18 NLT).
What does it take for the Lord to commend me?
The Father’s Smile
Do you like to please others? I like to see people smile!
Sometimes there are other sweet things that are evidence of being pleased such as…
a baby’s responsive cuddle as she falls into her mama’s outreached arms;
a puppy’s tail wagging to a bowl of food; or
a cheerful, belly-filled family excitedly chattering over a special homecooked meal by mom.
The responses of others can speak volumes on approval.