Last year, instead of resolutions, I chose one word to focus and guide my actions. This approach was new to me. The word for 2013 was "intentional." This word helped me focus on and complete some …
Time in His Hands
Time passes quickly when we are enjoying life, but creeps slowly when we walk through trials. We yearn for control over time. Everyone has the same amount of time every day. The Bible uses two …
Time, Days and Wisdom
This is the time of year we think about resolutions, goals, a fresh start, and TIME. A new year has begun with all its promise, opportunity and challenge. We have many choices ahead regarding how …
Trust the One Who Knows
A new year brings new challenges and ways to more trust the Lord. On New Year's Day when I changed the calendar on the fridge, I uncovered a familiar magnet. Once hidden by pictures, coupons and …
Year-end Tips
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians …
Reflections by the Christmas Tree
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 NIV Can you imagine what treasured memories Mary must have had? A baby in hay. Shepherds telling of angels. Simeon …
Welcome Him! Worship Him!
Christmas is more than a temporary season of celebration. It's the unfolding of the epic drama of God reaching to us, becoming a person like us. In doing so He remained fully God and fully human. It …
Christmas Joy!
Joy is one the great blessings of Christmas. It shows up Christmas services with beautiful music. Joy is in the giving and receiving presents. Joy can be evident in reconnecting with family. True joy …
Presence at Christmas
Presents or Presence? As Christmas day nears, even the last minute shoppers have presents on their minds. Some people have been planning their presents for months while others are just beginning to …
Traditions at Christmas
Traditions abound during Christmas. There are Advent calendars and wreaths, candy canes, Christmas cookies, caroling, trees, pageants, and Christmas Eve services. Also, there are stockings …
True Christmas Hope
Hope gets stirred up during December through the anticipation Christmas gifts. Kids look forward to having their favorite toy or video game to be under the tree. Families plan get-togethers for their …
Expectations at Christmas
Remember the old-fashioned bubble lights on Christmas trees? After plugging in the tree, the colored lights immediately came on, but there were no bubbles. For a child watching, it seemed like hours. …
Recapture Wonder at Christmas
The wonder of Christmas... twinkling lights, presents, sweet treats, family hugs, candle glow, music, programs, church services, baking, decorating, rushing, wrapping,....Oh no! I just …
Simplicity in Christmas
Simplicity becomes harder to grasp during the Christmas season. We are bombarded with so much advertising beginning before Black Friday. Shopping with the deadline for the best price brings …
Prepare for Christmas
It's time to prepare for Christmas! Over the next few weeks I'll be blogging "Words for Christmas." Each post will highlight one word, offer inspiration and give practical tips for preparing your …
The Importance of Thanks
What fills your heart? Gratitude or gripes? Is it words of thanks or complaints about the lack of something? Studies have shown that gratitude makes us healthier. In one study, one group of …
Praise and Thanks
What’s the difference between offering praise and thanks? Praise and thanks are closely connected but separate. Each has a specific objective, yet they overlap in purpose. In thanksgiving we list …
Praise in Personal Worship
How can we incorporate praise into personal worship? Praise honors God for who He is. He is worthy of our praise. With so many distractions that bombard us everyday, it's hard to focus and remember …
Need Balance?
What do a tightrope walker, a ballerina, and a gymnast have in common? Exceptional balance. They also have overall strength, but their exceptional balance comes from the core strength. As a noun, …
Identity in Christ: Just as I Am
Our identity in Christ is a miracle of grace. The Lord chose us to bear His image as His unique workmanship. The question of wrestling with self identity is not a new problem. People throughout …
