The Love of God

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have …

Zacchaeus- the enthusiasm of fresh beginnings

I love beginnings.  Perhaps the excitement of what’s ahead draws me to beginnings. What lies ahead renews hope, excites my passion, and leads me to believe this “fresh beginning” will be better than where I have been. The Bible has many stories that remind us of fresh beginnings. Abraham left the familiar and headed for …

Change Your Mind

I have not set as many new year’s resolutions as I used to. Somewhere in February I get knocked off my game and then spend the next ten months feeling like I have let myself down. If this is you, I have the new year’s resolution for us! “Change your mind” ‘Change your mind’ is …

Have I allowed myself to be a Bethlehem?

It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s a quiet morning. For many years, quiet and Christmas didn’t go together. We are in a different season now: it’s quiet, which gives me time to ponder. When the kids were young, there were programs and adventures.  We never emphasized getting at Christmas time; we focused more on the giving. …

Shepherds rejoiced: Witnessing the baby Jesus

Christmas is a time of praise, laughter, togetherness, lightning, songs, and celebration. I can hardly imagine December without Christmas or a life devoid of Christmas. It is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, and its joy is contagious. People across cultures and religions are attracted to its twinkling lights, Santa Claus, gifts, …

No Room

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7 ESV Have you ever experienced a stressful situation while traveling? Last month I was driving to my parent’s house with my children in the car when …