He Goes Above and Beyond
Yesterday, I spoke about the “exceeding abundantly” greatness of God. He goes above and beyond all we could ask or think – when we move out of the way – and let Him step into lives. I’ll tell you some more of those times in ours. Our daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a…
We’ve Only Just Begun to Live
That was one of our favorite songs (released in 1970) by The Carpenters. The characters in the song were a just-married couple looking forward to new horizons, new roads to choose, and so much life ahead of them. We sang that song completely unaware of what lie ahead, but naïve and child-like as we were,…
This is Epiphany Sunday and I Had an Epiphany
An epiphany is an “ah-ha” moment – when a light comes on in our minds and we suddenly understand something. The original epiphany occurred when three “wise” kings saw a star like none other they had ever seen. This star led them to the Christ child. “Aha! This is the king we have been waiting…
The Day After — December 26th — it’s Boxing Day!
December 26th is not only a day for Santas everywhere to catch their breath, but, I remember when we lived in Canada — we celebrated Boxing Day! Though it lends to the fact that empty boxes from the gifts and presents are trashed and unwanted gifts are returned to stores, it came from a British…
Mary’s Assignment – My Assignment
I’ve received many assignments from God in my life – many that involved the care for those closest to me, several in my places of employment, others that took us from one state to another, to another country and back to the U.S., missions’ assignments and other assignments that focused on me. This week, of…
It’s REJOICING Time! Let’s Go Tell It on the Mountain!
It’s the third Sunday of Advent and it’s time we should sing “Go Tell It on the Mountain”! Well — not necessarily from a mountain — that would mean we’d have to go climbing! Perhaps we can start right here on level ground to be joyful and full of the good news of Christ’s coming…
The Joy of a Hope and Faith-Filled Child
Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday the theme was HOPE, and today, the second lit candle on the Advent Wreath represents FAITH! And for a little personal emphasis, those hope and faith themes are so appropriate today because it’s my hope-filled and faith-filled daughter’s birthday! Oh how thrilled I was 50 years…
Amping Up Gratitude Through Appreciation
Gratitude just can’t be emphasized enough. Radical gratitude means we’re going to walk through life being grateful in every situation, no matter what — in times of plenty, when times are tight, when times are good, bad, right, or wrong. We can develop an attitude of gratitude by choosing to be grateful in every situation.…
No Man is an Island….or is He?
As we made our drive to church on Sunday, I asked my two young grandsons random questions. I asked Brennan, “If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things or people would you want with you?” He quickly replied “My dad, Bryson (his younger brother) and a knife.” I loved that he wanted…
A Treat for 97 Years
This morning, I’ll be heading to Tulsa to celebrate Mom and her 97th Birthday! It’s truly a day of celebrating – not just a mother-in-law, but a dear friend, mentor, and mother. God brought this precious treat to us on October 31st, 1922. I’m sure He had a hand in her being named “Lydia” which…