Eight Months Pregnant and Riding a Donkey
Okay — so I am pondering the thoughts of Mary again. Consider this — she is eight months pregnant. Eight. Months. Pregnant. And Joseph walks in with news that would make any expectant mother drop her water jar. “Pack your bags, Mary. We’re heading to Bethlehem for the census.”Bethlehem. Eighty dusty miles. On a donkey.…
Advent: When Heaven Comes Home to Us
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent — the doorway into the most beautiful story ever told. And while the world around us seems to sprint toward December 25th, Advent gently invites us to slow down — to breathe — to look up — and to remember the holy journey to Bethlehem that changed everything.…
A Shepherd, A King, and the God Who Writes Our Stories
Last week in Branson, MO — Carl and I sat in the Sight & Sound Theatre… and I’m telling you, Donna-to-reader, my jaw was somewhere on the floor. Mountains rising on stage. Real waterfalls cascading. Live birds, sheep, camels, horses — trotting past us. Costumes so magnificent that it took us back to that era.…
The First Sunday of Advent: A Season of Hope
Advent. The very word stirs up a sense of anticipation, doesn’t it? It means “coming” or “arrival,” and for us as believers, it’s a season to reflect on the most glorious arrival in history—our Savior, Jesus Christ, leaving Heaven to dwell among us. This Sunday, the first candle of the Advent wreath, the HOPE candle,…
The Unwelcome
I have been checking off my to-do list before leaving for East Texas tomorrow where I’ll be welcomed by my daughter and family. Of course, they will. I will be bearing goodies and gifts for them. On Christmas Day, I’ll return to my Austin Family’s home where we’ll enjoy their Christmas traditions. Then, Monday, we…
Stop, Look and Go Tell
For a short while on Friday, I allowed myself to get caught up in the holiday traffic frenzy and search out Christmas sales that included long check-out lines. I really endeavored to be “holly jolly” with my best attitude while keeping “all is calm, and all is bright” in my heart! We’re officially in the…
Inconvenienced?
My Austin family and I were inconvenienced yesterday as we had to stand in a long security line so we could travel aboard a 737 jet, wearing facemasks, lugging around suitcases, sitting in tight seats a couple of hours, only to have to gather our luggage, go through customs, and then lug our luggage around…
Child Like Faith is Born
One of my fondest memories, as a child, was memorizing a Christmas poem for my church’s Children’s Christmas Program. It may have been the simplest of words “Christmas is a time of joy. It started with a baby boy. He came to save us from our sins. Won’t you let him be your friend?” But…
Caught Up in Advent Love
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent when hope was the theme. Today, the second Sunday of Advent, the theme is love. Love is what caused the Father to look with pity on His people who needed a Savior. He loved so extraordinarily that He gave His only begotten Son….” to the world. (John…
Christmas Divides Darkness from Light
It’s here at last! The most wonderful time of the year! I think we’re singing that song a little louder and prouder this year. We sure needed Christmas and its many symbols and songs and THE BABY to light up the darkness we have encountered this year. I needed one little set of clear Christmas…