Visions of Sugar Plums
“Twas the night before Christmas” poem goes on to say, “The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.” But let’s pause for a moment. What is a sugar plum, anyway? I did a little digging and discovered three possibilities. First, it’s a candied plum —…
Time to Stop, Look and Be Blessed
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. We’re making the trek to Bethlehem and the night that Christ was born. Today, the second candle that represents peace will be lit. Those of us who have purposed to slow down and are stopping to look for the sights, sounds, and gentle nudges of Father God…
Our Prince of Peace Ensures a Peace-Filled Year
Of all the scriptures that we hear during the Christmas season, this one is like the credits at the end of a movie or even the end of an old year: “And His name shall be called Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:7 Aw! Giving the credit to Who credit is due. Our Prince of Peace.…
Our First Line of Defense
My blog inspiration for this day is slow in coming, Soon the creative juices start to flow. It starts with an annoying, over-sized, buzzing horse fly that overflew his bounds since the night before. I attempt tactical warfare — swatting and spraying – but the beast lives on. Then, while sitting at my desk, he…
Peace, Wonderful Peace
I personally need this blog today. I’m sitting front and center! Maybe you can use it too! We all long for deep and real peace, but where is it when it seems anything, but peace is all around us? I’ve heard it said: “There will never be peace until we’re all laid to rest.” Those…
Heading to my Secret Place
This morning, my grandson’s girl friend and I, will soon be boarding our flight for Cabo San Lucas. We’ll be joining the rest of the family after a week of guy fun. Brennan (turning 18 on July 2nd) was able to take six of his buddies with him to celebrate his birthday. The guys go…
We Can Choose to be the Storm or the Eye of the Storm
The eye of the storm is that still, calm place in the middle of a storm. We may think we’ve been in a storm for some time now with the fierce intensity of the pandemic and the political and racial issues and now Hurricane Isaias has prompted warnings in the Bahamas and parts of Florida.…
Guard your Hearts
Confession. I was a fan of Steve Irwin as the “Crocodile Hunter” for years. Actually, I think it was his adorable daughter, Bindi, with her tender heart, optimism and spunk that drew me in the most. Of course, I was cheering for her when she was on “Dancing with the Stars” and went on to…
Take Heart, Brothers & Sisters, All is Well
How do I know all is well? It is a deep, inner knowing that God has got this. God has got us. I’m back at home and this sunrise on Tuesday assured me “all is well”. I could almost hear these words audibly “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not…
Finding a Peaceful Place to Land
Finding a Peaceful Place to Land Sounds like I’m looking for a Peace Island – worry-free, troubles-free, people-who-disagree-with-me free, chaos-free, hatred-free, discord-and-distrust free. Peace Island is all peace and calm and comfort. Another name for this Peace Island is Fantasy Island – because, well – we won’t find any place on this earth where peace…