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…
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…
Anything is Possible with Hope
I often receive private messages from those who are hurting and are seeking peace in their lives. They’ve “tried” God, but still feel abandoned and hopeless. I speak truth and life into them and pray with them. And, very often, I’ll receive back their reply that what I said gave them comfort and peace –…
I Love Santa and I Love Jesus
It doesn’t make sense to say those words effectively in one sentence. Better said in two sentences. One sentence is short and short on promise. “I enjoy the notion of Santa and the joy he brings at this time of the year.” The other sentence is HUGE on promise that lasts from here through eternity.…
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…
Watch for the Signs — Give Some Signs
Today I’ve got my eyes wide open for “signs” – you know, those sweet reminders of loved-ones passed or the Christmas card or phone call or text messages from friends and loved ones, but mostly, the “signs” of Emmanuel – God with us. Tonight, we’ll attend Christmas Eve mass at my church and “signs” will…
Was the Innkeeper Really So Unwelcoming?
I’ve been “gifting” in my blogs the last few days AND gifting is what I’m doing at my dining room table. No food allowed on that table right now because it’s loaded with wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, tape, gift cards and gift items to wrap. I’m getting my Christmas gift list checked off, one-by-one. Speaking…
What Would the Walls of Your Home Say About You?
I sit here at my dear friends’ kitchen counter in the wee hours of the morning working on my post for this day. There are two little kitchen lamps dimly shining so mostly darkness surrounds me. Then I look across to the other side of the kitchen and there is the lighted manger scene glowing…
Every Place We Live Can Be Bethlehem
My post today was inspired by a dear friend and wonderful encourager, Carolyn Cline Boyle. She is radiant, joy-filled and exudes the love of Christ every time I see her. She is also one of my followers on Facebook. Her comments after my post, yesterday, were especially meaningful to me. My post was entitled “Mary,…