When Joy Sneaks In
Here we are — the third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy. This candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes rejoicing because Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, is getting closer. Time to REJOICE! It’s not the loud, confetti-throwing kind of joy (though I’m not opposed!) — but the kind that sneaks in quietly, right when…
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.…
The Marvel of a Man Willing to Trust
Yesterday, in my blog, I focused on the news from the angel, Gabriel to Mary — and the awesome yet trepidatious knowledge of carrying Baby Jesus in her womb — “and the Holy Spirit came upon her.” (Luke 1:35) In the meantime — Joseph had plans. Good plans. Solid plans. He was established, respected, engaged…
Hearing God When We’re Just Ordinary
Mary was just a teenage girl in a quiet town — no spotlight, no social media following, no impressive resume. Just ordinary days, family routines, and maybe a few daydreams about her future. Then one day — right in the middle of regular life — an angel shows up. Not just any angel — Gabriel…
Follow the Star
Saturday night, we literally followed THE STAR!Not a twinkle on top of a tree — not a glittering yard decoration — but THE Star — Jesus. The One who came from heaven to earth and now leads us all the way home again. We attended the Follow the Star outdoor production at Good Shepherd Church…
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.…
Serving Like Mary and Martha
At our Wednesday night Women’s Bible Study — picture about fifty women, Bibles open, our cups and mugs in hand — we talked about spiritual gifts. Some of us are encouragers. Some are intercessors. Some are prayer warriors. And then there are those who, like Mary, have the gift of simply sitting at Jesus’ feet…
I’m Still Here – and I’m So Grateful
This is the day the Lord made ME, and I’m so grateful He did. Not that I’m leaving this earth any time soon, I’ve told my family that I want the song by Cece Winans “I Will Sing of the Goodness of God”, to be sung at my Celebration of Life – which will be…
Let’s Be Pointers
I’ll admit it. Some days I’m not so humble. I get so fixated on who commented or liked or loved my blog, that I fail to remember it is HE Who deserves all the honor and praise. Less of me, more of Him. That I might decrease, and He increase. John the Baptist is one…
Our Job is to Make Jesus Famous
We live in an “out loud” generation, don’t we? For those of us who thrive on social media, silence isn’t exactly our strong suit! Now that Christmas has wrapped up, I still find myself lingering in the awe of the most extraordinary birth EVER. Mary? She was the quiet type. She didn’t post about baby…