Finding Comfort in Our Loss

Comfort, comfort my people … a few weeks ago one of my sisters-in-law suffered a debilitating stroke, our music minister from church passed away after a very long, excruciating battle with cancer, two of my friends from church lost their husbands to cancer. During the past year, five of my friends lost husbands, suddenly, without … Read more

Advent Week 4Theme: Peace – Can you imagine holding a baby who came to be light in a dark world?

This scripture today is the conclusion of Advent readings. I don’t know how many of these scripture readings you’ve followed along with, if you’ve enjoyed them or learned anything new. I know everyone says time flies and that’s what happened here. It’s been 4 full weeks of daily advent readings – what to do? Here’s … Read more

Advent Week 4 Theme: Peace – Today, wise men and women still seek Jesus

From the day we decorate our Christmas tree, until they day we put the ornaments away, our tree is illuminated. The lights add an unmistakable calm to the room. I have to be transparent here. My husband told me he didn’t feel like taking the tree down last year so I jokingly told him to … Read more

Advent Week 4 Theme: Peace – It's Christmas Day! Merry Christmas everyone

We have only a few days left of the Advent readings for this year. We all have traditions that we treasure: places we go, events we can’t miss, loved ones we visit, favorite things we bake.  I’ve enjoyed reading these scriptures the past four weeks and hope you’ve found joy in reading the historical Christmas … Read more

Advent Week 4 Theme: Peace – When do we get to the Christmas story?

I had no computer for two days and a misbehaving phone. I’m not sure I want to ditch technology as a long term solution to busyness, but having a phone that didn’t work right and a computer that perpetually fell asleep while I was using it – was – well, let’s say, an interesting experience. … Read more

Advent Week 4 Theme: Peace – There is no chance for peace if we don't listen

One of the most well known parts of the Christmas story is in our reading for today. It takes place at the moment in time when Gabriel had the conversation with Mary. We’ve heard the story so many times the impact of what really happened is diminished. Put yourself in Mary’s place for a few … Read more

Advent Week 4 theme: Peace – There are no mood swings in God's personality

Sometimes I think I make God tired. It seems like all I do is ask. “Please, God …. “. Even though I often follow the ACTS structure, learned way back in my first women’s Bible study, I feel like I spend a lot of time in S. ACTS stands for Adoration – Confession – Thanksgiving … Read more

Advent Week 3 theme: Joy – Seeking purpose is not a modern day syndrome

This is the time of year we all take a little bit longer with thinking about out goals, contemplating our purpose, what we accomplished this year, how we can make changes to improve the coming year … tell me you relate.  If you think goal setting and purpose seeking are a syndrome of modern times … Read more

Advent Week 3 theme: Joy – Behind the scenes of the ultimate sleepover

When you were growing up do you remember the fun of staying overnight with your best friend? Or maybe a group of you got together and had an all out slumber party. Pity the moms the next day when the most of the house looked like the dressing rooms at Macy’s after Black Friday.  If you’re … Read more

Refining Grace