A New Year’s Letter to Lila
“But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…’.” (Isaiah…
Lessons Learned from Linus and His Blanket
“…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV). Our family loves Christmas movies. We love the funny ones, like Elf, which make us laugh. We love the tender ones, like The Nativity…
The Small Things Matter!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NIV). Walking up the stairs, I called ahead, “Did you get your laundry put away, dear?” “Yep,” our daughter replied. “All done.” In the dim lights…
Unwrapping Rest in the Season’s Stress
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5 NIV). I could hear her weariness, though her message was merely a short text–I tossed and turned all night. I’m so stressed about finding a home and getting settled. I want…
The Last “1st” Day of 2021
“What do these stones mean” (Joshua 4:6b NIV)? It struck me today–December 1st, 2021. This is the last “1st” day of the year. And here I am, still trying to apply my 2021 New Year’s resolutions, those hopes and dreams, goals and aspirations, created on January…
The 4-Corner Covering of Our Thanksgiving Tables
“Righteousness and justice are the foundations of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness”…
Unless the Lord Builds the House
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain…” (Psalm 127a:1 NIV). These are the opening words to Psalm 127, penned by Solomon, son of King David. One of fifteen songs of ascent, it was sung as people climbed the hill to God’s…
Prancer–Our Golden Receiver
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). We have a dog, the second of this particular kind known by most as a Golden Retriever. We chose this breed…
Comfort in Lament–Soul Care When You’re Grieving
“I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: Do not ignore my cry for relief. You came near whenever I called you; you said, ‘Do not be afraid.’ You championed my cause, LORD; you redeemed my life.”…
His Touch–Part 2 (Clean)
“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And…