The LOVE of Advent
Sometimes one little word can change or emphasize the depth and meaning of a statement. And we find this in one of the most memorized scriptures in the entire Bible. Just two letters-- "For God so [...]
The JOY of Advent
Maybe you've heard this before, but it's worth repeating. The difference between happiness and joy is, happiness is based on happenings. Joy, on the other hand, is a resilient cheerfulness anchored in the goodness of God. [...]
The PEACE of Advent
What is peace to you? Maybe you thought of a young mom when her babies are finally laid down for the night. Or the quiet after all the house guests have left. Or the sigh of [...]
The HOPE of Advent
Week One: I didn't grow up celebrating Advent and if I'm honest, I only recently realized what it meant. I had heard the word before but assumed it was a denominational tradition. It's actually a beautiful [...]
Rose-Colored Glasses
For me, turning on Christmas music before Thanksgiving isn't about the season as much as what it produces. My husband teasingly rolls his eyes, but I literally smile from ear to ear listening to the melodies [...]
10,000 Reasons
10,000 Reasons is the title of a song by Matt Redman. And I love it because in a world full of 10 million excuses, it's good to be reminded that we have more than 10,000 reasons to praise [...]
No Fear in Love
There is no fear in love. This is what the Holy Spirit told John to write to believers. Yet we see fear running rampant everywhere -- fear of death, fear of illness, fear of lack, fear [...]
Slow to Emotion
Christianity is meant to be lived out loud so when I learn something, I can't help but want to share it with others. And my current lesson is this: be slow to emotion. James 1:19-20 says, [...]
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
"Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). The definition of righteousness in this passage describes blameless conduct and integrity. It insinuates that the justice, right actions, and right attitudes [...]
To Know God
I've been reading Ephesians 3 every day and this verse has caused me to pause every time: "[that I may] ...know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness [...]
Endless Dimensions
When I say the word dimensions, what do you think of? Without looking it up, my first thought was a memory of my grandmother measuring out a pattern for a new sewing project. And then I [...]
What’s In Christ is In Us
The most powerful two-word combination ever is the phrase: In Christ. When the word Christ is mentioned, we should automatically think of Jesus. But when we hear or read the phrase In Christ, it's always a [...]
What Are You Looking At?
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network One thing that makes Jesus so endearing is His mercy. I know it’s what drew me to Him and captivated my heart. As undeserving as I felt, [...]
By Grace Alone
I think you would agree the Bible has some pretty big words, but if we'll look deeper, they are BIG in context too. One of those words is justification. The dictionary gives three basic definitions. One [...]
The Bridge Was a Success
My dad is a retired Steel Fabrication Project Manager (similar to an architect). He used to build the "bones" of large buildings, or in some cases, the "exposed bones" of bridges, railings, and design features. He [...]
Conquering the Struggle
We once had to remove some trees on our property. One in particular was on our back porch, and although it was beautiful in its own right, it dropped no less than a million acorns, leaves, [...]
Keep the Door Closed
We used to live in a house that had a cranky screen door. The spring was loose so every time you'd attempt to close it, the door would creak and slam startling everyone in the house. [...]
Finding and Following Peace
God sends a lot of people across my path and one thing I hear myself saying repeatedly is: "Despite what your head is telling you, listen to your heart. God will always lead you in peace." [...]
