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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Why Jesus Rejoiced
"I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightening." --Jesus If you ever wondered if Jesus had a sense of humor, here it is. The Bible says Jesus "appointed seventy-two others, and sent them ahead of Him [...]
We’re Just Passing Through
Mission trips are eye-opening for many reasons, but one bonus is there's usually extra time to reflect. One reason being, if you don't speak the language there is often more opportunity to just be quiet and [...]
Before Time Expires
While on a shopping spree before Christmas, I went to Kohl's department store to look for one item, but came out with ten or more gifts marked off my list. Besides being excited about that, I [...]
The Language of God (pt.2)
I'm still thinking about this (see pt. 1) but from another point of view... As I said before, although I live in the United States, I live in a diverse area where multiple languages are spoken. [...]
Obedience & Second Chances
"I was not disobedient to the vision…" (Acts 26:19). After giving his testimony, this is the conclusion of Paul's defense and explanation to King Agrippa. And I can't help but see the importance of this statement. Two [...]
The Middle Cross
As Jesus hung on the Cross between two other men, His arms stretched out to both. The Bible calls it the "just for the unjust" (1 Peter 3:18). Three of the gospel writers share the story. [...]
Such a Treasure
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). At first glance, this verse is exciting— I remember when I [...]
Never Let the Past Define You
Do you know who the sons of Korah are? Their story is a very real example of grace and redemption to us today. To explain, we have to start with Korah before we get to the [...]
How To Find and Stay in the Will of God
Do you ever think about being in the will of God? I can't be the only one. I assume most would answer yes to that question. It's something I think about pretty often actually. And when [...]
Let’s Be Fearless!
May our lives startle hell and bless humanity! This is what came to mind as I had some quiet time this morning. It's partially a quote by E.W. Kenyon who said, "Righteousness made Jesus absolute master [...]
Don’t Let the Sifting Discourage You
After sharing my heart with my husband, he asked me, "Why do you keep wrestling with that? Why are you always back and forth?" Good question. I was sharing with him about my dreams-- specifically about [...]
Christmas Forever
Like most people, Christmas isn't foreign to me. We've celebrated it in our home ever since I can remember. And that's a funny thing to consider when I think about it-- simply because I didn't get [...]
Arise and Shine
Have you read Isaiah, chapter nine? It's a little famous this time of year because of verse 6 which says, "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government [...]
