Chew on the Truth–and Transform Your Life

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

Because of his size, our St. Bernard can't be trusted with just any bone or chew toy. Large and practically indestructible, his favorite toy stays in the family room where it can keep him occupied on family movie nights. Sometimes we have to adjust the volume on the t.v. to accommodate the sound of Tucker's… Continue reading Chew on the Truth–and Transform Your Life

All You Have to Be Is Desperate

On one level or another, everyone fights the battle of fragility at some point in life.

Sunday Scripture But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so… Continue reading All You Have to Be Is Desperate

Portraits of Endurance to Jumpstart Your New Year

Let's war against doubt and discouragement with a borrowed confidence that defies our unbelief and keeps us running by faith as we trust in the carrying mercy of Christ.

Portrait #1 My friend Lori does not fit the profile for a church treasurer. With gifts that lend themselves more to giving hugs  than to writing checks, and with a ready smile that makes her a favorite with all the kids in the school cafeteria where she works every day, she has persevered in faithfulness… Continue reading Portraits of Endurance to Jumpstart Your New Year

Today’s Walk is Today’s Blessing

When it comes to paths, for today or for the future, we trust, and we are safe because our trust is founded in a God who is trustworthy.

Sunday Scripture Double digit temperatures and wintry sunshine called me outdoors. The dog and I headed for the wooded trails where the ground was frozen solid with no mud and very little ice to speak of. We did speak of it, though, because it was glorious to be walking between rows of bare trees on… Continue reading Today’s Walk is Today’s Blessing

How Do You Know if You Are Called to Be a Writer?

"Writing is hard work. Writing well is even harder." ~Andrew Le Peau

As a true fan of certainty, I am filled with longing whenever I read Old Testament stories in which God shows up in unmistakable clarity. He speaks from a bush on fire, gives audible instructions for travel, and issues a rebuke from between the squared off teeth of a donkey. Even when Samuel, young and… Continue reading How Do You Know if You Are Called to Be a Writer?

Prayer for a New Year

It's tempting, Lord, to put my faith in your gifts, rather than in you alone...

It's tempting, LORD, to put my faith in your gifts Rather than in you alone. Good health enables early rising, satisfying productivity; Strong legs:  a swift gait; Clarity of thought:  a coherent paragraph; An understanding friend:  the comfort of being known. I wonder though, Could I share the Story? Advance the Kingdom? Or even get… Continue reading Prayer for a New Year

Join Me in Remembering a Bountiful Year

Let’s join the psalmist in gratitude for what has been given and hope for what is ahead as 2019 comes to a close: “You crown the year with your bounty.”  Psalm 65:11

Sunday Scripture At the beginning of a new year and the winding down of the old, I love to look back on where I’ve been. With a coating of frosty white on the surface of my garden, it’s hard to imagine that just three months ago I was harvesting cucumbers and green beans by the… Continue reading Join Me in Remembering a Bountiful Year

Full of Grace and Truth

Sunday Scripture By now, the Christmas season has landed in your home with all it's busy and delightful frenzy. Plans drafted and resolutions made back in the first week of Advent may be starting to wear thin as deadlines loom and energy wanes. Let's pause for a moment here to remind ourselves of the purpose… Continue reading Full of Grace and Truth

Behold the Glory ~ Scripture Sunday

And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father (John 1:14)

What is it about little white lights in December? We wrestle a giant tree into our living room, and every year I do my level best to make the green tangly wires disappear into the fragrant branches so the small twinkly lights can work their magic. We place white lights in every window, wrangling extensions… Continue reading Behold the Glory ~ Scripture Sunday

Growing Up with the True Christmas Light

Live alongside me with awe and delight. I'll follow you to the True Christmas Light.

Read me the stories Of Jesus and Santa, Of stockings and shepherds and toys. Tell me the wonders Of snowflakes and wisemen, Of cookies and mystery and joy. Read "Night Before Christmas," Recite from Luke 2 and The wild words from prophets of old. Sing a Blue Christmas Then open your throat wide And shout… Continue reading Growing Up with the True Christmas Light