Gaining a heart of wisdom
This morning I received a text message from a friend. Far from profound, its point was simple inquiry: "How is your week going?You had a busy weekend.Praying for you." The gift of concern was carried on words.We're uniquely gifted in this era of electronic communication. Without stamps or ink or a footstep outside our snug… Continue reading For All the Ravens Who Carry Hope and Encouragement
My number one, life-long recurring dream has high school band as its setting. I'm playing the French horn in the front row during a concert. It's lovely, and all is well until I remember... The French horn is not my instrument. I don't know the first thing about how to play the French horn! Needless… Continue reading Have You Talked Yourself Out of Trusting God?
We've all experienced the dissonance of prayers that seem to go unanswered and struggled to understand why God behaves in ways or allows outcomes that seem incomprehensible to us. Bible scholars throughout history have advocated for a position of "holy indifference" to preside over our feelings when we're disappointed with the will of God. Indifference… Continue reading Why the Painful Struggle to Accept the Will of God?
Since April 2024, a story has been unfolding very vividly in my home, in our family, and, therefore, in my life. I've held it close, not sharing it here, but the story ended on December 5th, and I've had some time to process its impact. Back in April, a dear friend was diagnosed with advanced-stage… Continue reading Get Wisdom: It’s a Worthy Pursuit for 2025
Today we'll light the third Advent candle and brace ourselves for the coming week. In a perfect world, the shopping is done, the presents are wrapped, and everyone is in agreement on guest lists and festive menus. In the real world, we trust for grace. We prepare to welcome Jesus into our mess, grateful for… Continue reading What Is the Full Purpose of Advent?
How long has it been since you sat down and read both Gospel accounts of Jesus's birth?If you're like me, you can sing all the verses of every traditional Christmas carol. But when was the last time you really listened to the words? Sensory overload during the Christmas season is real. It steals our joy… Continue reading Fall in Love with the Christmas Story All Over Again
We are covered to the elbows in red and green paint, but the festive wrapping paper stretched out to dry on the table before us more than justifies the mess. The toddler points to his distinctively tiny handprints and smiles his satisfaction, as his older brothers start wondering aloud about cocoa with candy cane stirrers.… Continue reading To the Woman Who Feels Crowded by Christmas
Marriage and family are two gifts God has graciously granted to me—even though I didn't have the optimism or good sense to pray for them. Perhaps that's why I am now so grateful for the privilege of being a wife and mother. Maybe that's why I am awestruck with every announcement of another grandchild on… Continue reading Look at All Your Blessings Through Eyes of Wonder
A hymnal is one of the books I use almost daily in my devotional routine, and I love Thanksgiving hymns in November. Their tried and true words and melodies call up visions of harvested fields, gatherings around a loaded table, and God's "countless gifts of love." I learned one of my favorite Thanksgiving hymns in… Continue reading Thank God for What He’s Given You Now
When Kay Warren's son took his own life, she was, of course, devastated. She knew this was a risk because he had suffered from clinical depression since the age of eight and had been voicing thoughts of suicide since the age of twelve. She had faithfully told him they couldn't give up hope, and she… Continue reading Singing the Song of the First Thanksgiving
Living Our Days 