Celebrating the True Light in a Dark Winter World

Celebrating the True Light in a Dark Winter World

Winter has officially arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere. The optimists among us are rejoicing that now, with the winter solstice in the rear view mirror, the days will begin to lengthen as the planet tilts toward the sun. Even so, I'm grateful for my window candles and Christmas tree lights—and for whatever ecclesiastical negotiations… Continue reading Celebrating the True Light in a Dark Winter World

Receive the Gift of Advent Every Moment of Your Life

Receive the Gift of Advent Every Moment of Your Life

Decision-making is hard, and it's a process I never enjoy. Now, we've reached the stage in life when we're bearing witness to the decisions of our sons and their families, which is really a spectator sport—unless we get invited onto the field to share an opinion. Buying a house or a car, changing jobs, or… Continue reading Receive the Gift of Advent Every Moment of Your Life

Genuine Character Leads to Influence: Does Your Life Make People Thirsty?

Does Your Life Make People Thirsty?

When Jesus encountered the Samarian woman at the well in Sychar, their conversation about water quickly became a conversation about thirst. Her life was leaving her thirsty, and even though she was the person holding the water jar, she realized that Jesus was drawing from a well from which she had never drawn. His words,… Continue reading Genuine Character Leads to Influence: Does Your Life Make People Thirsty?

For the One Who Feels Lonely and Dreads the Coming Darkness

Dreads the Coming Darkness

Sunday Scripture Maybe it's because we're just two now in a house that still feels made for six.Maybe it's the tiny snatches of news I listen to, ominous pandemic predictions and sadness around the world.Whatever the reason, I've been lighting our window candles in 2021, a practice I have always reserved for Advent, but which… Continue reading For the One Who Feels Lonely and Dreads the Coming Darkness

A Celebration of Light in a Season of Darkness

Jesus is the Light that shines in darkness.

When autumn lands with all its beauty, it's reassuring that family celebrations around apples and pumpkins and brightly colored leaves will counteract the dread of encroaching darkness and falling temperatures. As the days grow short and the nights longer, Meadow Rue Merrill offers a sweet picture book story featuring an alternative fall celebration that focuses… Continue reading A Celebration of Light in a Season of Darkness