“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther Has the world seemed very heavy of late? It’s almost as if the sky is a bit darker than usual. The news stories are churning out at a rapid pace. I told my husband yesterday that the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter had taken a back seat to the chaos and sad destruction that is going on in the world. We still... Read more
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23 A couple of weeks ago I shared a meditation written by my late mentor, Reverend Pat Carver. It is from a folder, tattered and torn that dates back to 1980. I was just a little one in diapers at the time. I marvel at the wisdom of her words that ring true today. She... Read more
“Christmas is not a time or season, it is a state of mind.” Calvin Coolidge Just beyond the manger, I see no lullabies, I see no golden hay, I feel no starlight. Just beyond the manger. In my many years as a church musician I always accompanied our music minister each and every year with these words. The music is beautiful and the words move the spirit. What do we expect beyond the manger? The lights will inevitably be packed... Read more
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done. C.S. Lewis How many times have you heard the word “unprecedented” uttered in the last few days and weeks? It seems as if news stories churn out at a break-neck pace. Each story seems to become more and more unprecedented as the news cycle drums on. I had hoped that Christmas would grant us a brief respite from the crazy but sadly,... Read more
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seems to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie Rest in hope. Rest in faith. Rest in prayer. Meditate and make your place in grace. This week was the first Sunday of Advent As we get older Christmas begins to take on a different meaning, does it not? Gone are the days where you sit under the tree and dream of... Read more
The world offers temporary happiness, while God offers everlasting joy. Unknown Thanksgiving is on the horizon here in the states. I’ve seen news stories of people telling others to not interact with family members who voted for a certain person or the other person after our very interesting election. “You don’t have to subject yourself to their crazy.” I heard that concerning both sides of the political aisle. This concept has made it so far into the political conversation that... Read more
“Although the threads of my life have often seemed knotted. I know, by faith, that on the other side of the embroidery there is a crown.” Corrie Ten Boom One of the interesting and lonely tasks of an empty nest is sorting through shelves and closets that have long sat neglected. Life was once full of kids and activities, today it is full of memories and full closets. Some of the finds in these nooks and crannies have been absolute... Read more
“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Mark Batterson In the past couple of weeks, America has been in an interesting place. Some are in absolute shock and wringing their hands. Others are in a celebratory mood and thanking God for answered prayer. I have witnessed both ends of the spectrum in my friend group recently. Yesterday at church, I witnessed some parishioners crying over the results. My heart did feel for them in their grief to... Read more
“The ‘do what makes you happy’ culture is so toxic for Christians. We are not called to do what makes us happy. We are called to do what glorifies God. Christianity isn’t always sunshine and happiness. It’s hard work and dedication to Him, not us. Do what glorifies God.” Unknown The election shed light on many emotional reactions If you haven’t noticed, there was a pretty big election last week. I am kidding of course, how could you miss it?... Read more
“God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” Chip Ingram Tuesday is a pretty big day in America. I hope, no, I pray that we know the next president quickly with a peaceful transfer. Tomorrow many believers will be fasting and praying for the country. It seems as if crazy has ruled for many years now. Tempers are short, food costs are high, the world is on fire, and we need some blessed relief from the chaos.... Read more
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