Like Mom and John the Baptist, we have heroic cleaning to do. Advent is the perfect season to clean the closet—of our souls. Vacuum up the carpets—of the times we know we missed the mark. And clean your glasses—so your heart can see the goodness of God in everyone you meet during this season of expectation. Read more
With every legend, there is a kernel of truth. The beloved Santa Claus we all know and love is a jolly old soul with a checkered past. But how close is the real man to the storybook version he is modeled after? Read more
‘Tis the season to think of others. We’ve all heard the adage, “It is better to give than receive,” but how many of us do it? Yes, we could donate to the red bucket as we enter the big box store or donate a can of pumpkin or two to the food pantry after Thanksgiving. Read more
most years, we get too busy, scattered, and jaded to allow the season to have a life of its own. In this four-part series, I give a little background and a few ideas that might help you stop, breathe, and become a part of the anticipation of Christmas. Read more
Most Advents we get too busy, scattered, and jaded to allow the season to have a life of its own. In this four-part series, I give a little background and a few ideas that might help you stop, breathe, and become a part of the anticipation of Christmas. Read more
Advent means “to come to” or “toward” and is filled with a sense of expectation and hope. But most years, we get too busy, scattered, and jaded to allow the season to have a life of its own. In this four-part series, I give a little background and a few ideas that might help you stop, breathe, and become a part of the anticipation of Christmas. Read more
a Native American reservation in Oklahoma to start a new life with her boyfriend. She dreamed of living a whole and prosperous life with her true love. Little did she know her boyfriend had moved on. He had found someone prettier, richer, more willing to do his bidding—leaving the little Native girl with nothing: no home, no money, no plans. Read more
His oncologist put it, “We are going to take you to the brink of death—actually, just past—to kill the cancer, then help you to come back. But I’m not going to lie: you’ll go through hell. It’ll be up to you and God to come out the other side.” He did something that had the most significant effect. He asked for prayers. He knew that he wouldn’t have the strength, endurance, or ability to make it through without. Read more
In our conversation, they’d told me they had led a rough life. They’d stolen, been hooked on drugs, cheated, lied, and had prominent tattoos of “taking lives.” I didn’t judge and asked, “So, what would make you happy before you leave this world?” They smiled and said, “Just one thing, a bag of those Chewable Sweet Tarts.” I had to chuckle. “What’s so special about a bag of candy?” Read more
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