• Christmas - Faith - Prayer

    Remember and Give Thanks

    When I was looking over my list of prayer requests, I realized that some of the requests had already been answered. I thought about the ways that I have seen God at work in my life. It is important to remember, to store up our life experiences of God’s love…

  • Christmas - Faith - Women

    Bethlehem and the Women

    The account in the Bible of Naomi & Ruth and Elizabeth & Mary is a wonderful part of the Christmas story. The friendship of women and the mentoring of young women by older women is apparent. Because of Naomi, Ruth came to Israel. We have a glimpse into their relationship…

  • Christmas - Faith - Family

    The Shepherds Came

    As we celebrate Christmas, the wonder of God’s plan still amazes. God sent his Son to a human family. God designed the family and He affirmed it. The angels announced the birth of a Savior to shepherds watching their flocks, and gave them a sign. The shepherds went to Bethlehem,…

  • Book Reviews - Christmas - Faith - Writing

    The Importance of Story

    Jesus was a teacher and storyteller. The book of Matthew records numerous stories. While speaking to a crowd he told the parable of the sower who encountered different types of soil. (Matthew 13) Speaking to his disciples he told the story of the lost sheep (Matthew 18). There are many…

  • Christmas - Faith

    Who Is Listening for the Promise?

    One of the Christmas cards I received had a drawing of Mary and Elizabeth. According to the book of Luke, Elizabeth was the first to learn of Mary’s pregnancy after the angel had appeared to Mary. She believed God’s plan. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby…

  • Christmas - Family - Writing

    Christmas Community

    Each day I look forward to the mail. It is a blessing and joy to receive Christmas cards and letters. Sometimes it is a photo card and I marvel how the children in the family have grown. Other times it is a pretty card with a letter. The cards and…

  • Christmas - Faith - Prayer

    The Best Expectation

    Throughout the past year my husband and I have been reading through the Bible. Today our reading was from 1 Chronicles and Isaiah. The books we have read clearly illustrate human nature and the problem of sin in the lives of people who have gone before us. After God chose…

  • Children - Christmas - Nature

    Twelve Owls of Christmas

    Owls have always fascinated me. I received a handcrafted owl, made in Finland, as a gift. This owl will make a hooting sound when you blow on the hole at its tailfeathers. At Christmas I enjoy taking out ornaments that have been packed away. I have a number of owls…

  • Children - Christmas - Faith

    Present in Advent

    Last Sunday was the first Sunday in Advent. With joy we turn our attention to God’s gift of love. Jesus came as an infant to fully participate in our human experience, and then provide a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus as newborn baby and Son of God was presented at…