The sun was shining through the window on a Sunday after church. I was five and had learned about Heaven that day and told my Mom I was going. She explained how I get to Heaven and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. No turning back. Baptized at nine, camp counselor, youth and…
Henry
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is one rare American poet who was famous while he was alive. So many ‘artist’s’ talent is only recognized after their passing. He was born in 1807 on the American east coast and passed in 1882 still in that part of the country. Longfellow wrote with emotion composing many lyric poems known…
The Origin of the Christmas List
This is an original tale. I was born in the 50’s and grew up with a Sear’s Wishbook on the bedroom stand. We would circle all of our favorite gifts and it became a ritual. ‘Christmas is all about me’ is what this practice says. Yes, there is a baby Jesus who is God’s best…
Both Charming and Alarming
I did it again. It has been three years since I practiced familiar Christmas traditions because of travel. I opened every box and displaced most. Some will be wrapped up for others at the end of the season. It is too much. I know it. I love it. The joy of this season cannot be…
The Advent of Advent
Advent was not practiced in my childhood home. I learned about and have liked it in my adult understanding of Christmas past. Yes – my children had advent calendars because of the little pieces of chocolate and the idea of a countdown was presented. I also tried my hand at making a fabric calendar to…
Where in the World is Jesus?
We might remember Waldo. We searched for a red-striped shirt in a very busy book entitled, ‘Where is Waldo?’ Then someone invented a game with a goal of finding an ‘Elf on the Shelf’. As I prepare to open Christmas boxes for the first time in three years (splendid missions travel for the last three)…
Deformed
Your form is different than anyone else’s. Even if you have an identical twin, with matching DNA, there is a freckle in an odd place that sets you apart and makes you remarkable. Remarkable just means special and different. It can also imply some level of fabulousness! We have our own form. In the Old…
A Change in the Weather
It is the week of Thanksgiving and there is a chill in the atmosphere. We are used to season’s coming and going. It is the rhythm God created for us. It also applies to other changes. Today I read the account of Jesus and the possessed man. It, again, demonstrates that Jesus is God and…
As Good As It Gets
I was praying for a friend and heard myself pleading with God. I said, “He/she is as good as he/she can be”. How silly, as if a person’s goodness is necessary to get God’s attention. I corrected that as I prayed. Our goodness means nothing because God answers prayers because He is good. Jesus answered…
Bibles for Sale
I was praying for Bibles. More Bibles for many more people. It is God’s ‘owners manual’. If you believe in God you need to know what He says about you and the people around you – vertical – God – and – horizontal – others. My Voice of the Martyrs prayer calendar, for November 23rd…
Clean and Available
Tonight I attended a prayer meeting for missionaries, most of whom I know. It was dark and raining. I wanted to stay home. I don’t get any brownie points for caring about people and caring about the lost. The main reason I wanted to take a pass is I’m in a funk. You can attach…