I don’t know about you, but as I read through the Bible I sometimes go on autopilot—by that I mean that I read familiar passages without noticing the things around them. But then there will be that moment that the light bulb …
Slowing Down the Word with Summer Gross
I met Summer at our recent Mary DeMuth Literary retreat. She is a beautiful, peace-filled woman who loves Jesus and the Word of God. Not only does she exude peace in her person, when she speaks, her voice rolls over you like …
Goals, Intentions, and Expectations
Here we stand at the beginning of a new year. And for so many of us, our minds turn to yearly goals. I’ve been thinking a lot about that these past couple of weeks. A few years ago I shifted toward “intentions” instead of …
Introverts and the Christmas Season
Where are my fellow introverts? I know you’re out there, but you’re probably hunkered down with a blanket over your head. Why do I know? Because I am, too! Christmas party season just wears me out. It’s not even from the …
Advent Reading
This Sunday begins the celebration of Advent. While I don’t go to a church that specifically celebrates Advent, I do enjoy picking an Advent devotional each year to keep me focused on Christ at Christmas. This year …
Jesus, Love, and Tacos by Carrie Stephens
Y’all know non-fiction—especially Christian living non-fiction—is not really my go-to genre to read. Not that I don’t like it, I just need to know it’s worthwhile. And usually, for me, that means a Holy Spirit desire to pick …
Droughts
We are headed to Boston in October to visit our daughter, see the condo she bought (last spring!), and leaf peep. But the other day she sent us an article about the effect of the current drought on the fall colors. Turns …
What’s Waiting Up Ahead?
I found this old post I wrote near the end of 2010. A much younger me, and yet much needed wisdom for older me today. May you need this encouragement, too: “It would be so much easier if I knew now that I’d be …
Reminding Myself
As my adult children are getting themselves settled into houses and jobs and children, I’ve been praying—a lot! Those are big things. And each brings with it other ups and downs to weather. At some moments it is hard to stand …
God Doesn’t Give Busy Work
I’m sure you are familiar with the concept of “busy work.” It’s the work given in an educational setting that keeps the students occupied for a period of time but doesn’t contribute much to the overall educational goals. …