Refusing to be Busy: A Call to Less

Refusing to be Busy: A Call to Less

Have you ever had an “out-of-body” experience? I did a few years ago, and it caused me to examine my life in a new way. One morning as I was passing by some friends at church, we began to engage in the familiar small-talk exchange. “How have you been?” After a brief sigh, I replied “Busy.” I paused. It was as if I was watching myself in slow-motion; from the moment that tiny word left my mouth, I wanted to somehow snatch it out of mid-air. Busy? Is that who I am!? Is being busy how I define myself and describe my life?

One Size Does Not Fit All: How To Use Your Wiring To Better Connect With God

One Size Does Not Fit All: How To Use Your Wiring To Better Connect With God

Have you ever tried on a piece of clothing with a tag proclaiming “One Size Fits All,” only to find that you look absolutely ridiculous in it? I usually look like a short and squatty 50-something woman who is 9 months pregnant. Not a good look! Just as “One Size Fits All” doesn’t work with clothing, it doesn’t work with connecting with God either.

What’s on God’s Christmas List?

What’s on God’s Christmas List?

My office started a tradition last Christmas season. This will be the second year to unpack our three precious porcelain Wise Men figurines and place them by the manger. The nativity will be complete with farm animals, an angel somewhere, a shepherd or two, and then the three focal characters of Mary, Joseph, and the sweet baby Jesus Christ. Such a precious scene.

The (Not So) Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The (Not So) Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Holidays got you down?The holiday season is a notoriously difficult time for many. As believers, we even pile guilt upon our already not-so-wonderful feelings because of the gap between how we actually feel and how we think we should feel. Whether you are stressed out over your Christmas To Do List and schedule, mourning the loss of loved ones, worried about paying for presents, or unhappy with your life circumstances, sometimes “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”...well, it just doesn’t feel so wonderful.

The First Carol of Christmas

The First Carol of Christmas

As we enter Christmas season, I anticipate singing some of my favorite music ever written. Thinking through the Christmas carols, it is difficult for me to choose just one favorite. The triumphant Joy to the World, where we praise Jesus’ coming to earth as a tiny baby, evokes feelings of love and comfort . I have such a sense of peace while singing Franz Gruber’s Silent Night, especially when gathered around my closest friends and family. And a carol that ranks high on my list is In the Bleak Midwinter...

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A Thanksgiving Prayer

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A Thanksgiving Prayer

Today is a busy day. I imagine moms and mother-in-laws, daughters and aunts, nieces and grandmas -- all the "Wonder Women" in this world -- hurriedly rushing to finish Thanksgiving preparations. There's much to be done and it seems there's never enough time to do it. But, in the busyness of this day, may we all take time to pray a heartfelt Thank You to our merciful Father.

Giving Thanks When Your Heart is Hurting

Giving Thanks When Your Heart is Hurting

I love fall weather, particularly once we pass Halloween (or as I call it – Reformation Day!) and get into November with all the glory of the cooler weather and full blown holiday preparations. I can’t get enough of the pumpkin flavored treats, changing leaves, warm drinks (coffee!!) and lots of opportunities to be around friends and family.

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