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Come Thou Unexpected Jesus
It’s wonderful to know what to expect as Christmas traditions begin– our beloved old faux tree, the snowglobes with nativity scenes, the cozy lights hung up. And of course, our advent “calendar.” We hang a homemade ornament on the tree each night that features two Bible references. First, an Old Testament prophecy. Next, Christ fulfilling…
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A Ramp Out of the Worry Rut
I always chuckled at the homemade turn lanes… Two solitary, stick-straight country roads criss-crossed at perfect 90-degree angles. But over the years, locals decided they didn’t want to make such a decisive turn at the quiet intersection. They made a more leisurely turn over the grass instead. They did it so often that the grass…
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Failing at the Right Things
While we were newlyweds, my husband visited a seminary he was considering attending. His tour guide, an older student, gave him this sage advice: “If getting a ‘C’ in class means getting an ‘A’ in marriage, take that ‘C.’” Those words stuck with us, teaching us something that has applied far beyond classroom settings and…
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Why I Love Praying ‘All is Yours’
I don’t remember how or when it started, but at some point, I frequently began praying, “all is yours.” Many of my prayers are punctuated with this simple recollection. It’s a refrain that sticks with me because it so helpfully redirects my perspective. Remembering that all is the Lord’s helps me to… Acknowledge Acknowledging that…
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On Being Weak Well
“In sickness and in health” was part of our relationship before we ever said our vows. When Matt and I met, he had already been diagnosed with a couple of chronic illnesses. Although I lived with chronic pain, his challenges were much more significant. We knew from the start that our lifestyle would be shaped…
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Peace in Jesus is Unique
This post is a reshare of what I shared last week as a little experiment on Substack. If you’d like to receive a weekly Bite-Size Peace Devotion, you can sign up below. **I thought I could automatically send these devotions to anyone subscribed to First and Second already, but sadly can’t! Sorry! You’ll have to…
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Bite-Size Peace Devotions
Once upon a time in college, I was responsible for planning a chapel service. I racked my brain for weeks. Who should speak? What topic would serve best? How could I format it all to encourage worship? As I asked around campus, I realized what we all would appreciate most was time. Specifically, time with…
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For the Joy Set Before Him
Imagine you can have everything you’ve ever truly wanted. Deep, perfect relationships with everyone you love. Life with God, seeing Him face to face without any cause to doubt that you are fully known and fully loved. Freedom from fear, want, and pain. Access to every answer, every good opportunity, every wonderful place and experience.…
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Do Not, For the Sake of…
What makes you lose your cool with or about someone? I have my own list. I’m sure you can think of a few personality traits, habits, or opinions that tempt you to anger and impatience. Sometimes, addressing those things that drive us up the wall requires confrontation. But sometimes, the things that bother us aren’t…
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What We Need Most When We Feel Left Out
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15 Distress obvious on her face, my 7-year-old pal from the after-school club I volunteered at ran over.…