Tag: Jesus
-
The Gift That Satisfies
We have an unfortunate tendency of focusing on gaining satisfaction, especially during the Christmas season. From gift-giving to maintaining traditions “just so,” we seem to think we’ll feel full if we treat ourselves to “enough.” Yet the gifts Jesus gives focus on our fulfillment or completion in Him, not on a temporal feeling or fleeting…
-
O Come Next Year Immanuel
“At that time Mary got ready and hurried…” –Luke 1:39 Now that’s a line in the Biblical Christmas account we can relate to! Get ready. Hurry. There was even an element of “hurry up and wait.” Mary was off to visit 6-months pregnant (once barren) Elizabeth. Mary remained there with her 3 months, presumably waiting…
-
O Little Town of Mayhem
It seems Bethlehem was busy the night Jesus was born. Many people were traveling for the census, so Joseph and Mary found no traditional lodging. We can identify with that element of the Christmas story. This season often feels overwhelming, busy, and too full. But in the midst of the mayhem on that starry night…
-
10 Ways Smartphones are the Adult Version of Invisible Friends
Remember when you were five and had an invisible friend? It’s pretty normal, with an estimated 37% of kids hanging out with friends that don’t exist. For a lot of kids, invisible friends are used for companionship and connection. If you think about it, a lot of adults use their smartphones in a similar way….
-
Shutting Down Over-Productivity
Lord knows I’m a planner and producer. Productivity could be my middle name. I’ve got files and folders physical and digital stretching my future hopes into step-by-step endeavors. If you’ve got a topic to talk about, I’ve got a project you’re contributing to. The most visited destination in my mind is my idea mill. It’s…
-
Grappling with Sanctification
I was sitting on a sofa best described as peach in color, though I’ve never seen a peach that hue. The almost bare walls looked about as lonely as I felt. My computer screen offered the only light of that dreary day. Fingers poised, I searched for words but found more than I could organize…
-
What The Millennial Generation Needs to Know About the Goal of Faith
For many millennials entering adulthood, the truth that we all compete for a prize is a shock. Painted high on the concrete wall of my elementary school gym, next to a friendly cartoon character, were the words, If you had fun, you won. It was as simple as that. We received participation trophies whether we failed…
-
Remember When You First Heard about Jesus?
Do you remember when you first heard about Jesus? Or God? Or church? I mean the first, first time. When the words were brand new and meant nothing yet to you. Most of us don’t remember that “first” precisely. These are words and concepts that may have been whispered over you in the womb or…
-
If You Love to Read or Write…
I’m not a spotlight person. My happy place is the softly lit corner with a book and a friend to share it with. Or the light of my laptop as words pour out… So, I’m thankful, bashful, and humbled to share that I’ve been nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award by a sweet woman whose writing…
-
Letting Joy Last
I had good news. A bunch of it, actually. It seemed the Lord decided to bless my husband and I immensely all at once, in so many ways. As I told my friend, I smiled with joy…and then I moved on. Instead of praising the Lord with my friend and laughing and simply enjoying the…