As I write this, it is August and it is hot. The recent rains were only a temporary respite from temperatures that promised 90’s and threatened 100’s. But, I know this: the heat of August won’t last forever and better days—days of dappled sun and fall breezes—are ahead. I know that because I have experienced many years and many seasons.
“One, two, three, seven, thirteen, twenty. ““Ready or not, here I come!”
How do you feel about darkness? Copper Breaks State Park in Texas offers darkness as its main attraction. Miles away from city lights Copper Breaks is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP). A Dark Sky Park is a land that possesses an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment.
My daughter and I used to be angels. Years ago, we participated in our church’s annual Christmas concerts. We were angels with other women and girls, garbed in white gowns and barefooted.
It went with her everywhere… my daughter’s baby blanket was her security for years. They did everything together. She even named it “Bobbie.” When the blanket was over-loved, I repaired it several times. Eventually, it was packed in a family memory box.
It was late at night when I received one of those dreaded phone calls. My son told me that his three-week old daughter was lethargic and in respiratory distress. They were at a hospital emergency room in the Dallas, Texas area.
For many years, my Christmas cards have held the message, “May all your hope and expectation be found in Him”. Christmas is a season of hope. But there are often so many unspoken and unrealized expectations that we are left disappointed when the tree is put up and the wrapping discarded.
“Ah gots peas like a riber in my sooooooooooooo”. My toddler-daughter sang it loud and long throughout the Christmas season. I’d never really thought of “I’ve Got Peace Like A River” as a Christmas carol, but that didn’t matter to my girl. I asked her what peace felt like. She said, “sssshhhhhh quiet, f’ever”.
It was a Christmas to remember, all right. It is my first thought when Christmas is mentioned. My memories are so near that it seems like only yesterday.
The joy of Christmas. I’m just not feeling it! Instead, I feel the weight of programs, projects and plans; of school, schedules and sickness; of my own aches, anxieties and angst. Where is that joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8, KJV)?
My granddaughter is four months old. If she cannot see or hear mom and dad, she cries, turns red and kicks her legs. Little does she know, they are close by, probably watching her every move on the baby monitor. As soon as she is aware of her parents’ presence, she starts to calm down.
Israel had a history of great leaders, such as Abraham, Samson, Moses and David. The Jews often reminisced about the days Israel lived under those leaders. They each possessed admirable strengths but they could never match those of the Son of God.
Do you need help making a decision? Or understanding the Scriptures correctly? Or relating with someone in the best way? The Wonderful Counselor is ready to assist you!
December just began and already my calendar is filling up with Christmas activities, parties, and baking. I haven’t even started buying gifts yet. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly become overwhelming for me. Where can I get some peace?
Most couples struggle to decide on the best name for their children. My parents batted around several names before I was born. They arrived at the hospital to deliver me, certain I would be called Robin. When I left the hospital, my name was Terri.
As I studied my Christmas shopping list this morning, I remembered a statement I’ve heard my pastor, David Dykes, say many, many times: “You are never more like God than when you give.” Our God is a giver. In fact, the Word says that every good and perfect gift is from him.
My heart broke when I heard her story.
Pain and difficulty caused by others and sometimes herself.
The struggle to forgive.
Then my heart jumped for joy when she shared the difference Jesus made in her life.
His heart hurt, he was frustrated.
I asked, “What are you going to do?”
He said, “I am going to thank God anyway.”
As I sat at a crossroad, I was unsure of which direction to turn.
I have never had a good sense of direction.
If anyone gets lost… it’s me.
Can you relate?
The words just spoken over me tore a gash in my heart.
Harsh words can hurt.
In a moment… I had a decision to make… How am I going to respond?
