Today is the day after Thanksgiving. With a grateful heart, I find myself looking around at the odds and ends that make up my Christmas decorations…the Christmas Village, the crotched tablecloth pinch-hitting as an upscale Christmas tree skirt…two white ceramic angels perched on my grandfather’s clock. So many memories and sweet sentimental things that somehow coalesce into a harmonious theme – at least for me. Each piece is a loving reminder of someone dear. Someone who has contributed greatly to my life. Which brings me to God. When you examine your life can you see HIs hand in it? I hope so. I hope you can recognize Him blessing you,…

Many people are starting to gear up for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. There is a nearly tangible expectation in the air – in spite of the uncertainties making noise in our world. Others may even be dreading this time of year. It can definitely be a mixture of bitter and sweet. I have been thinking a lot about it, hoping the true foundations of the season will be the focus this year instead of the trappings. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I love to decorate and put up my lights as much as the next person. In fact, I told my sister yesterday that sometimes I still feel…

Today as I was putting away my silverware from the dishwasher, and I remembered that Mom and Dad had given them to me as a Christmas present a few years ago. Suddenly the utilitarian knives and forks seemed so much lovelier and incredibly dear. All because Mom and Dad had wrapped up a rectangular box and put it under a Christmas tree. It was almost as if they were in the kitchen with me. There are so many things around us that we see, touch and experience on a daily basis that may seem mundane. Are they? Are they, really? I don’t think so…walk with me on this one… What…

As I sit in the peaceful solitude of my living room, it is hard to believe so much of the world is in turmoil. There are many forces coalescing on humanity just now – illness, financial anxiety, international uprisings, suspicion… All of these are hallmarks of the “dark side”, and not indicators of our Heavenly Father. Which beg these questions: What is prayer? Why should we do it? Will it make a  difference? The short answer is, yes. Consider this –  Jesus, who is our best and highest Model, did it regularly. He went off by Himself to pray. It was a habit. It seemed to be a deep longing…