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The Heralds
When I was little, I could scarcely wait for Christmas Eve. It had an almost magical feel about it. First of all, was the fact that we would go to Midnight Mass. Staying up late as a child seemed like a reward. Christmas carols would be sung with vigor, echoing in the church. People would actually smile and wish each…
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For the One
Why would someone leave splendor to immerse themselves in squalor? Why would they do it? What would be the motivation – the compelling force for Jesus to willingly wrap Himself in an “earth suit“? He allowed Himself to be placed in a feeding trough that was inside a stinky stable. Have you ever been in a barn? Not exactly a…
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Practicing Gratitude
“Do all things without complaining and disputing,” Philippians 2:4 NKJV Certainly, this must be a typo. Everything? Surely there have be some activities that allow just a little grumbling, or at least heavy sighs? Or – one of my favorites – perhaps just a teensy sarcastic zinger? Nope. Ok – so let’s dig a little deeper. There must be a…
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Makin’ a List
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…
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Abounding Grace
Dreams are powerful things – hopes, aspirations, goals – whatever you want to call them. I grew up in the country, among the rolling hills, trees and lakes in Michigan. In our family we simply refer to that time as “the farm“. My parents weren’t farmers, although we had an epic garden! After growing up and moving away, there has…
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Simple Things
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,…
