Advent has arrived! Christmas hymns are being belted at church (we sure belted out “Joy to the World” at our church this Sunday), and the word Advent is being slung around far and wide. But why should we observe Advent? Isn’t it a little outdated? Here are three reasons to embrace the tradition of Advent…

Sometimes it feels like one thing goes wrong after another after another. Over the past few years big events like a constant battle with finances, my sweet boy being diagnosed with diabetes, the constant heavy challenge of dealing with depressed family members … oh, these sting, deep inner pain. And these “big” things use up…

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3 ESV) When I was a child, kids in school called me a really mean name, “Ocie Cow.” It became my identity, and I hated it–hated myself. But Jesus never called me…

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV) I’ve been thinking about how the thief comes after my family. He rails against our peace and joy and love. He hates when my kids rest in Christ. He despises for us to live securely…

Here’s the link to the video and the online print story. What a day! One of those days you can only give credit to God’s providential hand. I stayed home from church with my son, which worked out fine because for some reason, I was really tired. Our car broke down the other day, which meant…

Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan. Ps. 55:1-2   Even though I know God is faithful, and I know he’s loved me through the hills and valleys so far, and…

“You’re here.” My voice cracked. It was almost unbelievable—this earthly reunion brought about by my death. I thought death only brought heavenly reunions. ~from Love Like There’s No Tomorrow It boggles my mind to fathom all the amazing ways God has blessed me since the cardiac arrest tried to steal my forever breaths. Friday evening gray…