With forethought and perfect knowledge, God chose the time and the place for Jesus’ birth on earth. Numerous geopolitical factors would come together to create fertile grounds for the fulfillment of the journey’s cosmic purpose. It’s a remarkable reminder to us that, truly, God is in control. With the same care that we consult a…
faith
Insignificant until finding the One Who Sees Me
Have you ever felt invisible? It’s an odd feeling. Being insignificant. Like when you walk into a room full of people and no one turns a head to greet you? Or, when you get up from your chair and not a soul responds to your pending departure? I can’t help but glance at others to see…
How to Plan a Personal Retreat
Q: The missing piece in many of our lives? A: Chunks of time spent alone with God. Intentional prayer. Many of us have some moments in the mornings for quiet time, a bit of time in the evening, or grab a few minutes in the afternoon when the house is quiet. (SPECIAL offer at…
Dipping into Memories
Extraordinary adventures fill my memories of last year. As I pause to reflect, I begin to grasp the depth and breadth of the experiences of 2015. Friends and ministry partners allowed me to travel and experience new cultures. I heard languages I had never heard before, ate exotic foods, and found fellow believers in all…
Jesus as Carpenter, Artisan, Creator
In biblical times, artisans played a vital role in community life. Potters, carpenters, leatherworkers, silversmiths, tentmakers and weavers provided necessary goods and services. The market hosted stall after stall of the wares from these skilled workers. Knowledge and tools were passed through generations and apprenticeships. Most artisans oversaw every step of their production process. A…
Trusting God in Hard Times
Please welcome my friend and fellow member of the Redbud Writers Guild, Meadow Rue Merrill. I’m delighted to be a part of Meadow’s blog tour this summer. She writes devotionals and encouragements for Christian living. Trusting God, Act IV: Looking around, receiving God’s love through others I was seven months pregnant when my husband, Dana,…
Refresh Your Soul
Lately, soul care has not been part of my life. I am embarrassed to say how easily I slipped out of the daily habits that had been cornerstones in my spiritual walk. Through incredible highs and lows — including the celebration of our daughter’s graduation and the loss of a beloved member of our family (my father-in-law Bob)…
New Resource for Bible Study
I recently read a most valuable book that gave me new tools for studying the Bible. The book, Women, Leadership, and the Bible (WLB), was written by my friend and fellow member of the Redbud Writers Guild, Natalie Eastman. I’m excited to share the following interview about her book, Women, Leadership, and the Bible (WLB). Thoroughly researched and filled…
Aaron’s Story
Sometimes, life moves along so smoothly. During those times, I coast through the days carefree and light-hearted. Viewing life through the lenses of its intricacies and beauty comes easily during these days. I ponder life. I journal. Life is good. When the hard times descend, however, everything changes. It is then that I wrestle and battle…
Help Me Overcome My Unbelief
I struggle with unbelief when crises overwhelm me. My stomach churns. My thoughts tangle as I search for more information. My faith in the strength and power of our Almighty God wavers. My racing mind searches for alternatives as I struggle with God’s timing. I wish I could say that my faith is 100% unwavering 100% of…
