More and more our Thanksgiving holiday has been eclipsed by the commercial focus on the upcoming Christmas season. By October, merchants line their shelves with Christmas goods, and TV and newspaper ads remind us that Black Friday and Christmas are…
Prayer: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly!
I was recently deeply hurt by a long-time friend. In a particular situation, we saw things differently, and she refused to meet to talk about it. As the distance grew in our relationship, I experienced all kinds of emotions from…
God’s Peace Amidst the Waves
During these difficult and uncertain times, people are searching for some semblance of peace in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. In my morning devotions today, I read a description of what God’s peace is like:…
Building Strong Extended Family Relationships
Summer is a special time when kids are out of school, visiting grandparents or other relatives, and enjoying friends and activities. This is especially true this summer after the past difficult year of being at home. Kisses and hugs from…
Good Friday
To the natural mind, “Good Friday” is an oxymoron. What’s good about the Friday on which Jesus was crucified? This Jesus was the hope of the Jewish nation—their expected Messiah who would deliver them from the oppression of the Roman…