Monthly Archives: December 2009

Comfort can be costly

As much as I adore Ernie and am changed by his company, I let the cold keep me from visiting him in the winter. It occurs to me that sometimes we need to endure discomfort to gain the peace we need and allow ourselves to be changed. Continue reading

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Crave Something More: Joy

In his soon-to-be-available book “Crave,” Chris Tomlinson also reminds us that our joy is found only in Jesus. You can download the book’s chapter on joy from Chris’s blog Crave Something More. Continue reading

Posted in Other people's stuff | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

End of the Trail Too Soon

Christmas is over. All too quickly the festivities have ended. Caught up in sending cards and buying gifts, I missed the best time of year. Like Christmas, life can get away from us. Each day we have a choice to make: will we go through the motions again today, or will we live with urgency and intentionality, leaving our mark on the world by positively impacting others? What will you choose? Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Off the Trail at Christmas

Many people’s Christmas plans and traditions have been derailed by a winter storm. Breaking from tradition may give God a chance to heal relationships or for new relationships to be forged or strengthened. Be open to the possibilities. Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Joy to the World

Why is there so little joy in the world, even among Christians? This time of year, we often sing or hear “Joy to the World, the Lord has come.” Where is our joy?
Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

O Little Town

We may sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in a rote manner every Christmas, thinking the words are only about the birth of Christ 2000 years ago and have no relevancy today. Take a closer look and you’ll see a message that’s just as relevant to us as it was when Christ was. Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Christmas Carols

I love the old traditional church carols. One day I caught myself singing the Hallelujah Chorus, and then considered the words. Powerful. Right from scripture. Proclaiming God’s plan from the virgin birth through our victory over death. It’s a song that’s right for any season – Christmas, Easter and every day in between. Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Live a Little

Studying in Spain during college required me to be vulnerable and risk failure. With risk, however, there’s also opportunity for gratifying new experiences, greater confidence, love and joy. All of the greatest accomplishments and events in my life have come at the risk of rejection and failure. True contentment, peace and joy only come when we’re willing to make ourselves vulnerable while having complete faith that God, because of his love for us, will see us through our fear or any situation. Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Heartache

My heart aches today. Several people I know are facing gut-wrenching circumstances – prolonged illness, death of a loved one, a broken marriage, joblessness. Dear friends, if you only knew how much I wish I could ease your pain. If you’re facing difficult times, remember that God has not forgotten you, He loves you and He sees your tears. Continue reading

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Unanswered questions

There are many days I wish Ernie could answer my questions about things he does like chomping on his bit or prancing. I also have a lot of questions for God. And like questions about Ernie go unanswered, some questions for God won’t be answered this side of heaven. Some things about God we’re not meant to know. If we knew everything about the ways of God, we would not be in awe of him when he heals the sick, reconciles marriages and gives life to sinners. Trust in the uncertainty. That’s why it’s called “faith.”
Continue reading

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment