GIVE THANKS? FOR WHAT? Christine sat at the Thanksgiving table feeling numb. Unlike most people, she didn’t feel like celebrating. What was there to be thankful for? As tradition had it, everyone sitting around the table told what he or she was thankful for. Christine said, “Family.” But she … [Read more...]
Disagree Agreeably
It began with a disagreement over some petty little thing. It was probably something silly. My friend and I were both 13, and we didn't see eye to eye on a particular topic. We could have left it alone, but we didn't. The disagreement escalated into an argument, the argument gave way to … [Read more...]
How Jesus Faced His Friday
Everyone struggled on crucifixion Friday: The disciples struggled to keep faith. Pilate struggled to save face. Faithful women struggled to help Jesus. Pharisees struggled to discredit Jesus. Soldiers struggled to hurt Jesus. But no one struggled more than Jesus. People called him a liar, … [Read more...]
No Valentine?
While shopping for groceries and passing by the card section, a Valentine’s Day card caught my eye. It was perfect for my husband, so I bought it. When the cashier was scanning my groceries and saw the card he said, “I think that Valentine’s Day is a commercial gimmick to make certain people feel … [Read more...]
The Perfect Gift
Our Christmas Eve celebration was interrupted by a phone call from the local hospital. A girl who'd been attending my dad's church had tried to end her life. Since I was an older teen, Dad asked me to go to the hospital with him. I asked myself on the way to the ER, “Why would she do this at … [Read more...]
A Thankful Heart
“Ok, it’s time for prayer requests.” This is how I began Friday Bible class when I subbed at our Christian High School. It’s a Friday tradition that students look forward to. The requests have been both earnest and interesting through the years: “That it will snow so I can go skiing!” “My … [Read more...]
Seasons of Change
Maybe it’s seeing the colorful leaves changing. Maybe it’s feeling the briskness in the air. Maybe it’s smelling the aroma of pumpkin cookies. Maybe it’s watching the squirrels burying nuts. I love autumn! It’s definitely my favorite season. In a way, I’m surprised at this because I don’t like … [Read more...]
He’s Alive!
Mary and Martha were worried. Their brother Lazarus was sick. When the doctors couldn’t help him, they sent word to the One who they believed could help. “Lord, the one you love is sick” is the message Jesus received. The sisters probably expected Jesus to rush back and heal their brother—but He … [Read more...]
Love Your Enemies
When Jesus said we are to love our ENEMIES, he wasn't just referring to those who actively hate us. Our "enemies" include those we don't like, don't agree with politically, or oppose because of their lifestyle choices. And it includes those who try to take advantage of us. Our enemies are those … [Read more...]
Immanuel: God With Us
To many people today, the name Immanuel doesn’t have any particular significance. But to the Hebrew-speaking people in Isaiah’s time, it meant everything. They knew that this name meant “God with us.” And that’s what the universe had been waiting for since sin first entered our world. The day Adam … [Read more...]