They had the best of plans. At least, given the circumstances. They had prepared a special place. Joseph had carefully smoothed the wood of the cradle while Mary sewed soft blankets. They talked about where the birth would happen and who would be with them. They dreamed of how this most special of infants would … Continue reading All treasure

“I want to have a simple Christmas,” you say, while rushing your children from school to the practice for the church nativity play, then home for dinner just in time for homework and bed. “Let’s slow down for Christmas this year,” you say, while dashing off happy Christmas cards in between checking emails, finishing that … Continue reading The Myth of a Simple Christmas

For A.C. Dear You, I have been thinking of you. You have just received news that has upended your life. You probably feel like everything has come to a screeching halt. Your days no longer look the way they used to. You cannot do the things you want to do or had planned to do. … Continue reading Hoping, not Wishing

The writing word of the day is “extreme.” It means, “existing in a very high degree; going to great or exaggerated lengths; exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected.” I think of all the ways we use the word: extreme sports, extreme views, extreme weather, extreme networks, extreme music, extreme violence. A quick online shopping trip … Continue reading Extreme

A state-of-being verb identifies who or what something is was  or will be. It links the subject with information about it so as to prevent any illusions or misconceptions,  as in the  statements that remind me repeatedly I am weak I am ugly I am useless I am afraid I am worthless I am not … Continue reading Grammar Lesson: State of Being

This time we found mostly broken things.  The beach was beautiful, maybe the most beautiful I have ever seen it. Pristine blue water, white beaches, cloudless sky. But as we walked the endless sand each day, on the hunt for shells, we found only broken pieces.  At first I found myself full of melancholy that … Continue reading A reminder

Martha. Friend of Jesus. Of all the ways to be defined, this one is the best. Beloved by the Messiah. But you are used to defining yourself by what you do. Martha, the helper. The servant. The one people count on. You love passionately and loyally. You give yourself completely. Poured out to the uttermost. … Continue reading When Jesus Doesn’t Come

God, To those this day who have no peace, be their peace. We want to see you bursting through clouds, coming down in rage and fire to end evil, to rout the rebellious proud, to bring to justice the liars, to put down those who would seize and savage your people. We, the outraged, want … Continue reading Peace (Five Minute Friday)