Several years ago I had the blessing of being our church’s first receptionist. Prior to me taking the position, we didn’t have a particular person answering the phones and greeting the people who came through the front door. However, as our church grew, the need to d…

Two thousand years ago, on a night lit brightly by a heavenly star, a young mother gave birth to a Holy Child. In a humble manger in Bethlehem Love entered the world in human form. Angels announced it, shepherds welcomed it and wise men celebrated it. The long anticipa…

On this fourth Sunday in Advent, we are only days away from the celebration of Christ’s birth.  It is only fitting that we reflect upon God’s great love for us.  Our Maker, the Creator of the heavens and earth, could have left us to our own designs and suffering, but b…

There has been a lot of talk this year about the phrase "Happy Holidays" versus “Merry Christmas”.  I for one prefer to say  Merry Christmas  as I am a follower of Christ.  However, the greeting  Happy Holidays  is not offensive to me.  You see, it began inno…

“When they saw the star they were filled with great joy!”  (Matthew 2:10)  The Magi who sought the Messiah rejoiced when they saw the star in the east for they knew that it was a sign from the heavens that would lead them to their Savior. They longed to find the Lord …

Of all the towns my husband and I have called home, one of the more interesting places we have lived has been a little mining town in the rolling foothills of California called Angels Camp. Some of you may recognize that name from the writings of Mark Twain as he spent…

Purpose...  Thirty three years before Jesus walked the dusty road to Calvary, He came to this earth in the body of an infant.  The Creator became the created; wholly Divine and yet wholly human.  In that humble stable 2000 years ago, as a young mother strained and ange…

I love the song, “Courageous” by Casting Crowns .   Even though its message is geared toward men, encouraging them to be leaders and stand up for God and His principles, its lyrics speak to my soul.  I find that recently, praying for courage is something that is daily …

On this first Sunday in Advent – the season when we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ – we are reminded to place our hope in Him.  He is our firm foundation and the Anchor which holds us fast.  He came to this earth, lived and then died amon…

Today I am wishing each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving!  I invite you to the celebration over at Laced with Grace today.  Please be sure to visit and enjoy a special Thanksgiving message from all of those who contribute to that inspirational web site. I am …

Uncharted waters are frightening.  The unknown always is.  In each new season of my life I have faced circumstances that were unfamiliar and have challenged me to learn.  Years ago it was starting school, learning to drive, getting married and then becoming a parent.  …

Worry. We all have done it. None of us like it. It seems to be one of those nagging constants in life that we can’t get rid of. If you are anything like I am, over the years you may have worried about your living situation, your job, family, health, salvation of someon…

A few days ago, I was overwhelmed by joy! I had just spent a wonderful time away with my husband to celebrate my birthday. We traveled through the beautiful landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as spent some blessed time with our grown children. I even …

One of my favorite movies is a romantic comedy called, "Return to Me".  It is about a young woman who receives a heart transplant and how through a series of unusual events, God brings love into her life.  But what always strikes me the most about this movie …

View of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan While visiting Yosemite this past week, I marveled at the beauty and grandeur of this incredible National Park.  In my last post, I wrote that the diversity of life showcased there is a testament of God’s creativity and artistic d…

As you are reading this post, I am enjoying a special time with my husband in one of the most beautiful places in the world!  Yosemite National Park is to me, the most spectacular place I have ever visited.  God's hand carved out this beautiful valley through the u…

In our culture today, we are constantly inundated with beauty tips. Through many forms of media we are promised that anti-wrinkle creams, the latest fashions or even cosmetic augmentation will somehow improve our lives and fill the emptiness we feel inside. But, from G…

Years ago, when the children of a dear friend of mine were very small, they would say a phrase to each other that has stuck with me throughout the years.  When one of the children was upset with the other, he would say they were "stealing his joy".  I would s…

When our son was young, we affectionately called him, "Recycling Boy"!  It was his job to make sure all of our recycling was taken out and put into the proper bin.  Occasionally, (ok...more than occasionally), as I was cleaning the kitchen, I would call out, …