Hope Refines

The season of Advent often feels like you’re standing just at the edge of dawn. Have you ever been up in the morning for a sunrise?  Then you know exactly what I’m talking about:  The sky is still dim. The world is quiet. Yet there is just enough light on the horizon to tell you that morning … More Hope Refines

This is Christmas

Christmas.  Just hearing the word fills our hearts with warmth. It brings memories of glowing lights, joyful gatherings, candlelight, and music that stirs our very soul. But beyond the joy and tradition, Christmas is the season of love coming to earth; a celebration of the child who changed…well, who changed everything. Today, through these beautiful carols … More This is Christmas

You are Favored

I’ve read these scripture passages, probably hundreds of times.  This week, I noticed something new.  This week, I noticed that when the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, to tell her about her upcoming pregnancy, the scriptures say that Mary was “shaken” by the angel’s words.  Other translations use the word “perplexed.”   Mary is shaken not by the presence of … More You are Favored

Soli Deo Gloria!

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;     praise him in his mighty firmament![a] Praise him for his mighty deeds;     praise him according to his surpassing greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound;     praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance;     praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; … More Soli Deo Gloria!