Simplifying… me

Death and mourning. Sadness and despair.
It seemed the story was over. Christ had died and his body lay in a tomb. It was the end of an era as far as anyone could tell.
There was weeping, mourning, uncertainty, and confusion.
What next?
Mary Magdalene stood at the empty grave…certainly, there must be some explanation. Her heart gave [...]

Read Full Post »

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice [...]

Read Full Post »

As I watched the clock strike midnight, its hand leaving 2021 and tick-tock-ticking its way into 2022, I felt a wave of relief. Covid and transition left me feeling kind of empty. Rather than enter the new year with a bang, I mostly coasted in on fumes.
I came down with a fever on Christmas Day [...]

Read Full Post »

Immanuel

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Christmas is here, and [...]

Read Full Post »

Love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

For God so loved…
The word “so”, when used as an adverb, can have a few different meanings. It can express the degree or extent of something, or it [...]

Read Full Post »

Joy

The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Troubled souls.
I can be included in that category. Troubled. Imperfect. Poor in spirit. In need of a Savior.
Hope and peace turn our hearts [...]

Read Full Post »

Dear Mom of a child who is on the autism spectrum…I just want to say something to you today.
Whether you are on the back-and-forth pendulum swinging from grief to relief with a brand new diagnosis, or if you are still wondering – somewhere in the back of your mind – if there is something more [...]

Read Full Post »

I’m sitting here at my desk, looking out of the window in front of me. I see palm trees swaying under the heat of the African sun, and the afternoon breeze comes dancing in and out…in and out.
There is no snow…no fires burning in the fireplace…no mittens or hats, puffy coats or boots.
The scene outside [...]

Read Full Post »