Author Ava Pennington
Author Ava Pennington

When God Does the Unexpected

Christmas has always been my favorite season. After all, what’s not to like? But this Christmas season is a bit different, as my celebration is muted because of the loss of someone precious to me. What about you? It may be difficult for you, or someone you love, to...

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Waiting for Emmanuel

What is the longest you’ve waited for something you wanted? In this age of instant gratification, wait is a four-letter word in more ways than one. The oven takes too long, so we microwave our food…then stand in front of the microwave, counting off the seconds because...

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My Christmas Ornament Angel

Every day of the Christmas season is magical when you’re eight years old. Bright lights, colorful decorations, dazzling trees, gaily-wrapped gifts, and mouth-watering treats combine to create an enchanting time from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. During my...

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Thankful for the Assurance of Heaven

In honor of Thanksgiving, I considered writing a post about all the things for which I’m thankful. Then I considered writing a post about all the things for which others should be thankful. But I decided to get ultra-personal. Those who know me personally know my...

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How Current is Your Thankfulness?

Thankfulness is good for the soul. And it’s especially fashionable to be thankful during the month of November. But how far back do you have to go to find something to thank God for? Do you find yourself casting back on old memories? Searching experiences from your...

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Punctuality and the Tyranny of the Clock

I have a love-hate relationship with clocks. When I was a child, my parents always set our clocks five minutes fast, supposedly to help prevent us from being late to appointments. It never worked. We were always late…to everything. Despite the ineffectiveness of the...

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Fall Colors in Nature and in Us

Fall…the time when (in places other than Florida!) nature dons flamboyant garb as God paints His world with vibrant colors. Lush, supple leaves in shades of green gradually change color until the green is just a memory, replaced by vivid red, yellow, and orange. But...

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What are You Leaning Into?

Ever hear someone refer to God as a crutch? Something only weak people need to lean on to get through life? I’ve always found that argument irrational, all the more so when promoted by people who practically worship rationality. It implies that weakness is the...

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Oaks From Acorns Grow

Remember the song, “Tall Oaks from Acorns Grow”? It’s a cute children’s song—one I hadn’t thought of in decades…until I began catching up on long overdue yardwork. For the past 2 years, circumstances have caused me to neglect our yard. Shrubs grew wild and leggy....

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Labels, Identity, & Boxes on a Piece of Paper

Been thinking about labels lately. How we assign them to ourselves and to others. Of all the seasons of my life, junior high school was the most painful. Labels ruled and cliques reigned. You were labeled if you belonged to a group and labeled if you didn’t. Smart....

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Commanded to Love Differently

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