New year. New possibilities. Good thing, too, because many of us look back on various events in the old year and say, “Good riddance!” Still, despite the “Happy New Year” greetings, disappointments will follow us into the new year, too. So what do we do with them? For...
“Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh…” We strolled from house to house, singing out familiar and beloved Christmas carols. Caroling is one of my favorite Christmas activities, but this year something just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the houses. They...
I am an unabashed Christmasphile. I play Christmas carols in July - in Florida! We set up our Christmas tree no later than the day after Thanksgiving. Of course, if it were up to me, the tree would be displayed weeks earlier, but my husband is the voice of reason in...
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. But the second...
Putting up our Christmas decorations is a simple enough task. Bring in the boxes from the garage and spread their contents around the house. It should take a day at most. But it’s not so simple for me because of the memories evoked by the decorations and ornaments......
There’s a saying traveling the internet these days that goes something like this: “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” (Was that as convicting for you as it was for me?) In keeping with this theme of thanksgiving, I’d like to...
I was thirteen years old when a friend invited me to her youth group. It was there I first learned the difference between religion and relationship in describing Christianity. That was also the year I read Fritz Ridenour’s book, How to be a Christian without Being...
Are you an alien or a citizen? If you’re a citizen, do you have dual citizenship? Before you answer these questions, they may not mean what you think they mean. This week, the U.S. presidential election generated deep divisions throughout our country. Is President...
Is it possible to have a stress-free Christmas season? For some - okay, for me! - the Christmas season begins earlier than for others. Confession time: I’ve been playing Christmas carols for a few weeks now. I just can’t get enough of the season! Yup, I’m one of those...
Apple unveiled the iPad mini this week. Microsoft will release the Surface tablet with Windows 8 this week, as well. All just in time for Christmas wish lists. New and improved. New and not-so-improved. Fewer bugs, slimmer bodies, longer battery life. The next...
Costume or Uniform? October brings a season of costumes. Choices that are inappropriate for the remaining...
How Big is Your God? My God isn’t big enough. Of course, I never...
7 Practices to Persevere in Volunteer Ministry Several weeks ago I wrote a blog post about quiet quitting. But...