Author Ava Pennington
Author Ava Pennington

Nine Misconceptions About Love

We want love. We need love. More than one thousand song titles contain the word love. Books have been written about it. Poems recited. We chase it and sing about it and fall for imitations. And no matter what we do, we can’t get enough. Maybe that’s because we don’t...

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The Wait 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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A Month of Thanksgiving!

How many different things can you think of for which you are thankful? How easily do they occur to you? For a second year, I’ve posted things I’m thankful for in daily Facebook posts throughout November. Today, I offer the complete list to you, in the hope of causing...

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The Convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah

What do Thanksgiving and Hanukkah have in common? This year, they share a day! In a merger of traditions and celebrations, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah will both occur on November 28. But both holidays share more than a date.  Thanksgiving had been celebrated in America...

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Three Months Until Immanuel?

Three months from today. Thirteen weeks. Twelve weekends. Ninety-one days. And then it will be over. Yes, Christmas is coming. And that statement will either cause you to roll your eyes, panic, or smile, depending on your age, your perspective, and your schedule. ...

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Are You Independent?

The fireworks have already begun in my neighborhood. But I suspect the revelers are more interested in making lots of noise than in celebrating the upcoming anniversary of our nation’s independence.    Independence. It’s in our country’s DNA. As American citizens,...

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Save the Date for These Freebies!

I’ve heard it said that nothing in life is free. For the most part, that’s true. But like many rules, this one has an exception or two.  The air we breathe is free. The explosion of color in a glorious sunset is free. The melodious warble of a songbird is free. But if...

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Eternal Contributions

Mother’s Day is over, but for some, the emotions –happy or sad – linger. I recently spent some time with a young friend who is struggling with her role in the family and in the Church. Her feelings were exacerbated by the calendar – Mother’s Day happened to be the...

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Salute to Mothers

For every mother who sacrificed for her children. For every mother who has been her children’s greatest cheerleader. For every mother who challenged her children to be the best they can be. For every mother who gave more of herself than she thought possible. For every...

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Between Friday and Sunday

The clichés abound. Life is a process. Life is a journey. Life is a highway. Life is each of these and more. But as we move through the processes, in our journeys, and on the highways, what are we doing during these times? Especially during the times of waiting? Or...

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