Christmas is less than a week away...five days to be precise! All of a sudden, we went from pumpkin spice, turkey, and pie and then WHOA! It’s lights, music, gifts, wrapping paper, bills, budgeting, more lights, parties, sweets, baking, making, and of course more...
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...
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...
Have you ever practiced a tradition without knowing why or how it started? Does it matter? One friend celebrates half-birthdays in her family. Another organizes an egg hunt every Easter for the children in her family. Still another friend serves pizza for dinner every...
What’s the point of praying for peace when your adversary is dead-set (no pun intended) on war? As the weeks of December move us toward Christmas, many Christians recognize Advent themes that traditionally include hope, peace, joy, and love. Last week, I wrote about...
I love Christmas. The music, lights, and decorations. The tree and the ornaments, the Christmas village, and especially the nativity scenes. Of all my Christmas decorations, my favorite is a large tabletop display that includes a manger set in the midst of a hustling,...
It’s the first day of December and the Christmas wars are already in full swing. You might have enlisted if you: correct sales clerks when they say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” give your name as “Merry Christmas” when placing a Starbucks order,...
Ahhh…the beginning of a new month. This is usually the time when I’m asking if anyone knows where the previous month went…and wondering how we can get it back. Not this month. And that’s because Christmas is in 52 days! Yes, I know, most people don’t want to hear...
Growing up in New York, I learned at an early age that chicken soup is good for what ails you. Cold, wintry day? Warm up with a bowl of chicken soup. Sore throat? Sooth it with a bowl of chicken soup. Upset stomach? Yup…chicken soup is easy to digest. But chicken soup...
Christmas is my favorite season, but as I read the news this past week, there were several accounts that did their best to contribute a proverbial “fly in the ointment” this season. Here are a few of my Christmas peeves in the news: 1. In Tallahassee's capitol, a...
Advent: Prince of Peace Four weeks of Advent – four names of the Christ-child from the prophet Isaiah. “For to...
Advent: The Everlasting Father Father. A title that may evoke joy or sadness, blame or gratitude, depending on...
Advent: Mighty God Soft, adorable bundles of joy. Who doesn’t love sweet little babies? Vulnerable, helpless,...