‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.‘ Genesis 1:1 NIV Are you someone who parties out New Years Eve or are you in sweats by 8pm and tucked up by 10pm? During different seasons my family and I have done both, although our youngest is always adamant she wants to see the new year in. … Continue reading Beginning, by Debb Hackett
“To God in heaven, the highest glory—and to those on earth, peace . . .” —Luke 2:14, Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase Christmas Grief Interrupts Peace Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the writer famous for poems like “Paul Revere’s Ride” and my childhood favorite, “The Village Blacksmith,” experienced deep despair. He’d buried a child. His wife’s dress caught fire in … Continue reading Peace, by Becky Antkowiak
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV An unwelcome return Did you ever wonder why there was “no room at the inn” for Mary? Think about it… When Caesar … Continue reading Judge, by Melissa Carey
I’ve already considered how WORD-weary our souls may feel in this season. So maybe we can simply start with love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. … Continue reading Love, by Beth Duewel
‘But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.’ Luke 2:19 How crazy is your Christmas prep? My friend Jill always used to say “I’m too busy to scratch myself.” I’m feeling a little of that this year. Competing needs of two teenagers, a busy military husband, wrapping up the ministry … Continue reading Treasured, by Debb Hackett