“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
‘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
That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 “Why do trees grow up?” A simple question from my four-year-old grandson. He meant in a literal sense. My answer to him was “They are reaching for the sun so they can grow big and strong.” But … Continue reading Trees, by Lori Altebaumer
You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone. Exodus 18:18 I just released a book. My 17th. I don’t tell you that because I want you to buy it (although you can totally learn more about it … Continue reading Alone, by Kristi Ann Hunter