The Fourth of July has arrived. Where is the summer going so quickly? In the U.S., we celebrate freedom as today was the day the country’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence. In essence, our country’s birthday. Or was this the actual day? I’ll answer that question later. Reflecting on both our personal, our family’s, and our country’s history helps us understand ourselves better and how we fit into God’s grand plan. Whenever I study a person of faith’s story or read about a past faith movement, I take the time to also explore their world view. What else was happening around them that shaped their thoughts and beliefs? What is happening right now in our world that influences us too? Does terrorism make us more cautious? More fearful? Does the political atmosphere drive us into action or press us into the shadows of doubt? How does the current culture affect our faith and the practices we use to express our relationship with God? How would you describe your … [Read more...]

God's surprises! He loves to give to us more than we ask for, beyond our meager human imagination. He lavishes us with love and delights to shower and dazzle us with his favor. Personally, I don’t like surprises. I like to know, to control what is happening, to be prepared ahead of time. But I am learning that what I expect is narrow, limited and small. God’s expectations reach beyond, is always More, and sweeping and spacious. I have to remind myself surprises are also fun, so it comes down to my ego and the misperception that I have some control over life. Life can be crazy, so knowing we have a God who loves us and enjoys surprising us with his goodness gives me hope, strength, and encouragement. God is in control and something good will emerge from every situation. I am slowly learning to watch for God’s surprises and take delight in them. God’s Surprises are Not New The Bible overflows with God’s dazzling unanticipated moments.  George Herbert wrote, “Bibles laid open, … [Read more...]

  Falling in Love with God on Valentine’s Day During the children’s moment at church on Sunday we talked about Valentine’s Day and how this day gives us an opportunity to tell the ones we love how much we do love them.  I took the kids over to the painting in front of the church and we looked at Jesus praying. Who is he talking with? Who is Jesus listening to?  Do you think they are telling each other about their love for one another? A few years ago, I read a reflection where the writer wrote how much she loved God and was falling in love with God more and more.  It was at that point, I realized though, I felt I had a good relationship with God, I was NOT madly in love with him. God and I had an honest conversation about the distance of my heart from his.  I asked him to help me fall in love with him. God answered that prayer and now I find myself over and over again amazed at his love, head over heels in love with the Creator and wanting to spend time with my … [Read more...]

The tradition of putting Christmas ornaments on our tree each year brings back memories and smiles, creates a bright, seasonal ambiance to the room and tells the story of our faith, family and life journey through displaying family heirlooms and cherished collectibles. This month I have been exploring different themes of Advent and traditions with Christmas to help prepare our hearts for celebration of the birth of Christ.  Something as simple as Christmas ornaments enriches our holiday and deepens our Christmas experience. Christmas ornaments provide several moments of connecting with our memories and generating a holiday spirit – as we unwrapped them and put them on the tree, as we watch them in the twinkling lights and tell others the stories behind the décor and as we gently wrapped them into safe keeping for another year. The History of the Christmas Ornament Bringing inside an evergreen this time of year began in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries.  Often these trees … [Read more...]