As Holy Week draws to a close, I wanted to pause for a moment and consider this poignant time of tragedy and triumph. For some, the holiday means little more than Easter eggs, baskets, and goodies. For Christians, we understand that’s surface stuff—fun and fluff secondary to the real celebration. When our kids were little, each received an Easter basket, though we …
Happy (Early) Easter
Good Friday. The day always tweaks my heartstrings. I reflect on Christ’s earthly ministry. How he loves us. How he willingly laid down his life so we could spend eternity with him in heaven. (John 3:16) Many will celebrate the weekend with egg hunts and Easter bunnies and other fun traditions, but during the fun, I hope folks will pause …
Where Will You Throw Your Stone?
When I first heard of Frank Gifford’s death, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed. The news of his passing came through a friend’s link. I have to admit, I really didn’t know much about this man—the New York Giants football/broadcaster legend—though, of course, I knew who he was. While I was growing up, my father often spoke about Gifford …
How to Have a Personal Relationship With Jesus
Every Easter season I write a similar post. I shift gears a bit as we approach one of the holiest times of year—a time marked with tragedy and suffering, but also a time of abundant blessing and victory. This post isn’t intended to be preachy, pretentious, or holier-than-thou. Because I love you and I care about where you spend eternity, …
What Says “Christmas” to You?
When I was a little girl (I know. Kids hate it when we say that.) holidays were so different. Traditions were upheld and celebrated. Christmas, first and foremost, centered around the gift of Jesus and then family, fellowship, food, and fun. The country church my daddy pastored delivered baskets of goodies to those in our community who were less fortunate. …
Top 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer
Generally, I’m a happy person. I willingly choose joy. Now, does that mean I don’t experience heartache, doubt, or insecurity from time to time? Hardly. Like you, I’ve held hands with each of those at various life junctures. Some seasons have been a little more difficult than others. Just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean that life is always fair, kind, …
A Lesson in Love from the Master Author
Last year about this time I wrote something similar to this post, but it’s worth repeating especially now. Today, as we approach one of the most joyous times of year, I wanted to shift gears a bit. This post isn’t intended to be preachy, pretentious, or holier-than-thou. Because I love you and I care about where you spend eternity, I …
The Word We Overuse, How We Do It, and Why I’m Stopping
The thing about love is it’s just so unpredictable. We toss the word around casually, as if the word itself gives credence to the emotion. The biblical definition (1st Corinthians 13) is watered down to resemble a pitiful interpretation of what God intended. We’ve made the word commonplace. A sham. A poor substitute for lack of a more accurate descriptor. For example: I love Junior …
Why “Almost” is a Lie
I didn’t always “play full out.” I liked to live life in my comfort zone and I didn’t want anything to upset the apple cart. An example: I asked Jesus into my heart and accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior at the tender age of nine, and for a time, I almost burst with newfound joy. I shared …
The Season Called Hope
For many, the Christmas season is a difficult one. The hurting have perfected their smiles and cued the proper phrases. Facades are in place and sorrows safely tucked away. Memories are tamped down, snuffed out, and extinguished until it’s deemed appropriate to resurrect the past. (After all, Christmas is a happy time and it wouldn’t be fair to rain on someone else’s holiday.) …