But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are…
The Dance of Grief and Gratitude
Editor’s Note: It’s Thanksgiving — a day of thankfulness and joy. As we celebrate this season of gratitude, remembrance and recognition of God’s provision, and celebration, we also acknowledge that we and those around us may be in a season of struggle or pain. We pray that you find comfort and encouragement from this…
Christmas in the Shadowlands
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows — light! sunbursts of light! — Isaiah 9:2 MSG This verse is where our story begins. Almost eight centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah told of His coming. The biggest Christmas…
The God Who Sees
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – Genesis 16:13 On November 11, 1921, the United States laid to rest the remains of a World War I soldier, his name “known but to…
Thanksgiving: The Dance of Grief and Gratitude
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name! – Psalm 100:4 Deep in the heart of November, I received two e-mails from women who were each fighting fierce battles, one losing her husband to ALS, the other losing her husband to an addiction he seemed…
The Tears that Grow the Harvest
Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126:4-6 When I was in high school, I spent two summers on my sister’s farm…
What One ALS Family Really Thinks About the Ice Bucket Challenge
Well, we are still being inundated by the very-everywhere ALS ice bucket challenge. I know, I know, I can hear the groans… the ice bucket challenge started out cute and now it’s out-of-control. Played. Clogging up social media sites everywhere. I even read this article in which the author called the challenge (that has raised an…