When the Bible talks about quietness, it’s not referring to an absence of verbal noise as much as it’s referring to an absence of spiritual noise. Although there’s a connection, quietness has more to do with the state of our hearts than the quantity and volume of our words.
Those old hymns of my childhood still echo in my mind. Today, I’m meditating on “Jesus, I am Resting.” I love the thought of “resting in the joy” of who Jesus is. I hope you do too, and that these words encourage you.
Since March is Women’s History month, I thought it would be a good idea to give patronage to some Christian women who have paved the way for women in the 21st century. These women are single, married, missionaries, martyrs, mothers, and theologians. They all have different backgrounds and even vary theologically at some points, but one thing they have [...]
The more I study the lives of great Christian women, the more I recognize that our American culture (even the Christian culture) so often convinces us that this life is all about us rather than being all about Jesus Christ. It is my desire, by God’s grace, to make all of my decisions, choices and attitudes based on the question, “How can I honor and glorify my King in this moment?”
A couple of days ago, my mom mentioned to me that she had an opportunity to share her favorite hymn with her Bible Study group. I’ve known my mother my entire life, but I didn’t know what her favorite hymn was, so I asked her to send me the words.
Taking out the trash has never been so complicated. I have four garbage containers in my kitchen. Yes, four: a blue one for paper, a green one for glass and plastic, a biodegradable brown-bag-lined one for kitchen slop (food scraps), and an ominous big black bin for “evil” non-recyclables. Oh – and a couple more [...]
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is a good as dead: his eyes are closed.”
Last year, just before Christmas, I spoke at a Ladies Christmas Tea about the wonder of the Season. The title of my talk was “Paper Star.” I shared how the simple paper stars hanging on my tree remind me of my family history and traditions. There’s so much more to the ornament than meets the [...]
I am what my mountain-dwelling friends refer to as a “flat-lander” – I live in the prairies, with terrain as flat as a freshly pressed cotton shirt. But every summer, when the sweet clover hangs thick in the sun-kissed air and the fields of canola turn bright saffron, I pack up my boots and bike [...]
After a lengthy, intensive restoration project, one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance has been restored to its original splendor and returned to its home at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The Madonna del Cardellino was painted by Raphael in 1505 for the wedding of his friend, a wealthy Florentine merchant. It [...]
Where I live, Easter usually marks the turning point between winter and spring, and this year is no exception. It’s the point at which the cold gives way to warmth. Darkness gives way to light. Death gives way to life. The monochrome bursts into color. The silence gives way to song. Hope is fulfilled.
Last season, TV viewers cast nearly 500 million votes in support of their favorite contestants on American Idol. It’s natural to express praise for that which we enjoy. We promote the music of our favorite artist; discuss the skill of an admired athlete; recommend the food of a good restaurant; or describe the beauty of [...]
