There are several ornaments that are special to me, but this nail will always be a particular favorite. It reminds me that no matter how much commercialization there may be, Christmas is a celebration of vulnerability. This vulnerability is a unique combination of thought and emotion that touches us in so many ways—driving down a …
The Greatest of These
I’ve officiated many weddings over the years, and most have had a reading from 1 Corinthians 13. It gets quoted so often, it’s lost its meaning for many. But after all we’ve been through over the years, it means more to me than ever. This is my version. So far. “Love does not lose heart. …
Joy to the World
We live in a cynical culture, in a cynical world. If you aren’t intentional about cultivating joy and peace in your own heart and mind, life can get overwhelming, especially during the holidays. Jesus said, "Unless you repent—change how you think—and are transformed to become like a child, you have no part in the kingdom …
Your State of Grace
The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It doesn’t say the fear of failure is wisdom, nor fears of loss, getting hurt, or there not being enough. Those kinds of fear will tell you to hide who you are, protect yourself from trusting anyone, judge anything different from you, …
Live Inside Out
Someone's rejection of you can make you a "persona non grata," invisible to anyone who agrees with their opinion of you. But don’t let anyone's judgments and lies make you a "persona non gratia." Choosing to live inside grace, despite how hard others may try to push you out of it, keeps you from being …
