selective focus photography of pine tree with snow flakes

A lament of suffering at Christmas, into Love

God rest you merry, gentlemen,let nothing you dismay…Oh tidings of comfort and joy! (“God rest you merry, gentlemen,” p.d.) Yes, we’ve begun the Christmas season with all its “tidings of comfort and joy.” But are you suffering this year, as I am? Does this feel impossible to sing? Is your Read more

green trees

Help me to see Jesus this Christmas, promised from eternal years

See the tender Lamb, promised from eternal years. This week’s hymn beckons us to see Jesus, the promised Savior and Messiah. It reminds us of our own redemption, through this tender Lamb. Beloved in Christ, let’s remember God’s glorious love story toward us, for so many of His promises have Read more

red leaf trees near the road

Ye servants of God, let’s thank, enjoy, and glorify Him!

Beloved in Christ, I write to you before brain surgery, as my loved ones, subscribers to my weekly emails, a family of His beloveds who are also suffering ongoing trials of this earthly life. No matter what the outcomes may be, this writing says, “See you later!”  Through the wonders Read more

woman hand holding heart

Clinging to God’s promises, safe in the arms of Jesus

Father, within Your glorious love story to Your people, Your eternal covenant promises are now fulfilled in Jesus Christ, through the “new covenant” in His blood. You gave these promises throughout the Old Testament, and You’ve fulfilled so many of them already. By Your Spirit’s work,3 I treasure Your promise Read more

blue and purple sky with stars

It could be awesome!

My friend shared her dread of her chronic illness symptoms crashing into something she had to do the following week. I shared that I dreaded escalating symptoms at an upcoming event, knowing they likely would appear because of its inherent activity. She tried to encourage me, exclaiming, “But it could Read more

aerial photography of mountains

God always keeps His promises! He is a promise-keeper!

Have you read the story of God’s covenant promise to Abraham lately? God is a promise-keeper!! In our own years of waiting, let’s come to Him with our tearful longings, while nestling deep in His truth, in humbled awe and peace.  Remember? Long ago, God made a covenant promise. First, Read more

person holding brown leaf

I know not, but God knows

I’ve had agonizing and tear-full times with God lately. I know not. In my limited human knowledge, I don’t understand why my first brain surgery stopped “working” and why I need to endure so much pain and challenge from another one. Or why things took a sharp turn for the Read more

lighted cross decor

 I know Whom I have believed, for He is able

As a choral music educator, I often chose a beautiful piece for my children’s and middle school choirs to learn. Based on what is believed to be a hidden-away Jewish child’s words, written on the wall during the Holocaust, the kids’ voices continue to sing in my thoughts, when all Read more

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