While shepherds huddled around the newborn babe, angels sung the glories of God’s love. There in a stable in Bethlehem, love was born anew not just to the virgin Mary but to the whole world who would believe and accept Him as their Savior. The world’s first Advent had arrived. The prophecy that had been proclaimed through Isaiah had come to pass. The long-awaited Messiah, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace had come to set His people free. “For … Continue reading →
Yesterday, I was baking cookies for an evening Christmas Sing-Along at our church while trying to create the mood for a heavenly time of rejoicing. Even if I didn’t have the energy. Morning worship had whetted my appetite as we sang some traditional Christmas carols. But when I started baking, the tension to perform began choking my meager enthusiasm. You would think that after making some of these Christmas delights year after year, I could whip them out in my … Continue reading →
We’re halfway through the second week of Advent. A time of preparing our hearts for a renewed focus on the reason Christ became man. In the midst of the busyness we call Christmas, our hearts get tangled up in where to put the focus. Is it on creating a warm and decorative atmosphere in our homes? Or is it on preparing a feast to welcome family both far and near? And if we’re people pleasers, are we caught up in … Continue reading →
Whether you looked at a newspaper, watched a television program, walked into a store or talked to a friend, the chances you heard about Black Friday and the anticipated sales are close to 100 Percent! No surprise here! It’s doubtful that the advertised, over-the-top sales caught you by surprise. Coupons were crammed in your mailbox so that no one had an excuse to miss out on what businesses labeled “the year’s biggest sales.” As the day approached, I felt my … Continue reading →
“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 NIV Fireworks exploded in brilliant colors across the darkened sky scattering not only streaks of light but a sense of joy and exhilaration. As the colors dripped through the sky like melting candle was, another burst of green, gold, and blue lit up … Continue reading →
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV Photo and words © From My Heart to Yours, Linking with Sunday Stillness; Scripture and a Snapshot, Give Me Grace
Continue reading →“Don’t ever say to the Lord that it’s too late–for anything,” the speaker addressed a roomful of women’s hearts eager to grow in God’s grace. “It’s never too late for our Lord. He’s the mercy giver,” (Click to Tweet) said Shirley Suedkamp, author, storyteller, humorist, and lover of the Lord Jesus. The occasion for Shirley’s winsome sharing was our annual Women’s Retreat, the highlight of our year. This year’s theme was “Grow in Grace.” Shirley presented two examples of “Failed … Continue reading →
Climbing the hills on the Isle of Capri in Italy on a funicular, I saw them almost everywhere. Sprouting from square patches of small backyards, this fruit tree graced the hillsides of the Italian island. In what seemed like a postage-stamp-sized growing area, these garden lovers planted vegetables, herbs, colorful flowing flowers, and lemon trees. They are the Blue Ribbon plant of these Southern boot dwellers. Lemons abound in Southern Italy. Not only fresh ones in menus, gracing tables, and … Continue reading →
This past spring, we traveled across our great land blessed by God, and we saw some of His glorious creations. Join us on this trip as we feature the majesty of Niagara Falls and the beauty of this worship song, “Let Creation Sing,” lyrics by Hillsong. The whole earth Overflowing With Your Power And Your Glory There is no one like You God There is no one like You God Mountains bow Nations tremble At Your feet we cry Holy … Continue reading →
The “Nesting Season” has settled in. Instinctively, birds everywhere are gathering twigs, moss, cotton, string–whatever will pad their nest with comfort. Us humans feel that same need in spring to make our homes a comfortable place. Windows are thrown open releasing the stale air of winter. Closets are cleaned and organized. Walls, windows, baseboards, blinds and everything that captures dust is scrubbed down. Colors capture us, and we have a newfound fascination with paint swatches. We save magazine pages displaying … Continue reading →
