Merry Christmas!!!
Behind the Song: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day was a Christmas poem {turned hymn} written in the mist of the Civil War in 1863 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The song begins with the narrator in despair and ends with a note of hope and renewal. Earlier in 1863, Longfellow’s oldest son, Charles Appleton Longfellow, had joined the Union army without his […]
Read moreThe Word Became Flesh
Joseph: A Poem
I thought I would share a poem I wrote several years ago about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Merry Christmas!!! Joseph There is so little that we know about you Just that you were a simple carpenter Taking a young wife To make a life of you own Then she surprised you with the news of […]
Read moreZacharias and Elisabeth: The Lord Was Good
Last week, Mary arrived to visit with Elisabeth and Zacharias. When Mary arrived, Elisabeth was filled with the holy spirit. The child within her began to leap for joy when Mary arrived. We know that Mary stayed for several months. It is possible {although we are not told} that she may have been present at the birth of John the […]
Read morePlanning Ahead
So, I have to admit that I have been thinking about this Christmas since last Christmas. I know that sounds crazy, but let me explain. We just doubled in size at work. Part of my responsibility was to come up with the additional finances to not only provide extra Christmas presents for all of our residents, but also to provide […]
Read moreFaithful Heroes: St. Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Order of Frairs Minor, Order of Saint Clare, Third Order of Saint Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. He is one of the most revered religious figures in history. Francis of Assisi was born between 1181-1182 to Pietro di Bernardone and Pica de Bourlemont. He was one of seven children the […]
Read more10 Scriptures for the Hurting Heart This Christmas
The holidays can be a very difficult time when we are hurting. We may think back to a year or two ago when life was easier or our situation was different. When we are hurting, we long to feel as if it’s the “most wonderful time of the year”. But not matter how much we try, we cannot pull […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Angels from the Realms of Glory
Angels from the Realms of Glory was written by Scottish poet James Montgomery. James Montgomery was born on November 4, 1771 in Scotland to Irish parents. His father, John Montgomery, was the only Moravian pastor serving in Scotland at the time. When James was five, his parents left him with a Moravian group in County Atrium, Ireland while they went […]
Read moreChristmas Makes Things More Beautiful
Zacharias and Elisabeth: Filled with the Holy Spirit
Last week, we took a look at Elisabeth’s reaction when Zacharias arrived home with the news of his visit from Gabriel. Elisabeth was filled with wonder at all that was happening and could feel her shame removed. The scripture then moves to Gabriel’s visit to Mary, before bringing the two stories together. Upon hearing the news of Elisabeth, Mary has […]
Read moreOvercoming Jealousy
I have to make a confession. There are times when I become jealous. There’s one specific gift that I would love to share with others and have not been able to share in the last few years. I find myself becoming jealous of some individuals that share their own God given talent. I’m not proud of this and have had […]
Read moreFaithful Heroes: St. Margaret of Scotland
Saint Margaret of Scotland, a Scottish Queen, seems like an unlikely person for the Heroes of Faith. She is described as a pious Roman Catholic and her charitable works brought her great renown. Margaret was born around 1045 while in exile in Hungary. She was the daughter of Edward the Exile and his wife, Agatha. Margaret grew up in […]
Read morePouring Out My Pain
Growing up, I had a brown bear that stayed with me all the time. I can’t tell you how many countless times, I hugged him tight, while tears ran down my face. He brought me great comfort and strength over the decades I had him. There are times when we all need someone to just hold us while […]
Read moreBehind the Song: Mary, Did You Know
Mary, Did You Know? is a popular Christmas song that was written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. The song originated from Lowry’s desire to ask Mary, “what was it like to raise God?” Mary Lowry is a popular comedienne that has also been a member of the Gaither Vocal Band off and on […]
Read moreChristmas is love in action
The Lord Has Taken Away My Shame
Last week, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias when he entered the holy of holies. He was struck mute due to his disbelief. When we last saw Zacharias he was rushing home, undoubtedly to tell Elisabeth. Imagine her surprise when he returned home and was unable to speak. He must have quickly found a tablet to write out all that […]
Read moreThe Attention Seeker
I have a friend that craves attention. Actually, she demands it. Regardless of what we are doing, she expects any of us to stop what we are doing and listen to her. It does not matter that we are busy or that we have heard the story numerous times already. We’ve noticed that when others share their lives and interest, […]
Read moreFaithful Heroes: St. Columba
Saint Columba was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity throughout Scotland. He was highly regarded by the ancient Gaels and Picts and is considered a Christian Saint and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He is considered the Apostle of the Picts. Columba was born in modern day County Donegal, Ireland. He was the son […]
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