By Name

“I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). One of the desires of the human heart is to be known.  More specifically, to be known, appreciated for who we are, and loved.  When someone uses your name, it makes things personal.  If someone knows your name, and uses it when addressing you, …

Follow the Pattern

“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (Psalm 101:2-3). Patterns are a part of life.  Symmetry, in nature and art, is part of what gives a thing beauty.  I remember the symmetry in my grandmother’s quilts as she stitched a hodgepodge …

Willing

This time of year our hearts are turning toward Christmas, and the story we know so well. There is a lot of detail in Luke 1 and 2, beginning with the origin story of John the Baptist. Have you ever wondered why Zechariah was struck dumb for questioning the angel who gave him good news, …

Born Again?

I’ve always loved the line, “The happiest days are when babies are born,”  from Gone With the Wind – Ms. Mellie.  I do believe it is true.  The birth of a baby and the arrival of new life, is undoubtedly the most impactful and profound experience a person can have.  Even though the parents are …

What Are You Wearing

What are you wearing?  I wonder how many times in our lives we have each said that phrase .  Particularly women, want to know that they will not be overdressed or underdressed to the situation. This has most likely happened to all of us – we’ve shown up somewhere too “fancy” or too casual, which …

Words and Confessions

Words.  Twenty-six letters in our alphabet.  They can be arranged to create a nursery rhyme or great works like Shakespeare produced.  Letters can be put together in such a way as to inspire, or to criticize, to convey truth, or to spread falsehood.   In the very beginning, the world came into existence with words, God’s words.  The nothingness became …

Live Out Love

“I will show you a still more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). If you have trusted in Christ, then you are a part of his Body.  Like our physical bodies, this Body has many parts, but all function together, each doing its job.  If one member suffers, all suffer together.  This is easy to understand …