I love the holidays! The lights, decorating the tree, the gifts… ah, I love the whole thing. However, I realize there are many for whom the holidays bring profound sadness. Perhaps because of lost loved ones or broken dreams, when the holidays roll around, anxiety and depression increase. Recently in my early morning time with…
Hospitality is a word that causes some anxiety. It conjures up images of a perfect house decorated by Chip and Joanna Gaines and dinner menus from Martha Stewart. In our modern Western culture, hospitality has morphed into entertainment. But what if God had something different in mind? I believe He did. God’s desire for us…
The third week of Advent is the week of joy. But, for many, the holidays bring up many feelings, but joy is not one of them. Stress, financial pressure, hurry, strained family relationships, and unmet expectations can choke the joy right out of us. However, joy is a key element in the birth of Christ….
I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent. When I was little we put up a tree, got presents, and had a Christmas Eve service. It seemed to me that most grown-ups were stressed over Christmas and thankful when it was all over. It wasn’t until much later, as an adult, that I discovered the beauty of…
The holidays are right around the corner! I love this time of year and all that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year hold as far as hope! But, for many, this time of year is filled with hurry, stress, and chaos. Gift-giving, extended family gatherings, and church commitments can leave us feeling exhausted. How do…