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A Sunday Scripture
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even...
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Grace for Your Unmerry Moments
Confession: Sometimes I have a bad attitude at the holidays {please tell me I’m not the only one}. I want peace on earth but then I wind up feeling tempted to run over people with my shopping cart...
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When Your “Best Of” List Comes Up Empty
I love lists. I really do. As a matter of fact, I’m itching to make a grocery list right now. Then I want to make another to-do list, because the one I wrote two days ago is missing several things –...
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When Your Christmas Season Includes Change
From 30,000 feet up, I stare out the window of seat 11A onto changing landscape. First high desert, then expansive grasslands, then rolling hills and snaking rivers with tall tree fringe. I smile to...
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Sometimes I Forget To Be Grateful
In the two weeks before Thanksgiving, our dishwasher quit emptying out the dirty water; our washing machine wouldn’t spin at the end of the rinse cycle; and our old faithful van started herking and...
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The Noise & the Notes
If I’m being honest with you, I only went to the Christmas tree place because I knew my kids would want to look back and see pictures of me there with them. I didn’t want them to think I was a...
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A Sunday Scripture
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because...
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When Holidays Hold More Sorrow than Joy
Oh friend, Just sitting down to write this post nearly brings me to tears. Because I see you. Not with my eyes, but in my heart. I see you sitting alone, trying to gather the courage to go to that...
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Gifts For The True Gift – A Christmas Tradition
When my husband suggested we place a second Christmas tree in the front room, I knew I must have misunderstood him. This is a man who loves Christmas decorated with more simplicity and less clutter....
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On Not Losing Heart
I had an epiphany. And maybe it’s something everyone else has always known, but for me this is a big deal. Because it completely changes how I see my life. Completely. It was one of those days again,...
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A Sunday Scripture
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The...
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A Winter’s (Tree) Tale
Each December the weather in Chicago transforms into a super-villain, wielding the cold like a weapon, freezing everything in its path. A few years ago, with winter’s formidable appearance on the...
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The Day After Christmas: How to Live After the Miracle
The day after Christmas. We don’t like to think about it as we plan for the big day tomorrow. But it always follows Christmas. Every year. December 26th can feel like a deflated balloon after the most...
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A Christmas Scripture
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great...
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More To Celebrate
I’m getting married this New Year’s Eve. The jazzy song that questions, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” holds a whole new meaning for me (and yes, I do plan on playing it at my wedding). Twinkle...
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Unwrapped: The After-Christmas Blues
The days between Christmas and New Years can feel heavy. The gifts are unwrapped, only cookie crumbs remain in the pretty tins, and returning to school or work is only a few days away. In many ways,...
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If You’ve Ever Regretted a Little Vulnerability
Some memories don’t visit you but cement themselves as permanent landmarks in your mind. Like the one formed when my good friend, the one with much older kids, swings by for a visit when the house...
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Not What I’d Planned
It seemed like during the spring and summer months, I’d told friends over and over that when fall and winter came, I’d have more time. Certain projects would be finished, stress would be relieved,...
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5 Ways To Survive Love Season
February 15th can be a really tough day. No, you aren’t reading that wrong. It’s the day after Valentine’s Day. As long as it’s February 14th there’s still hope for someone to bring you a flower… give...
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An Easter Sunday Scripture
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from...
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