“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). This poem is about light - how Jesus is the best and brightest Light, and how all other lights pale in comparison. Still, we are sometimes lured away from His light, lurking in the darkness and desiring other forms of “light”. May the glorious Light of Jesus captivate our hearts, minds and attention this Christmas season. May He light up ever

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 It was the first week of November when I saw them: gold and purple flowers sprinkling the sunlit path by the lake. And I may have gasped audibly at the sight - flowers in November?? In Minnesota?! I can hardly remember noticing such a thing before. (I looked it up - this is not highly unusual for more hearty flowers. But it caught me by surprise because to me, November

She turns to look at me, shiny rainbow backpack in hand and a knowing grin gracing her face. “Mom, I have everything I need!” She’s steady and sure, with childlike confidence in her preparedness for the day ahead. “ I have everything I need.” And I can’t help but think of Psalm 23:1 - the very first line of this well-loved psalm that points us toward heart of the shepherd and His provision for us: “The Lord is my shepherd…” “I shall not want.” (KJV) “I have all that I need.”

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 “I’m struggling with anger,” I told my husband on our walk a few weeks back. Of course, he already knew. He’d seen it firsthand and been the one covering for my weakness, gentleness rising within him while I went off in a huff. But to verbalize this out loud felt freeing - to confess my utter lack of self control. “I don’t know what to do.” And I really didn’t - I’d been quick to speak and become angry, and slow to

“…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew...