“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never overcome it.” John 1:5 We bought a massive pine-scented Christmas candle a few weeks back (was it a Costco impulse buy? Yes!) and it burns bright in our kitchen, this three-wicked wondrous light. And it’s glowing one night when I realize this seemingly obvious fact - Jesus made his claims about being the “Light of the world” in the context of candlelight. Light is no luxury for us now, but to those who walked the

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” John 1:9 One rainy May night, Blake and I went to see our new house for the first time. We had purchased it sight unseen, relying only on a virtual tour and pictures online (we don’t recommend this to anyone 😉). Our initial thought: “What on earth have we done?” Between the brown carpet and the dim pendant lights casting shadows on the dark tan walls… we felt like we had just bought a cave. Thankfully,

“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.”