For months, I had been reflecting on this scripture, even written it on a note card placed on my desk as a constant reminder. Interestingly, eyes have also been a recurring theme in my recent paintings. The scripture reads, “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to […]
I am typing this as we are nearing the end of our 2000-mile road trip to Ohio and Niagara. We are driving into Iowa now. Iowa has been our home for the past 11 years. One thing you can’t miss while entering into this state is wind turbines scattered across either side of the interstate. […]
When Jesus called his disciples, they left behind their livelihood – their fishing nets and boats, their tax collecting booths and money, their business and home. They thought Jesus was the one they had waited for all their lives, the Messiah that will help them overcome the Romans and restore Israel’s glory and bring independence. […]
One of my favorite things to do around Christmas time is to go around the streets and see Christmas lights. There is something about tiny colorful lights twinkling in the darkness of the night. John, the disciple of Jesus, begins His account with the words “In the beginning”. He then goes on to describe Jesus, […]
I love the name Immanuel so much that we picked it as the middle name for our son. Immanuel – God with us. When I was pregnant with my son, our lease at the apartment we were living in was ending and as our family was growing we wanted to buy our own home. So […]
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalms 136:1 About 40 people wrote the Bible and all the authors invariably talk about God’s love. Over a period of 1500 years, about 40 people consistently testify to His steadfast love. Among the authors were kings, prophets, nomads, fishermen, noblemen, a tent […]
Every time you lose someone you love, it’s a pause from the normal. Grief allows us to boldly ask the bigger questions – what is the meaning of life. What matters most? On a normal day, we may not give a passing thought to anything other than today. We run from one thing to another […]
My kids aren’t often interested in trying new kinds of food. When I tell them the menu, their first response is usually, I don’t like it. But after pursuing them to just try it, they usually take a nibble and sometimes it becomes their favorite. In today’s time and age, I’ve heard people say that […]
In the past, I had somehow come to think that devotion to God was a means to get good things in life. A good career, a great family, lots of money and a fancy lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong. These are sometimes good and can be benefitial to us and others around us but there […]
Growing up, I often heard my grandma quoting Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. I’ve heard her quote this verse so often that I’ve often wondered what it meant for me. I did not fully understand the meaning till I started living my […]
