Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15, NIV Holidays insist upon celebrations, thankful hearts, and cheer. Yet this challenging year has stripped our world of the usual mood. More of us grieve and suffer in isolation than ever…
I'm thankful each day. Some of the time. When I'm not tired, hungry, or complaining about something else. I yearn to define myself as an optimist, a positive individual. Instead, I seem to have a natural talent for finding what's wrong with things. Or what might go wrong. Despite my…
I made a huge purchase decision this weekend. In the dark. I couldn't see the car I committed to drive for the next three years. Assuming I knew what I would receive, I signed the contract and drove home. When the light dawned on my mistake the next day, I felt…
Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub. Yay, God. Thanks for the bread. Thanks for the meat. Thanks for the taters. Good God, let's eat. Maybe your Thanksgiving meal will begin with a more eloquent blessing. Well-spoken or simple, the attitude of our hearts matters far more than the words…
Fortunate folks huddle into homes gleaming with smiles. Fall decor gilds each room, while spiced scents draw them to a massive banquet of joy. Hugs lead family and guests to fill the seats around a table brimming with all manner of sweets and starches. A plump turkey gleams at the…
Have you ever struggled with transitions and stress? If shifts in life wrack you off balance, you're not alone. Moving from known to unfamiliar challenges us all. Discomfort in times of transition is a normal part of the human experience. We're wired to enjoy our security and feel apprehensive when circumstances…
Food, family, and festivities rush us through Thanks-mas into next year's calendar. We fuss and bustle, scurrying from one restless day to another in an attempt to "do" the holidays properly. Or survive them, at least. Expectations and expenses squeeze us until our temples throb from the pressure. The harder we…
Perhaps you know someone who springs from bed with sunshiney brilliance each morning. Filled with natural energy, these people beam with jubilant conversation at the sound of their alarm. Often inclined to sing, they'll bounce into the day like Tigger. I've roomed with these types at conferences, but am not one…
Have you seen today's date? Gasp! Veteran's Day flew by over the weekend. Some of us paused to remember our heroes. Took a day off. Worked retail. Whatever happened, somehow we woke up this morning to find ourselves waist-deep in November. And you know what this means, right? (Slaps cheeks and…
Pudgy orange veggies clutter the shop aisles. Their cousins tumble over one another in great mounds at the street corners. Yet, the masses seek them as if expecting a shortage. From giant prize winners to tiny table toppers, people gather them into their trunks. Addicts line up for regular doses…