The King in a Manger

There is a neighborhood not too far from where I live that speaks to my heart on many levels. It’s a study of contrasts ~ a mixture of residential and commercial properties whose history allowed them to grow together. On a single street, homes range from stunning architectural design to humble one-bedroom abodes, each revealing […]

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A Humble Offering

It was an object that held no value in the marketplace, but it became a treasure in my home. Year after year, I set the porcelain angel on display; a delicate figurine that had been wonderfully crafted. The artist sculpted the angel in a kneeling position; head bowed and hands cupped around a bowl that […]

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The Promise of Hope

The Bible is filled with glorious promises.  The more time we spend in the living and active pages of God’s Word, the more we discover the assurance that His purposes will unfold just as He said. That’s real comfort when life hurts and great encouragement in a world filled with chaos and confusion. But to […]

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Yea, Though I Walk

The 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and most quoted of all the Psalms because it speaks words of comfort in our sorrows: “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” I used […]

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Looking to the Other Side

The building was large and imposing. Stories of marble and stone rose upward and culminated in a mosaic dome of steel beams and tinted glass. Sounds of people echoed through the massive corridor as they hurried on their way to appointments, talking on cell phones or exchanging morning greetings. Coffee vendors welcomed their regular customers […]

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A Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving seems to have become an undervalued holiday.  Images of turkey, pumpkin pie, football games and tryptophan-induced naps have moved their way to the forefront of our celebration. Frequently called Turkey Day, it has now been linked with shopping frenzies tagged Black Friday and Cyber Monday ~ a far cry from the original intent.  Somewhere […]

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Yet To Be

It was the 19th century poet, Robert Browning, who wrote the famous words “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” Those words came to mind one day as I watched the on-going commitment of my aging parents. Well into their 80’s, they continue their life-long journey as they grow old together. […]

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Whiter Than Snow

Fall is such an extraordinary time of year. Though each season has it’s own beauty, there is something invigorating about the colors and crisp autumn air. The sunny days and chilly nights are the perfect match for picking apples and drinking cider. It’s a time for hayrides, bonfires and long walks.  We do our best […]

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The Refiner’s Fire

There is a quaint little shop in a neighboring community that has been designed just for fun. Within there awaits a variety of unfinished clay pieces that have been shaped into dinnerware, figurines and various novelties.  Customers can browse the art studio for something appealing, select it and set about choosing from the multitude of […]

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The I Exam

The word is short, mocked and unwelcome in our day.  In fact, for some time now, we have done our best to erase it entirely.  Even when viewing blatantly wicked behavior, it is rarely identified as the source of our troubles.  But the three letters spell out a universal problem ~ sin. Critics of that […]

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