Dear Friends,

Each year during the Advent season, I dig out one of my favorite devotional books “Advent and Christmas – Wisdom from Henry Nouwen”. And when I read Day 1 it always gives me just the reminder I need. Let me share with you…

I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God’s saving power… Our temptation is to be distracted by them… When I have no eyes for the small signs of God’s presence – the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends – I will always remain tempted to despair.

The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, HE asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises.

Especially during the Christmas season when I feel overwhelmed by my “to do” list, I can start feeling really sorry for myself. Not only are the TV commercials or shopping malls shouting at me, but my mind also starts screaming, “If I weren’t paralyzed, I could wrap these presents myself!” Or “If I could drive a car, I could quickly run out to pick up pretty holiday plates for our Christmas Eve party.” My pity party can be in full swing – way before the Christmas party!

But I love how Nouwen’s devotional starts me out on the right foot. Let’s remember the real gifts – the sun that comes up every morning without fail, the roof over our head, the warm water coming out of the faucet. But most importantly, the tremendous gift is Jesus who came on earth to point us to our Heavenly Father who loves us so much that he wants us to spend eternity with him. Wow. Wow.

So does it really matter if I don’t have pretty holiday plates?

His peace,

It’s autumn and I just finished hanging my favorite sign on our front door that reads, “Happy Fall Y’all!” It always makes me laugh. This time I had a twinge in my stomach as I read the sign. I couldn’t help but think of friends who are struggling with unemployment. Let us continue to pray and help serve these great people as they sort out what their next step will be.

Do you sometimes get tired of being in the fog? You’re not sure how you’ll ever get that project done – you’re not sure where your next job will be – not sure how your children will turn out, etc. Many times we find ourselves in the dark. We want to flip to the end of the book to find out how it’s going to turn out.

Recently, I was concerned about a challenge I was facing. How would I pull it off? Would I fall on my face? Would I be screaming at my family while trying to accomplish the task? I had no idea if I could pull it off. I was in the dark.

After weeks of praying, it was clear that God had clearly led me to the door of this challenge. I knew I had to step over the threshold. Ugh. I wasn’t sure if I was up for it…but the Lord IS sovereign and mighty. I knew that one day it would be made clear. He would bring me out of the fog. How did I know that…really??? Because he has ALWAYS done so! He has done it before in my life and He has done so since the beginning of time – Noah, Moses, Joshua and on and on. Faith is living in the fog. By remembering God’s faithfulness through the ages, we can step forward knowing that He will make a way again. Thank you, Lord.

So friends, let’s approach each day with a little more confidence…a little more faith…knowing that our Lord has gone before us and is always with us. Amen!

His peace,

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut. 31:8