Advent 2018

Now that I’m a mom, Christmas has a different kind of vibe, and I’m not sure I’d quite call it magic. The busyness isn’t so much joyful as it is chaotic. The programs and parties and gatherings (manifesting in the constant scramble for the last minute for potluck dishes and white elephant gifts)…

I wondered, if we can’t make peace here now, how will ALL the people EVERYWHERE accomplish it? Such a great need for peace and the idea that world peace could somehow begin with me was crippling. I was a great line leader (according to my elementary teachers at the time), but I didn’t think I could lead such a line for the world.

This Advent I continue to wait for the return of Jesus; however, while I wait, I also look to our community to lead by being an example of unconditional love for all people in a way I believe Jesus would like us to . . .

When am I out of my comfort zone? When a favorite pastor asks me to contribute to a blog. How could I not tell of my God who has done so much for me? A God who give my life purpose, unconditional love, forgiveness of my mistakes. The God who wants to know each of us...

The archaeologist peers at a recently excavated wall of dirt and stone and observes a dark horizontal strata of earth, “. . . beautiful example of a destruction layer . . . high carbon composition, likely result of fire, destruction . . .” The student underlings listen and nod and ponder the meaning of this dark line; I imagine flaming timbers, the burning of villages and houses,

This weekend, I talked with an old family friend I call Aunt Annie. My brother and I grew up with this family. These were the people that had been in our lives since birth. My parents roomed with this couple in college. They were best man and maid of honor in my...