First, you decide if you are going to let your years or your abilities limit you. Life is a balancing act between constraining limitations and endless possibilities. There are some precocious babies, bright and winsome but they won’t be talking to their parents at six months. …

I lit the candle of Hope on December 3rd, the first Sunday in Advent, starting our service with these awe-inspiring words: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2, NIV) The beautiful words of Isaiah seemed to lift the congregation as I continued: “And he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These divine roles encourage us.

Koinonia Prompt #13: Joyful — England might have permanently disposed of its monarchy in the seventeenth century if the English had not grown tired of the joylessness of Cromwell and his Puritans. Even today, some Christians are disparaged as killjoys. Joyousness is considered desirable and being joyful is an attractive quality. For the followers of…

You don’t have to return to God if you stay close. — Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord. (Lamentations 3:40, NIV) This verse reminds me of my childhood escapades. I grew up when most people thought whipping your child was synonymous with good parenting. …

Acceptance and trust are the key ingredients. Giving thanks is a good habit. It creates a positive attitude but sometimes there are magical moments when our hearts are overwhelmed by the good things in our lives and we realize our good fortune. My oldest sister lost the house her deceased…

You can leave a living legacy — My friend, a brilliant psychiatrist, survived for seven years with his donated heart. He resumed work and traveled internationally, creating memories as he celebrated life. He also found time to write a book about his failing heart, fighting the rejection of his new one while finding purpose and pleasure in…

He is interested in details —

I could not divorce myself — I attended a fabulous house party in another state with several carloads of friends. In their gorgeous home, we celebrated the owners’ new start. We were so happy for them, but we all felt a deep loss. I recall my new beginning, hoping it would heal my body and heart…

Proclaiming the Gospel by doing God’s will is our mission — Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32, NIV) Every Sunday evening, I stood in a circle of young enthusiastic people from church as we held an outreach on the busiest street corner that bordered a bustling market. Accompanied by musical instruments…