What’s in a name? I was named Patricia Elizabeth. Patricia means of noble birth, and has its roots in Latin. Elizabeth is a biblical name meaning “my God is an oath.” * In the early days of our friendship, my friend and her husband were talking, and Rick was trying to remember my name. “You … Continue reading What’s In a Name?
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV Here we are, a few days away from Christmas Day. The stress is rising, fatigue deepening, and frustration mounting as we wonder how we will get it all done. Today, let’s take a deep breath, close our eyes and … Continue reading Advent – Week 5
“For God so loved the world…” John 3:16 NIV Most of us get a thrill from giving gifts to those who are precious to us. Our hearts look forward to blessing them with something that will make them smile, comfort, or help them. God made us in His image. Therefore, it stands to reason God … Continue reading Advent – Week 4
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 NIV God is a God of humility. During Advent, we celebrate that Almighty God, who needs nothing and lacks nothing, humbled Himself to be born as a weak, helpless human baby. Not a … Continue reading Advent – Week 2
I love puzzles. All kinds of puzzles. The challenge of figuring out the answer draws me like a lure on a fishing line. As cooler weather creeps in, I get excited about starting a new jigsaw puzzle. I have been doing them as long as I can remember. For some people, it causes anxiety, but … Continue reading Are You Puzzled by Chaos?
The LORD is the Lover of my soul. I have grown to know and love him because he first loved me and extended his grace through the Holy Spirit to me. But what have I learned about the Lord that causes me to increasingly love him? Let’s look at who the LORD is—his character and … Continue reading Why Do I Love Thee?
What is your prayer life like? If someone asked you about prayer, what would you say? I read a story once about a man restricted from working because of his faith. One night, his family had no food, and his children were crying from hunger. The man tucked his children in bed and prayed with … Continue reading Hi Dad!
Do you compare the lives of women around you to yours and wonder where you went wrong? Their homes belong on the cover of Home and Garden; they appear perfectly put together, energetic and organized, and the family seems happy, wholesome, and successful. They are like King Midas and everything they touch seems to … Continue reading Restored Reflections
As a baby, our granddaughter suffered from colic. Her constant, pitiful wails of anguish pierced our hearts but we had no way of appeasing the pain or silencing the cries. When she would, amazingly to us, finally fall asleep, we would lie frozen, afraid to breathe too loud in case we woke her. I worked … Continue reading Silence is Golden, Or Is It?
A winged cherub is poised with a bow and arrow pointed at a heart. Your heart supposedly. A prevalent scene on many a Valentine's card. Elegant heart-shaped boxes of mouthwatering chocolates, fragrant long-stemmed red roses, and vibrant bouquets of flowers, all fly off the shelves. Romantic candle-lit dinners, specially planned dates and proposals of marriage … Continue reading What Rules Your Heart?