I truly hate goodbyes.It must have to do with the fact that my entire family lives overseas, and saying good bye when we visit means at least another year without seeing each other. But truth is, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 1:1.A couple of months ago, our dear Bethany McIlrath communicated that, due to some wonderful new opportunities that are coming her way, starting in January, she will not be able to continue contributing to Continue Reading
The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give {Recharge Wednesday Linkup}
Decorating our home for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend has become a mother-daughter tradition since our oldest was about 2. I remember the first time I gathered the Christmas ornaments and gave her the assignment of placing the smallest ones on the tree's lower branches. With Christmas carols playing on the surround sound system, she squealed with delight, mumbling the words of the songs while carefully placing about 20 ornaments on one single lower branch — a memory I captured Continue Reading
Let Joseph Inspire Your Faith this Christmas {Recharge Wednesday Linkup}
My romantic view of a stable vanished when I watched a camel project bodily filth in the direction of onlookers. My childhood notion that the first Christmas was all joy for the main characters evaporated too. Mary and Joseph experienced a bevy of challenges. Continue Reading
Don’t Let Unrealistic Expectations Ruin Your Christmas {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Daddy loved Christmas. He decorated our tree, played games, and bought nice gifts, especially for Mama. I entered marriage thinking all husbands gave their wives nice Christmas gifts. Being in ministry, I didn’t expect diamonds. But I thought I’d get something special. Our first Christmas together I asked for something pretty and practical—a leather day planner. I unwrapped my gift. It was a planner. A vinyl planner. Not even pleather that at least resembles leather! No chocolate, no Continue Reading
Good News When You’re Waiting {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10) Most of the time, we're waiting on good news of some kind. We're checking our inboxes, hoping for the call or the text, and scrolling our social media feeds. Maybe we're waiting on something monumental, or perhaps just a little happy moment. What good news are you waiting for? The announcement of a milestone moment in a loved one's life? The baby to be born? Continue Reading
The Gift of Grace {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
When we think of Christmas gifts, our thoughts ponder what to buy that family member who has everything. Or, the person who is particular in their taste. Perhaps we wonder what treasures lay under the tree for us. But what are those intangible gifts we can offer to others and hope to receive in return? As I was pondering things like love, forgiveness, encouragement (all great gifts), the Lord captured my attention when He whispered to my heart: Karen, grace is the greatest gift, a good Continue Reading
