When Celebrating Thanksgiving is Hard

Empty Chairs . . . Some years Thanksgiving is harder to celebrate than other years. I love the turkey, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, dressing, and green bean casserole. I embrace the cooler weather, gold and garnet leaves, and the almost naked trees, and I love gathering with family and friends–whoever can come. Yet, there have been many years when I’ve …

A Christmas Bible Reading Plan on Joy

Joy is not always easy, especially during the holidays. If it weren’t already a sensitive time for many, the year 2020 has proven to be quite the challenge. Everywhere I look people around me seem to be battling tragedy–not just because of the pandemic but other gut-wrenching scenarios. Cancer. Job loss. Death. How do you celebrate Christmas when your heart …

If I’m a Christian, Why Am I Not Happy? (A Study on Joy)

      Do you compare yourself to your friend who seems too happy all. the. time? Do you find yourself questioning, “Why am I not happy?! I’m a Christian! Where’s the joy?” Well, my friends, join the “struggling for joy crowd.” We all have our days, weeks, months, and years when joy seems unattainable. The other day, a good …

The Goodness of God

  I heard Jesus was back in town, But I didn’t want to go. I was just so confused and hurt when he didn’t heal my Lazarus I didn’t want my face to show.   How could I commune with the One Who could’ve taken her pain away? Who told me this sickness would not end in death? Who told …