Christmas Choices

This morning I awoke thinking, what if love were a choice that we made every day and not just on Christmas? We choose to believe when we are afraid. We choose to trust when our faith drains away and only hopelessness remains. We choose to love when our heart fills with annoyance, anger, and hate. We …

A Women’s Christmas Coffee: Pamper One Another

Yesterday, the women in my family gathered at my house for a Christmas coffee. My daughter, Elya, came up with the idea: “We should have a special time when we can enjoy each other’s company, give gifts, and eat delectable treats. After all,” she insisted, “it’s the women in the family who take the time …

Homespun Holiday: The Heart Longs for what the Heart Longs for

I’m wordless this morning. Nothing presses on my heart. I just feel contentment—pure and unadulterated contentment. There’s something to be said about serenity; the kind that graces you unexpectedly, like a cool breeze that tingles your neck on a muggy day. Our home sparkles with Christmas lights, and I sigh, “I’m done.” A hand-stitched patch …

Drawing Strength from Home

I remember the summer before I left for the mission field. My plans included a return home for several months so I could prepare to move across the world. I was going to attend a YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Discipleship Training School in the Netherlands.  The classes were held at Heidebeek, the international missionary …

The Stranger’s Gift of Clarity

The Stranger Dogging my steps, stalked a man in the shadows. With hat pulled down and trench coat covering his face, he followed at a distance Fear gripped my throat as I clutched my cloak, like a desperate mother pulling her children to safety. Try as I might to ignore his pursuit, the sound of rainwater squishing between …

Homespun Holiday

There is something irresistible about a homespun holiday, the kind my Mama always made, and I tried to emulate throughout the years. Handmade decorations of crimson red and pine tree green dance upon garlands, if you squint your eyes and imagine. Twinkling lights reflect off cream-colored walls as snowmen perch high upon shelves. If you …