Writing Heals the Soul
2025 in Books
Inspired by all the end of the year posts, I offer my “bests” in books. Thanks to audiobooks, I read or listened to 55 books this year. Included are links to books at bookshop.org, if you want to read more about them, and some author’s sites. My “to read” list is still quite long, but…
Christmas
The Journey of Advent ends with Christmas. We have sought hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent, and now we celebrate the birth of Jesus. So long ago Joseph and Mary traveled to the city of Bethlehem, to be registered as was required by the Emperor’s decree. Luke 2 tells us that while they were…
Advent 4: Love
The magi, or wise men, observed a star in the East (Matthew 2:1-12). They interpreted it as a fulfilling of prophecy that the King of the Jews had been born. Unfortunately, they went to King Herod, who became frightened by their belief. Yet, Herod encouraged them to follow the star, so that he might learn…
Advent 3: JOY
In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we read the story of Jesus’ mother, Mary (1:26-56). Mary’s faithfulness and joy is a powerful witness. Yet, the angel’s message must have been frightening. What would it have been like to have to tell Joseph or her parents? I often wonder if she went to…
Advent Week 2: PEACE
“Comfort, o comfort my people, says your God.” The Prophet Isaiah (40:1) reminds us that when we are not at peace, God provides comfort. God is always there, ready and willing, for us to turn over all our problems. However, sometimes our lack of peace stems from our hearts breaking for the many around us…
Advent Week 1: HOPE
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning coming. During the season of Advent, we prepare and wait with hope to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Advent can be a season where we open our hearts to the presence of God. As we sing in “Silent Night,” Jesus is “Son of God, Love’s pure light.”…
Advent Devotions
Advent runs November 30-December 24 in 2025. It is the season of preparing our hearts to once again receive the baby Jesus on Christmas. United Methodist Communications is sharing my weekly Advent devotions again this year. Included is an idea for an activity/craft each week. The first week is making an Advent wreath for the…
Generosity
My latest devotion is available from United Methodist Communications. You can read “Respond to God’s Grace with Generosity” here. Generosity is about so much more than just money. I want to be more generous with finances, but also in my relationships. Every day is so full, that I get laser-focused on what has to be…
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
A teen in our community died by suicide this summer. Even more recently, a father died by suicide. I run out of fingers before I finish naming my friends who have lost someone dear to them to suicide. The world is better with you here. Suicide is never the right or only answer. The National…
Diversity
Diversity has become a buzz word, and lately with a negative connotation. However, in his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes about the importance of diversity within the church. You can read my latest article on umc.org here. 1 Corinthians 12 precedes the famous chapter on love that is often read at weddings.…
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