I've blogged before about my annual tradition of choosing a word/intention for the year rather than making resolutions. It has been a game-changer for me in my pursuit to continually grow and learn how to become more like Christ each year. Here are my past words of intention: 2014: Courageous2015: Freedom2016: Today2017: Health 2018: Awake … Continue reading Why I Hate My Word for 2019
Author: Melissa
Pastor | Ragamuffin | Family | Friends
For the glory of God and the good of the world.
Christmas Year Round
A confession: A few years ago I started decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Don’t hurl snowballs at me. I wait as long as I can, but I never last until after the fourth Thursday in November. I adore Christmas. I love decorations and twinkling lights. I delight in music and holiday food. I have a … Continue reading Christmas Year Round
My 2018 Word-for-the-Year
For the past five years, I've done a "word-for-the-year" rather than new year's resolutions. I wrote about it first in 2014 here. I wrote about my word for 2018 here. Many of you have joined me in this new approach to embracing a new year with a single word and I love it when you share your word … Continue reading My 2018 Word-for-the-Year
Sacrificial Love
I never dreamed I would one day love attending basketball games, but a boy named Blake changed this for me. My nephew is passionate about basketball and, as a six-foot-two eighth-grader, he gets to play a lot of it. I’ve taken him to the gym to practice drills. I’ve watched him go outside for hours, … Continue reading Sacrificial Love
Seeing Beauty
I'm a believer that when something is repeated, we should probably pay attention. Again .... when something is repeated ... 😉 My morning devotion invited me to reflect on the fact that Jesus was never in a hurry. NEVER. I'd never really thought about it, but I can't recall a time in the Gospel stories … Continue reading Seeing Beauty
Morning by Morning New Mercies I See
I don't drink coffee (yes - I've tried everything. No amount of sugar or cream or milk or pumpkin spice helps.) As much as I want to be one of the cool kids addicted to liquid energy, I'm destined for uncoolness in all areas of my life. But despite this, I do savor the richness … Continue reading Morning by Morning New Mercies I See
Jesus, the perfect mirror of God
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, … Continue reading Jesus, the perfect mirror of God
On Feeling Sad
I've felt sad the last couple of days. Normally I wouldn't blog about such things. Who wants to read a blog about sadness? Who wants to write a blog about sadness? But both - the reading and the writing - are needed more than we think. Too many of our posts and online sharings are … Continue reading On Feeling Sad
When Shame Shows Up
Most people these days don't appreciate an unexpected visitor at your home. In the past, the sound of the doorbell triggered excitement as we welcomed a distraction from the monotony of the day. For most today, it seems to bring anxiety or dread or a well-meaning politician or religious devotee with literature and a promise … Continue reading When Shame Shows Up
Seasons
Any time I think of the seasons changing, I start singing the catchy tune, "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds. "To everything (turn, turn, turn) there is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose, under heaven" I love the seasons and the unique purposes of each. Since I'm not a fan … Continue reading Seasons
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