Blog
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Devotional of the week: God with us, making disciples
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The last verses of…
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Advent poem – A child will lead them
Photo: tommy chandra, flickr From the stump of Jesse a shoot From his roots a Branch The Vine in which we abide The Vine bearing much fruit On him rests the Spirit of the Lord The Spirit of wisdom Of counsel; of understanding Of the knowledge and fear of the Lord For…
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Christmas Cookies Galore
Advent is a time of waiting. Advent is a time of baking (for me, at least). This month’s Woman Alive features my article, “Love on a Plate,” which shares this American’s love of Christmas cookies with a British audience. I’ve already seen photos of some wonderful cookies that readers have made (posted on our Facebook…
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Devotional of the week: God in us for unity
We’re at the beginning of Advent, but instead of starting a new series, I’m continuing with this one through December on the indwelling Christ. After all, the Incarnation – the coming of Jesus – is what we celebrate at Christmas, how he’s birthed in our lives. May your time of waiting this Advent season be…
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Darkness to dawn: An Advent poem
The first Sunday of Advent hearkens our period of waiting for the coming King. Darkness Deep darkness Walking and stumbling Feeling our way Feet in the muck Sucking us down Helpless cries Feeling lost But then the sense A lightening of our spirit Darkness turns to dawn The light breaks through The…
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Giving Thanks
Today is the fourth Thursday in November, so for me and millions of others, that means only one thing: Thanksgiving. A day for giving thanks and feasting. A day to tease our British friends that we’re celebrating our independence from them. But living as an American in the UK as I do, these high days…
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Review: One Thousand Gifts
I reviewed One Thousand Gifts at the end of 2011 in the Woman Alive Book Club that I run. But with it being US Thanksgiving tomorrow, it seems an appropriate time to post my review here. Enjoy – and be thankful. Ann Voskamp seemed to have it all – a loving husband, six strapping children to…
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Devotional of the week: Practicing the presence of Jesus
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9–17) Our text comes from what is…
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Hope will not disappoint
“Don’t give up hope!” the well-intentioned friend says. The one in pain wants to punch her friend, but restrains herself while thinking, “What does she know about hope? What does she know about disappointment and betrayal and death? How can she tell me not to give up on hope?” Though perhaps lacking tact, the friend…
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When God throws you a life ring
I sucked in my breath as I read a suicide note. Having seen plenty of movies, I was expecting drama or at least a nice piece of paper. But this was just a torn scrap with a few words jotted down. He was matter-of-fact in his note to my friend, saying that his girls needed…
