Protecting the Least of These
Children are a heritage from the Lord. I must be blunt when I say this: childhood sexual abuse is an extraordinarily prevalent evil in our world. In the United States alone, statistics indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are victims of childhood sexual abuse. If these statistics are accurate, this means that anytime you’re having coffee with a few of your girlfriends, there’s a high probability that one of the women sitting at that table was sexually abused as a child. However, many experts believe—as do I—that the number of victims is probably [...]
Weathering the Storm
So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12 Last Friday, I wrote about the impending winter storm, which did turn out to be a doozy. Snow and sleet created treacherous conditions, destroying trees that blocked roads and downed power lines. Thousands of people were left without power, and some still don’t have it. Linemen are coming to the area from around the country, and we’re grateful for their willingness to help us in our time of need, as we are appreciative for everyone who’s serving others during this difficult [...]
Let It Snow?
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven —Ecclesiastes 3:1 If the forecast proves accurate, we’re in for a doozy of a winter storm this weekend. I grew up in New York State, so I’m no stranger to snow and cold. In my hometown, with the lake-effect snow off of Lake Erie, it wasn’t unusual to go to bed with no snow and wake up unable to find your car. However, because such weather was common, snow days were rare. I have many memories of trudging to school with snow up past my [...]
Why Did I Write One Nation Under God?
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33 One of the most common questions I’m asked about One Nation Under God: 40 Devotions for Patriotic women, is: Why did you write the book? The short answer to that question is: Because our country needs prayer. But the longer answer is contained in the book’s introduction, which I’m sharing with you today. As you read it, I hope it encourages you to pray for [...]
The Epiphany of Our Lord
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” —Matthew 2:1–2 Epiphany is a church season I didn’t know about until joining a Lutheran church. It’s celebrated on January 6 every year, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. Although it wasn’t always the case, in many modern churches, Epiphany is also associated [...]
New Year, New Intention
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15–16 Once upon a time, I obsessively made New Year’s resolutions. Year after year, I’d craft elaborate lists of things I wanted to accomplish in the upcoming months, whether personal improvements or projects. The excitement of a clean slate energized and inspired me to dream big. When I underwent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over a decade ago, I learned that one of my most common “thinking errors” is something called “all-or-nothing thinking.” This is a rigid mindset [...]
All Is Calm, All Is Bright
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6 During the Advent and Christmas seasons, one of my favorite things to do is sneak downstairs after my family is fast asleep. I plug in the Christmas tree lights, curl up with a fluffy blanket on the couch—joined by my cat, Phobe, if she deigns to grace me with her presence—and bask in the soft glow of the brightly colored [...]
Waiting for the Lord
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. —Lamentations 3:25–26 Waiting isn’t one of my virtues. The mocking “Your call is important to us” from a customer service department. Switching lines in the grocery store or lanes on the street, only to discover that the line or lane I vacated is now moving at twice the speed. All of these kinds of experiences frustrate me to no end. Waiting is about wanting to know [...]
In Praise of Hymnody
From the manger newborn light Shines in glory through the night. Darkness there no more resides; In this light faith now abides. —“Savior of the Nations, Come,” stanza 7 I didn’t have much exposure to hymnody prior to joining the Lutheran church. In the previous churches I’d attended, we sang some of what I call the “oldies but goodies”: “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” and others. But most of the songs were contemporary and involved singing the same stanzas and refrains repeatedly. And at Christmastime, we focused on the usual hymns, [...]
A Yearning Heart
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. —Psalm 33:20–22 Do you ever fall short of your own expectations, in spite of your best intentions? That’s what my entire life has felt like lately. That pristine house I fantasize about? A cluttered, dusty domicile. Those brilliant chapters I imagine will flow from my fingers when I sit at my computer to write? Not forthcoming. [...]