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. [...]
A Grateful Heart
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. —1 Chronicles 16:34 Every year, my pastor-husband officiates a Thanksgiving Eve service. It’s one of my favorites. The quiet steadiness of evening worship always puts me in a calm, contemplative mood. And I find that this service is the perfect way to hit pause on the otherwise chaotic preparations for the holiday celebration. Although every part of the service is lovely in its own way, my favorite moment it when my husband reads the prayers of thanksgiving offered by the congregants. As settle [...]
The Book Launch Week That Was
Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. —Isaiah 43:19 This week’s blog post will be another short one, because I’m currently attending the fabulous WriterFest Nashville conference, where I facilitated a group in the Practice Your Pitch session. I loved hearing what the authors were working on and brainstorming potential opportunities for them to share their work with the world. What a joy and blessing, to support writers on their unique and incredible journeys! [...]
Book Launch Reflections
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! —Psalm 118:29 Daylight savings always wrecks my sleep schedule (seriously—who do we have to talk to make time changes go away???), so I slept in a bit Tuesday morning. When I finally opened my eyes, I did my usual routine of grabbing my [...]