Yokemates

Friends of ours were married on October 10, 2010. What's so special about that particular day? Well, they decided that the best way to remember their anniversary was to plan their wedding on a special numerical date on the calendar - their date being 10.10.10. And guess what? Their plan has worked! Just like this couple, we are entering into a new year with a special numerical opportunity for 2020. Wouldn't it be fun to take  this unique year and spread around some extra blessings? Now, we could come up with a plan to do 20 special things for our husbands in 2020. Or, perhaps we might dream up ways to bless our church family. But, what if we mixed it all up together and chose 20 things to do in 2020? A simple way to encourage others - and ourselves in the process! A lot of good could come out of this simple strategy for life. So, in keeping with the 2020 theme, there are a variety of different ways to create unique lists. You could choose one idea and do it 20 times thr...

Anticipation is a wonderful thing, and reflection is often a satisfaction to the soul. We work hard putting together special programs, meals and parties to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to share the love we have for our family and friends. Yet, it can be exhausting – even when we’ve tried to simplify. It is easy to let the anticipation, preparation and festivities of our celebrations absorb all of our time and energy, and before we know it we can easily miss out on those precious moments of worship and reflection. So, today, if you are taking the time to read this, I’m assuming you are taking the time to grab a moment of solitude and a little time for reflection. Hopeful to receive a boost to your spirit or a word of encouragement for your heart. Me too! And, here’s where my thoughts turned tonight as I write to you. We are all familiar with the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth. The angel’s visits to Mary and Joseph. The miraculous moments between Mary and Elizabeth...

News feeds splash headlines every day about the chaos in our world and the polarization that increases in our country, but I have found a new joy in spite of it all. While l istening to a few Christmas carols this year, I have seen the depth of despair that we have in common with all the generations who have come before us. Our world is in no more misery than the eras before us.   While that may not seem like a very happy thought to ponder during the Christmas season, it has increased my peace and sense of wonder!  Why? Because I don't need to get caught up in the hype. My sense of security doesn't need to crumble. God has given us an amazing gift in the birth, life, death and resurrection of His one and only Son. Because of this life-changing gift, we can face the uncertainties of life and the challenges that are all too common to mankind. Listen to the words of these carols... Free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of hell Thy people save O come, Messi...

Admittedly, I do shop all year long. Oh, don’t be impressed by that, it is mainly because I’m tempted by some ‘impulse’ bargains. It’s those things that are 75%-90% off in January and February. Or, sometimes it is simply the ‘leftovers’ from buying too many birthday items for one person and then realizing I can’t be gifting that much on one holiday! Either way, my Christmas stash begins to grow! Last week, I got a lot accomplished in the world of Christmas lists and actual purchases. Throughout this week, I should be receiving multiple deliveries from vendors all across the USA. Hopefully! But, until those deliveries arrive, I have one overwhelming project looming over my head. What is it? Unearthing my Christmas stash! While it looks like a lot cluttered in one particular corner of my basement, I always wonder, “What did I buy?” “Who did I buy it for?” “Will they really like it – at this point in time?” So, that is my challenging goal for this week. (Oh, and don’t even a...

Christmas gatherings often fill up and can even overwhelm our calendars during this time of year. Perhaps this little poem could be a little something different that you can share with a Sunday School class or small group in the days ahead. As we each celebrate the Advent of Jesus, let us reflect with others on His Second Advent as well. ' Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed. Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head. And, Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the East there arose such a clatter I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! When what to my wondering eyes should appear But angels ...