“And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God.”  –Deuteronomy 26:10 The first fruits of the day are the sweetest. At least I think so, but that is because I am a morning person.  I rise with eager expectations for what is to come. I find so much hope in those early morning hours. Don’t get me wrong, like most people, I must fight off the myriad of alluring distractions that attempt to pollute my mind. However, it is when my thoughts drift, better yet focus toward…

The season of Advent is a period of both repentance and celebration. Christians spend time in spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Believers remember not only Christ’s first coming to earth as a human baby but also celebrate his continued presence with us today through the Holy Spirit. Advent is also a time for worshipers to anticipate his return at the Second coming of Christ. The word “advent” comes from the Latin term “adventus” which means “arrival” or “coming,” particularly the arrival of something or someone of great significance. The lighting of an Advent Wreath is a traditional custom that originated in 16th-century Germany. On the…

Every morning the sun beautifully rises. If you’ve ever had an opportunity to witness the rise of the sun day after day, then you know that this image can be etched in your mind’s eye forever. Without comparison, this glorious beauty is incredibly unique every day,  and as we stand in its midst, we find ourselves overwhelmed and in awe. As a result of this extravagant beauty, I have been brought to tears many times. However, there are days I rise with less splendor and with more of a grumble instead. Have you had those mornings, the ones where the moment your eyes open, you wish you could turn over and shut them again? This is not only because…

“A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5 What do you think of when you hear the word Bask?  I think of something relaxing, probably because I think of basking in the sun, which I…

                                                      God loved a boy, and that boy could not comprehend. The darkness blinded him and consumed his every sense, but there would come a day, a day of amends. As that day drew near, it all became so very clear, From the depths of his pain, there was One who was calling his name. Beyond the shadows was the light of Mercy, and with kindness and Love, He came from above. Not a moment too early, nor a moment too late, but in…

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18 Have you ever heard someone ask you how your earthly father, your dad, reflected or pointed to our heavenly father? This has been a question that stumped me for many years. The reason I could not answer that question with certainty, was because I felt I didn’t know. I did not how to answer because I did not think I knew my father well enough to know how he pointed to the love of my heavenly father. To be honest, I did not know my heavenly father most of my life either, but now I…