A Rude Awakening

July 8, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 This morning I awoke to what sounded like gunshots. I jumped up confused, hearing thudding sounds like bodies falling and an unbelievable racket. Then […]

Choosing Worship Over Worry

March 27, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

… Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41 Two weeks ago I was one kid away from being an empty nester, but Covid-19 changed everything. My daughters fled their big cities and hunkered down at home. Suddenly there’s more cooking, laundry, dishes . . . more […]

Priority Planning with Jesus

February 10, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5 Where does Jesus fit in the priorities of your life? Is he in first place or is he more of an afterthought? Honestly, depending on the circumstances, I sometimes squeeze him in wherever. It’s the wrong thing to do […]

Peacemaking in a hostile world

January 31, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both […]

A life changing Bible verse

January 23, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

A number of people close to me struggle with anxiety. At times, it’s severe. Furrowed brows, hammering hearts, and full-on panic attacks are common. It’s hard to watch, hard to feel helpless, especially since I’ve experienced these emotions myself. A long time ago, especially when I was a young mother, I worried a lot too. […]

Illuminating the mystery of more

January 16, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Eph. 1:3). How often do you look up and marvel at the night sky? My guess is that your answer depends on what you see when you do. Wonders upon […]

Will you win an award or a reward?

January 7, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Winter is the time for snuggling under blankets, getting cozy in front of the fire, and . . . awards. Each year, powerful tastemakers in Hollywood celebrate the previous year’s success by staging elaborate award ceremonies. The star-studded events are glamorous – women shine in (mostly) gorgeous gowns and men are decked out in tuxedos. […]

Feeling worried about the year ahead?

December 31, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 I’m watching the dawn break as I write this morning. My view, which faces the Atlantic Ocean (and is blocked by homes in front of me), […]

A merciful miracle story

July 8, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

By Erika Rizkallah Have you ever heard the phrase: Be careful what you pray for? It’s often said after something dreadful or amazing has happened, and my case is no different. A few weeks ago, on Father’s Day to be exact, my family decided to take an evening boat ride. It also happened to be […]

How does your (spiritual) garden grow?

May 23, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

By Erika Rizkallah Got a brown thumb? Happily, spiritual planting is all about growth! We can learn so much about growing our faith by applying lessons from the garden. I inherited my gardening passion from my dad. I also come from a long line of farmers and joyfully remember the summer weeks spent with my […]