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The Blessing of an Unexpected Community Connection
The advent of the internet and the cellphone have ushered in an age of unprecedented connectedness. Through satellite technology, we are able to contact people on the other side of the planet within minutes. Yet our post-modern society suffers from what the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, deemed in 2023 as an epidemic of loneliness.…
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Trusting In the Master’s Care
My husband and I recently adopted two puppies from a local humane society. Sounds a bit crazy, I know. But these dogs are a Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherd mix—breeds historically recognized as livestock guardians. At the time, it didn’t matter that neither my husband nor I knew a thing about training guardian dogs. We chose to…
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In The Silence of Holy Saturday
An oppressive hush had fallen over the household. The heavy weight of it constricted Mary Magdelene’s chest, making even normal breathing difficult. She pressed a hand over her battered heart, her fingers searching for its familiar rhythm. Was she yet alive while her Lord lay dead in a cold tomb? Questions, more questions, all unanswered.…
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When All Things Are Made New
March is a fickle month. You never quite know what you’re going to get from one moment to the next. A late winter storm might blow in overnight, only to have all the snow melt by mid-afternoon. Such is spring in the Mid-West where I grew up as well as in my present home in…
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Love One Another (Like Jesus)
Love one another…as I have loved you. These are some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before his crucifixion. The world does not understand this kind of love. The world says: Love those who love you. Love those who look like you, talk like you and agree with you. The world divides…
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Where Are You Aslan? We Need You Now.
I’m writing during our recent winter storm. It’s snowy and beautiful outside. The giant pine tree boughs are laden with white fluff. Suddenly, the weight is too much and the mounds of snow flutter to the ground. This white mask encases everything in my world and a bluish-gray mist hovers over the mountainous horizon. The…
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A Gift of Quiet Grace
That morning, I made my decision. I would trim Dad’s fingernails. It was a simple task, wasn’t it? I could offer this service without much effort. It would be a gift of quiet grace. Dad had needed his nails trimmed for some time, and I’d asked his nurses to do it when I had them…
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Epiphany: A Revival of the Heart
Every early January we celebrate Epiphany, a Christian festival commemorating the journey of the Magi or Three Kings to Bethlehem. They followed a divine star in the sky that led them to the Christ child. These Wise Men recognized Jesus’ identity as King, while the rest of the world remained unaware. This earth-shattering revelation quietly…
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Christmas: When Our Expectations Flip Upside Down
Christmas time is packed full of expectations. Every parent tasked with decorating their home and buying gifts for their children understands exactly what I mean. Even those hosting the holiday meal make sure to serve it with all the expected traditional dishes. No one wants to disappoint their loved ones. We strive instead for that…
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Advent: When God Broke Through the Silence
The Advent season is upon us. Now is the time for retelling the story of Jesus’ birth in Christmas pageants across the globe. Tradition paints us a picture of a diverse cast of characters from the very young to the elderly, the poorest in ancient society to the most powerful. The word of the Lord…
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Seeking Strength Within the Struggles of Life
If there’s one common diagnosis (besides viral illnesses) I see often in my medical practice, it’s anxiety. We all carry worries. High social standing or a stellar financial portfolio do not make us immune to life’s challenges. They only lead us to believe we can handle every set back on our own. But this couldn’t…
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Prayer: A Pathway Toward Peace of Mind
Chronic stress is at an all-time high. In a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, a majority of Americans said their stress levels had increased and around 75% reported physical or emotional symptoms due to stress. Many factors contribute to this up tic but according to the Bureau of Statistics, money is the biggest…
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If You Want to Overcome Anxiety—Learn Contentment
What is one dependable way to lessen worry and anxiety immediately? Learn contentment. Yes, this sounds counter to everything we hear and read in the media. From television commercials to Facebook feeds, we’re lured into thinking that we’ll never have enough. Sound bites and Instagram reels convince us our lives are not as glamorous or…
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Refocus Your Thoughts to Overcome Anxiety
What do you do when bad news presses you from all sides, threatening to overwhelm your heart? You purposefully refocus your thoughts to overcome anxiety. I know this sounds hard—impossible really. But remember—nothing is impossible with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and enable you to see beyond the constant tragedies reported…
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Boldly Break Free from This Self-Imposed Silence
There’s a strange sort of dynamic going on in the US for some time now. Even though everyone is guaranteed the right to free speech and religion, a number of people don’t fully exercise that freedom. A vocal minority bullies the majority into remaining quiet about their opinions and beliefs by claiming such talk is…
