All In A Days Grace

  Many years ago, when the kids were little, we had a difficult year. Finances were stretched beyond measure and we were just getting by each day due to a year of difficult situations beyond our control. Then as if the financial burdens of everyday life were not enough, Christmas time began to approach. Instead of feeling the joy of the season, my husband and I instead felt weighted down with the question “How will we buy gifts for the kids this year?” As people invited us to parties and events, I would look around at everyone joyously celebrating the season and feel the heaviness of my weary heart.   As December 25 th approached, we finally had to share the inevitable news with our children. We could not afford to buy gifts that year. I will never forget the pain of sitting them down to tell them that. But I will also never forget my complete surprise at their response. There was not a look of disappointment or sadness. They had instead a look of concern. Not for ...

  Imagine if we lived our lives with an Advent spirit! What is Advent after all, but a time of excited anticipation of things to come. The pillars of that time are Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. We gather with friends. We make time for our loved ones more, and we have a spirit of celebration. Imagine if we lived our lives that way all year long; with the pillars of our days and weeks built with Hope for the future, our hearts filled with peace and our interactions loving. “Peace on Earth, good will towards men” kind of lives. Imagine if we remembered not only the reason for the season…but the reason for our lives. That we were created in the image of God to glorify God. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, discovered the futility of life when it is lived only for this world. Solomon knew what it was like to have fleeting joy that didn’t last when lived only for ourselves. We glorify God by fearing and obeying Him, keeping our eyes on our future home in heaven, and knowing ...