Catch the dream – you’re invited!
Posted on: November 6, 2021
Her dream began in a village in Uganda. A dance major in college, she saw the ability to communicate without words through dance and the arts. That seed of a dream took root, and after college, she studied dance ministry at Hillsong College in Australia. She returned with a massive dream where, like the one-for-one […]
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When you don’t know what you have…
Posted on: October 26, 2021
“Can you help me figure out how to watch HBO Max on my TV?” my sister-in-law asked. “I got an email that said it’s now included in my plan, but I can’t find it on the TV.” She went on to tell me how she watched movies on Amazon Prime on her iPad, but was […]
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The Risk
Posted on: March 12, 2021
She had an issue. She was known by her issue. The “woman with the issue of blood.” How would you like to be known by your issue? The woman with the issue of trust. The man with the issue of pornography. The woman with the issue of envy. The man with the issue of anger. […]
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Starting Over!
Posted on: January 1, 2021
; When my mother-in-law was interviewed in our wedding video, her first words were, “We waited a looong time for this!” Since then, my husband and I have jokingly said that phrase thousands of times. And I’m about to say it today. I just wish you could hear it in my mother-in-law’s Jersey Italian accent. […]
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So Will I
Posted on: July 3, 2019
I’m dating myself here, but when I was a kid, I had picture books with clear plastic pages that lifted up to reveal another picture underneath – a picture that might depict a skeleton or cells or the blueprint of something for which the exterior image was on the plastic page. Remember those? Well, tonight […]
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Who are you listening to?
Posted on: June 19, 2019
“AJ, COME HERE!!” My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again. “AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!” Bewildered, AJ […]
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Mission IS Possible
Posted on: June 5, 2019
One Sunday morning in church a few years ago, our pastor prayed for the youth who are going on mission trips this summer, including my son and daughter who were going as youth leaders. As part of his message, our pastor shared that with the Lord, all things are possible. Of course, we need to […]
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A Change in Perspective Changes Everything
Posted on: May 15, 2019
I was devastated. A fire on April 13, 2019 completely destroyed the Dunes boardwalk pavilion in Ocean Grove NJ. Nicknamed “God’s Square Mile,” Ocean Grove is a beautiful seaside town at the Jersey shore, and my favorite local vacation spot. The Dunes had just been rebuilt after the destruction from Hurricane Sandy a few years […]
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When must we NOT show mercy
Posted on: May 1, 2019
I find so many illustrations about the Christian life when I am tending my garden. Maybe that’s why it all began in a garden. The truth is: I have a love/hate relationship with my garden. Oh, how I love the blooms, the fragrance, the sheer beauty that shows its face each spring. Oh, how […]
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He is Risen… but that’s not all!
Posted on: April 18, 2019
When in Israel, this was one of my favorite spots. The garden tomb, and the sign on the door that you see after you see the folded clothes on the empty bench inside the tomb. How many times have I read the angel’s words in Matthew’s account of the women at the empty tomb? And […]
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Famous Last Words – Part 2
Posted on: April 3, 2019
In Famous Last Words -Part 1, I shared about one of Jesus’s last statements, “Father forgive them”. Today, I share another insight from these same three words. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, long before we ever repented or asked for forgiveness. He died for those still screaming, “Crucify him!” and He prayed: […]
Read MoreFamous Last Words – Part 1
Posted on: March 20, 2019
On Sunday morning, my friend Andy shared a simple yet profound message based on three words. “Father, forgive them…” In noting these words Jesus spoke while on the cross, Andy described this prayer, encouraging us to pray the same. This prayer was: Persevering prayer –We need to continue and not grow weary. 1 Thess. 5:17 […]
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God To Go!
Posted on: March 6, 2019
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 period leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Throughout history, God has used 40-day periods to accomplish His purposes. It rained for 40 daysdelivering Noah, his family and the animals from destruction. For 40 days, Moses was on Mount Sinai, face to face with God, receiving the Ten Commandments. The spies of the […]
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Keep looking up!
Posted on: February 20, 2019
My daughter found this old family photo recently and shared it on social media with her thoughts – which I am totally and unashamedly stealing for the powerful life lessons it contains for all of us! In her words: A photo so classic fantastic that it must be documented on the internet. But the more […]
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Leaving the Safety of the Boat
Posted on: February 5, 2019
The first of the sun’s rays had yet to break the long exhausting night. What should have been an hour boat ride now stretched into a 6 hour nightmare. Jesus had instructed His disciples to board the boat and meet Him on the other side of the lake. All night, a strong wind blowing against […]
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Do a Little Good – and help end human trafficking!
Posted on: January 16, 2019
Forgive me for sharing a slightly edited version of a post I published last year, but this month is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we can all use a reminder! Most people think (if they stop to think about it) that slavery ended in 1865. Sadly, that is false. Human trafficking (aka modern day slavery) […]
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My word for 2019 – and beyond!
Posted on: January 2, 2019
Do you follow the One Word trend? I did for several years, but skipped last year. And I wasn’t planning to select a word this year either. And then, my word found me. On Sunday morning. Fixing my hair while getting ready for church. Just an “ordinary” day. And a word pierced my consciousness. DISCIPLINE. […]
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Light makes all the difference
Posted on: December 19, 2018
The tree looked pretty adorned from top to bottom with family heirlooms. Every year, it takes me hours to unwrap and hang the ornaments, loving the trip down memory lane. But there’s always something missing until I plug the strand of lights into the wall. Then, the lights make all the difference. Their glow casts out […]
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Make Christmas More Meaningful with Mary had a little Lamb
Posted on: December 6, 2018
With Christmas just days away, the pressure mounts. Today’s society dictates our home decor as well as our activities – trees, wreaths, Christmas cards, numerous gatherings of friends, family, coworkers, church members. Most of it has nothing to do with the truth of Christmas. Biblically, the birth of Christ is barely given notice. Only […]
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You Never Know
Posted on: November 21, 2018
“You changed my life.” Stunned, I wanted to scream, “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” But I snapped my jaw back into place, smiled, and asked, “What do you mean?” It was last Friday night, and we were halfway through our annual Justice Rocks event which raises awareness about human trafficking. The young lady before […]
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What a Difference a Day Makes
Posted on: November 7, 2018
On Friday at the Jersey shore, pods of dolphins frolicked in the ocean so near to shore you could almost touch them. Down the beach, over 50 fishing boats of all sizes clustered off the coast. The stripers were running, and under the bright cloudless sky, everything looked beautiful in the world. Overnight, the winds […]
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Do you ever have “separation anxiety”?
Posted on: October 24, 2018
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor […]
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Wise Words For These UNwise Times
Posted on: October 17, 2018
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that today there are many squawkers, complaining about our land, how far it’s come from our founding fathers, etc. But does God call us to complain or to humbly pray for our leaders, the media, educators, etc., and seek God’s face in the middle […]
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Are you seeing – Or looking??
Posted on: September 19, 2018
When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you […]
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Weeping and Joy
Posted on: August 1, 2018
As I write this post, I am barely recognizable. Poison ivy is covering most of my face which is swollen, itchy, stinging, dark red, with weeping sores all over it. I spent much of the past two days researching treatment for poison ivy and kept coming across that word – weeping. Each time I saw […]
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Is Any Prayer Too Small For God?
Posted on: July 18, 2018
I’ve heard quotes like these for years: There is no problem so big that God is not bigger still. There is no issue so small that God does not care about it. God is so big that the universe cannot contain Him, yet He is so small He can fit inside your heart. But they’re […]
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True Freedom Means Surrender
Posted on: July 4, 2018
On Independence Day, there’s a lot of talk about freedom and liberty. Thankfully, we do not live under the bondage that is found in some other countries. But all too often, we live in bondage to fear, pride, depression, anger. We may not have control over these areas of our lives. The answer is surrender. […]
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A Most Expensive Lesson
Posted on: June 20, 2018
There I was, driving along without a care in the world, until flashing lights behind me summoned me to pull over. A ball of resentment started churning in my gut. In the days following, the ball continued to tumble around and began to grow until it demanded focused attention. I realized I had three particular […]
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THE Only Place To Be
Posted on: June 6, 2018
For years, Psalm 91 was a favorite of mine. I even used it as my first email address. This week, my neighbor posted this photo of our lake’s resident swan family, and I instantly recalled those beautiful verses: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will […]
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They’re NOT cute!
Posted on: May 30, 2018
In the fall, you walk our front pathway at your peril. We have the most aggressive acorns you’ve ever seen, or felt. Honestly. The dents they render to a car’s hood or roof are nothing compared to the bumps they produce on your noggin. Then in the spring, I tackle the unhappy chore of removing […]
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Can you see clearly?
Posted on: May 2, 2018
Today, I’d like to open with a brief excerpt from my brand new, hot off the press book – a fairy tale called The Quest. In the story, young Esperanza dreams of a life beyond the dark village where she lives. She encounters Mai-Lyn and Sienna along the way, and the trio embarks on a perilous quest […]
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Purpose in the Pain
Posted on: April 18, 2018
For the past two years, our friend Bob has undergone rigorous, debilitating chemo to fight the cancer that is plaguing his body. It’s taken a toll physically and emotionally, but he has this to say about it: “Don’t ask God to take you out of the pain. Ask Him to bring you through it. The […]
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Bloom in Adversity
Posted on: April 5, 2018
These lenten rose perennials are my harbingers of spring. Every year, I look forward to their sunny faces breaking through the dirt. This year, I wondered if they would be hurt by our many spring snowstorms, including the unexpected April snow this week. But here they are, pushing through adverse conditions, not letting the […]
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In The Middle – the dark place between sorrow and joy
Posted on: March 31, 2018
Today we are in the middle. Yesterday was Good Friday – the pain of suffering, despair, heartache, the event that left us full of tears Tomorrow is Easter – the joy of new life, resurrection, rising from the ashes of pain Today we are just in the middle- the preparing for tomorrow’s feast, tomorrow’s worship, […]
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Remember – Rethink – Reconnect
Posted on: March 21, 2018
Another snowy nor’easter is barreling across the Northeast USA. We’ve been hit hard this March. Several huge snowstorms in a few short weeks. Technically, it’s spring, but you’d never know it from looking out your window. I have three random thoughts to share on this snowy day: 1 – There’s a lot of grumbling out […]
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Finishing Well
Posted on: February 21, 2018
Freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney has been both praised and maligned for competing in the S. Korean Olympics this week. She’s American by birth, is skiing for Hungary, and previously competed in skeleton for Venezuela. What makes her noteworthy? She’s been called a terrible skier, certainly not Olympic caliber. No tricks in her programs. Viewers and commentators […]
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The Faith of Eagles
Posted on: February 7, 2018
If ever there was biblical metaphor for the winning Super Bowl team, this is it. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Is. 40:31 And this was the year that a sports team […]
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When God Turns Up The Heat
Posted on: January 17, 2018
It’s a sad promise that we WILL go through the overwhelming waters and the burning fire. The verse above doesn’t say “if,” it says “when.” Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you WILL have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I […]
Read MoreEnd Injustice For All
Posted on: January 3, 2018
Most people think (if they stop to think about it) that slavery ended in 1865. Sadly, that is false. Human trafficking (aka modern day slavery) is the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. In 2014, by Presidential Proclamation, January was declared National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. By definition: Human trafficking is […]
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God’s Girl and the Christmas Story
Posted on: December 20, 2017
With new technology, searching family ancestry is becoming increasingly popular. Many people, our family included, found a few surprises in their family trees. And many people would be surprised to learn about some of the members of Jesus’ family tree. Matthew lists forty fathers, but he also includes five mothers, each one bringing an interesting […]
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Can we agree if we disagree?
Posted on: December 6, 2017
“What was that???” Under the covers, my husband’s foot had just brushed against mine. “That was my foot.” “But… but… it…felt…like….. CLOTH…?” “I’m wearing socks.” “Huh?” “Socks.” He was absolutely perplexed that anyone would wear socks to bed. We had married in the heat of July. It was now September, and an autumn chill brought […]
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Encouragement for the Discouraged
Posted on: November 29, 2017
A simple tag on Facebook caught my attention. A friend from many years ago posted a picture. It wasn’t a photo of me, but of her Bible that she had rebound after falling apart from years of use. She tagged me because my name was written in the margin. Years ago, I co-led a Bible […]
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Rumble Strips – Yay or Nay?
Posted on: November 15, 2017
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRM…… The rubber of my tire grazed the center yellow line, and the sound and vibration rocked me in my seat. Instantly we were back in the proper lane. Rumble strips have been appearing on roadways all over my county. These deep indentations in the yellow divider lines effectually warn drivers that they are veering […]
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The Multiplication Factor
Posted on: November 6, 2017
I’m an accidental abolitionist. At this point in my empty-nester life, I thought I’d be winding down from work and from ministry, but I find myself busier than ever. What began as a passing interest has multiplied into a ministry that has had a global reach. I’m not quite sure how it happened or exactly […]
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Make a joyful noise!
Posted on: October 18, 2017
He: “You should sing tenor.” Me: “Tenor??” He: “Yeah. Ten or twenty feet away.” True story. Said to me by a guy. At church! Yup! Funny? Maybe to some. But it’s nothing I haven’t heard or said to myself. Me: “I sing solo.” Me: “So low you can’t hear me.” My worship-leader-husband often walks into […]
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The Taming of the Tongue
Posted on: October 4, 2017
On Sunday, my pastor shared a message titled How Do You Speak. In it, he rightly challenged us to use our words for good and not for evil. How easy it is for us to quickly shoot off our mouth only to leave destruction in its wake. Yet the tongue can also be an instrument of […]
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How to Love
Posted on: September 20, 2017
A morsel drops on the floor, and no one runs to scarf it up. Arriving home, there’s no furry friend waiting on the other side of the door. Hearing a knock, I look to see if she wants to come inside, but it’s only the acorns thumping on the back porch door. There are a […]
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Can there be a purpose for fear?
Posted on: September 7, 2017
Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tools. It affects everyone. And it can affect any area of our lives. Are we a good enough as a mom, wife, friend? How about as an employee or employer? Are we up to the task? What about our dream goals? Do we even have dreams or […]
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When it’s just too hard
Posted on: August 16, 2017
Another email from our friend “B” bearing horrific news. B is a pastor in Nepal. He and his wife run an incredible ministry in Nepal raising awareness about human trafficking and traveling the country empowering women by encouraging mothers to form support groups and become advocates for their daughters in their communities. We at Justice […]
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The 6 Most Valuable Words
Posted on: August 2, 2017
For years, I longed to ride a motorcycle. Finally last autumn, I signed up for the Motorcycle Riding Academy. The first part of the first day was spent in the classroom with video and personal instruction. The rest of the time we put that instruction into practice out on “the range.” Our teachers shared many […]
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On being THE bride
Posted on: July 19, 2017
Thirty years ago today, we said “I do.” We made a committment to love, honor, and cherish; to stand by each other for better or worse, richer or poorer, through sickness and health, good times and bad. Until death do us part. I was a bride for one day, but as a Christian, I […]
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What happens when you assume?
Posted on: July 5, 2017
All my life, I have always been the shyest person in the room. So when my mom convinced me to attend a 2 week sleep-away Girl Scout camp, it was a true miracle. Two girls from my troop went with me so that gave me a tiny bit of comfort, but when we arrived […]
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To Be a Child of God
Posted on: June 21, 2017
I don’t think I ever really understood what it meant to be a child of God until I had children of my own. My relationships with my natural parents were often strained, so when I became a Christian, my understanding of the Father nature of God was more head knowledge than heart knowledge. That is […]
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Be An Oyster!
Posted on: June 7, 2017
My friend, Cathy, showed up one day sporting an eye patch. She’s a stellar athlete who has triumphed over hard-hitting competition, but thanks to a tiny grain of sand that scratched her cornea, she was kept on the sidelines, out of the action. A microscopic irritant grated against the delicate tissue producing redness and tears […]
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The Multiplication Factor
Posted on: May 17, 2017
At this point in my empty-nester life, I thought I’d be winding down from work and from ministry, but I find myself busier than ever. What began as a passing interest has multiplied into a ministry that has had a global reach. I’m not quite sure how it happened or exactly when it started. […]
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Can you really have “perfect peace?”
Posted on: May 3, 2017
A few years ago, Hurricane Irene came to our NJ town. And afterwards so did the President and Governor. The aftermath of flooding left our neighborhoods destroyed, people displaced, businesses ruined. But the destruction was selective. While some areas were devastated, others were spared. Among the many affected were two churches. In both cases, […]
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Dive Deep!
Posted on: April 28, 2017
While on retreat a while back, our rooms had a beautiful view overlooking the bay. As we watched the activity among the geese swimming and frolicking in the water, my friend shared with me her wise observation about the geese. Noticing the many geese diving down into the water despite the ample food along the shoreline, she said that it […]
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Future Perfect
Posted on: March 15, 2017
The words streamed out of my car radio and embedded themselves deep in my soul as David Crowder shared about his new album, American Prodigal. “God doesn’t love our future self more than He loves us right now.” My present self often dwells on my mistakes, things I’ve said or things I wished […]
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Break My Heart
Posted on: March 1, 2017
I caught myself humming and accidentally meditating on some lyrics from a favorite worship song – Hillsong’s Hosanna : Heal my heart and make it clean Open up my eyes to the things unseen Show me how to love like you have loved me Break my heart for what breaks yours Everything I am for your […]
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Can you feel the love??
Posted on: February 15, 2017
In his gospel, the Apostle John didn’t refer to himself by name. The only John mentioned in the Gospel of John is John the Baptist. John the disciple referred to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23, John 20:2, John 2:17, John 21:20) Now some people jokingly say – sure, you can […]
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When the Son don’t shine ~ 3 remedies
Posted on: February 3, 2017
Several years ago, I was asked to speak at a women’s retreat. Their theme was “How to Keep Growing When the Son Don’t Shine.” I struggled with this idea for a while until it struck me – the sun is always shining! We may not see it, but the sun never ceases to shine. As […]
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Start or Stop?
Posted on: January 18, 2017
Our patient, Angelo, is a super athlete, a long distance bike racer, who has accomplished what many never dreamed of. He had an appointment scheduled at our chiropractic office one day, but left a message that he wouldn’t be able to make it. It seems that while on a practice run with 20+other bikers, […]
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One Word for 2017
Posted on: January 5, 2017
For the past few years, I’ve been part of a growing trend – to select one word for the year, rather than set a bunch of resolutions likely doomed to failure. I thought the one word concept would work for me. And often throughout the year, it does. My word can serve as a little bird that […]
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What’s the rush??
Posted on: December 22, 2016
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 Hurry. It seems that’s all we do lately. And so we are often encouraged to slow down, be still. And yet there is a time to hurry- ~Zacchaeus, filled with curiosity, hurried ahead to […]
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How Can This Be?
Posted on: December 16, 2016
Has a phone call or conversation ever delivered incomprehensible news and you wondered, “How can this be?” You’re not alone… A devout priest, Zechariah was a descendent of Aaron. When his priestly division was on duty at the Temple in Jerusalem, he was chosen to enter the Holy Place. A religious man, schooled in […]
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Are you expecting?
Posted on: December 6, 2016
Are you expecting? Those words could be a thrill – or – they could strike fear in your heart. It all depends upon what you are expecting. 2000 years ago, there was an expectation in the land of Israel that the Messiah would be coming (Luke 3:15). For 400 years (twice as long as […]
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The Aftermath
Posted on: November 9, 2016
For the past few months, I repeatedly read and heard people say, “I can’t wait for Nov. 9 for all this to be over!!” Well, it is Nov. 9. And nothing is over. It’s just beginning. I wrote this post yesterday – on Election Day – without knowing who won the election. But some things […]
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When God Was A Mouse
Posted on: October 21, 2016
My daughter’s fingers, like tiny talons, bore into my flesh. Her eyes widened with terror, tears welled behind a fringe of lashes. As we disembarked the tot-sized train and headed toward the entrance, I spied the source of her panic. There, at the gate to the Magic Kingdom, stood a mob of behemoth Disney characters. As […]
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To Provoke or Not To Provoke
Posted on: October 5, 2016
Watching the political debates evokes the word “provoke.” Personal conversations and social media interactions are filled with words and emotions that “provoke” each other. In our church’s marriage group, we discussed how we might “provoke” our spouses. So I did a little research on this difficult word. The dictionary defines provoking as: to anger, enrage, exasperate, or […]
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The Lure of Attraction
Posted on: September 14, 2016
On vacation last month, I was playing with the camera settings on my cell phone, trying out the “selective focus mode,” wanting to look like a halfway decent photographer. And I got the shot! But I got something else too. Something not so welcome. See the bee inside the flower? Well that little guy […]
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While You Are Waiting
Posted on: August 17, 2016
I love the Book of Acts, full of drama, history, theology. In Chapter 17, one of my favorite chapters, Paul delivers a powerful message in Athens. Paul fled to Athens because the Thessalonian rabble-rousers started to agitate the Bereans. Silas and Timothy stayed behind in Berea until Paul’s other travelmates came back for them. While Paul […]
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Saving Stones
Posted on: August 2, 2016
Photo credit: AJ Panzica , Zion National Park, 7/2016 My husband and I have a tradition that when God performs a mighty act in our lives, we save a rock or stone from the event. When we started this, we didn’t realize that this was a biblical tradition! Back in Old Testament days, the […]
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What, me worry??
Posted on: July 22, 2016
Normally, I love to hear the sweet tweets of the birds, but today outside the window of our office their joyful clamor tells me that they are very busy. Each summer, against our wishes, they attempt to build their nest under the eaves. Twig by twig, on and on, they flutter to and fro. .. […]
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True Freedom
Posted on: July 4, 2016
On Independence Day, there’s a lot of talk about freedom and liberty. Thankfully, we do not live under the bondage that is found in some other countries. But all too often, we live in bondage to fear, pride, depression, anger. We may not have control over these areas of our lives. The answer is […]
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Rock With A View
Posted on: June 20, 2016
Yesterday, my husband, kids, in-laws, and I went hiking at one of our favorite places on earth, Mohonk Mountain House in the NY Catskills. It’s one of those places that you really have to see to believe, a pristine lake atop a mountain surrounded by scenic vistas, rock climbs, and miles of hiking trails. […]
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Entitlement – The Poison and The Antidote
Posted on: June 10, 2016
Like so many others, this week I am reeling, feeling utter dismay and disgust over both a father’s letter to a judge and that judge’s lenient ruling for a young man convicted of a heinous crime. Both father and son showed complete indifference to the true victim in the scenario, excusing the son’s actions, blaming […]
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Roadside Lessons
Posted on: May 23, 2016
If we’re friends on Facebook (and I hope we are!), you might have seen my day of disaster and delight on Friday. We started out to Atlantic City for a concert, but were sidelined by car trouble. Twice we needed AAA for the rescue. The second time, we waited by the side of Rte. 287, […]
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The Comparison Thief
Posted on: May 12, 2016
Last week, as my daughter prepared for her Earth Day chapel presentation on creation, we talked about various aspects of creativity, including what stifles it. When I said, “comparison is the thief of creativity,” she replied, “Wow! I’m definitely putting that quote in my powerpoint!!” The more I thought about it, the more I realized […]
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Lights In The Darkness
Posted on: April 20, 2016
Driving past the airport in the 4 am darkness, looking out the window, I saw acres of blue lights shining like glowing forget-me-nots on a black velvet carpet. From my ground level view, they looked totally random and downright messy. But from above, these blue dots guide pilots to the correct destination avoiding total […]
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Occupy Your Street!
Posted on: April 8, 2016
Last fall, the salesclerk asked a simple question – one I answered easily every year. But this time, I hesitated. “Would you like to add on ‘Thanks for Sharing’?” Smile. Slight head tilt. Hand outstretched. Credit card please? Every year at that time – for a $25 enrollment fee that goes to charity – Macy’s […]
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In The Middle – the dark place between sorrow and joy
Posted on: March 26, 2016
Today we are in the middle. Yesterday was Good Friday – the pain of suffering, despair, heartache, the event that left us full of tears Tomorrow is Easter – the joy of new life, resurrection, rising from the ashes of pain Today we are just in the middle- the preparing for tomorrow’s feast, tomorrow’s worship, […]
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The Passover Question About Good Friday
Posted on: March 25, 2016
Part of the Passover Seder is the reading of the Four Questions. Usually this is done by the youngest boy, but when I was a child, my siblings were too young, so it was my job to recite – in Hebrew – the Four Questions. It is actually one question with four answers. Ma nishtanah halailah […]
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Who’s calling you?
Posted on: March 11, 2016
“AJ, COME HERE!!” My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again. “AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!” Bewildered, […]
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Can You Hear Me Now?
Posted on: February 24, 2016
Last week, my husband and I redeemed some hotel points and flyer miles to steal away for a rare treat. Leaving behind a NJ ice storm, we enjoyed a few days in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. It was incredible in many unexpected ways, both large and small. From upgraded plane seats to hotel rooms to […]
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On Purpose for 2016!
Posted on: January 20, 2016
For the past few years, I’ve been part of a growing trend – to select one word for the year, rather than set a bunch of resolutions likely doomed to failure. The one word concept works for me. Throughout the year, my word often serves as a little bird that flutters in my brain at the […]
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Forget it! Or remember?
Posted on: January 8, 2016
Happy New Year! On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Is. 43:18-19 Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s […]
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He’s With Us!
Posted on: December 24, 2015
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matt. 1:22-23, Is. 7:14 My friend experienced a horrific family tragedy not long ago. Yet miraculously she glows with the […]
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Bring Deeper Meaning to the Holidays
Posted on: December 16, 2015
With Christmas just days away, the pressure mounts. Today’s society dictates our home decor as well as our activities – trees, wreaths, Christmas cards, numerous gatherings of friends, family, coworkers, church members. . Most of it has nothing to do with the truth of Christmas. . Biblically, the birth of Christ is barely given […]
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True Thanksgiving
Posted on: November 25, 2015
Every year come November, the turkeys start their frenzied twittering. A level of anxiety invades their farm. And in many homes across the United States, moms start their frenzied cleaning, shopping, polishing, all in preparation for the least commercial holiday on the calendar – Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I relish in […]
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Which way is your ship going?
Posted on: October 12, 2015
In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety Two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Today, we recognize that achievement. For most people, it’s an opportunity for a day off work or school, or a day they wish they had off. But five hundred years ago, it was pretty remarkable that Columbus and other explorers took off on the […]
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A Dream Fulfilled
Posted on: September 28, 2015
And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21 Jesus said these words to His followers, bringing their attention to the fulfillment of the vision, promise and prophecy of His coming. I share that verse now because yesterday a vision, promise, and prophecy about Lauren’s future was […]
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You’re Never Too Old
Posted on: September 16, 2015
“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis Seeing that quote as a footnote in a friend’s email made me smile. For the past few months, I’d been feeling pretty creaky. And not just in my cartilage-depleted knees. With a milestone birthday approaching, I was really feeling my […]
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Of Birth and Death
Posted on: September 11, 2015
The picture above is at the WTC memorial.The rose was placed on Bruce’s birthday. This photo honors both his birth and death. Today is one of those days where you can’t help but remember the exact moment when you heard the news. You know where you were, who you were with, what you were doing. […]
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How To Hear From God
Posted on: August 25, 2015
In his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encouraged the church again to stand firm in the face of persecution. He urged them to “keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.” The Thessalonians heard from Paul both in person and by letter. Likewise, we […]
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Top Ten List: Garden Lessons Learned
Posted on: August 7, 2015
In my last post, I shared about a lesson learned one day last month when I spent the afternoon attacking a garden patch that had been sorely overlooked. The lush green foliage deceptively hid its true identity – a massive pack of weeds. Entering into the belly of beast, I had no idea the many lessons […]
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Get Out!!!
Posted on: July 11, 2015
The muggy air was so thick the weatherman described it as “air you wear.” I absolutely didn’t feel like going outside, especially since my task that day was to tackle the overgrown weeds in the garden. But my schedule didn’t allow for another day, so out I went. And I’m so glad I did. I […]
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The Real Scandal
Posted on: June 12, 2015
Every day it’s a new scandal, a new divisive issue. Race issues. Gender issues. Abuse issues. Political issues. You know the names. The places. We see and hear them all day, every day. Our newsfeeds overflow with opposing points of view. We share the ones we agree with, furthering the furor. We discount the opinions […]
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Memorial Day – A Day Of Remembrance. And Honor.
Posted on: May 25, 2015
Memorial Day isn’t about barbeques or three day weekends. It’s about remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s about sacrifice and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As Christians, we can also remember those “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; […]
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What Is Faith?
Posted on: May 7, 2015
So often we are living in the aftermath of an event that left us full of tears. Now we’re in a dark time, experiencing the pain of suffering, despair, heartache. Much like the disciples must have felt on the Saturday after the crucifixion. They waited in their despondency, unaware of what was to happen the […]
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How Can I Know God’s Will?
Posted on: April 27, 2015
The question of the day – most every day – for those who desire to follow God. How can I know God’s will? Choices are not always crystal clear no matter how strong our desire to follow God’s plan. The Apostle Paul provides a clue in two of the choices he made. In Acts […]
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