Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen and heard lots of New Year’s resolutions, through personal conversations and a variety of media. I enjoyed reading the Globe’s list of local people and resolutions, many of which involved commitment to family, personal goals and community involvement—some of my own thoughts for the new year as well.    There has also been considerable devotional material about spiritual goals for the new year, but during my quiet time a few days ago, o

Written on Christmas Day, 1863, the poem is Longfellow’s personal reflection while hearing church bells during such a tumultuous time in our country’s history.

What is less encouraging to consider, however, is the waiting; there, we can look to those involved in Jesus’ birth on earth for inspiration.

Dr. Denison gave examples of successfully applying this advice during his own tough times—the loss of his father, a child diagnosed with cancer.

I have not had time to thoroughly research these various connections, but after prayer and discussion with my husband over the years, we have agreed that on Halloween night we will have the porch light on and a generous basket of good candy.

One thing I will gladly give a positive review for, though, is God’s faithfulness. Over several decades of life, my ups and downs have helped me identify more and more with the writer of Ecclesiastes.

During Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, I am always inspired by the number of veterans I see serving other veterans. From staffing the welcome booth at the Veteran Village to coordinating reunions to working tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate one of the nation’s best Veterans Day parades, plus much more I probably don’t know about, they prove that “esprit de corps” was not something to be laid aside after leaving active duty, but a lifestyle to be carried forward. 

My morning devotions recently moved into the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. While that’s not a book people generally turn to for encouragement to start the day, the writer of the study guide pointed out that it has inspired considerable art, music and philosophy, sending my mind back many years to my sister singing along with the Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” on the radio.    The writer of Ecclesiastes, referred to in some passages as “preacher,” is presumed by many scholars

My Bible study last week included verses about trusting God, even when circumstances make us wonder what is going on, how long the situation will continue, what the outcome will be, and whether God really cares. One passage was Psalm 27:13-14, “I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (NKJV)    Persons inte

One of my Scripture studies this week was Ephesians 4:29, “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). With fairly strict parents and an even stricter church community as a child, I usually heard that verse used following what someone said when they hit their thumb with the hammer, or a couple of times when I tried out a phrase I heard from olde

I have a couple of habits that I believe contribute to my health and have helped me through a couple of incidents and headed off others...

Over six weeks, we are studying one verse per day and memorizing one of them each week, but the study isn’t just about learning verses; it’s about context: What was the inspired writer going through? What purpose did he hope to convey? How is this verse applicable to me?

I’m always amazed when various sources point me toward similar thoughts about how to represent my faith in Jesus Christ in a chaotic...

At a recent event, someone asked me how I came up with the name “Reflections” for the thoughts that find their way to this space. After...

I’m starting a new First5 Bible study, “30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know.” It includes not just the verses themselves, but the...

Being online eliminates the filters of civil in-person society, and rude comments are often unleashed on anyone who chooses to differ from a posted opinion.

The past few weeks, I’ve seen plenty of reminders about back-to-school, especially since my husband is a teacher. I’ve particularly...

This week’s “Reflections” is by Pastor Liz Wright. She serves as Connections Pastor at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, where she...

My cat, Dexter, frequently finds his way into my writing, and based on the number of people interacting with comments and photos on the...

Sometimes it seems as though several sources combine in my personal journey to drive home a point. Maybe I’m slow to understand—or...