News & Insights

At Christmas time, our thoughts go quickly to love . . . it's the time of year when we think of those dearest to our hearts. 

Then there are those unexpected loves of our lives . . . the times when we have "A Choice to Love."

"When I look at him, I've never seen anything but the love of my life . . . this beautiful baby that I love so much." Liz Carl, who made an adoption plan after being raped at age 17.

"As a kid, I remember really struggling with this terrible thing that happened to my mom.  I wouldn't want ...

I recall someone observing that, in life, there are three types of people behind the wheel:  maniacs, idiots and good drivers.

Here's how they break down: maniacs drive faster than you, idiots drive slower than you and good drivers maintain your speed (but aren't nearly as gifted drivers as you are).

That reality came to mind in the middle of a Costco parking lot today.  I was making a quick run for the $1.50 dog & drink deal when it was confirmed: the holiday idiots and maniacs are now out in full force.  And with a shortened fuses ...

Last week, our family received a package in the mail from a friend that included a Christmas ornament with the word Emmanuel in scripted gold letters.  What a beautiful "welcome" that brought as we look forward to this Christmas season, and it will serve as a reminder to remember the reason for our celebration.

On a recent "BreakPoint^®" commentary, speaker Eric Metaxas talked about the season of Advent saying that "for the Christian, Advent is about preparing to greet our King.  And it is a time for both looking back to Jesus' first coming and looking forward to His second ...

Mercy may be described as showing compassion or forgiveness towards someone when they don't warrant it.

Isn't that the foundation of Jesus' time on earth? Our whole faith, really. God has forgiven our sins, loves us unconditionally and welcomes us with open arms into His Kingdom. Christmas is the purest expression of God's mercy towards us - his son Jesus, here on this earth. Born to live and die, to restore, heal and lift up.

Mercy Ships^® is taking on the message of Jesus, and the true meaning of showing compassion, everyday while in port. They are offering ...

Grace is defined as simple elegance or refinement of movement.  To do honor or credit to someone or something by one's presence.

Grace is something that we need all year long, however it's always good to remember that Grace first came to us in a manger. In the cold. There was straw and there were animals.

And the birth of Jesus.

Christmas is when Grace came to earth that night and Grace has been with us every day since. Never ending, always available and full of love.

This Christmas you can hear the story of Grace in Max ...

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

I must admit that my heart is tender today.  I just said (and hugged and kissed!) "goodbye" to my firstborn son as he left for a week of sixth grade camp in the mountains.  His return on Friday afternoon can't come soon enough!  While I know this is just the beginning of many "send-offs" to come, today I am certainly identifying with this quote about motherhood.

And, in this season, my thoughts ...