thistleplaid

Costly

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 It’s that time of year when my wallet spends more time outside my purse than snapped shut in it. In fact, I think IContinue reading “Costly”

Perplexed

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18 His mind was a jumble. Nothing made sense. He retreated to his workshop with the empty expectationContinue reading “Perplexed”

Declare

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaimContinue reading “Declare”

Recognized

“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44 Elizabeth was overjoyed! When she woke this morning, she recognized that her pregnancy could not be hidden and would now be evident to everyone. She had been in seclusion for five long months, wantingContinue reading “Recognized”

Waiting

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 (NIV) Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 (ESV) Forty-seven yearsContinue reading “Waiting”

Thankful

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to GodContinue reading “Thankful”

Harvest

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136 Thanksgiving, that most American of holidays, where we spend two days cooking a meal that will be devoured in less than 30 minutes to commemorate the pilgrims’ surviving their first year in the wilderness after fleeing religious persecution in theContinue reading “Harvest”

Joy

“The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guestsContinue reading “Joy”

Goodness

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 One of the things I love most about being a mother, a grandmother, and now a great-grandmother, is the opportunityContinue reading “Goodness”

Satisfied

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” John 6:9 It had been a long night on the water with very little fish to show for it. He was tired. The muscles in his youthful, skinny back ached from hours ofContinue reading “Satisfied”