Rev. Jo Mortimer and I are pleased to announce the release of our new book: Jo and I worked together on programs for our local chapter of United Methodist Women before deciding to write this book together. It was fun collaborating on this Advent Devotional. Each reading in Hope, Love, Joy, Peace features Scripture, an…
Celebrating the Last Days of Summer
It’s hard to believe the summer is slipping away and school days are here. The following poem shows some of my best memories of summer. SUMMER CELEBRATION By Janet Kaderli Unpublished © 2007 After supper, as the summer sun slips from the sky My brothers, sister and I go out to the backyard. We…
Christmas in July–Day 12
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ali had gained so much during her Twelve Days at Silverleaf that she didn’t want Christmas to end. But seasons change. Every ending is a new beginning. Only Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews…
Christmas in July–Day 11
Romans 8:28 NIV — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Ali made this verse the eleventh item on her list, adding: “I’ve learned that even in the most difficult moments of my life, God has been…
Christmas in July–Day 10
“Let God tear down the walls that keep you from being connected with others.” The childhood tragedy that Ali survived left her with some emotional as well as physical scars. To protect her heart from hurt, she built a wall around it, never realizing that such a wall would keep out good things, such as…
Christmas in July–Day 9
“Stay Close to Friends” The Ninth Day of Christmas is the feast day of Saint Gregory and Saint Basil, two 4th century monks who were great friends. Throughout their lives, they studied together, corresponded, and faced down the heresies of their time. Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10…
Christmas in July–Day 8
On the Eighth Day of Christmas Ali added this to her list: “God has blessed us and will continue to bless us.” On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Ali was introduced to the eight Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-10: Matthew 5:1-10 NIV — Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside…
Christmas in July–Day 7
“God has given us gifts to use in doing His work.” (From Ali’s list.) Romans 12:6-8 NIV — We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;…
Christmas in July–Day 6
“The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.” Dean Stanley The presence of Jesus makes us holy because He is holy. Because He was extraordinary, if we follow Him, we are extraordinary. (From Twelve Days at Silverleaf.) When we invite Jesus to…
Christmas in July–Day 5
On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Ali found herself in a dilemma that led her to write, “Pray. Invite God into the situation.” Prayer should be a first response, not a last resort. When we pray, we acknowledge God’s presence and power in our lives. We get aligned with God’s will. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not…
Christmas in July–Day 4
Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. On the Fourth Day of Christmas Ali wrote “God and Jesus care for children and will comfort them.” She had found comfort…
Christmas in July–Day 3
On the Third Day of Christmas Ali added “Listen for God’s voice. His Word is the truth” to her list. What would God’s voice be like? 1 Kings 19:11-12 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a…
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