From Day 1 of writing these thoughts and devotions the scenes that we will look at today have been ever present in my mind. Two older people, their lives seemingly behind them, and yet they are hanging out in the Temple. Life, hope, and mercy are the themes on their mind. I often find myContinueContinue reading “What Expectation Looks Like”
Category Archives: Daniel’s Thoughts
Time and Energy
What matters? What lasts? What defines us? These are questions that to some extent we have all probably asked ourselves at some time or another. Our answers are varied. They are, however, revealed in the actions and choices that we make. Every generation, every subgroup of each generation will all attempt to answer the aboveContinueContinue reading “Time and Energy”
Wonder and Time
Babies are an incredible gift from God. Their smiles and interactions with us endear them to most people they encounter. They are also weak and in need of constant care and attention. Whatever you may know of them I can promise you this; babies are a lot of work. You do not get a breakContinueContinue reading “Wonder and Time”
Intentional Thoughts
A Starry Night Take a piece of dark paper/wall board/poster board/ etc. Attach this to a wall or some other well-traveled place in your house. Cut out white stars and place near this spot along with a pen. As the days pass take time to write things of thanksgiving, instances of joy or happiness, orContinueContinue reading “Intentional Thoughts”
Embracing Brokenness
Cold. Dark. Lonely. Regular. Expected. Normal. Think of your life and think of tasks that you perform regularly. Maybe you dread them. Maybe you enjoy them. What you do not expect is to be visited by angels. Why do we not expect angels? Should we expect messengers from Heaven? In the circles that I haveContinueContinue reading “Embracing Brokenness”
a world-changing announcement
It’s caroling Sunday again. The formation and use of the word Noel has an interesting and complicated history. Originally the word means to be born and then through some double usage and similar words it now is used to mean the Christmas season or Christmas carol. More info Here Thousands of years before God hadContinueContinue reading “a world-changing announcement”
sitting quietly
It’s Saturday and there are only 13 days that separate you from Christmas. What are the plans for today? Shopping? Cleaning? Baking? Sitting? Whatever your plans, or combination of plans might be, the reality is that most of us don’t expect our world to get turned upside down. If, however, we do find our worldContinueContinue reading “sitting quietly”
The Magnificat | A Declaration
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends toContinueContinue reading “The Magnificat | A Declaration”
Interactions of Faith
The story of Mary is one that we know well. A young woman engaged to be married has an encounter with an angel who tells her that a true miracle is happening within and around her. Mary asks questions but it is clear from Luke’s telling that she is a woman of faith. Mary isContinueContinue reading “Interactions of Faith”
The Quiet
The Quiet Zechariah has been visited by the angel. Elizabeth is expecting a child. For everyone else though it must seem like everything is still normal. The Judean countryside is still occupied by Roman soldiers. Herod is still working on the Temple, and it’s costing more every month. Food demand and supply seems the same.ContinueContinue reading “The Quiet”
Seek Understanding 