In case you didn’t know, today is Valentine’s Day. Generally I would not write about this holiday since others share lists and ideas and commentary that seems to cover all aspects of the day. Not to mention, it’s a tricky event to address since there is a lot of hurt and expectation surrounding it. Why have I decided to talk about Valentine’s Day, then? Because today is also Ash Wednesday.
God’s Character
The Light of Christmas
Bible, Culture, Family, God's Character, Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Writing SpotChristmas, that most wonderful time of the year. It can be also be challenging: winter storms muddle travel, parties over-fill our calendar, family can have its own dynamics. Nevertheless, it has always been my favorite holiday.
A Writer’s Advent – Peace
Culture, God's Character, Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Thoughts on Writing, Writing SpotIt’s that most wonderful time of the year. But even with lights, family, presents, holiday movies, and great food, one emotion often eludes us: Peace. We can have everything on our wish list, but that settled calm seems to slip through our fingers.
A Writer’s Advent: Hope
God's Character, Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Thoughts on Writing, Writing SpotI love the Christmas season. It is a time when a child’s wonder is most allowed in adults. Lights sparkle on every street corner. Cheer is in the air. Snow is even more welcome. It is at this time of year, amid all the trials and tribulations of adulthood, that we can take a few weeks to remember the innocence and joy of childhood.
A Time to Weep
America, Bible, Culture, God's Character, Personal Thoughts, StorytellingWhen a tragedy, such as the recent events in Florida, strikes, I find myself either staring at the television in horror or running from every form of media because my heart is too broken to bear any more.
Thoughts on Change
God's Character, Personal ThoughtsIt seems like it has been a long time since I have written a blog post, and in reality, it has been a while. The past several months have been ones of transition and change. Good change but difficult change. I am reminded of something John A. Shedd said, “A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for.” If we always remained in our comfort zone, we would never grow. We would never be stretched to our full potential. God knows what we need and easy lives don’t make the cut.
Out of silence, God speaks: thoughts on pain from a writer’s perspective
Bible, God's Character, Personal Thoughts, Thoughts on Writing, Writing SpotHave you ever been so broken that the only word you can push from the depths of your soul is why? Why did God allow my son to die? Why have I lost everything I have ever worked for? Does God even care? And then have you received God’s answer, His answer of silence?
A Slice of Heaven
God's Character, Personal Thoughts, PoetryGood friends can be silent together.
So it is with God.
To sit in His presence and listen to the wind in the trees.
Ah, that is a slice of Heaven.
– D.G. 5/1/10
Written while sitting in a Wisconsin forest preserve.
Clouds
God's Character, Personal ThoughtsIn the Chicagoland area the past few days, the clouds have been magnificent. It seems I look out my window, or go for a walk, and find myself staring at them, marveling. They have had such depth, such character, like a perfect landscape painted across the sky. And their colors have been varied and absolutely beautiful.