"lights please"

And with that, Linus begins his annual reminder of the meaning of Christmas. Many of us have watched A Charlie Brown Christmas for decades. It's a classic, and for some its one of the best parts of the holidays. And yet even in light of the truth that Brother Linus preaches, we continually find ways to make Christmas something else.



Despite our best efforts to take the focus off it's true meaning, that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Merry Christmas.

work in progress

It has been months, 9 months to be exact, since my last post. I've started writing several, but as of yet, they just aren't ready. Watch for more soon. I have a three week break from school, and vacation time from work. So, I've got a little time to do the things I really enjoy - like writing.

In the mean time, I felt like it was time to update the blog visually and technically. I've already made the switch to a three-column blog format(!), and have started to change the look. In the next few days, there will be some additional changes including the header, new color scheme, and much more.


As for the promised posts on Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning, those will show up eventually. I'm currently in the midst of four other books that I want to finish over the break.

Thanks for the encouragement during the stretch when I've been off the grid, and for checking back to see if I've written anything new.

Merry Christmas!

alone and unknown

Every so often I get the feeling that I am, as the title of this post would indicate, alone and unknown. Or perhaps more accurately, unknown and alone.

In these instances, I am overcome by the feeling that very few, if any, know the real me - with all my baggage, issues, and flaws. The result is a palpable sense of being alone.

We all have an innate desire for intimacy, to be known. And yet it is often our own protectionist efforts that keep this desire from being realized. We are so preoccupied with guarding our hearts that we refuse to let down our facades so that others might see and know what is real and true.

And so we end up feeling alone and unknown...like I did tonight.

Your Love Is Strong

I heard this song for the first time at the Fiction Family concert on Wednesday, and was immediately struck by its familiarity and simplicity. It just may be my new favorite song.

The song is "Your Love Is Strong" by Jon Foreman.



Heavenly Father, you always amaze me
Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
Give me the food I need to live through today
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place
I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
Invade my heart, invade this broken town
The kingdom of the Heavens is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons