Inspiration comes from all kinds of places. Each Christmas, I ask God to help me see the nativity with fresh eyes. I read the traditional passages from Matthew and Luke, I soak in the prophecies of Jesus’ birth from the Old Testament and look up testimonies from historians like Josephus. I’ve explored the stories of the shepherds, the Magi, Mary, …
No matter how many Christmases I’ve lived through, I always feel unprepared when the calendar rolls around to December again. It doesn’t matter how early I start shopping, how many rolls of wrapping paper I buy, or how much food I freeze ahead. When the calendar hits December 25th, I’m scrambling like dog chasing after a bone. Some days, celebrating …
A very special episode is rolling your way from This is my Story…Tara is delighted to be talking with one of her writing mentors Allen Arnold! In today’s show, Allen and Tara discuss the problem with personality tests, fighting for a calm Christmas, story deaths, and interruptions. Allen talks about the orphan realm versus walking with God, and how he …
Join me in episode #4 to hear the story of how “O Holy Night” came to be. Only God could use an atheist, a Jew and two of the bloodiest wars in the world to bring His message of joy and peace to a broken world.
For years, my kids and I have begged my husband to put up outdoor Christmas lights. For twenty plus years he has refused. He knows it’ll be a pain. He fears it will damage the house. I personally think he’s afraid it will look like the Griswold residence and doesn’t want the hassle. Finally, last year he conceded and bought …
Once upon a time, there lived a poor girl named Anna. Anna’s only talent was weaving. She lived with her mother in Salzburg, Austria until, on one fateful day, she met a soldier named Mohr who was stationed in her town. As their friendship grew, she fell in love with the dashing man, and felt nothing but joy when …
One of the blessings, and sometimes headaches, of being a historical author is the amount of research I have to wade through each week. On occasion, a gem appears that is so rare, so astoundingly beautiful, that it makes the hours of sleeplessness worth every moment. Each Christmas I find particular joy in digging anew into the accounts of Jesus’ …
“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to—” Eli punched the scan button of the car radio dial with a little more force than necessary before curling his fingers back around the steering wheel. Static mingled with the broken sounds of passing Christmas tunes, news radio, and twangy country ballads. From the backseat, Joshua sighed. …
Last night, I sang a solo in church entitled “Be Born in Me”. It’s a haunting and beautifully composed set of lyrics woven around the thoughts that might have spun through young Mary’s mind and heart as Gabriel revealed the news that God had chosen her to give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. Here is a portion of the lyrics: …
“No room.” Most of us have heard the story. The fabled innkeeper who turned away Mary and Joseph in their hour of need. The calloused man has become a staple in the Christmas story, though he’s never mentioned in the Bible. No, really. The only Gospel that makes mention of there being ‘no room’ is Luke chapter two. Check it …