Peace is a gift..

Let there be peace on earth.

Such a simple request.

The search for peace can lead people from country to country, to God or away from Him, from one partner to the next.

And yet, peace is a gift. Not the peace the world gives but true peace. (John 14:27). The night Hope was born Love took on flesh and brought Joy into the world to bring us Peace.

Peace comes from Christ. 

The power of stillness is found deep within the soul. Looking around causes confusion which leads us away from peace. Those concerns that cause anxiety and stress need to be turned over to Christ. Wholeheartedly and completely. No hanging on in hopes of trying to work it out yourself. Present your requests to God with thanksgiving and a peace that transcends all understanding is promised to you. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Let go of striving and experience His peace this Christmas!

Are you feeling the joy?

The night Hope was born Love took on flesh and brought Joy into the world!

Are you feeling the joy? 

After a dark night of the soul the dawn of joy is such a relief.  My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this week. We've had our share of ups and downs over the years. Two stillbirths, one miscarriage, two live births, moving from the US to Russia, and then Russia to Belize and having all of our belongings stolen in the last move....what a journey it has been.

December 13th is our wedding anniversary. It is also the date that our first son was stillborn back in 1985 on our 4th anniversary. Sweet and bitter mingled over the years. Remembering the date brings us face to face with the realities of life. Part of that reality means facing death, facing heartache, facing fears. hoping for the best and accepting whatever comes our way.

Getting married at age 18 was a challenge. Armed with high school diplomas, optimism, and our love for one another we set out to conquer the world. Looking back on that rainy day in Wichita, Kansas I can see how young and naive we were.

It is only by God's grace that we have gotten this far.

As Christmas draws closer may you find reasons to rejoice. The wise men needed His star shining brightly in the heavens to point the way toward Him. Today just look into His word. Listen out for His voice if you're facing a dark night. His joy will come in the morning! I don't say that as a cliche. I say it from years of experience. Each storm we have faced has been followed by a rainbow. And each night is followed by daybreak. Although the night may be long, lift up your head and look to Him, and He will make your joy complete!

God Is With Us

Each time I write a song I see it as a gift from God. I feel as though He guides me and uses me in the way Mother Teresa describes...like a pencil in His hand.

At all times, in every season, God is with us. He will never leave or forsake us. He walks with us in the valleys and on the mountain tops. He is there when even when we cannot feel His presence. He never sleeps and never gets tired. He will strengthen us and help us. Nothing can ever separate us from His love. He is God. He is here. He is with us.


I'm so grateful to Paul Flores of Studio A, the executive producer, on this project, to Mervin Budram-MD of Roots and Honor Records, the producer, to Yoelvis Medero Lunar of Allegro Music School, to Melanie Flores, Bethany Godoy, Chanelle Parks, and to the Belmopan Childrens Choir for bringing this song to life.

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I pray that this songs ministers to you and if you want to sing along...here are the words!

God Is With Us
Hope was born in a manger
Light came in to the world
Born to die for redemption
Angelic wings unfurl
A heavenly choir broke the silence
To welcome our newborn Lord
Hope was born in a manger
Our Savior, Redeemer, our Joy.

God is with us
God is with us
Immanuel our joy!
God is with us
God is with us
Immanuel our Lord.

It was a night filled with wonder
It was a night full of grace.
In awe we bow low before Him
With reverence we seek His face.
His mother ponders the moment
His Father looks down with Love
It was a night filled with wonder.
Showered with grace from above.

Hope was born in the silence
Light was born in darkness
Immanuel has come
Immanuel has come!