[Christmas 2024] On a dark night in a small village in the heart of the world, our world was fundamentally changed. Nothing of what had been would ever be the same again. The vast majority of humanity didn’t even take note of the moment when heaven touched earth and angelic song called shepherds from a field to…
275. A blazing trail of light
The first day of December 2024 is over. It has begun, as it does every year. A celebration in the Christian world that honors the essence of our existence. A celebration that includes everyone—no matter how broken or commercialized it might be—there are few parts of the world that are not adorned with gold, silver, and…
274. Pilgrimage to Christmas
It’s mid-November, and my first Christmas event is already behind me. This was not intentional, but rather dictated by the availability of large venues that can accommodate, in our case, 200 women. On Saturday morning, we gathered at the country club in our city for a late breakfast, Christmas carols to sing along to, and a speaker…
273. And then…
This past week, I received a lot of feedback on the last Pebbles about forgiveness. I shared what I had to go through myself. Some things had accumulated and built up. Thoughts multiplied, grew, and almost took on a whole life of their own. I know the teachings about forgiveness. Knowledge is nothing and helps nothing if it doesn’t take root in…
272. The whole caboodle
Evil comes in waves. It catches you off guard, like a rogue wave suddenly breaking through the rhythmic beat of the sea. The wave that sweeps your feet out from under you is a bundle of disappointment, insult, hurt, and rage. The sins of others in your life tear your heart apart in an instant with words that wound,…
Who me? …Yes you!
Of course, you know the Bible story. It’s one of the most beloved stories in Christianity. The picture is in the Children’s Bible – beautifully illustrated in colour. A man in a long white robe carries a sheep draped over his shoulders. The caption reads: The Good Shepherd. You might remember it well, or perhaps the image is a bit blurry….
271. One Word
It is just like a contract. One of the requirements of a contract is mutual agreement. Two parties must agree on a certain matter or condition in order to achieve something. The willingness to agree is powerful. Such a decision, where two people agree, whether on big things or even very small things, is the driving force behind so…
270. Unlawful Authority
It’s so easy to criticize. Actually it comes quite naturally. From the sidelines of any situation, the perspective is different, and of course, I know exactly how things should look and unfold. My grandfather apparently always said: “You don’t argue about what is beautiful and pleasant.” He wanted to prevent personal preferences from turning conversations into arguments. This applies to…
269. The Only Door That Matters
Just as we previously philosophized about life’s path, there is certainly a lot of symbolism and sayings related to a door. Doors open and doors close—life “doors” that actually signify major decisions that determine a career, residence, and circle of friends. We often speak in this way. I did, however, hear the other day that if you’re in…
268. Road sign and guideposts
Set up road signs; put up guideposts.Take note of the highway, the road that you take. (Jeremiah 31:21) We often talk poetically and philosophically about the journey of life. This is entirely appropriate. Life is indeed a journey. It is not a soft resting place by a stagnant pool of calm water where we can collapse and rest. Perhaps there are times…
Pebbles of Perpetuity 