Brick by Brick: Rebuilding the Broken

How many times have you read the Christmas story and because it is such a familiar scenario that you mentally skip over the vast importance of understanding the role of Joseph?  A couple of years ago, I explored the story of Mary and how much I can relate to her since the death of our son Nathanael. How she was given the immense task of carrying the Savior of the world,  and came to love Him as He grew, only to see Him suffer and die. Yes, she also saw Him rise again. But that doesn't take away the pain and agony beforehand.  Yet she had HOPE. And I carry that Hope every day, grasping tightly as if my life depends upon it. Because it really does.  There are so many stories and songs about Mary, as if she was the only person taking care of the Son of God.  Here we see a family,  not just a young maiden who took on the responsibility for the little Lord Jesus. But even the Bible doesn't focus much on the stepfather and his role throughout the life of Jesus. He seems t

There are many things we can learn simply by observing life and others. Sometimes we must have a little nudge in the right direction or even a guide to navigating this treacherous world. Some things we simply miss in the ever-revolving door of life, but then there are the deep and mysterious truths that some of us may not know how to carry on our own. Being one of those who if I am pointed in the right direction I can generally find my way until the road gets much too hard to travel with my little handbag of knowledge. But when the signposts become all too frequent and cobbled and broken and sirens blare and voices become a buzzing roar of confusion and distress, we all need a helping hand to reach out and lead us through the thickets. Dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and physical health issues can be daunting any day of the year. But then the holidays roll around and it becomes a mighty task indeed. Even those closest to you, who may be dealing with the same thin