Marie Alvero
Back to basics
I was standing in the checkout line at one of our local stores and noticed the lady ahead of me was wearing a brightly colored T-shirt with a Bible verse on it. Then when … »
Love, actually
Every year, at Christmastime, my husband has to endure my private tradition of watching Love, Actually.[[Richard Curtis. Universal Pictures, 2003.]] The movie weaves toge … »
The joy of community
Today I get the privilege of hosting five families for dinner. We’ve known each other for the better part of our lives, and tonight we’ll all come together in joyful comm … »
The choice
Maybe Peter thought he was going to stump Jesus when he asked the question “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” He wanted a nu … »
The Peacemaker
When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount,[[See Matthew 5–7.]] one of the most quoted orations of all time, He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” So what is a peacema … »
Great faith
For most of my life I’ve described my faith as a “Jesus-loves-me-this-I-know” type of faith. Jesus said He loved me. The Bible tells me so. I didn’t have a lot of questio … »
My soul thirsts
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?”[[Psalm 42:1–2 NLT]] I love this … »
Joy and good times
Here’s a great verse: “The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.”[[1 Kings 4:20 NIV]] I have … »
Broken Decembers
As the Hallmark movie channel announced 40 new Christmas movies for their 2019 schedule, it occurred to me that few events get the expectation and hype that Christmas doe … »
Creating family
In the doctor’s office where I work, we have a regular patient by the first name of Blender. That is her legal, given name. I haven’t had an opportunity to ask about the … »
The tightrope
Do you ever feel like you’re unicycling on a tightrope, while juggling five flaming torches and being chased by a tightrope master with a laser gun? I do! Life is balanci … »
Your little light
I love reading invigorating stories of people who have started NGOs, founded orphanages, adopted foster kids, created fair-trade organizations, or pulled off some other w … »