It seems to be a rather odd song, doesn’t it? What could assorted birds, maids ‘a-milking,’ drummers and dancers have to do with Christmas? You might be surprised. Before we start exploring the story, though, why not download a free coloring book to go with it at the DLTK site? Then listen to the song asContinue reading “Advent: A Partridge in a Pear Tree?”
Author Archives: Billie Jo
Too Much Love to Leave Us in Our Mess!
Years ago I read a story of a little boy who defiantly responded to his punishment with, “I’m sitting in time out but my heart is standing up!” There is profound truth in that—and it is the reality of many adults (especially those in Church). Obedience is not the same as being engaged in aContinue reading “Too Much Love to Leave Us in Our Mess!”
Finding Real Love
Human love is fraught with problems that come from our human nature–selfishness, self-centeredness and a lack of faithfulness. We say “I love you” and really mean “I love how you make me feel.” The only way we can really love is to receive the love of God and let it pass through to others. True agapeContinue reading “Finding Real Love”
Joy in the Mourning
It’s a cute little prayer…with tons of truth and arrows that should pierce. The election this week eliminated (should have anyways) any illusions of sweetness in our hearts. The anger, slander, outrage, fear and discouragement engendered by the election was not created by the election. It was simply unmasked by the process, not caused byContinue reading “Joy in the Mourning”
Hearing God in Horrors of Hurt
On the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, looking to Jesus–our INTERCESSOR–is a blessed endeavor! May you enjoy this excerpt from my devotional, Fixing our Eyes on God. There are some wonderful, awe-inspiring revelations of Jesus that begin with “I.” He is the I am, the Image of the invisible God, immortal, immutable,Continue reading “Hearing God in Horrors of Hurt”
Going Along To Get Along Kills
Relationships continue to weigh on my heart. The longing of God for each of us to connect to Him (and one another) with depth and honesty beats loudly in my mind. The tendency of humanity is to settle for much less than God desires in our relationship with Him and with others. Truly connected relationships are whatContinue reading “Going Along To Get Along Kills”
Celebrate the Journey
In a recent piece, Building Relationships, I shared with you some of the lessons I am learning from my equine instructor, Gretchen. Like our English Bulldog, Barnabas, she inherited a life goal just by joining our family: be a tool for teaching Scriptural Truth. In our mind, that goal meant the pets would become therapy animals forContinue reading “Celebrate the Journey”
How we live matters.
The chaos and horrors of the world pile up to make us feel helpless and hopeless. It isn’t true. Every life has impact; every life matters. We must accept responsibility both for how we live and what we look at. The children’s song I used to sing with the children is on my heart thisContinue reading “How we live matters.”
Seeing God’s Glory in Parkinson’s Disease
Reprint of a column from the Baptist Voice in honor of the birthday of this saint who shows us the way of Christ! It was our joy to see Dave & Terri on our NY trip this year. They both press on in the face of Parkinsons–bringing great glory to God. Love to you both,Continue reading “Seeing God’s Glory in Parkinson’s Disease”
ABCs of Relationships
The beautiful depths of life require connection with others. God created humanity for relationship. Much of our culture today draws us away from deep connection with others–but the longing never leaves us. It is the design God wove into humanity. Part of the plans for Heartsong Ministry include using horses (and other animals, inContinue reading “ABCs of Relationships”
