Only By Prayer

Where the sacred and everyday meet


  • Does Your Head Know God Loves You But Not Your Heart?

    For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 is one of the most well known Bible verses in the world. Perhaps you already know it by heart. I’ve had it memorized for a long time.… [Continue Reading]

    Does Your Head Know God Loves You But Not Your Heart?

  • Are You Done Retreating?

    I schlepped my suitcase in the door and dropped it on the floor. “Are you done retreating?” Erik asked me as I came in the house.  His question stopped me in my tracks.

    Are You Done Retreating?

  • Take 5! A Good Work

    Let’s take 5 minutes and study about a good work from the word of God. Now, please get your journal and a pencil and lets get started!     6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.… [Continue Reading]

    Take 5! A Good Work

  • Cancel Culture, an Old Tactic

    Cancel culture is alive and well in America today.  If you dare to disagree with whatever “they” deem to be acceptable thinking on a topic or issue, the mob gangs up and cancels you — your social media presence, you job or business, whatever it is that is important to you and your livlihood. You’re now… [Continue Reading]

    Cancel Culture, an Old Tactic
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Gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

No doubt many of you have been preparing for Christmas by purchasing gifts for your loved ones. Our very first example of gift giving at Christmas was from the Magi. After their years-long trek to find the Christ Child, they presented Him with the priceless gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. As an aromatherapist, I’ve[Read More…]

The 5 Kings of Christmas

Christmas Peace on earth and good will towards men. All creation waits for the coming Savior. silent nights. holy nights. starry skies. heavenly peace. Shadowy figures in a stable and one brings forth the Messiah. While shepherds worship and angels herald from the heavens, three kings seek the new born king. But are there only[Read More…]

The Crosses of Christmas

At Christmas, our hearts turn to thoughts of Jesus. We think of the newborn King swaddled in rough wool, laying in a manger. We ponder the cradle. But what about the cross?  What does cross have to do with Christmas? ‘Cross the continent, Miles away, in the land of Persia, the Wise men readied supplies[Read More…]

Holidays or Holydays?

Holidays or Holydays? Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  Especially after a divisive election season (Let’s just quit talking about it already). There is a certain excitement, energy  and camaraderie around a national holiday. A common interest enables us to drop our animosity and connect to others. Hearts and hands working for[Read More…]

Double Doppel

“It must have been her doppelganger,” Erik said as hammered down a bite of his Detroit-style pizza. “Her what?” “Her doppelganger.” The word seemed to hang in the air, frozen between us. “Doppelganner?” “ganger.” “Spell it, please.” “d-o-p-p-e-l-g-a-n-g-e-r.” “Wow. I’ve never heard that word before, ” I replied as I munched my slice. I am[Read More…]

Reflections #7: the Ordinary

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life. Show Notes In today’s Reflections we are meditating on Matthew 1:18-20. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the[Read More…]