Jolita Peterson
Day 1: Present With Us

Day 1: Present With Us

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. John 1:14a (ESV)he cold night air frosted my breath as my chore boots crunched across the snowy farmyard. On my way toward the goat barn, I paused to look up at the crisp,...

The Hope of a Better Life

The Hope of a Better Life

They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Hebrews 11:35c (NLT) recently hit a major birthday milestone and spent some time looking back over the past few decades. For much of my adult life, I looked ahead to the next stage,...

Week 4: The Light of Joy

Week 4: The Light of Joy

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7 (ESV)s I walked along the dry-stone wall, the last rays of sunlight gasped a final breath before disappearing behind the scenic peak in the distance. It wasn’t even...

Why We Gather

Why We Gather

Why We Gather And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) y dad came from a large family, with eight brothers and seven...

The Right Time

The Right Time

The Right TimeThe Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)For years, I’ve had a strained relationship with a particular member...

Mixed Feelings

Mixed Feelings

Mixed FeelingsAnd he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave...

Day 7: Jesus’ Body is Taken Down From the Cross

Day 7: Jesus’ Body is Taken Down From the Cross

Mark 15:42-47 (ESV) And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and...

Lush Pastures and Darkest Valleys

Lush Pastures and Darkest Valleys

Lush Pastures and Darkest Valleys The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the...

What I Need

What I Need

What I NeedAnd my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:9 (ESV)ve not been sleeping well lately. Lots of things on my mind combined with the need for a new pillow and a minor cough (not Covid,...

The Wonder of Advent

The Wonder of Advent

The Wonder of Advents a child, I would eagerly await the arrival of December 1, the day we could start opening our Advent calendars. The thick, paper calendars – imported from Europe by my mom who’d spent most of her childhood there as a missionary...

A Change of Heart

A Change of Heart

A Change of Heart Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Until I was twenty-four years old, I had only lived within a one-hour...

The Batteries That Work Best

The Batteries That Work Best

The Batteries That Work Best This summer, we’re taking a close look at how we can feel restored and refreshed. As our bodies, minds and spirits continue to recover from the incredible stress of a prolonged, world-wide pandemic, it’s important to be intentional about...

The Lens of Gratitude

The Lens of Gratitude

The Lens of Gratitude Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11 went to the eye doctor a few weeks ago, for a much-needed checkup. I’d suspected my lenses were off and,...

The Influence Of Our Words

The Influence Of Our Words

The Influence Of Our Words Death and life are in the power of the tongue… Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)   ometimes I forget that my words have power. Too often, I’ve said something hurtful because I didn’t fully weigh my words ahead of time. Or, when I...

The Roman Soldier

The Roman Soldier

The Roman Soldier e'd lost count of how many crucifixions he’d witnessed. Too many. It wasn’t something a person ever got used to – the visceral brutality of the Roman death penalty ensured it left an impression – but after participating in so many...

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings;he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep...

Day 25: Coventry Carol

Day 25: Coventry Carol

Lullay, lullayMy little tiny childBy-by, lullay, lullay Oh, sisters two how may we doFor to preserve this day? This poor youngling of whom we do sing Herod the King in his ragingCharged he hath this day His men of might in his own sightAll children young to slay Then...

Day 11: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Day 11: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy   In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born And...

Day 9: What Child Is This

Day 9: What Child Is This

What Child is this who laid to restOn Mary's lap is sleeping?Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,While shepherds watch are keeping? So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,Come Peasant, King to own HimThe King of Kings salvation brings,Let loving hearts enthrone Him....

Asking the Right Questions

Asking the Right Questions

Asking The Right Questions Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” Luke 1: 18, 34 uring the...

Day 3: Welcome to Our World

Day 3: Welcome to Our World

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking How we need to hear from God You've been promised, we've been waiting Welcome Holy Child Hope that You don't mind our manger How I wish we could have known But long-awaited Holy Stranger Make Yourself at home Please make Yourself...