Tag: Christmas
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Tea Time with Mandy: Five Loaves, Two Fish, and a Midnight Knock
I didn’t write Peace in the Storm last week, and I want to tell you why. It wasn’t because the storm passed. Nor because the message no longer mattered. But because sometimes peace looks less like stillness and more like obedience that costs you sleep. Christmas morning found my family and I tired in a…
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Tea Time with Mandy: The Empty Chair
Sarah hadn’t felt much of anything for a long time. The house was quiet that December afternoon—too quiet, the kind of quiet that grief lays over a home like a heavy blanket. Lights from the Christmas tree glowed softly across the dining room walls, yet nothing in the room felt warm. It had been over…
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Miracles: Then and Now
(Part 5) Ai Audio As the final candle of the menorah is lit, its radiance illuminates a timeless truth: miracles are not just events of the past—they are a part of our present and future, woven into the fabric of our faith. Chanukah celebrates a miracle that defied human limitations, reminding us that God’s power…
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Community and Tradition
(Part 4) Ai Audio Chanukah is not just a celebration of miracles; it’s also a time to honor the traditions and community that keep faith alive across generations. The story of Chanukah reminds us that the flame of faith doesn’t burn in isolation—it is passed down, nurtured, and strengthened by the people around us. From…
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Illumination in the Darkness
(Part 3) Ai Audio Light is a powerful symbol, transcending time and culture. It represents hope, guidance, and the presence of something greater than ourselves. During Chanukah, the light of the menorah stands as a reminder of the miracle of the oil and the enduring faith of the Jewish people. In a time of darkness,…
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The Light That Guides
(Part 3) Ai Audio Reader Throughout history, light has served as a guide, illuminating paths and revealing the way forward. In the Bible, light often represents God’s presence and guidance. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This imagery points us to Jesus, the Word…
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Faith in Action
(Part 2) (With Ai Audio reader) Faith is not merely a belief—it’s a commitment to act, even when the outcome is uncertain. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, teaches us the importance of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. The Maccabees, though vastly outnumbered, chose to fight for their freedom to worship God. Their courage…
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Redemption in Darkness
(Part 2) Ai Audio Reader Darkness often precedes the most brilliant light. This truth echoes through history, literature, and scripture. In the Nativity story, a world weighed down by sin and oppression is suddenly illuminated by the birth of Christ. In Luke 2:10-11, the angel proclaims to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring…
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The Light of Dedication
(Part 1) (With Ai Audio reader) As the candles of the menorah flicker against the dark, we are reminded of the enduring light of faith and hope. Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history: the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miraculous provision of oil that burned…
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A Corresponding Series on Faith, Light, and Miracles
(With Ai Audio reader) As we approach the season of Chanukah, I’m excited to announce a special series of blog posts designed to inspire and illuminate your faith. Between December 5th and January 2nd, I’ll be exploring the themes of Chanukah from both a Judeo-Christian and literary perspective, weaving together historical events, Biblical truths, and…
Country Girl Gone City 