Not Just Any Star

December 15, 2025 Gracie

Not Just Any Star, “The” Star

How bright was the Star of Bethlehem?

Have you ever thought about that?

Sometimes I wonder what could come close to it in our modern times.

The first thing that came to mind was a supermoon.

In fact, my husband and I were driving home recently and a supermoon was rising above the horizon.

We couldn’t help but notice.

It was beautiful and full.

It was so big it looked like you could stand out in that field and touch it.

Photo from Pixabay, loggawiggler

. . . which brings me back to the Star of Bethlehem.

On that blessed night, a multitude of angels praising God announced to the lowly shepherds that the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. The shepherds immediately headed to the City of David to see God’s miracle for themselves.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” – Luke 2:15, (ESV).¹

In another account, the Book of Matthew describes the magi from the east planning their own long journey to Bethlehem, hundreds of miles away.

The appearance of the Christmas Star rising up in the sky was unlike anything they had ever seen before. This was not just any star, but “the” star.

They spoke with King Herod.

²saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:2, (ESV).²

We know from the biblical account that God warned them that the jealous and evil King Herod intended to kill the Christ Child.

They decided to make the trip but reject the king’s request for an exact location of the child upon their return.

After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found. – Matthew 2:9, (NASB).³

Did you catch that?

“. . . and behold, the star. . . . ”

Not just any star, but “The” Star.

This star from God led them to the exact location where they could find the Christ Child.

Not Just Any Star: God’s Star

The Star of Bethlehem was set into place by God Our Creator to lead the magi to Jesus.

Once they arrived, they celebrated.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. – Matthew 2:10, (NASB)⁴

Just as the Star of Bethlehem – God’s star – led the magi to the Christ Child, Jesus leads believers in our fallen world to eternity with Him.

Like the magi in ancient Biblical times, we too have reason to rejoice with great joy.

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Our Exceptional God

Meet Our New Neighbor

September 2, 2025 Gracie

Our New Neighbor

Every day, a little visitor shows up on the walking trail right behind our house.

I never thought I’d see the day, but we now have a “pet” roadrunner.

Meet our new neighbor

And, he’s not alone. There’s also a mama and a baby.

No question, the three of them are darn cute.

Sometimes this little guy comes running into our backyard when he spots an earthworm or another insect. By the way, word has it that they can run up to 26 mph.¹

We nicknamed him Elvis for the stylish little plumage on top of his head.

Our new neighbor is fascinating to watch and he’s a busy little guy.

At morning and then again at dusk, we see him running up and down the trail looking for more food to feed his family.

As funny as it is to watch for us, it’s serious business for Elvis.

He caught an earthworm the other day and, let’s just say, the earthworm didn’t have a chance.

Elvis had the worm in his beak and proceeded to bang the earthworm up and down on the ground.

It was a TKO.

Elvis is hungry – don’t keep him waiting.

Anyway, my husband and I had a contest going as to whom could get the best close-up photo of Elvis.

Here is my husband’s winning picture.

Elvis the Roadrunner

There’s a little tree right outside my office and Elvis came all the way up to our house and jumped up into our tree.

I couldn’t believe it – so close!

This is one of the reasons I delight in God.

There’s so many more important and eternal reasons to delight in God for, but it’s the little things in His creation that also make me smile.

If you look for them, there are new opportunities each day to offer Him our worship and praise.

¹ Roadrunner citation [n.d.] Courtesy of learnbirdwatching.com “35 Fun Facts About Roadrunners That Will Blow Your Mind!” Web. Accessed 19 August, 2025.

Our Exceptional God

More Precious Than Gold

April 29, 2025 Gracie

Faith More Precious Than Gold

Quite a long time ago (it’s getting longer and longer as I grow older!), my mom and dad gave me a beautiful gold ring for one of my birthdays.

This cherished piece of jewelry holds a special place in my heart, and I think of them whenever I wear it.

The unique design resembles a flower, featuring a small pearl surrounded by tiny sapphires.

Cherished ring

You can’t put a price on a memory like this.

To borrow an expression, for me this ring is “worth more than gold.”

Gold is a precious metal with too many uses to even count.

From shining gold jewelry creations to a valuable alloy used for fillings at your local dentist, gold has great value for many reasons.

Check out this striking “replica” of a gold nugget on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, MA. (The original was eventually melted down.)

Large gold nugget on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History

The “Welcome Nugget” – a replica¹

I don’t know if you can read the sign, but the original gold nugget weighed 152 pounds and was later sold for $21,000.

That just gives you an idea of the value.

Do you know what is even more valuable than gold?

The Bible tells us.

The following passage from 1 Peter 1:6-9 describes the importance of having unwavering faith during our trials.

⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, ⁷so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ⁸and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁸obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:6-9, (NASB).²

More Precious Than Gold: The Purpose of Suffering

The melting point of gold is well over 1900 degrees Fahrenheit.³

Remarkably, fire doesn’t destroy the gold during the refining process, in fact, it makes it even more pure and valuable.

Have you heard of the refiners fire?

Just as with purifying gold, our steadfast faith – when tested by “fiery” trials – refines and purifies us.

We can rejoice, not because of the suffering we go through, but because our future is secure through Jesus.

Gold does not fear the fire, and neither should we.

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¹Source Credit, [2023] Courtesy of Anatoli Lvov, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. “The Welcome Nugget. ” Web. Accessed 18 April, 2025.

³ Source Credit, Article by Dr. Andrew A. Snelling (PhD, Geology, Research Director at Answers in Genesis – USA). “Gold – A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth.” Courtesy of Answersingenesis.org. para.29. Web. Accessed 20th, April, 2025. Retrieved from: Melting Point of Gold

Our Exceptional God

Unending Praise

March 11, 2025 Gracie

The Lord Deserves Our Unending Praise

Can you name the fastest animal on earth?

Personally, I would have guessed a Cheetah, but that would have been wrong. 🙂

The fastest animal on earth is the Peregrine Falcon.

The Amazing Peregrine Falcon

How fast?

Their high diving maneuvers have been clocked at up to 200 mph.¹

Now that is fast.

Amazingly, the Peregrine Falcon is just one part of God’s intricate tapestry called “Creation.”

Evidence of His divine design is everywhere.

Imagine the care and incredible artistry God uses when He brings to life a remarkable bird of prey like the Peregrine Falcon.

I delight in our God along with you.

Our amazement over these God-created wonders isn’t the end of it.

We are blessed to be the “stewards” of His creation – appointed by God Himself.

He alone is worthy of our unending praise.

I am reminded of a passage in Revelation 4.

We can echo the elders’ praise by saying these beloved words from Scripture either out loud or in our hearts.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” – Revelation 4:11, (NASB).²

Someday in the future, all of us will honor His glory, together, as a multitude of voices.

In the meantime, I hope you can notice the countless blessings that surround us.

Every day is an opportunity to thank Him.

Unending praise

Unending Praise – Is He Worthy?

There are a few Christian songs that I like to turn up the volume for on my speakers.

This is one of them.

As I sing along loudly, I sometimes wonder if the neighbors can hear me.

If they do, well, the more the merrier!

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¹Source Credit, [2023] Courtesy of sciencedigest.org by Patsy Todd, from “The World’s Fastest Animal: The Peregrine Falcon’s Dive. ” Web. Accessed 13 October, 2023.

Our Exceptional God

God’s Perfect Timing

February 4, 2025 Gracie

Surrendering Control: God’s Perfect Timing

Meet Tris.

Our little girl Tris

She’s our gorgeous 3-year-old Siberian Husky who has completely stolen our hearts.

Actually, we have two sweet Sibes.

The other beauty is Tris’ mom, Shimmer.

Our silly girl Shimmer

These two are hilarious together, and keep us laughing at their daily antics.

Did you know that dogs can tell time?

Especially these two.

They absolutely know when it’s dinner time.

It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, they will jump up in our laps on the couch – all 40 pounds each of them.

I can just imagine their thoughts as they try to get us to move towards the kitchen with their dog bowls in our hands.

Hurry up, you two

Why are you taking so long?

Hey, it’s time!

If we don’t get up fast enough, they start talking with their woebegone characteristic Siberian “wooing” like they’ve never had a meal in their lives.

And just like us, when they want something, they want it NOW.

I can relate. 😊

Patience is not my strong suit.

I try to be patient during a “waiting period” for God’s timing, but it’s hard, right?

God, I’d prefer to get an answer now

Ok, how about tomorrow then?

Learning to wait on God’s perfect timing can take practice.

We would do well to remember that everything will unfold at just the right moment.

The path ahead of us may seem unclear, but God knows every outcome.

Any divine delays are for a reason.

God’s Perfect Timing and Divine Delays

When experiencing a divine delay, it takes more than just patience. It also takes trust and faith.

Consider it an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the One who created us.

By trusting in Him, no matter how long it takes, a blessing may come in a very unexpected way.

You don’t want to miss it by forging on ahead without God and without prayer.

Trust God’s Plan
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

In the illusion of control, you place your trust,
Thinking your destiny, in your hands, you must adjust.
But God’s plan surpasses what your mind can conceive,
In Jesus, true purpose and fulfillment you’ll receive.

You may chart your course, with precision and care,
But God’s sovereign hand, is always there.
For He alone knows the path you should take,
Without Jesus’ guidance, your plans will break.

Your choices matter, of this, there’s no doubt,
But God’s will prevails, casting shadows of doubt.
In Jesus, find solace, in His guiding light,
Trust in His wisdom, through the darkest night.

So release your grip, on the reins of fate,
And trust in God’s timing, it’s never too late.
For in His hands, your destiny lies,
In Jesus, find peace, under His skies.

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Our Exceptional God

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