Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for December, 2025

This question popped into my head recently:

If we connected a scripture verse to one blessed event for each month of 2025, what might we include?

Here’s a portion of the Ruegg list:

JANUARY—

Upon leaving worship one Sunday, we were greeted by heavy snowfall. The predominately pure-white scene provided a reminder that “Great is our Lord and mighty in power . . . He spreads his snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes” (Psalm 147:5a, 16 NIV).

MARCH—

Our twelve-year-old granddaughter and her parents faced the decision of which school she should attend for grades 7-12.

Then, they just happened to sit in church near a family whose son attends one of the schools on their list, and the subject just happened to come up during the meet-and-greet time.

The positive conversation helped make clear God’s choice, illustrating once again, he does indeed show us which path to take (Proverbs 3:6 NLT).

APRIL—

A memorable Easter feast at our son’s and D-I-L’s home. Family and friends contributed parts of the meal, served in courses. In between each we enjoyed readings, prayers, and song–dining and fellowshipping for four hours!

Perhaps we followed—in part—the example of the early church: “They devoted themselves to . . . fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayers” (Acts 2:42 CSB).

JUNE—

Our oldest granddaughter (17) participated in a week-long science program at the University of Cincinnati. She and our daughter stayed with us. S. loved the course; H. and I enjoyed quality mother/daughter time.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).

JULY—

What a delightful morning with the Hippos! (That’s the Toddler 2 class at church.) The best part: Elliott wanted to be held and Luca took my hand on the way back from the playground. “No doubt about it: children are a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3 CEB)—even if they belong to others!

The joy on this woman’s face expresses mine

AUGUST—

The visit of old friends produced much reminiscing, laughter, and heart-to-heart conversation. “Sweet friendship refreshes the soul” (Proverbs 27:9 MSG).

SEPTEMBER—

A blog post this month lacked a good conclusion, and then the morning of posting an idea popped into my brain. I knew exactly where it came from. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17a), including ideas!

OCTOBER—

Times spent with our granddaughters provide some of our best blessings: sleepovers, movie nights, playing games, crafting, and more.

“Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age” (Proverbs 17:6 ERV).

NOVEMBER—

Multiple errands one week allowed me to enjoy numerous stellar vistas of the fall foliage. Surely autumn is the time when “the forest sings for joy before the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:33) most passionately!

And to sum up the whole year:

“How abundant are the good things God has stored up for those who fear him” (Psalm 34:19)! We give thanks to him with all our hearts (Psalm 9:1a).

[No doubt some of you recognized this post—it’s the Ruegg Report for 2025, inserted in our Christmas cards. Writing once and “publishing” twice helped streamline the pre-Christmas to-do list. I knew you’d understand!]

Image credits: http://www.openclipart.org; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.pexels.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Read Full Post »

The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644

‘Remember what the angel Gabriel said to Mary when he first appeared to her?

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God” [1].

He then made an incredible announcement. Mary would give birth to the Messiah [2].

Did her mind jump to Isaiah’s prophecy about a young woman who would conceive and give birth to Immanuel?

Surely many Jewish girls knew the passage. And each must have wondered, Might I grow up to be the mother of the King of all?

God favored Mary with the singular role of mother to the Righteous One. Perhaps his choice was based on Mary’s virtue, but scripture gives no indication of that.

Luke did mention that Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, “were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly” [3].

But no such commendation is given for Mary. It may be God wanted us to understand: he can use anyone. His empowerment doesn’t depend on social standing, intelligence, accomplishments, or even moral superiority.

Our part is willingness and faith, which Mary did demonstrate when she professed: ‘’I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” [4]. Mary acquiesced to God’s plan, his choice for her.  

If you’re like me, you’ve wondered about the favor bestowed upon Mary. To us the word conjures up kindness and generosity.

But Mary faced:

  • rejection and cruelty as a pregnant and unmarried, young teen [5]
  • the probable annulment of her engagement to Joseph
  • a grueling trip to Bethlehem, nine months pregnant
  • delivering her first child in a stable-cave
  • another difficult journey to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s slaughter
  • the hurtful disapproval of many for her firstborn, including his own half-siblings
  • watching her son die in agony [6]

How could Gabriel call Mary favored?

We’re looking in the wrong direction. God’s favor, his best for us, does not guarantee an easy path through life and an abundance of material blessings. That kind of favor would only spoil us.

God would have us look in the direction of more satisfying favor: his spiritual blessings [7].

That’s what Mary did, evidenced by her Magnificat, a prayer preserved for us in Luke 1:46-55, where she praised God for his mindfulness of her, his might that had accomplished great things for her, his mercy extended to those who fear God, and more.

In the NIV Study Bible, nineteen cross-references from this passage cite verses from seven books of the Old Testament. Mary knew scripture.

It’s unlikely she thought God’s favor would bring fame and fortune. Mary would have known that God’s best more often includes:

  • empowerment to carry out his assignments
  • instruction in the ways we should choose
  • help in times of trouble
  • strength to endure hardship and grief
  • compassion and comfort to quell distress
  • satisfaction in taking part in God’s wonderful plans [8]

And as God’s wonderful plan of redemption for all people began to unfold, his favor began to flow upon Mary.

He dispelled her fears, gave her courage to tell Joseph the unsettling news, inspired Mary to visit her wise cousin Elizabeth for encouragement, filled her with endurance for the journey to Bethlehem, and strength for the birth of her first child in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Of course, Mary isn’t the only one who’s experienced the favor of the Lord. God’s best is available to everyone who allows God to choose what’s best.

God would have us know:

By his favor he forms our characters and fits us for satisfying service. He charts our course, imparts strength to accomplish his plan, supplies all that is necessary, and ultimately crowns our efforts [9].

Just as he did for Mary.


[1] Luke 1:26-30 NIV, emphasis added

[2] Luke 1:31-33

[3] Luke 1:6

[4] Luke 1:38

[5] This was surely Mary’s experience, given the social norms of the day.

[6] Matthew 1:18-19; Luke 2:1-5; 6-7; Matthew 2:13-15; Mark 3:20; John 19:26-27

[7] Ephesians 1:3

[8] Psalm 138:8 ESV; 25:12; 46:1; 73:26; 86:15; Isaiah 66:13a; Psalm 128:1

[9] Based on Herbert Lockyer quote, Seasons of the Lord, 202.

Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org (4); http://www.stockvault.net.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Read Full Post »

No doubt you remember the story of shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus on the night he was born.

An Angel’s Revelation to the Shepherds by Alexander Laureus (1815)

What do you suppose that glory looked like? Perhaps the immediate area glowed with a golden brilliance, as if lit with a high-powered spotlight.

But, of course, no such apparatus existed in that day. It’s no wonder the shepherds were terrified–between the sudden appearance of an angel and otherworldly light illuminating the darkness.

Decades later, Jesus invited three disciples—Peter, James, and John—up on a high mountain, where the men caught a brief glimpse of the glory of their Messiah (Luke 9:29). His clothes became dazzling white, as bright as a flash of lightning.

Luke also reported the appearance of his face changed, while Matthew and Mark said he was transfigured (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). The Greek form of that word suggests a change of the essential form of Jesus rather than just an alteration of his outward appearance.

Transfiguration of Jesus by Carl Bloch (1800)

But all the disciples and many others saw Christ’s glory manifested in other ways too, including his miracles.

After relating the story of Jesus changing water into wine, John wrote, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory (John 2:11, emphasis added).

Further signs included his absolute purity, perfect wisdom, uniquely-inspired teachings, and finally, his astonishing resurrection and ascension.

But what about today? Can we see evidence of Christ’s glory, the splendor of his Personhood as our Emmanuel (God with us)?

As that question formed in my mind, I wondered, could I name ten categories of manifestations? How about fifteen?

If you have time, jot a list of your own thoughts before reading on. It might be interesting to see which of your categories match mine, and what different ones come to your mind.

Evidences of Christ’s glory in our lives include:

  • Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12)
  • Undeserved mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
  • Freedom from the power of sin, death, worry, and fear (Romans 8:1-2)
  • Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7)
  • Compassionate comfort (Isaiah 49:13)
  • Competent help (Psalm 115:9)
  • Holy wisdom (Colossians 2:3)

The list goes on:

  • Trustworthy counsel (Psalm 73:24)
  • Satisfying productivity (Philippians 1:10-11)
  • Gracious generosity (Ephesians 1:3; 3:20)
  • Special gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
  • Strong empowerment (Acts 1:8)
  • Ever-active faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24))

Eden, by Thomas Cole (1828)

Finally, evidence of Christ’s glory in our lives includes:

  • Deep, restful peace (John 14:27)
  • Complete joy (John 15:11)
  • Enduring love (John 15:13)
  • Beautifying presence (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  •  Resilient hope, which renews our strength (Colossians 1:27)

One day we will see Christ in all his glory—not only his human nature but his sublime splendor, majesty, holiness, and power.

“That glory will be a thousand times more than anything we can imagine!”*

*John Owen, Meditation on the Glory of Christ, 1684, Ch. 12)!

Now it’s your turn! Where have you seen evidence of Christ’s glory? Please share in the comment section below! And on your way there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter–if you haven’t already.

Image credits: http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.freesvg.org.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Read Full Post »

Still Traveling

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Living Our Days

Gaining a heart of wisdom

He Said What?!

I'm Patty, and my husband and I are living with our adult son who has autism and epilepsy. I love sharing lessons learned from life around me, especially life with Aaron.

Meditations of my Heart

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Linda Stoll

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Debby Thompson

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Signora Sheila

Notes on Life, Faith & Italy

Colleen Scheid

Writing, Acting, Living in God's Love

Mitch Teemley

The Power of Story

Heidi Viars

Finding the Image of God