Fall is traditionally my favorite season of the year, but when November rolls around, the pressure increases exponentially. There are gifts to be purchased, letters to be sent, family events to arrange---and all the while, the daily demands life continue. For this November, the scripture writing plan will focus on peace. With the holidays swiftly approaching, it is important practice quieting our hearts so we can recognize both the reassuring presence of God and the abundance of His love.
When Plans Go “Askew…”
We carefully construct plans for our vacations, finances, homes, futures, etc., only to have them violently overturned in an instant. Our disappointment is only rivaled by an intense feeling of helplessness as we watch smoke rising from the charred remains. "The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew..." You may (or may not) have noticed fewer blog posts lately. Many of my own careful plans (including blogging) have been repeatedly upended this year. So, if you're feeling a bit frustrated, I'm right there with you! So what can you and I learn from the ashes of our ruined plans?
At-Home Devotionals With Children
"What devotional do you use with your children?" I cannot count the number of times I have seen this question posed within various social media groups. Typically, the questioner wants an app, curriculum, or book. If I ever find one I like, I'll be sure to share it with all of you... When my children were… Continue reading At-Home Devotionals With Children
The Light: October 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
During the winter quarters of college, I can recall more than a few chilly Sunday afternoons when I would curl up like a cat beneath the warm, sunlit square of light on my bed and take a well-earned hour of rest. At other times, light was not always so welcome. After pulling an all-nighter to… Continue reading The Light: October 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
Be Prepared
"...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in… Continue reading Be Prepared
Have you forgotten?
On this day, 18 years ago, I was preparing to go to a chiropractor’s appointment when our phone rang—not the cell phone, but the cordless landline. (Cell phones were still something we only used if we didn't have access to a landline.) My dad called to tell us that someone had blown up the World… Continue reading Have you forgotten?
Put on the Full Armor of God: September 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
Last month, our scripture writing plan focused on "Standing Firm" as we are encouraged to do in Ephesians 6: This month, we will continue focusing on Ephesians 6, but we will center on the specific pieces of armor that God has supplied: The Belt of Truth The Breastplate of Righteousness The Shoes of Readiness The… Continue reading Put on the Full Armor of God: September 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
Book Review: The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids
Teaching the Bible to kids can be a challenge, as is finding books and Bibles suitable for your children's level of learning. The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids works to remedy this challenge by creating a more kid friendly format. The recommended age range for children is 4-8 years old. The binding is a… Continue reading Book Review: The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids
How to Fight Through Fear and Flippancy In Parenting
We either worry too much or we don’t care enough. Inevitably, we put far too much stress on the unimportant while neglecting the important. We expect our chosen formula to yield certain results, only to find ourselves deflated when our fearfully and wonderfully made children don’t conform to the “norm.” How do we find the balance between fear and flippancy?
When Pillars Fall
Within our congregations, and even the broad spectrum of the "Christian" community, there are people who are considered "pillars" by virtue of their status, deeds, or popularity. They might be the individual who brought us to Christ, the preacher in our local church, or a widely respected speaker or author. Sometimes these pillar-people are dear friends or members of our own family. Pillars all have something in common: they are human, just like you and me.
