• Shunning Santa Is it justified?

    Poor Santa. He’s just trying to do his job. But he's acquired quite a reputation. From sneaking into homes, to kissing moms under the mistletoe, he’s a popular guy. His biggest accusation yet involves stealing the Christmastime spotlight from a Baby Boy. As a result, many families have directed their attention from Santa toward this Baby called Jesus. Is this shunning of Santa justified?

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  • Oh How I Love Learning Pursuit of Knowledge

    I have been known to say (more than once), if I could afford it I would be a professional student. I love learning. I desire to know things, to make sense of things, to figure it all out. But trying to figure it all out, all of the time, is exhausting. Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own. Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)   Blinded and Blindsided It was an early morning. I was spending time in God’s Word before leaving for class (I was in the midst of yet another educational pursuit). I read this…

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  • Online Bible Study Tools My Favorite Five

    Today I am continuing My Fave Fives by sharing my five favorite online resources for Bible study. Once again, I’m not a theologian. I am simply seeking to know God more richly through deeper study of His Word. Dig into each of these sites. Loads of information is available including daily Bible verses, devotionals, Bible reading plans, teaching videos, blogs, pastor resources … too much to list! Most importantly, dig into God’s Word. Whether online or in the physical pages of Scripture. His Word has eternal impact! Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of…

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  • Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women A Book Review

    Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women By Lindsay A. Franklin Published by Zondervan First I want to say what a beautiful book! It was setting out when my 13 year old daughter’s best friend noticed it, immediately picked it up and mentioned what a pretty book! (Mission accomplished.) And this is one book that can be judged by its cover. It’s even more beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Beloved 365 Devotions for Young Women is a blessing for the upcoming generation of girls. The daily devotions begin with the first 6 days specifically affirming girls’ eternal value through biblical truths. Then, beginning with day 7, the focus shifts…

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  • Lonestar Angel A Book Review

    Lonestar Angel By Colleen Coble Published by Thomas Nelson Lonestar Angel is part of the Lonestar Series of books by Colleen Coble. Summary The Texas youth camp, Bluebird Ranch, is currently housing a group of foster girls staying for a short retreat. As the story opens, the main characters, Clay and Eden Larson, receive an ominous message indicating their daughter, Brianna, is one of the girls staying at the camp. Brianna, kidnapped as a baby and never found, would now be five years old. As a result of the kidnapping, Clay and Eden’s marriage soon unraveled. The couple now reunite in an attempt to find their daughter, and apply as…

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  • How Did We End Up Here? Recognizing Pride

    I envy crafty people. I can spend hours browsing Pinterest, buy a small fortune in supplies, only to end up with a mess. At one point it was jewelry. I imagined the beautiful pieces I would create, picturing myself proudly gifting them at Christmastime. It appeared so deceptively easy! You can guess how that ended. How I cannot string a simple set of beads into an order worthy of adornment is beyond me! I finally admitted defeat and surrendered my supplies to a someone more talented. But God used my attempt at jewelry design, to teach me an unexpected lesson. When I began purchasing jewelry supplies, I was surprised to see so many teeny-tiny…

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  • What’s the Main Course? Mary and Martha

    Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 I have always been a realist. Never…

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