My small group did a study on the book The Bait of Satan by John Bevere a couple of years ago. It went a long way towards helping me in managing my expectations in relationships with others. The subtitle of the book is “Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense.” When you think about it, we tend to get offended most when our expectations aren’t lived up to. We take it as a personal affront. If your baby pulled your hair or throws food, you do not take offense. You don’t expect them to behave any other way, they … Read More
What is Lent? Plus 12 Best Books For Lent Season
What is Lent? As a Southern Baptist from before I was born, I didn’t really get it. I mean, why do we celebrate Lent? Isn’t Lent season a Catholic thing? But my current church home isn’t Baptist. And a very dear friend is a Methodist. So I’ve had more exposure to Lent in recent years. And the more I’ve pressed in to the question of what is Lent, the more I value many aspects of the lent season. And of course, I had to come up with a solid list of books for Lent, because that’s who I am. A … Read More
How to Teach The Real Easter Story For Kids: 10 Best Easter Story Books
The Real Easter Story is so special. I don’t think we truly grasp just how privileged we are, to have such free access to forgiveness and love. And if we as adults struggle with wrapping our minds around it, then we need to think about our kids. The meaning of Easter for kids can be overwhelming. But, between the ages of 4-14, they are far more likely to understand and accept the truth, and run with it their whole lives, than if we wait until “they’re old enough to understand” or some such sentiment. That is exactly why I love … Read More
How to Set Christian Goals: Understanding God’s Grace is Key
Okay, so this is a little hard to write. I’ve been ‘in church’ since well before I was born. But in over 30 years, I was still childlike in understanding God’s grace and favor. I’ve had the Sunday School answer, a simple, childish acceptance, which is great, but we’re called to a combination of childlike faith and spiritual maturity. (Matthew 18:2-4, Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 6) I didn’t know what I didn’t know. But now I’m excited. Every time I do learn the Biblical or historical meaning of a word, I find my Bible reading time so much richer. It’s something … Read More
How Do You Plan to Achieve Your Goals? Setting Personal Goals in Life
Knowing what you want, and WHY you want it will take you a long way towards making it happen. But that’s not all that matters. Getting God’s input, making sure that you are following Biblical goal-setting practices, and having access to God’s power and favor in your follow-through? Those things make all the difference in the world!
How to Live Royal: Book of Esther Bible Study for Teen Girls
We get to revisit the book of Esther today! Twice in one year, but totally different, too. Remember when I reviewed Hadassah: Queen Esther of Persia over the summer? I explained then that I had the unique privilege of doing both a sermon series at church And preview a book of Esther Bible study just before reading that fun novel? Well, this is it! I am so happy to introduce you to Aminata and the first Bible study in the Girls of Excellence series. Royal: Life Lessons from the Book of Esther Bible Study What if you could unlock the … Read More
5 Gratitude Journaling Benefits You Need to Know and The Best Gratitude Journal Choices
This fall I started something new. I’ve known the importance of gratitude but now I’m discovering more practical gratitude journaling benefits – And I am loving the process! For at least 15 years now, I’ve kept a (semi-consistent) gratitude text message conversation with 2 friends, and have seen first-hand the gratitude journaling benefits that has provided. Because there were days when one of us {read me} was in a funk, and got mad when someone else remembered to start the conversation, so we {I} ‘had’ to come up with something to be grateful for. Oh the drama! But its been worth it. The … Read More
3 Top Christian Resources Full of Hope, Science and Scripture for Depression
If you, or someone you love, is struggling to overcome depression, whether it’s a small thing or a major issue, you need more than just Christian platitudes. Even depression scripture can be misused and misapplied by well meaning people in a most unhelpful way. There is power and hope in trusting Scripture for depression coping strategy. Science and scripture can work together in practical ways to overcome depression and other issues. Today, I would like to share 3 top Christian resources to combat depression scripture based, scientifically proven, and worth your time! The Book that Links Science and Scripture For … Read More
Faith in a Box: 15 Great Christian Subscription Boxes
I certainly don’t want to keep my faith in a box, do you? But receiving Christian subscription boxes would mean opening the box and setting that faith free to do its work, right? Getting monthly packages full of Christian encouragement, books and apparel, etc. would be awesome! I recently discovered the wonders of the Christian subscription box, and couldn’t wait to share them with you! 3 Benefits of Faith in a Box Recharge Your Faith: When you receive Christian subscription boxes and USE what comes, you give yourself a great opportunity to recharge your faith and reconnect with your Creator. … Read More
How to Change Your Life for the Better as a Christian Woman
Are you feeling Stuck? Lost? Wondering how to change your life for the better, but not sure how to make it happen? The last couple of years, I struggled with feeling very stuck, not sure how to change, or what to change, or anything, but desiring to move forward to something more. Ready to change my life for the better. I found a few things incredibly powerful in my journey and had to share them with you. They’ve answered many of my ‘how to change your life for the better‘ questions and I hope you’ll give them a chance the … Read More