What is Lent? As a Southern Baptist from before I was born, I didn’t really get it. I mean, why do we celebrate it? Isn’t Lent season something the Catholic church does? But my current church home isn’t Baptist. And a very dear friend is a Methodist. So I’ve had more exposure to this in recent years. I’m finding that these denominational borders that have been placed on the Christian life often cause more trouble than they prevent! And the more I’ve pressed into learning new things, the more I value many aspects of the Lent season. And of course, … Read More
Shelter of the Most High: Psalm 91 Brought to Life
It’s a privilege for us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. A gift, he has given us. As Beth Moore is so fond of saying, there ain’t no ‘high’ like the Most High! He is the Maker, Creator, Master, and Friend. Almighty Father Protector and Guide. For us to be allowed take refuge with Him, well, wow! I’ve spent a good bit of time on Psalm 90-91 lately (a prayer of Moses), with this post in mind. Psalm 90 talks about the Most High God, and His power and eternal nature. A plea to see God’s work, … Read More
4 Practical Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principles to Live By
Retelling of Bible stories in another time period can be a powerful tool. Translating the Ruth and Naomi relationship dynamics into other settings managed to bring home the lessons all over again. Join me today as we talk about 4 tried and true principles from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi. One of the greatest things about books set in other times and places, but based on Bible stories is that you aren’t tampering with the original, so anyone who’s nervous about Biblical fiction can safely enjoy it. You’ll see what I mean in the book below, based on the … Read More
6 Queen Esther Characteristics: Key To Live a Quality Life
Which Queen Esther Characteristics are the most worthwhile and transformative? And How did Hadassah become so captivating? Who was she? Did she really exist? Was King Xerxes truly so in love with her that he was willing to find a way to save a whole people group? And what’s the deal with Mordechai and Haman?? First let’s take a look at 6 vital character traits that we would all benefit from putting into practice. Then I’ll share a few of my favorite Christian Fiction stories of Esther. Characteristics of Esther in the Bible There are so many fascinating qualities to … Read More
Eve’s Story: More Than Just The One Who Ate The Fruit
Forever Loved, Eve’s Story is one book I won’t soon forget. I am a big fan of Biblical Fiction as you probably already know, and this one having a definite devotional feel to it makes it even better. Thank you, Celebrate Lit, for the opportunity to read this book. Helping me reframe my thoughts and understanding with fresh perspective. What Can We Learn From Eve in the Bible? Well, first things first. Before we think through “What can we learn from Eve in the Bible?” we really need to discuss a little of what needs to be UNLEARNED. In many circles, because Eve ate … Read More
Lydia in the Bible: 6 Lessons We Still Need
I absolutely love the story of Lydia in the Bible! The way God directed Paul, taking him somewhere he hadn’t even considered going, in order to reach Lydia, seller of purple, the God-fearing woman who had resources, and a generous spirit. Through her, the church at Philippi was given a home, and her life was never the same again! Let’s explore Paul and Lydia’s story together: The Story of Lydia in the Bible: Acts 16:6-15 NIV First, the setup: Paul’s mission was to serve God and spread the Gospel to the Gentiles*. He had to be able to listen when … Read More
Best Biblical Fiction Authors + 6 Reasons to Read Their Books
Biblical fiction authors can teach us so much, even through fiction, that will grow our faith, and our understanding of the culture and relationships that we can so easily miss. I realize that there are many awesome nonfiction sources for this information, but as Jesus taught many things through story, I think this is a perfectly wonderful way for us to learn as well. Some friends and I were out for a Mom’s afternoon recently when the topic of Biblical fiction came up. Now if you know me at all, you know I read a lot. My favorite categories are … Read More
Bible Characters and Their Stories: 7 Reasons We Need to Know Them
Today, let’s welcome Katrina D Hamel, as she introduces us to some amazing Bible Characters and their stories. Then, we’ll get started on her book, As the Stars, for our first book club read! Chances are, if you’re here on Aryn’s site, you’re a Christian fiction lover. If we were sitting over coffee right now, we’d have so much to chat about! That’s one of the best things about books—we can share adventures and experiences even if we can’t meet face-to-face. On top of this, we travel the same pages yet each reader takes away something unique. I think this … Read More
Babel: 1 Man’s Imagining of Noah After the Flood
Have you ever considered much about Noah after the Flood? That Noah might have still been alive during the events of the Tower of Babel timeline? I can’t say that I’ve ever put those two things together, myself. I found this week’s book intriguing for that reason. In my mind, Noah ends at Genesis chapter 9, and I never calculated how many years later the Tower of Babel timeline fit in. The two genealogies in 9 & 11, while they give context and important information, break the flow of the story enough to confuse a casual reader (me)! Babel: The … Read More
Naaman’s Servant: The Beautiful Faith of a Child
Naaman’s servant girl has a difficult story to tell. There’s hardship and tragedy in the opening scenes. But whether she was 9 or 16, Naaman’s servant girl is an inspiring role model! Her confidence in God even in the midst of her life-altering situation is exactly what we need to be teaching ourselves and our kids. Naaman and the servant girl together make for a powerful story of faith. Naaman’s Servant Girl Simple enough for kids, this work of biblical fiction for kids tells the story of Naaman’s servant girl. Moriah’s Wings doesn’t focus on Naaman’s story, as much as … Read More