I’m pretty sure Mary did not have in mind to give birth to the Savior of the world in a dirty, dusty stable miles from home, but babies come when they are ready—or in this case, when God ordained that “the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” (Luke 2:6 KJV). She obediently followedContinue reading "Advent Week 4—LOVE"
Advent Week 3–Joy
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” What better news has ever been declared than this—that the Savior of the world has already come? The shepherds were first in a long line of people who joyfully shared the good news of the coming of the Messiah. The angels, God’s glorious and special messengers, firstContinue reading "Advent Week 3–Joy"
Advent Week 2–Peace & Preparation
When my kids were small, their father would take them to the mall (or WalMart) to buy me a gift for Christmas and my birthday, which are two days apart. They would be so excited to wrap their gifts and place them under the tree—almost as excited as they were about shaking and squeezing allContinue reading "Advent Week 2–Peace & Preparation"
Overcoming Writer’s Block–Book Review
Overcoming Writer’s Block: The Writer’s Guide to Beating the Blank Page by Marcy Pusey is anything but the usual just-push-through-it dribble that most books with similar titles spout. It’s practical in so many ways—and not just for writing! Marcy tackles the psychology of creative blocks, which is applicable in so many areas of life. IContinue reading "Overcoming Writer’s Block–Book Review"
Holding On When You Want to Let Go–Book Review
I've been wanting to read Holding On When You Want to Let Go by Sheila Walsh ever since it hit the shelves. She writes from the place of having wanted to give up and being in difficult circumstances where she didn't feel like God was anywhere in sight--let alone holding her. Sheila shares her hard-earnedContinue reading "Holding On When You Want to Let Go–Book Review"
Advent Week 1–HOPE
Advent Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Hope has lost the original weight of its meaning. Now we say things like, “I hope it doesn’t rain again this weekend.” But in biblical times, hope held a much deeper significance. It means “joyful and confidentContinue reading "Advent Week 1–HOPE"
Love, Pray, Listen
You know 1 Corinthians 13, right? Sure, so do I. And you love your kids, right? Me, too! At least I thought I did until I read Mary DeMuth’s latest book Love, Pray, Listen. Mary uses this familiar passage on love to show us how to love, I mean really love our adult(ish) children. ParentingContinue reading "Love, Pray, Listen"
The Patterns of Prayer
It’s easy to realize we need to pray more, but how often do you find yourself kneeling beside your bed, hands folded … and nothing comes out of your mouth? Or do you just spout off items like you’re reading a grocery list? We’ve heard that we can just talk to God like we’re talkingContinue reading "The Patterns of Prayer"
The Purpose of Prayer
We know that prayer is an edict, an expression, and an exchange, now let’s look at what it accomplishes. Prayer transports us into the presence of God. What we need more than anything else – more than money, a new job, or healing – is God Himself. If I have Jesus, I have all IContinue reading "The Purpose of Prayer"
The Power of Prayer
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com How often have we heard (or said), “I’ll pray; I’m sorry I can’t do more”? Here’s the thing, though, prayer is the single most important thing we can do to combat worry – in our own lives and the lives of others. Prayer is foundational to the Christian life,Continue reading "The Power of Prayer"
Bethany LaShell 