The most important lessons
As a homeschooler, the days are filled with learning. Some lessons have more formality than others. Even during the summer, I encourage my kids to read every day and learn at least one new thing. Not all lessons fall under “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic.” In fact, many of our...
Lighthouses, Lifeboats, and Wavemakers
Many years ago, someone gave my family a cassette tape of an acapella group. My dad enjoyed the message of one song in particular: The Lighthouse. (you can click to listen). The song compares Jesus to a lighthouse, bringing people to salvation. The imagery is beautiful. However, scripture also...
God knows
My God knows grief and loss.My God knows pain, hunger, and loneliness.My God knows anger, frustration, and desperation. My God knows the value of friendship. My God knows family struggles. My God knows joy and laughter. My God knows patience and kindness. My God knows empathy and love. As...
True Worship
Today, for the first time since March 15, we worshiped at the church building. However, we never “quit church” or “stopped worshiping.” For a couple of weeks, we worshiped via YouTube from our couch. After that, we started gathering with a group of friends, sharing a time of worship...
New Lessons from Esther
I’ve been teaching Esther in our young ladies’ Bible class. My favorite thing about teaching is how much I learn in the process. The past few weeks have been no exception. If you aren’t familiar with this short book of the Bible, it is an easy read. This historical...
Out of Context
All of my devices share a few common apps, the most important being You Version’s Bible app. I enjoy being able to search the Scriptures quickly and study a verse in several versions to gain more understanding of God’s Word. My phone notifies me every morning with the “verse...
A Rose by Any other Name
This could make me very unpopular. Sin is sin no matter what you call it. Sin is not a lifestyle choice. a phase or stage of life. an accident. My sins are no greater than yours and they are certainly not any less. While we have the freedom to choose, we...
Hide and Seek
Finding something usually first requires looking for it. Occasionally, in my life as a stay-at-home mom, I find things without actively searching for them; they just “happen” to be in my path. Other times, I find something for my children (or husband) within seconds of looking (or by telling...
In His Presence
I left home this morning (for a vendor event). When I arrived home, the supper I started in the crockpot along with the side items for which I left instructions, smelled and tasted delicious. Bedtime did not go well. Madilynn seems to be experiencing some separation anxiety. After a...
Take up your Sword
Too much of “religion” these days focuses on how a person “feels” and on the “worship experience” rather than Teaching the Truth. If the people in attendance experience entertainment, give generously, serve wholeheartedly, even love unconditionally, but leave the assembly with a dull sword and tattered armor, is that...