Can I try to encourage you today? If you’re like me, you’re catching bits of news here and there, watching horrifying videos, and wondering where terror will strike next. And your heart feels a bit shaky. These are some Scripture that have come to mind in the last few days. I simply want to share them with you and pray that you let their truths pour over your heart. I have made a few highlights of things that jumped...
We’re trying a little exercise at our house. If we begin to complain about something, we have to quickly name five things we are thankful for. I’m no proponent of parenting techniques that work for all kids at all times, so that’s not my intent here, but I think our little game says something about the reality of our hearts (I’ve written about this more at length before here). I see unthankfulness (and other negative thought processes) like a...
I remember getting scared of the dark as a little girl. I’d call for my mom, and she’d come and sing a little song based on Philippians 4:8. She hates for anyone to hear her voice, but to me it was the sweetest comfort. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these...
I woke up this Monday morning after a week of my kiddos being sick that blended into a weekend of fevers, coughs, and snotty noses. It wasn’t a pretty week for us and I wasn’t ready for a new one yet. Lord, help me be a slave to your Spirit today and not to my flesh. That was the only thing I could think of to pray over the day ahead. But something in that prayer–not in the words...
“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not...
September 17, 2015
gospel•joy•printable•readerfavorite
The JOY source + FREE printable Scripture cards
My mother-in-law asked me to create this joy Scripture card set for a church event recently. We love how they turned out, so we’re sharing them with you today! I love these verses because they remind me of our joy source: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12 “Let all who take refuge in you be glad, Let them ever sing for joy.” Psalm 5:11 “You make known to...
August 19, 2015
homeschool•kids•motherhood•printable•readerfavorite
PRINTABLE Love & Encouragement Notes
It’s back-to-school time again and I know there’s some kiddos (or adults!!) out there that need some words of affirmation and encouragement. I think of these words: “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:21 & 24 ESV I made some simple printable cards you can use to share some sweet, life-giving words wtih your kiddos. This file is...
We sure need good news in our house. We’re experts at sinning and wanting our own way (especially me!). We need rescue. We need for Jesus to work in our hearts through His Spirit. We want to obey God, but we find we’re very resistant! I’ve been thinking about ways we can share the Good News with our kids–here at home and at church. With my kids, a combination of both art and music have been great tools for...
There have been times this last week when the challenges of parenting compounded with physical weaknesses made it all seem just too hard, and discouragement creeps in. It seems silly to write it; I’m not gravely ill or suffering anything serious. It’s just the moment-by-moment challenge of life currently. My friend Laura recently shared the quote pictured above on her blog, The Blog Around the Corner. Laura is a friend that used to be part of our church...
