If we’re going to get to know God better and grow in our faith, then we need to be reading the Bible. In my opinion, we should make reading the Bible a priority each day, not just on days when we have extra time or on days leading up to holidays like Christmas and Easter. The Bible doesn’t provide specific instructions regarding our … [Read more...] about 14 Reading Plans to Help You Dig Into the Bible
Growing Spiritually
Waiting at Christmas
Have you ever noticed that Christmas is all about waiting? I know things like presents, family, festivities, and the birth of Jesus generally come to mind when we think of Christmas. However, waiting is a much more accurate theme. We wait for Christmas in many little ways. Children wait all year to open the presents under the tree. … [Read more...] about Waiting at Christmas
9 Ways to Keep Focused on Christ During the Christmas Season
With all of the excitements and festivities of the Christmas season, it’s sometimes difficult to remain focused on Christ. These things—colorful lights, cookies, presents, parties, etc.—can be fun and meaningful, but Christ is the very reason we have Christmas, so I want to stay focused on Him. I believe it is possible for us to enjoy … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Keep Focused on Christ During the Christmas Season
Book Review: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
There are many things that I love about Christmas. What I love the most actually precedes Christmas Day: Advent. This period of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth occurs each year in the weeks before Christmas. Because I value Advent so much, I was thrilled when I received an email about an opportunity to review a new Advent … [Read more...] about Book Review: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
Thanksgiving Playlist
Most Americans, whether they’re Christians or not, celebrate Thanksgiving. However, for those of us who are Christians, the holiday has a special significance. Though I often listen to Christmas music in the weeks before Christmas in order to help prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve never considered doing something … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Playlist
5 Habits That Quell Gratitude
We talk a lot about gratitude during the month of November. Though I try to focus on gratitude all year long, I appreciate the heightened focus on gratitude around Thanksgiving. The more I think about gratitude, the more I realize that it’s not enough to engage in activities that foster gratitude. If I’m going to be grateful every day, … [Read more...] about 5 Habits That Quell Gratitude
The Great Halloween Debate: Should Christians Take Part in Halloween?
In the fall of each year, Christian families face the question of whether or not to celebrate Halloween. I know a lot of families who struggle with this question, so today we’re going to consider some different ways to answer it. Before we explore these answers, let’s review the history of Halloween. The history of Halloween has more … [Read more...] about The Great Halloween Debate: Should Christians Take Part in Halloween?
Inspiration for When Your Prayers Feel Redundant
When I pray during my devotional time in the morning, I often feel that my prayers sound like a broken record. I pray the same things for the same people over and over again! I know that persisting in prayer is a good thing, but when should I keep praying and when should I “take it to the Lord in prayer” and then move on because I trust … [Read more...] about Inspiration for When Your Prayers Feel Redundant
