Some friends of ours suffered a heartbreaking loss a couple of months ago. As we were praying for them and feeling a little shaken, I kept thinking about the words of the second verse of “The Solid Rock:” “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In ev'ry high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the … [Read more...] about Why I Still Sing and Listen to Hymns
spiritual growth
Differences Between Hymns and Contemporary Worship Songs
My husband and I began discussing hymns and contemporary worship music a few weeks ago after we heard some radio personalities discussing what they considered to be some of the greatest worship songs of all time. As we debated the songs they mentioned, we began to wonder what makes one song a hymn and another song a worship song. I’m a … [Read more...] about Differences Between Hymns and Contemporary Worship Songs
5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Last week we discussed why family devotions benefit our kids, even when our kids are wiggly and distracted through them. Today we’ll consider some ways we can minimize the wiggles and still their wondering minds so our kids stay engaged during family devotions. How to keep kids engaged during family devotions Make devotions part … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
A few months ago, as we ate oatmeal for breakfast, I read to my girls about Moses and the burning bush. My 3-year-old appeared deep in thought. When she spoke as I paused to turn a page, her statement left me speechless: “I know, mommy, let’s have doughnuts!” I wasn’t speechless because she shared some deep insight or asked an … [Read more...] about Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
14 Reading Plans to Help You Dig Into the Bible
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
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
