Inspirations for Faith and Family

       J ust like many of you, this week has been the marker of significant transition for our family with 2 kiddos going to school for the first time. Enrollment has been completed, parent meetings attended, and school supply lists shopped. There has been much preparation, much time, energy, and $$$ getting ready for the first day of school!                                                                                                                                                 Yesterday was the day when I was planning to walk my 7 year old down the hall, help him put on his "inside shoes" and send him ...

Even as a seminary graduate, knowing how to approach my Bible for regular devotions can still feeling overwhelming at times and I can question how to get started. Upon my completion of an in depth study of the book of Matthew this past year, one of the leaders of my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class offered a seminar on how to study the Bible over the summer without the aid of other study guides. Her approach to studying scripture was so simple and inspiring that I had to share it so others might also benefit from this approach and be inspired to study their Bible like I have been! STEP ONE: Commit to a Place Daily devotions is like meeting with a friend for coffee. You agree on a time and place prior to meeting. Find a place in your home that is set apart for the special meeting with God. A place where you can keep your Bible and journal without having to search the house for it each time. STEP TWO: Choose a book of the Bible When studying the Bible it's important to study an ent...

I have never been more thankful for the hope I have in Christ as I have been these past few years and even now as the world continues to fall apart in big ways. None of this is a surprise to God. As I consider the darkness of war stirring in Europe, I see in the spiritual realm a large covering of sorts like a canopy, over Russia. The covering is suppressing the destruction and limiting its power. God has not gone anywhere, He is here with us fighting this war.  “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ He is also at work stirring up his church. He is stirring a spiritual revival in the hearts of His people.  “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬ When the Creator lives in your heart and holds your destiny in His hands there is noth...