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...

Trying to put a child to sleep can be either the sweetest part of your day or it can be the most challenging! I have experienced it both ways with my own kids. However, it wasn't sleep that first drove me look for kids music, 3 years ago, it was trying to avoid the television on a rainy day when we couldn't go outside to play. My search for kids music brought me across some beautiful lullaby music that I began to implement in my toddlers sleep routine after the birth of his baby brother. I wish that I would have implemented music earlier. I realized after having two kids that I had "no idea" what I was doing with my first. I have experienced that playing music as my kiddos fall asleep not only helps their minds calm, but it helps me stay relaxed too! Now I even play lullaby's for myself when I have difficulty falling asleep. I have too much music to fit it all in one post so I though I would organize it into categories. This first post is music for sleep. I have...

Ok so summer is wrapping up and we only have a few weeks left to soak up the summer rays! I am not looking forward to summer ending especially because I have a hyper 2 year old who would rather live and sleep outside than stay in the confines of four walls. His abundant energy and love for the outdoors has caused me to look for fun things to do outside, especially since we don't have a yard. Thankfully, we have a park we frequently visit just across the street. However, the summer time is a perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors and spend some quality time with the family. Take some pictures and make some good memories before summer ends! Here are some places I have highly enjoyed. Minnehaha falls-  I discovered this family friendly park at my husbands annual work party. There is a large fenced in splash pad and a modern well kept playground. The camper is especially fun where kids can climb in and rock it back and forth. The splash pad has a shallow end with a grad...

Music has always been my go to source for helping me get through challenging events in life.  The past several months have been no exception and the labor and delivery of my son just last week was one of those events. For both of my deliveries I prepared a playlist that had music I felt would provide support to get me through. These songs have been so beneficial for me I decided to pick my top 10 and share them. Be encouraged! 10.  Yearn by: Shane and Shane This is an all time favorite song and it will never get old for me. It reminds me that my one desire is the presence of God above all else. This song ushers the presence of God into the space! The passionate vocal style fits the burning message of this song. "He brings us joy, life and breath, that's why I sing". They say the crowning of the head brings a burning feeling-you might think of having such a burning desire to know God and his burning desire to fellowship with us! If you are still able to think ...

Putting our son to bed is Joshua's favorite thing to do and story time is such a sweet time. Alas, I had to include Daddy's current favorite "Minerva Louise and the Red Truck." This is one that we can't just put back on the shelf at the library without buying it first. It's been renewed 1 time so far and will be renewed the maximum amount of times before letting it go! Joshua says, it's the facial expressions that this chicken makes that is so amusing. I find it compelling how such a simple illustration of a chicken can have such a large personality. I swear it's that red feather on the top of her head with that naive look on her face that makes me want to laugh!  The best illustration, in my opinion, is the one where she arrives back at the farm still riding on the flatbed with her little cheek endearingly snuggled into the red truck.  After an exciting adventure of new sites, she claims that it's still her favorite truck and always will be. Tha...