In 2022, I had a lot of plans for reading books that I hoped would challenge and grow me in many ways spiritually and mentally; however, all of those plans fell to the wayside. I only read one book on my TBR list. My brain was so exhausted from balancing a new baby, teaching […]
MoreMy husband and I have always had an open home policy. We desire our home to be a place of welcoming. A safe haven where spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical needs may be met. Our first home was a two bedroom, one and a half bath apartment. Our visitors were mainly friends from college, family, […]
MoreIn 2021, I set out to read a mixture of fiction and nonfiction books. Typically, I read nonfiction books – biographies/autobiographies or books that challenge me in my faith. This past year, however, I wanted to get back to my love of reading fiction as well. When reflecting on my favorites for the year, nonfiction […]
MoreMy word for 2021 was hope. The eager longing for light to break through darkness. The desire for something rooted and secure to dig into. A safe place to rest. A better hope than all other longings that had failed me in years past. I wanted to learn to hope in Jesus. To hope in […]
MoreIn 2020, my word for the year was rest. I wanted to rest in the goodness of the Lord and stop striving for approval, success, and comfort. Little did I know, a pandemic would force me to rest physically, mentally, and emotionally as my best efforts literally could do nothing to change the situation. This […]
MoreRead: Matthew 2:1 – 12 Luke 2:16 – 20 We often think of the story of the wise men when we think of gift giving. These expectant travelers offered tangible gifts to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They offered up their treasures as a response to being exceedingly joyful at the news of the Messiah’s birth. […]
MoreRead: Luke 1: 5 – 80 Zechariah was a priest, known for his righteousness and obedience to God. He and his wife were recognized in their town for worshipping and serving God, but they never expected to hear the message Zechariah received from Gabriel, the angel. Elizabeth, was barren and had most likely given up […]
MoreRead: Luke 2: 8 – 20 The occupation of a Shepherd is one in which close proximity is necessary. The shepherds must spend time away from their own families in order to lovingly tend to the sheep in their care. They seek out pastures for grazing and water sources in seemingly barren places. Their eyes […]
MoreRead: Luke 2: 1-7 As Joseph and Mary began their 90 mile trek to Bethlehem, Mary must have felt fearful. A young, expecting mother, making her way through valleys, mountains, and deserts. Each step increasing the distance between Mary and her own mother, whom she surely longed to cling to in this process. Imagine finally […]
MoreRead: Matthew 1:18 – 27 Luke 1:39 – 45; 2:1-7 Out of an obedience and faith in God, Joseph made the decision to forgive Mary for the shame and hurt he felt in learning of her pregnancy. He determined to let go of the nagging questions and his injured pride. He decided to ignore the […]
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Smile in a Cup 