Bible Basics

I remember some of the first times I picked up the Bible. I had joined a small women’s Bible study as an adult and had never really read the Bible. The ladies were flipping to chapters and going right to the passages and verses and I was clueless! For a while I was confused and uncomfortable even opening it up and trying to read it. I could have really used some “Bible Basics”!

Whether you are very familiar with its contents or are new to reading your Bible, the need for knowing God’s Word at a glance is valuable. If you’ve been a Christian for a while, this is a valuable exercise to step back and look at it from the perspective of just picking it up for the first time—like someone who doesn’t have any knowledge of how the Bible is laid out or what it contains. If you’re new to reading scripture, this is SO helpful. I’ve put together a “cheat sheet” for the Bible at a glance that you can download for free at the bottom.

Holy Week is here! It’s a time to slow down, sit at Jesus’ feet and have your heart warmed and overflowing with worship and thanksgiving. There is no holiday that I love more, so I’ve provided some tools to expand your love for Jesus and your view of who He is and what He’s done. Scroll down to the bottom for links to a great devotional, a few audio accounts, and a compilation of scriptures to expand your love for Jesus.

What’s the secret to a closer relationship with God? Want to know His heart and align yours with His? This week I walk through Luke 15:1-7 in this second part of how to revive your quiet time. So read on for the easy three step method to hear God speak and get closer to Him as a result. Scroll all the way to the bottom for a free study aide that will help you dig into God’s Word and get the most out of it.

Is your quiet time all that it could be? Feeling like you need something a little quicker and easier or more life applicable? I’ve got just the way to revive your quiet time! In last week’s post I shared about how to go deeper in faith and Bible study.  In this week’s and next week’s post, I’m going to walk through a couple of passages along with you to discover deeper truths just by asking yourself a few questions as you study. We’re going to start with a passage that really speaks to those of us who struggle with anxiety, depression and hopelessness. Is that you? Would it help someone you know? Read on. You are sure to be blessed!

What does it look like to live in a surface society but keep a deeply rooted faith? We all can probably name one person who possesses a deep faith and exemplifies a vibrant relationship with Christ. But, how do we grab hold of that auger that drives those truths deep into our hearts, spills out the overflow, bringing God glory, and love to those around us? How to go deeper in faith and Bible study. . .

We all love our kids and want what’s best for them. That holds true for any child–even a child that struggles daily with the burden of mental illness. When your child is coping with anxiety, depression, panic attacks or any mental illness it’s heart breaking and daunting at the same time. You juggle in each situation whether to shelter them, or exercise some tough love. But is that all there is? Am I helping my anxious child the best way possible?

New Year’s Resolutions or a Plan to Thrive . . .

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. A history of multiple failures has caused me to take a different approach to starting out a new year. Life is different every year, and along with it comes challenges, struggles, joy and suffering.  So, what if you’re two weeks into the new year and already failing on your resolutions, so earnestly made?

if you fail to plan you are planning to fail…

Benjamin Franklin knew what he was talking about when he penned that famous saying. What was true back then, still applies today and there is much to be planned if you want to have a successful college semester. Add a string of those successful plans together and you’ve got that great celebration ahead–graduation!!! So, start your college semester off successfully with these 6 do’s and don’ts!

Going home

If you’ve ever moved away from your home where you lived for a very long time, you’ll understand the excitement that accompanies going home for a visit. Seeing familiar sights, people I love, the tastes of the foods I’ve missed, all get me super pumped to get there! I was born and raised in the small mid-western town of Woodstock, Illinois. A beautiful town with a quaint city square, complete with cobblestone streets that are over 200 years old.

“Jesus is the Reason for the Season”

We’ve all heard that phrase many many times! But as we approach Christmas this year, let’s have that really sink in and take root in our hearts. It’s so easy to fall prey to all the media hype and “I wants” on everyone’e list.  I’m certainly guilty of this. But as we head into the celebration of Christ’s birth, let’s be intentional about reflecting more fully on that phrase and the scripture that backs it up. Christmas is such a deeply spiritual time, so pause with me ever so briefly to read and choose from my list of the Top 7 Free Advent Devotionals. I’ve included a free download of my own for 25 advent scriptures. Just scroll to the bottom:)