Charles Spurgeon, who was nicknamed “The prince of preachers,” once famously said, “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.” Why would a man known for preaching believe that praying was even more important? Spurgeon knew what many of us tend to forget: prayer is a powerful tool we’ve been given by God! A Christian without an active prayer life is like a car without a battery. We might look nice on the outside, but there is a vital source of power missing deep down on the ... [keep reading]
How the classic carols of Christmas can help you rediscover the true meaning of the season
Christmas trees, cocoa, candy canes, and chaos! These are some of the prominent features for many family festivities as the Christmas season draws near. But such busyness leaves little room in most homes for compassion and care toward those in need, caroling, or contemplation of the meaning of Christmas. I suppose that’s how it goes with most holidays—the means of celebrating take the place of the meaning. Sweets and egg hunts eclipse the resurrection in April, fireworks and food mean more than ... [keep reading]
A mom’s quest for real rest: What is keeping you from experiencing true peace and contentment?
You know that feeling at the end of the day when you finally take out the ponytail you’ve been wearing for hours? There’s a dull ache and it doesn’t feel all that great, but you know it won’t linger for long. You rub your head where the rubber band once was, massaging away the tenderness, and snuggle into your pillow. Ahhh…it’s time to rest! The thing about rest of all kinds, from the quick midafternoon nap to the soul-deep variety that we’re after here, is that it requires an undoing, a ... [keep reading]
Mom, here’s why you need the help and hope that the gospel offers
We became first-time moms within nine months of each other, and although we didn’t realize it at the time, we both entered motherhood with high expectations. Yet today, with eight kids between us, our optimistic expectations have toppled under the pressures of everyday life. Just like when we realized our carefully selected muslin swaddles were insufficient at holding our Houdini babies’ arms in place, motherhood left us feeling inadequate, frustrated, and desperate for new solutions. And ... [keep reading]
Does God hear the prayers that you’ve given up praying?
Do you have a prayer you’ve given up praying? I do. Maybe you’ve poured your heart out to God, pleading for things to change until you've got nothing left. Perhaps you’ve prayed fervently, pleadingly, even fasted, gathering others around you, but still...nothing. So you simply stopped, your energy to pray eroded by the silence and your unchanging circumstances. And then weeks or months later you realize you’ve simply given up. If that’s you, I get it, so I want to share ... [keep reading]
Could practicing stillness lead to your next spiritual breakthrough?
You weren’t prepared for the stillness. You know it’s what you were hoping for, what you told your friends and family that you needed, and what drew you to this mountain meadow today. “I need a break from all the busyness,” you said. But it is...very still. Too still. It feels uncomfortable, this sitting, this waiting. This, doing nothing. It’s so unproductive. Your hand itches to take out your phone, check your email, check the weather, look at the headlines. It’s what you ... [keep reading]
What can your daughter (and you) learn from the lives of Leah and Rachel?
Author and respected Bible teacher Elizabeth George shares powerful truths about the women of God throughout A Girl After God's Heart Bible, designed specially for girls between the ages of eight and twelve. Here's what Elizabeth wants your daughter learn from the stories of Leah and Rachel from the Book of Genesis. *** LEAH - NOTICED BY GOD Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? Has anyone ever ignored or rejected you or made you feel like you’re not very ... [keep reading]
Reflections on the Worthy Pursuit of Peace
There’s a nervous energy that accompanies me when I go on vacation. Does that happen to you too? I dream about a trip for months. I buy the travel books, plot my great adventure with Google maps, I read reviews and research with gusto. Finally, with baited breath, I set off with my family for a life changing experience. No pressure! Once the vacation begins, it usually takes a day or two before we can truly relax. In my experience, there’s almost always push back when you search for peace. ... [keep reading]
5 Easy Ways You Can Raise a More Creative Child
“How can I help my child be more creative?” That’s a question I am frequently asked because I’m a children’s book author who occasionally teaches creative writing workshops for youngsters in third through seventh grades. Becoming more creative takes exercise. As storyteller Ethel Barrett once wrote, “Productive, imaginative thinking is strengthened by exercise, just as muscles are.” I recommend the following exercises: Read Aloud to Your Child Fables and folktales for pearls of ... [keep reading]
A Busy Parent’s Guide to Spiritual Self-Care: How Your Faith Affects Theirs
About a decade ago, I attended a masterfully staged production of the Greek classic Antigone. As the blind prophet Tiresias forcefully delivered his monologue, he walked with closed eyes around a high platform with nothing but the feel of his feet to keep him from plummeting off the stage. I could hardly attend to his words as my eyes riveted on his steps. I remember this powerful performance every time I read Jesus’ metaphor in Matthew 15: “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall ... [keep reading]
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