When my parents and I arrived at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, we were eager to see Old Faithful erupt. Before long, the geyser lived up to its name and put on a show for us. Now decades later, Old Faithful still symbolizes the importance …
Decorating for Fall 2013
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year to decorate. Maybe it’s the promise of cooler days and evenings after months of blistering heat. Maybe it’s the smells of burning leaves, apple cider, and dried peach pies at fall festivals. Here in the South, …
Ten tips for getting the most out of your Bible reading
Note: These ten tips for getting the most out of your Bible reading are adapted from Richard Baxter’s Practical Religion, chapter 20. Richard Baxter was a prolific writer and a prominent pastor in the 1600s. The Practical Works of Richard Baxter is a treasure trove …
Who Will Pray for Me Now?
“Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT). “Who will pray for me now?” our teenage son asked when he lost both grandparents within months. His question startled me. He knew my husband and I prayed for him every day. But he also knew that my …
Continuing in Faithful Fellowship
It was fellowship that brought the village tinker John Bunyan, the future writer of The Pilgrim’s Progress, to Christ. In his book Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, Bunyan recalls being a lost and profane young man who was first pricked for Christ by …
Faithfulness in Tithing
Our Lord is a faithful God. He is sovereign and because His spirit lives within us He wants us to display the same spirit of faithfulness. One of His commands on being faithful and being a follower of Him is to tithe. The purpose of …
Responsible for Faithfulness
“A missionary wrote me: ‘Sometimes adversity tempts me to discouragement in the face of seeming failure. But I take courage and press on anew, as I remember that God does not hold me responsible for success, but for faithfulness.’ Jesus said, ‘Well done, you faithful …
Homemade Beef Jerky
Homemade beef jerky is a fun snack to make and have on hand for fall football games, hunting trips, or an afternoon snack. Making jerky homemade allows for quality ingredients and less sodium often found in store bought versions. 5 to 7 lbs. beef (or …
Modeling Faithfulness
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV) When my grandsons came for a sleepover, I asked Alex if he would like me to bake him a blackberry pie to take home. “Yes,” he …
Money Savers: Homemade Laundry Detergent
For over a year I’ve wanted to make homemade laundry detergent, especially after learning it can be used in front loading machines. Yet time and forgetfulness (mainly forgetfulness) won out month after month. Two weeks ago I determined to take this project by the horns …