God – Fearless and Joyful

Love Your Siblings

So Daniel and I discovered last week that there is a lot to unpack in 1 John 3. I also think it’s really neat to see what each of us gets out of it, both while we are sitting there talking, and in what we end up writing about. If you haven’t already been following… Continue reading Love Your Siblings

He in Us and We in Him

This past week in our Tuesday morning coffee session, Daniel and I went over 1 John chapter 2. (If you want to read his take on chapter 1, click here.) The first thing that jumped out at me in verse 1 was McKnight’s use of the word “Illuminator” for the Greek paraklētos, where the word… Continue reading He in Us and We in Him

Tending God’s Garden

You ever get a thought in your head and then it just starts popping up everywhere? Or at least you start seeing other people’s thoughts that are related to it somehow? I have had a blog post simmering in my brain for a few days now (I like to let them simmer to make sure… Continue reading Tending God’s Garden

Made Apparent

What is your favorite version of the Bible to read? My go-to is the NLT, New Living Translation. It’s easy to read, easy to understand….and easy to gloss over when I’m distracted. My friend Daniel put me onto a new translation of the New Testament. And while it probably won’t ever be my “take to… Continue reading Made Apparent

My Toolbox

At my house there’s a toolbox Full of wrenches and screws, A hammer, some screwdrivers- All things I can use. When I have things to fix Or maintain in my home, I have what it takes To get any job done. But I have other tools That I use every day That enhance my life… Continue reading My Toolbox

Go and be Reconciled

Sunday’s communion thought was:Matthew 5:23-24 “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”How might this passage relate to communion? Everyone’s… Continue reading Go and be Reconciled

Jesus, Just Jesus, and Nothing but Jesus

Yesterdays verse and communion thought question was:1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”How does this attitude promote unity, and how might it relate to communion? The sermon series we started yesterday is all about 1 Corinthians, titled “Paul’s Ideal Church.” Right from… Continue reading Jesus, Just Jesus, and Nothing but Jesus

God Is Everywhere

Do you have a special place you like to go to study and/or talk to God? My usual praying place is my shower, because, let’s face it, as a working mom or 4, that’s pretty much the only time I’m alone. And sometimes even then there’s that knock on the door that signals a child… Continue reading God Is Everywhere

But Even Now

Last night in our ladies’ class, LeAnne had a lesson on hope, and talked about “Doubting Thomas”, John the Baptist, referenced back to Isaiah – we were kind of all over. But there was one phrase, which she didn’t even read, that I noticed (and happened to already have underlined) that really stood out to… Continue reading But Even Now

Bread from Heaven

I’m forgoing my normal “Table Talk” post this morning, but staying in the same realm. We had The Gathering last night. It’s an informal worship setting we have every 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings, with the tagline, “Where fellowship breaks out in worship.” It’s geared more toward just sharing with each other, and being together… Continue reading Bread from Heaven

Jesus Revolution

We watched the movie Jesus Revolution Sunday evening. I know there have been different opinions on it, but I really enjoyed it. It makes you reexamine yourself as a Christian and what it means to reach out to people who haven’t found Jesus yet. I wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes from… Continue reading Jesus Revolution

One Body

Yesterday’s communion talk prompt said:Ephesians 4; Romans 12God has given us different gifts and talents through the Holy Spirit. How do our different roles in the body relate to communion? So first off, what does Ephesians 4 say? It starts out by Paul telling the Ephesians he wants them to “lead a life worthy of… Continue reading One Body

Let’s get (Un)Comfortable

I love to grab a snack and a drink and go outside in the sunshine or, if the weather’s bad, in my office and watch a movie or read a book or listen to music and crochet. Because it’s comfortable. It’s my own space, doing what I enjoy. We like to do things and follow… Continue reading Let’s get (Un)Comfortable

Mercy, Not Sacrifice

The slide for this week’s communion talk was: Matt 12:7; Hosea 6:6“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”How can these verses relate to communion? Our prompt usually reflects the day’s sermon in some way, and this one was no different, as the sermon topic was “Transformational Worship”. Also, as the Lord usually throws all things at me… Continue reading Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Clothe Yourselves with Compassion

This week’s communion discussion prompt was from Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Then, the question, “How does communion call us to clothe ourselves with compassion?” First off, what is compassion? Merriam-Webster’s definition is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to… Continue reading Clothe Yourselves with Compassion

You Ever Feel Like You’re Drowning?

I had a good friend make a good-natured jab at me this morning, and I thought, you know what, that hurt my feelings a little. But at the same time, it was just another drop of water over my already covered head. And I know this person absolutely didn’t mean anything by it, and would… Continue reading You Ever Feel Like You’re Drowning?

What Makes a Soul Feel Lost?

What makes a soul feel lost? Yes, we say lost soul for one who doesn’t know about Jesus. But what about those who do, but still feel lost? Not eternally lost, but like they are still searching. What are they searching for? Understanding? Either being understood by others or having their own understanding or wisdom.… Continue reading What Makes a Soul Feel Lost?

Surrendered In Christ

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Lean Into Jesus Ministries women’s conference, Surrendered in Christ. I have been to their events in the past, but this is the first time I’ve been alone. And it was an experience for sure. Speakers, skits, activities, and worship music were geared toward making… Continue reading Surrendered In Christ

The Hour Has Come

We took our youth group to Gatlinburg last weekend to attend Winterfest. It is a large Christian youth conference, and every year, it is such an experience. Last year the theme was Shipwrecked (you can read about that trip here) with the centering verse being John 16:33. This year, we looked at John 17, and… Continue reading The Hour Has Come

Marvelous Message

I know I haven’t posted as much lately, things have been so busy with school, work, Tyler’s birthday, and a couple of conferences. I have several posts in my head and started on paper, but I wanted to make this quick update for now. This weekend, we took the youth from our congregation to Winterfest… Continue reading Marvelous Message

Idols

What do you think of when you think of an idol? A statue representing some deity that people use to remind them who they are worshipping? A representation of a god to bow to and bring offering to? Did you know an idol doesn’t have to be a statue, a false god, or anything tangible?… Continue reading Idols

There You Are

When it feels like I’m losing every friend I’ve got When I don’t know who I am, and who I’m not When I start to let the world’s cares push me down When it seems that no one else wants me around There you are. When my chest feels tight and I can barely breathe… Continue reading There You Are

Words

Sitting here working on my Bible study/blog post, I was praying that God would give me words. Then I thought, what makes me think my words will be better than the inspired scripture? And I don’t. I don’t think it’s better. But maybe someone is sitting out there thinking, as the Ethiopian eunuch did in… Continue reading Words

Peace on Earth

We hear a lot this time of year about “peace on earth”. What does that mean? What is peace? How and where do we find it? First of all, what is peace? Merriam-Webster offers several definitions, including: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.… Continue reading Peace on Earth

What About Him?

This time of year, everywhere you look you see nativity scenes. Hear those Bible stories from the beginnings of Matthew and Luke. Songs on the radio like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Mary, Did You Know?” Praise and wonder for Mary, the mother of Jesus. You know who often gets overlooked when we talk… Continue reading What About Him?

More Than a Man

It’s a two post day! This poem was originally going to be part of the last post, but I decided to separate them.

Who is Jesus?

Yesterday’s communion talk prompt was Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace….He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it… Continue reading Who is Jesus?

All About Jesus

Today’s blog post is brought to you by Sunday’s communion talk, Thom’s sermon, and Corri’s brain. Sunday’s communion talk was based on 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The questions presented were, “What did Paul mean by this?” and “How does… Continue reading All About Jesus

Church is Family

I want to tell you a little about my church family. Last night, we pulled up to the church building, and as we were walking in, our friend (and one of the ministers) Daniel was walking out. He corralled us and let us know that several of the youth had been in a bad car… Continue reading Church is Family

Prayer Share

Do you ever write down your prayers? I do. Often. My brain likes to go in 15 directions at once, and I find if I write my prayers, it helps keep me focused and not headed down rabbit trails. Other wise my prayers go something like, “Thank you God for my children. I love them… Continue reading Prayer Share

Grace and Peace

Sometimes we just need reminding that God wants us to need Him.

Praise to the Creator

A prayer of praise to our Creator.

Weary and Looking for Rest

This is a repost from my Facebook page a year ago. But it is still completely relevant (both in how I feel and what I need to remember!) Some days, you just feel weary. Maybe there is a lot going on in your life. Maybe there is just something in particular you’ve been struggling with.… Continue reading Weary and Looking for Rest

Loving Father

Loving Father, Almighty Creator No other love sweeter, No other strength greater No shoulders as mighty, No touch is a tender As those of our Comforter and our Defender What artistic genius and imagination Who gave us the sunshine and precipitation Our jury and judge, but He paid our bail, too So that one day… Continue reading Loving Father

God, I’m Tired

God, I’m tired. I know one thing You didn’t say Was life will be easy every day. In our life there will be problems But You’ll be there to help us solve them. I know that I can trust in You To be in everything I do. But, God, I’m tired. Earthly cares have made… Continue reading God, I’m Tired

I Will Praise You

I will praise You in the morning when a new day’s just begun I will praise You in the evening at the setting of the sun I will praise You in the heat of day, when the sun is shining bright I will praise You in the darkness, throughout the darkest night I will praise… Continue reading I Will Praise You

Joy and Peace

Do you ever forget where joy and peace come from? I do. I try every day to do something to bring joy and peace to those around me. I want to be an encourager and a cup-filler. I want to help make things easier for those around me, share their burdens. Sometimes I have to… Continue reading Joy and Peace

Light from the Lord

One of the books I read a few years back addressed blessing God, and traditional Jewish prayers of blessing. The purpose of the blessing is to put God at the center of your prayers. The end of the chapter suggested writing your own prayer of blessing, called a berakhah, beginning with, “Blessed are you, O… Continue reading Light from the Lord

Exchange Worry for Peace

Last night in our ladies’ class, we talked about anxiety. We read a lot of scripture, where we are told not to worry or be anxious, but to cast our cares on God, and to trust Him even in times of trouble. We had a lot of discussion on what it meant to us and… Continue reading Exchange Worry for Peace

Total Eclipse of the Heart

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay… Continue reading Total Eclipse of the Heart

Isaiah – pt. 2

Due to some outside forces (such as people out of town, sickness, and a new baby!), our Isaiah group has had trouble getting together. But here are some of the thoughts that were shared on chapters 2-5 at our last meeting. Chapter 2:1-4: The Lord’s kingdom would be so wonderful and mighty, other nations would… Continue reading Isaiah – pt. 2

Love Like Jesus

Looking through my Facebook memories today, this popped up that I had shared a couple of years ago. I thought it would be good to share here. “All I’ve ever wanted is to love like Jesus. I just want to be there for people. To help people. Even people that hate me, I would help… Continue reading Love Like Jesus

Remind Me, Lord

God, I sit empty and alone I fall to pieces at the foot of Your throne Begging You to make me whole To put the fire back in my soul I’m torn and trembling, weak and spent I don’t know where my courage went It feels like everything I do Falls apart to pieces, too… Continue reading Remind Me, Lord

Yahweh-Yireh

This is an older post from my Facebook page that showed up in my memories today, but I wanted to share it again. There have been times when I’ve tried to take a nature picture, and been annoyed because I couldn’t get “only nature” in the shot. A shot with no fences, no power lines,… Continue reading Yahweh-Yireh