We are always on the lookout for great Christian tools, so when I was able to get a sneak peak at new material from Kaio Publications, I jumped at the chance.  Our family was able to preview an electronic book, Family Devotionals:  Object Lessons from the Kitchen.  The lesson we chose took one simple kitchen item and made a spiritual application.   From start to finish, we were able to read  [ Read More ]

“I want to be a soul winner for Jesus every day.”  The words to this song by James W. Ferrill are convicting!  Yes, we want to think souls.  We want to see them as Jesus does.  We want to go to Heaven and take others with us.  This Bible-marking topic encourages us to remember to be more evangelistic in our day to day lives.   Soul-winning- Prov. 11:30  These poetic  [ Read More ]

Esther Lesson 9: Approaching the Throne While we’ve spent plenty of time studying our heroine in the last few weeks, we’ve neglected a few important details in the life of our hero, Mordecai– namely the fact that he saved the king’s life! Through this event, and the reactions of the king and Haman, we’ll see (you guessed it) God’s providence in exalting his people. First, let’s backtrack to take a  [ Read More ]

I’m not much of a gardener, but we had a vegetable garden this year. We went all out: bought a tiller and turned the soil, added various things for nutrients, even started a compost bin. We made rows, bought the plants, stuck them in the ground and waited for our delicious, home-grown vegetables to appear. Soon the weeds started popping up… and up… and up. More and more weeds every  [ Read More ]

“People need encouragement – and a lot of it!”  I once heard a preacher say this in a sermon and I believe it:  we do need encouragement – and a lot of it.  In the Bible, we read about a man named Joseph who was also called Barnabas by the apostles.  The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement” – what a special man Barnabas was.  He was such an encouragement  [ Read More ]

One of my least favorite things to eat is crow. While I’ve never partaken of a black feathered bird at my dinner table, I have had plenty of the proverbial one. Facing up to what I’ve done or said or messed up is hard, and facing the person on the other end of my faults requires so much pride swallowing that sometimes I’m sure I’ll choke. That’s an experience I’d  [ Read More ]

  Esther Lesson 8: Pride and Prejudice In the last study, we watched Esther’s fear of God eclipse her fear of men when she entered the king’s throne room… and we also saw her rewarded for her bravery. This week, we’ll look at the choices of two others in our story: Haman and Mordecai. Before we can go on, though, we have to tie up loose ends and examine Esther’s  [ Read More ]

I love the words to the song written by Johnson Oatman entitled, “When Upon Life’s Billows.” The chorus sings, “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings see what God has done.” In keeping up with the theme of “Thankful November”, I have made an acrostic of the word “thankful” and some of the blessings that I am grateful for.   “T” I am thankful for the  [ Read More ]

My husband and I help with two weeks of church camp each summer.  It is always one of the highlights of my summer.  It’s two weeks spent with teens and pre-teens in the Texas heat of July trying to help mold them spiritually and grow in their Bible knowledge.  Of course, there are plenty of other activities, events, and competitions, too.  But, the ultimate goal is helping them in their  [ Read More ]

Esther Lesson 7: Approaching the Throne   In our last study, we left Esther struggling with apprehensions we often face as Christians today: doubt, inadequacy, and fear. However, we also left her with an admonition from her cousin Mordecai– one that encourages her, affirms her importance, and challenges her to do the right thing. In this lesson, we’ll see our heroine’s triumphant answer, her bold actions, and the king’s providential  [ Read More ]