His Marvelous Light

February 22, 2022 by Guest Post 3 Comments

Guest author Bethany Williams joins us in the last week of our series on The Lord Is My Light, inviting us to step into God’s marvelous light.

In church one Sunday last month, my 12 year old son turned to me after the closing prayer and asked, “Did you know we wouldn’t see color if we didn’t have light?” All the way down the balcony stairs and the church hall, he explained the way light provides color because of different wavelengths, some of which are absorbed and some reflected. I already knew the physics, and I think his older sister gave me the same lesson two years ago, but I loved listening to him explain with his enthusiasm of fresh understanding. We talked about color, our senses, what new things we might be able to see in heaven one day, and what we may be missing now that we don’t even know. The very next day my friend Jennifer asked me to guest write on reflections of light and darkness in Scripture, which just made me smile at God’s timing.

During Sunday morning worship today, due to a technical accident, the sanctuary lights went out for a couple of seconds. Everyone laughed and the preacher, quoting an old anecdote from Dr. Gardner Taylor, said, “It’s okay, we can see Jesus in the dark.” Later in the service, the preacher proceeded to preach on I Peter, including 2:9. Now, full disclosure, this preacher is my husband, but he had no memory of how, weeks ago, I had chosen I Peter 2:9 to write on this day. I smiled again at God’s timing.

So it is with God’s light; when we begin to look for God’s light, we see it more and more.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (I Peter 2:9-10).

I Peter 2:9-10 is beautiful to read. It is encouraging to see our identity as God’s chosen people. We love reading and hearing the adjectives—chosen, royal, holy. And the phrase that makes our hearts swell—marvelous light. These verses remind us who we are and how we live, as God’s people of the light. We may have started in the dark, but we spend our lives proclaiming how God called us out to place us instead in His light.

And this light is nearly too good to place into words; it’s marvelous and full of mercy. It’s not a part of our lives over there in the drawer to pull out for a few hours on Sunday morning. This is the light by which we live our entire lives.

In this same chapter from Peter, we read that this all seems like foolishness to those outside of the light. Jesus, our cornerstone, is rejected and considered an offense to many. (I Peter 2:7-8)

While our children played at a park, a friend who I had been telling about Jesus asked me very pointedly how much I care if my child grows up to practice Christianity. I got the feeling she thought the right answer for a parent would be to let children find whatever “spiritual path” they felt like. I was so gobsmacked that I rambled a good bit as I tried to explain how dearly I desire for my children to always know Jesus. I wish I had better prepared for such a question ahead of our playdate at the park. Perhaps I would have had handy this C.S. Lewis quote from The Weight of Glory: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.”

This love of Jesus, this marvelous light He has called us into, changes how we see everything.

I wish I had thought to tell her in that moment of how I began praying for my children last year: “Please, Lord, keep them in your Light.” With the many darknesses our whole world has experienced in recent years, with so many darknesses within the culture around them, with the humility that I do not know all the days in their futures, I’ve begun to pray with imagery of God’s light surrounding my children. I pray they can always see Jesus in the dark.

It’s important to take seriously that living in God’s light requires obedience, sacrifice, and suffering. Living in His light does not necessarily always feel the same as the song refrain “walking on sunshine.” We know from the rest of Peter’s letters and his life that he did not mean it would be easy. This life of faith in God’s light is better than easy, it is marvelous and full of mercy.

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Bethany Williams is a teacher, encourager, advocate, and writer. She loves teaching high school Theology and focusing on her four children at home. She is happily a clergy spouse, adoptive and biological mom, and treasures a little knack for eliciting laughter in church small groups.

Where Jesus Walked: Sea of Galilee

June 24, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Join us today in welcoming guest contributor, Aleigh Porter. Aleigh loves teaching people, whether it be as an oncology nurse or a messenger of God’s word. The daughter of a minister and teacher, she has amazing examples to follow as she lives out her ministry. Aleigh encourages women to trust God in their journey, even when life goes off-script. She is a contributing writer for Hello Mornings Bible studies and a speaker at various women’s events in local churches. Her unofficial ministry involves being the best aunt to five energetic teenagers and owner to her dog Max. A Texas girl all the way, she loves football, her family, and her faith.

Growing up, my sister and I spent much time sailing with our father. His hobby became a favorite of ours as well yet today, I cannot sail a boat by myself. Although it sounds strange, the truth is that I never had to do the sailing. While I spent much time on the water, I never had to navigate it on my own. My dad always took care of the preparation and charting and navigation as we journeyed from one place to the next. My sister and I helped with whatever tasks he assigned along the way, but the primary responsibility was not ours. I never worried about anything while he was in the boat because I knew who was in control, and we always made it to our destination safely.

Today, I love being on the water as much as ever and believe this is why the stories of Jesus and the Sea of Galilee are some of my favorites in Scripture. It is not a surprise that the one who called himself Living Water spent much of his ministry around this element. Scripture shows us that bodies of water are integral in the journey and ministry of God’s people.

Scripture shows us that bodies of water, like the Sea of Galilee, are integral in the journey and ministry of God’s people. #WhereJesusWalked

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Thriving Community

The Sea of Galilee is a fresh-water lake that is primarily fed by the Jordan River. This river is of significance to the Israelites, as they crossed over it to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17). The city of Capernaum at the north end of the Sea was also an important location, as many travelers crossed the Jordan near that site, and it became a major point of commerce. Although called a sea, the fresh water of Galilee provided drinking water for the region and supported a thriving fishing industry. The semi-tropical climate and natural springs in the region led people to believe that the area promoted healing and became a popular place for those struggling with infirmities. All these factors worked together to create a perfect area for to Jesus to establish his ministry.

Mission-minded Ministry

About 18 miles from his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus came to the region of Galilee early in his ministry. This location is noted in the prophecies of Isaiah “In the future, he will honor Galilee of the nations, by way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:1b-2). Here Jesus called his first disciples, proclaiming them to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). He spent time teaching the multitudes around him, including the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). When they brought him the sick, he spent time healing them from leprosy, demons, and many other diseases (Matthew 8-9). Ultimately, he even filled their stomachs when they did not have enough food for themselves (Matthew 14:13ff). All the while, he taught them the things the Father entrusted to him. He never wavered in his mission.

Faith-building Opportunity

Through this entire journey the disciples walked with him, but their faith often fell short. The Sea of Galilee has a unique topography as it is in a valley surrounded by mountains, which allows strong storms to develop quickly. The men knew this – they were fishermen, after all – and this was their home territory. No doubt they knew every inch of the sea – it was essential to their survival.

Yet one night, a storm developed that scared the disciples like no other. Everything they knew about the sea was rendered worthless as the chaos swirled around them, and they panicked. The disciples ran to Jesus (who was sleeping) asking him to save them from the overwhelming storm. In this moment, Jesus could have hugged them and calmed their fears and coddled them. Instead, he chastised them saying, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:28). The disciples knew they were on a sea prone to storms yet allowed fear to overcome them because they got distracted from the most important factor – they had JESUS in their boat.

Faithful Living

Isn’t that what we often do as well? We know the world we live in brings storms and chaos and fear, but we allow those things to overwhelm us in the moment and cry out to our Savior asking for help. We forget that we have Jesus in our boat. We lose sight of the fact that he is always in control, even if it feels like he is sleeping. Jesus is right beside us in the boat and is fully aware of the storm, but sometimes he allows it to blow around us. Our job is to trust him – he is prepared, charting the course, and navigating our boat through the rough waters of life. We must complete our tasks along the way knowing that he will guide us to the proper destination. What better Captain could we have?

Jesus is our Captain. Our job is to trust him – he is prepared, charting the course, and navigating our boat through the rough waters of life. #WhereJesusWalked

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Pause, Listen, and Take Care with our Words

February 23, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest author Bethany Williams joins us in the last week of our series on Words of Life and Light, reminding us to pause, listen, and take care with our words.

After fourteen years as a stay-at-home Mom, I went back to teaching this year. With excitement, I pulled my dusty teacher boxes out of the attic and found my old, trusty “First of the Year Talk.” While many things have changed in the classroom, that first talk still works. Once again, I told my new classrooms of students:

“Words have power; they truly do. The words we use matter. Words can be a tool for good or for evil. With words, we can build others up. We can go from ignorant to educated. We can persuade, heal, affect good change, and influence for good. Even the words we think about ourselves and words we use in our self-talk are powerful—for good or for harm.”

This introductory talk works in a classroom because it is an extension of what students have heard from adults all their lives: “Use your words. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Think before you speak.”

Most of all, the talk works because it is a Biblical truth: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21 NRSV)

High Standards

As has already been beautifully shared here this month, God created our world by speaking it into life. The Old Testament is full of stories of people blessing or cursing with their words. And the New Testament has example after example of how Christians are meant to use our words.

We know we have the high call to “Let no corrupting talk come out of [our] mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, ESV, emphasis added)

James tells Christians, “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness… If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.” (James 1:19-20, 26 NRSV)

Whoa. Talk about high standards! It’s hard enough to be careful with our words when things are going smoothly. How do we do this when things are really hard?

Two Reminders for Harder Days

As I write this, we’ve just finished a terrible week of hard freezes in Texas. Millions of people have been without power, heat, and water. We’ve been boiling the city water in our home, and we’re not sure what food will be available at the grocery store this week. This storm comes a year into the pandemic and on the heels of a very rough hurricane season. This week has been scary, humbling, and sobering. We find ourselves once again reminded of our dependence on God for daily provision. We’re thankful for the most important things—God, family, and basic needs met. And we are also very tired.

When things are challenging and I’m tired, it’s even harder for me to take care with my words. I can quickly give in to anger, “venting,” and unkind words.

Because of this blog post, I’ve been thinking hard about how to guard our tongues, and I am reminded of what many of us heard from our first choir or band directors as youth: “Rests (pauses of silence) are just as important as the notes, and you have to listen to hear your part in order to sing or play well.” I think it’s the same with our words in our everyday lives, and I’m finding two very simple practices help in dramatic ways.

Pause

First, I need longer pauses before I speak. I often need to physically take a deep breath before I talk, and I need the weekly pause of Sabbath worship and rest. Communal worship may be different these days due to the pandemic, but we are still each longing for a weekly Sabbath to join our church family and pray, study God’s Word, focus on the essential rather than the urgent, reflect, and be encouraged and restored. Without these weekly pauses from work and production, for worship and fun, my tongue quickly gets the better of me.

Listen for Your Part

Next, I need to listen well to the Holy Spirit in order to discern which conversations God is calling me to be a part of. We are surrounded by a culture of constant noise and opinions, with people clamoring for us to engage in numerous societal complaints, debates, and culture wars.

While the technological delivery of this noise may be a new method, this cacophony is not new. Jesus was constantly followed, pressed, and bombarded with problematic situations, divisive opinions, and questions. And even Jesus did not answer every question He was asked. Once, rather than answer a direct question, He paused and drew in the dirt. His pause and gentle response led a guilty woman’s accusers to recognize even their own need for mercy and to walk away.

We too do not have to verbally engage in every current societal debate or cultural hot topic, and it does no good for us to be constantly stirred up by every cause under the sun, even good causes. If we listen in prayer and study, we can each discern which conversations God is calling us to engage in, and we can focus on the work God sets before us each day. When we have clarity about which conversations and work we are called to, we can maintain healthy boundaries for our intake of news and social media, and we can focus our words to bring grace to those around us in our everyday life.

When we pause, when we are rested and restored, and when we have listened to hear our parts, we can live with joy, mindful of the privilege it is to speak life.

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The Gift of Community

December 29, 2020 by Guest Post 2 Comments

Our Christmas Tea series continues with one last post. Joining us today as a guest contributor, is Cheri Novak.

I’m not sure how many hours I logged as a child in Judy Jones’ kitchen. Whether it was eating her pickle and peanut butter sandwiches after school or preparing a stuffed pork loin with her daughter, a professional chef, I was the honorary sous chef and official taster. During the time I shared in her kitchen, I tried new things, learned the importance of a properly seared protein, and the sheer joy of a simple scoop of ice cream.

I also learned about community and the give and take that it requires. Community building is not always easy work, but the work is never wasted.

Community Defined

When you’re a pastor’s kid, like me, church becomes a natural, built-in community. I didn’t have to work very hard to find it. There was always someone in the church who was available for the preacher’s kids.

Judy was one of those people who was always available for my sister and me. When I ran errands with Judy, I noticed that whether we went to the wallpaper store, the window repair store or the post office, there was always someone who stopped us to talk. Most of these folks weren’t people I knew from church. Instead, the people we talked to were part of Judy’s extended community and with whom she had shared her love of God.

I learned that community was found inside and outside of the walls of the church and it took work to develop.

There is a special love between those who comprise our tribes. The ones who love us and care for us at our very best and in those sacred moments when we are at our very worst. Sometimes we are the giver and sometimes the receiver. When we are having parties, it seems fun and easy to be in community. When we are facing divorce or death or a crisis of faith, it is hard. But in every situation, it is always a gift.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. –John 15:12-13

Community Developed

I went to Taylor University after high school. On day one, I met my roommate, Robin. Little did I know then that she would marry one of my dearest hometown friends. Together, Robin and I would amass a tribe of girls (eight of us altogether). During college, we grew to know and love each other as family. Many bonding moments were shared at Ivanhoe’s in Upland, Indiana, over a “Cookie Smash” – a huge cookie topped with a giant scoop of ice cream and hot fudge. It was the sort of sundae you could eat whole in your 20s, but it would require 8 spoons now!

No two girls in our tribe of eight are alike, but we have held each other through the years in some of the most sacred hours that we could know. Last week, all eight of us were on a Zoom call. It has been 30 years since we first met at Taylor, but the root of our bond, formed in a community of faith, remains. We laughed and giggled and shared our joys and heartaches as if no time had passed.

Community Uncovered

After college, finding that deep sense of community has not always been easy. I have made several moves and I have lots of friends. However, relocations and the reality of life often make finding local community a challenge. A little over a year ago, my husband, Mark, and I experienced a deep, unexpected loss. Seemingly out of nowhere, in the void of that loss, a tribe began to form right in our village. While it seemed to happen on its own, the community that we found came from our yearning and our willingness to give and receive grace. This year, in addition to our lingering grief, we were dealt the body blow of an unanticipated health crisis. Our local friends have shown us Christ in unexpected ways and the value of His community has been underscored.

Despite (or maybe because of) the quarantining of 2020, our tribe continues to grow. On Christmas night, a few of us gathered for hot cocoa and cookies. When I surveyed the surrounding joy, I couldn’t help being deeply thankful for God’s gift of community.

As we look toward 2021 and our homebound reality lingers, we anticipate that a larger circle of community will form. I hope you will join me in identifying new members of your tribe and finding the ones with whom you can share and receive Christ’s love in the new year.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:9-13, NIV

“I hope you will join me in identifying new members of your tribe and finding the ones with whom you can share and receive Christ’s love in the new year.” #JesusChristEmmanuel

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Christmas in a Teacup

December 24, 2020 by Guest Post 3 Comments

Merry Christmas! Thank you for joining us for our current series, Christmas Tea. Joining us today, as a guest contributor, is Marilyn Armstrong.

GIFTS MADE

There I was with my two wide-eyed, cheery-faced, giggle-hearted, elf-like helpers, 18-months and 4-years old, making the annual 100 dozen Christmas cookies! Yes, traditional insanity! We, again, practiced egg-cracking, flour sifting, and butter smearing on cookie sheets or whatever was — reachable. We mastered how to spill sugar, detest spices, like vanilla, and lick beaters, fingers, spoons, and bowls!

GIVING CELEBRATED

My two elves and I embarked on our holiday tin deliveries to elderly and homebound friends. We, even, delivered a decent “percentage” of our goal-set Christmas cookie craziness. At each house, my elf-helpers bubbled over with escalating — joy and pride! Gifted with the “elves’” giving, every house mirrored joy for receiving and pride for being remembered. These ongoing “who’s next?” visits transformed the flour bowl sneezes, spilled sugar, food color stains, burnt offerings, and tantrum tears into an unanticipated treasured value, an enduring “sweetness.”

GIVING RePURPOSED

When the shared joy and pride of the elf-moment-giving subsided, one “house,” particularly memorable, was Eric and Marie Wenzlaff’s. Marie, like others, invited us to stay. Classically German, she was not to be denied. Their home was laced with awards and autographed photos of well-known people who dined at Wenzlaff’s Famous Restaurant. Mementos and curios from Chicago events and world travel adorned every view. Looking around her home, an uneasiness crept up in me and collided with a longing to just sit and visit. My wiser angels lost — or maybe not?

Awkwardly engaged in the warmth of the moment’s chat, Marie, sharp-eyed and adept, suddenly broke the tone and swiftly spoke in her German brogue, “Madelyn, Madelyn, Madelyn, vot joo gawt muwch more praeshus den vot I gawt, let’s tawlk!!!” Marie’s abrupt, yet warm, sincerity conflicted with the myriad of collectibles my astonished eyes saw, yet “tawlk” we did! She wanted to be with us, no matter what broke.

GIVING MULTIPLIED

When leaving, she wrapped and gave me a teacup and saucer, from her travels. Her brusque intervention, “Madelyn, Madelyn, Madelyn, vot joo gawt muwch more praeshus den vot I gawt, let’s tawlk,” was forever memorialized in that teacup and saucer, forever demanding a place of favor in every home we lived in. Over the years, the teacup’s delicate beauty, skillfully painted, prompted comments and inquiry. How I loved these opportunities to tell the teacup’s story of gift-on-gift revealing the multiplied goodness of God-empowered giving.

Where we began — pre-schoolers’ practicing Christmas cookie making, Christmas in a teacup is God’s unending story of giving, persevering, sharing, joy, friendship, and so much more continues to be written. As Jesus’ said,

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38, NIV).

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity” (Luke 6:38, MSG)

“Gather the goodwill of Christmas.

Tuck it safely inside your heart.

And give it away, one kind moment at a time, throughout the year.”

— Author Unknown

Christmas in a Teacup is the story of gift-on-gift revealing the multiplied goodness of God-empowered giving. #JesusChristEmmanuel

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This recipe has been adapted from “Hot Spiced Tea for the Holidays” found at www.allrecipes.com.

The Lord is Near

November 21, 2019 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

We’re excited to welcome our guest, Jennifer Hong, whose post today continues our study of Psalm 145 in our Great is the Lord series. Find the full series here.

I have taught my children not to say “always” and “never.” More specifically, I have advised them to be very careful about using such words when speaking about people or circumstances, as a declaration of absolutes is rarely true.

“You always interrupt me.”

“You never let me have the first turn.”

“We never play the game that I pick.”

These kinds of statements are usually exaggerations and often put someone on the defense. To encourage my children to think carefully before speaking, these words are taboo in our home.

In All His Ways, In All His Works

Maybe it is because absolutes are buzz words in my household that my ears prick uncomfortably at the abundance of the word “all” in Psalm 145. I counted eighteen uses of “all” in twenty-one verses! Then, I read the Psalm again, soaking in the full meaning of each of these great statements.

Though I caution my children against characterizing themselves or others with such broad-sweeping declarative words as “always” and “never,” absolutes can absolutely be applied to God! They are no exaggeration here. God is love (1 John 4:7-10). He is all love, through and through, entirely and always. He is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9). He is always faithful, forever and ever, into eternity. God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), and David extols God’s unchanging goodness throughout Psalm 145.

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (v. 17)

I am struck by the contrast between this statement and my own life, where my flesh still struggles against submission to grace. I try to act righteously, but no one would suggest that I am righteous in all I do. Kindness is my aim, but I have spoken over my children words that hurt. Thank Goodness, the Lord’s ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Because the Lord is righteous and kind in all that He does, I can trust Him, in every circumstance and every season.

The Lord is Near

In verse 18 the Psalm transitions from praising God’s absolute characteristics to extolling our Lord in terms of how He relates to His people — to those who call on Him, fear Him, and love Him. God is responsive. He hears His people’s cries and responds to their needs. This is His righteousness and kindness in action.

Read the following verses and identify the “who,” the recipient of God’s mercy.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” (vv. 18-20)

Did you notice that each of the “who” phrases include the word “Him”? The recipients of God’s mercy are identified not by their own character and actions but by their relationship to God. They call on Him. They fear, revere, and honor Him. They love Him.

The Bible also tells us that this relationship was initiated by God. 1 John chapter 4 shows us that the love we receive from God is the very source of our love given in return.

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins…. We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:10, 19)

Do you see how love flows through this beautiful relationship? God loves us, and we respond to His love with trust, reverence, and love. We call to Him with a sincere heart, and He is near. Psalm 145 is David’s great expression of praise, extolling who God is and what He has done. The Lord is near. Let’s lift our voices in praise.

Psalm 145 is David’s great expression of praise, extolling who God is and what He has done. The Lord is near. Let’s lift our voices in praise! #GreatIsTheLord

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For Study and Reflection:

1) Speak or sing God’s praises by reading aloud Psalm 145 or singing a song of praise. Psalm 145 was written millenia ago in the Kingdom of Israel. O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus was written by Trevor Francis in London in 1835, and Reckless Love by American songwriter Cory Asbury was released last year. All three declare God’s extravagant love. Lift your voice in praise.

2) How have you seen God’s righteousness or kindness?

3) In what current or recent life circumstances do you need to call on the Lord?

4) Thank God for His faithfulness.

Jennifer lives in Houston with her husband of fourteen years and their four energetic children. Since leaving her pediatric practice seven years ago, she has found life at home to be wild but wonderful. Homeschooling has fueled Jennifer‘s passion for education, driving her deeper into the Word. Her favorite day is Thursday, when her family escapes their urban surroundings to walk in the woods and dig in the dirt.

My Identity in Christ is Real

October 26, 2018 by Guest Post 1 Comment

We’re honored to have Cheli Sigler join us on the blog today! Cheli is on the HelloMornings writing team and has contributed to several Bible studies there. We’re thankful that she has contributed this article, My Identity in Christ is Real, to our series Who Am I? Exploring Our Identity in Christ. Cheli encourages us by the fact that Jesus calls us to more than a “basic” Christian life; He calls us to REAL life in Christ!

“Mom, that’s so BASIC.” That word— “basic,” reverberated through me. Consult the Urban Dictionary, and you will find the term means “mainstream, elementary, or simplistic.” Jolted by my first-born using the millennial lexicon, and although not directed at me, all I heard was, “Mom, be REAL. I don’t want superficial gobbledy-gook. Sometimes your Christian answers are so basic.” Ugh. How do I communicate the depth and authenticity of a Christ-filled life to others when it is mostly found in the intangible workings of the heart and mind?

Know Real Life in Christ

To answer that question, I must remember the well-worn advice of airline attendants, “Put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.” Oxygen flows into my relationship with Jesus when I tend and nurture it as I disciple others. Breathe in these words from Paul,

“Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life – even though invisible to spectators – is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too – the real you, the glorious you.” Colossians 3:3-4, MSG

From the Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His plan, and, all along the way, invites me to partake in every aspect of Christ’s life— His REAL life. I participate in Christ’s life through:

1. His death on the cross. Galatians 3:20a (ESV) says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Real life in Christ means I am free from the power of sin by the power of Christ in me.

2. His resurrection from the dead. Romans 6:4 (ESV) states, “as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Real life in Christ means I am reconciled to God and fit to spend eternity with Him.

3. His ongoing work in me. Galatians 3:20b (ESV) says, “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Real life in Christ means I trust the Holy Spirit to do what is necessary to make me more like Jesus. The more I look like Jesus, the more of His glory I can share.

4. His glory at His return. Philippians 3:20-21(ESV) says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Real life in Christ means that when Christ returns, upon seeing Him face-to-face, He will impart the fullness of His perfection to me— the wonder of His complete restoration of me shining bright and beautiful. And incredibly, my true self (the person God has planned for me to be from the beginning) will be unveiled. (WOW!)

Show Them Real Life in Christ

Affirming the life that Jesus has invited me to experience, I must take my lead from the Master Teacher, who revealed how to live the “real life.” Taking every opportunity, he modeled compassion by touching the untouchable, used true-to-life object lessons and parables to communicate kingdom truths, and washed feet to teach servant-leadership. Most profound are the words of Romans 5:8 (NIV):

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

As Jesus put His presence into practice, Christ’s presence in my life must be evident to those in my sphere of influence. Real life in Christ must be active so others can witness, experience and learn. Christ calls us to live what Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes as a “vigorous” life, “devoted to God.” In Philippians 2:12 (MSG) Paul writes, “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.”

Jesus doesn’t call me to a “basic” Christian life; He calls me to live-out-loud a life that is deeply and robustly authentic— REAL.

Jesus calls us to more than a “basic” Christian life; He calls us to REAL life in Christ! @CheliSigler

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Cheli Sigler is a teacher through and through. She pursues her God-given purpose from her home base in sunny Orlando, FL where she and her husband, Matt, raise two teenage daughters. Cheli equips missionary kids for the mission field as a volunteer at Wycliffe Bible Translators, teaches a third grade Sunday School class, and is involved in Hello Mornings as a group leader, mentor, and writer. Inviting people to sharpen their mind and soften their hearts for God’s purpose and the world, Cheli shares ideas and resources on her blog, Sharpen to Soften. Connect with Cheli on Twitter as @CheliSigler or on Instagram as @chelidee.

The Bleeding Woman {guest post}

September 25, 2018 by Guest Post 4 Comments

We welcome Jenifer Shultz as our guest today. I have known Jennifer for many years through the HelloMornings ministry, and if there is one way to describe her, it is that she shines for Jesus! I know you will be blessed by her words. —Patti

*This beautiful image was painted by Howard Lyons. Click on the picture to see his other work.*

There are many women in the Bible that I can identify with as a mother, wife, and modern day gal, but I connect so hard with The Bleeding Woman that I feel like it should almost be my calling card.

If you are not familiar with The Bleeding Woman, I would understand. She is briefly mentioned in Mark 5:22-34. That is it. That is all we know of her story. She is never named.

In fact, she only makes her appearance because a man named Jairus asked Jesus to come with him and heal his daughter. As they rushed to her side, the crowd rushed along with them. She was not the daughter they were seeking to heal. Honestly, because she had a blood issue, she was considered unclean and probably should not have been in the crowd of people risking contact. But there they were, her reaching out in faith—stretched thin and just knowing if she could even get close… to just brush her fingers on the hem of his robe… she would be healed. She knew it with every fiber of her being.

That faith drove her to risk it all.

Friends, that faith is so powerful. Powerful enough that Jesus felt it. In a crowd of hundreds, pushing and shoving (picture Black Friday shopping), Jesus felt her touch the hem of his robe. He felt that power shift because of her faith, and just like that she was healed, after 12 years of suffering. He stopped everything—while a young girl, someone’s daughter, was dying. Not because he was angry, but because of her faith.

Here is where it gets personal, friend. I have been sick for 12 years. For 12 years I have been fighting to find someone to help me. For 12 years, I have seen specialists, had tests, infusions, hospital visits, alternative care… I have tried everything that we can think of, conventional and unconventional. Let me just be very honest and say being sick long term is exhausting and expensive work—physically, emotionally, and financially. You become a number, a statistic. You become nameless, just like The Bleeding Woman.

You feel the world rushing past you, hurrying along to help others and you just keep reaching for help. You want someone to stop everything and notice how hard you are trying and just how much faith it takes to get up each day and face the world. And that is really the key… FAITH.

Out of all the people in that crowd, Jesus felt the touch of The Bleeding Woman because FAITH made it different. Out of all the things she had tried for healing, FAITH made this effort different. She risked so much and it paid off because her FAITH made her bold and brave.

I long for the day when my faith allows me to feel that power and that boldness at the throne. I pray that my faith makes me different and brave. And one day, I know I will hear, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Selah.

Hi. I’m Jen—a small town, Oklahoma girl married to a superhero. Together, we are raising a family on second chances, shiplap, and a shoestring.

I am a firm believer in grace, organization, and efficiency. I find great satisfaction in taking broken items and giving them new life, likely because that is exactly what God did for me.

I over use the word shine, exclamation points, and emojis. I cheer too loud in the stands of my kids’ activities and hug more than is socially acceptable. A natural born encourager and armchair warrior, I am learning to redefine my mission field and make the most of each day I am given.

I am chronically ill and chronically positive- not necessarily in that order. I am learning to practice perseverance over perfection and long for the day I get to see my grandparents and Jesus’ face.

Until then, I am just looking for Grace in the Grind.

Stories help us to understand the world and ourselves. The Do Not Depart team shares New Testament stories that have impacted the stories of their own lives.

Getting Out of God’s Way – Excerpt from Kathy Howard’s New Devotional

June 21, 2018 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

We’re so excited to have Kathy Howard guest posting for us on the blog today! As many you know, Kathy was a long time contributor to the Do Not Depart blog. Her latest book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, has just been released. Today’s post is an excerpt from that book and contains valuable lessons and reminders for everyone, regardless of the stage of life we’re in. Kathy reminds us that God will not waste our experiences, but will use them to shape us into Christ’s likeness. I pray Kathy’s words will touch your heart and give you hope! — Ali

Getting Out of God’s Way

Our great God never wastes anything. No struggle is fruitless. No pain futile. No challenge in vain. God can work in and through every situation He allows into our lives – even the worst of circumstances – to bring about our good and His glory.

My caregiving journey was still fairly new when I realized God wanted to use the experience to do something in me. If I would cooperate, my relationship with my father-in-law would be a tool in His hand to shape my character and refine my faith.

When Wayne’s dad first moved in with us, he was fairly independent. But as time passed, he needed us more and more. With Wayne commuting a long distance to work, much of the responsibility logically fell to me. But Pappaw’s growing dependence exposed the rough places in my character and areas of spiritual immaturity.

So many things bubbled to the surface – like selfishness, impatience, and shallowness. Every day seemed to reveal another layer of my sinful flesh. Irritation quickly rose up when a last-minute doctor’s appointment meant I had to cancel a lunch date. And instead of responding to his occasional harsh words with gentleness and grace, I sometimes uttered sharp words of frustration.

The demands and pressures of parenting my father-in-law did not cause these sinful attitudes and actions. The relationship merely jostled my heart, causing what was already there to spill out (Matthew 12:34).

My friend Stephanie had the same experience caring for her mother-in-law Louise. “I know this journey isn’t just about Louise. It’s also about me. God wants to draw me closer to Himself. He’s using these trials of caregiving to chisel off attitudes and behaviors not in line with His will.”

In our human weakness, we ache for our struggles to end. We long for the hardness of life – for ourselves and our parents – to ease. Yet God wants much more for us than an easy life in this world. He wants to make us like His Son (Romans 8:28-30). He wants our lives to bring Him glory and point others to Jesus.

God will use every possible means to rid our lives of sin and shape us into the likeness of Christ. One of His primary shaping tools is trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). In God’s skillful hands, the challenge of caring for our parents performs like a chisel on our hearts and souls, shaving off sinful rough spots, cutting notches, creating gentle curves, and forming smooth bevels.

Yet, sometimes, I’m my own worst enemy. Rather than submitting myself to the Master Craftsman and trusting His refining process, I fight God’s purposeful work. I doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness. I complain that He isn’t working. That He doesn’t care. That surely, He doesn’t see our plight.

Do you ever feel the same way? Too often, God’s children walk through our days near-sighted. We only see the struggles, challenges, and trials at hand, forgetting that the eternal glory awaiting us far outshines these light and momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Oh believer, be assured, God knows your every physical need and struggle as you care for your parent. He sees your sleepless nights, your tired muscles, and your frayed emotions. He hears your groans, your sighs, and your prayers. He is keenly aware that you are often overworked, overstressed, and overlooked. He not only knows it all, He cares. He cares that you hurt and grieve for yourself and your parents.

This temporary struggle – no matter how difficult – cannot compare to God’s eternal purposes for you and your parent. Keep your eyes on the prize of God’s glorious salvation (1 Peter 1:9). Rest in the assurance that God will not waste a single tear. And embrace the joy of Christ. It’s yours today.

Can you see God working in the midst of your trials? In what ways have you fought God’s refining process?

Caring for aging parents? Our great God never wastes anything. He can use our trials for His glory! #30DaysofHopeWhenCaringforAgingParents

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God will use every possible means to rid our lives of sin and shape us into the likeness of Christ. Read an excerpt of Kathy Howard’s new book on the blog. #30DaysofHopeWhenCaringforAgingParents

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Kathy Howard calls herself a “confused southerner.” Raised in Louisiana, she moved with her engineer husband around the U.S. and Canada. She says “pop” instead of “Coke” and “you guys” as often as “y’all.” But she’s still a southern girl at heart! Kathy encourages women to live an unshakeable faith by standing firm on our rock-solid God no matter life’s circumstances. Kathy, the author of eight books, including the new daily devotional “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents,” has a Master’s in Christian Education. She is passionate about Bible study and discipleship and loves sharing at women’s events and retreats. Kathy is also a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com, Hello Mornings, Arise Daily, and more. Kathy and her “mostly retired” husband live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area near family. They have three married children, four grandsons, and three dogs – one of them on purpose. She provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org. Kathy also connects with women at Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents

Struggling to navigate the parent/child role reversal? Kathy Howard’s new book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, explores God’s Word to find hope and encouragement for the wide range of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges the adult child caregiver may experience. Each of the 30 devotions – which can also serve as a guide for a daily quiet time – includes a Scripture passage, a real-life illustration, biblical commentary/application, and questions for reflection.

Book Endorsement

“Theology must connect with reality and the promises of God must find expression in the trials of life. 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents is a book that brings the resources of God to bear upon the painful realities of life. The reader will find great hope, divine strength, and Christ-like compassion as they assist parents on the final stretch of their journey toward home.”

—Dr. Mel Blackaby, senior pastor, First Baptist Jonesboro, GA

Jesus Has a Customized “Zacchaeus Moment” for You

April 25, 2018 by Guest Post 11 Comments

(We’re thrilled to have Kelly R. Baker guest posting for us today on DoNotDepart. Kelly and I write together for HelloMornings. I love her heart for the Lord and her insight. …Praying her words about the Zacchaeus Moment will bless you like they have me! — Ali)

When Jesus is passing by, He stops and steps into the lives of those who are looking for Him. He did this with a Jewish tax collector named Zacchaeus. I call it a “Zacchaeus moment.”

In this post, I’m sharing portions of his story and some incredible truths about how you can have a Zacchaeus moment, too.

Jesus Has a Customized "Zacchaeus Moment" for You! Read more at the Christian Women's ministry, DoNotDepart.com

How a Zacchaeus Moment Begins

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. Luke 19:1-4 ESV

Zacchaeus wanted to “see who Jesus was” (verse 3). That reveals his heart. He didn’t want to take anyone else’s description of Jesus as passing conversation. No, he wanted to see Him with his own two eyes, so he was seeking Him out.

Being height challenged he climbed a tree to see over the crowd. I admire that about him. He had a problem and rose to the challenge (pun intended).

Isn’t that how it is sometimes? I know I can come to Jesus at any time; I know He’s near. But there’s often a hindrance—a crowd, an obligation, a commitment—that will either take or need my attention.

It was an unusual practice for a tax collector to climb a tree. The thing is, Zacchaeus needed a personal touch. He needed to be where he could see Jesus without interference.

Do you need a customized moment with Jesus? If you’re desperate for Him, you will pursue plan B like a squirrel looking for the last nut on earth. Sometimes your plan B will be an unconventional one. What figurative tree do you need to climb so you can see Jesus without obstruction?

Do you need a customized moment with Jesus? What figurative tree do you need to climb so you can see Jesus without obstruction? @liveyielded #ZacchaeusMoment

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My Zacchaeus Moment

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. Luke 19:5-6 ESV

Even when you spend time with Jesus, you can’t always linger when it’s time to move on to other responsibilities. That’s the case whether you need a special touch from Him or not. If you’re a mom, you know what happens. Kids will need a mama’s assistance at times when it can’t wait.

That happened to me recently. My heart needed Him to come and soothe heartache, renew my strength, give me a fresh perspective on a dreaded day ahead. But I couldn’t stop the clock.

As I went about my business, I tossed whispered pleas to Him. I just needed to make it through a few more hours before I could get a space of solitude to deal with my heart.

But just like Zacchaeus, Jesus looked right over that crowd and met me where I was. He reminded me of truth, and it brought the encouragement I needed.

Your Zacchaeus Moment

Jesus didn’t make small talk with Zacchaeus but gave him an invitation. Added to that was the command to hurry. Why did Jesus tell him to rush? While pondering this question, I thought of my “Zacchaeus moment.”

If I had stayed in my current mindset, I would have continued to sit in dread of the day. And how would that affect the people around me? I wouldn’t be emanating His abundant life. Perhaps Jesus didn’t want Zacchaeus to dwell in his current state but hurry and come out of it.

Jesus invited him to fellowship in closer quarters. Zacchaeus’ “received Him joyfully,” which allowed Jesus full access.

When people come into your home, they get a revealing picture of the way you live. Your likes and dislikes. Your pristine or pigsty house. A greater intimacy occurs.

Jesus knows you through and through. He sees your heart whether it’s clean or contemptible. But its condition never stops Him from loving and pursuing you.

Jesus sees your heart whether it’s clean or contemptible. But its condition never stops Him from loving and pursuing you. @liveyielded #ZacchaeusMoment

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What a Zacchaeus Moment Brings

And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:7-10 ESV

The people observing this moment called Zacchaeus a sinner. I find it interesting that his name means “pure.” Your past doesn’t disqualify you from receiving salvation.

The crowd’s opinion of you isn’t significant. Jesus doesn’t give that any attention, and neither should you. He brought salvation to Zacchaeus’ house regardless of his reputation.

In this exchange, Zacchaeus shared his heart with Jesus. And Jesus responded with precisely what Zacchaeus needed: salvation. He brought Zacchaeus from a sinner into continual fellowship with Him.

And He does the same with you because He desires unbroken fellowship with you. Yes, friend, Jesus has a “Zacchaeus moment” planned for you. All you need to do is receive Him.

Kelly R. Baker is a Bible study teacher, writer, and mentor. She serves with her husband in leading the worship ministry at their church. You will probably find her sneaking a bite (or more) of organic dark chocolate in between wrangling her four kids. Her greatest passion is helping women thrive in Christ. Connect with her at www.kellyrbaker.com , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Easter Story Eggs – Create a New Family Tradition

March 7, 2018 by Guest Post 1 Comment

Today we welcome Natalie Ard, creator of The Easter Story Egg. Natalie’s unique activity helps kids focus on Jesus and stay in the Word as they anticipate Easter.

Start a new family tradition with the Easter Story Egg.

Easter, like Christmas, is often a holiday that can be confusing for children. They see so much media and advertisement about Easter basket goodies and the Easter Bunny. Candy floods the grocery store aisles, and visions of Chocolate bunnies dance in their heads!

As an adult and a mother I can look past the jelly beans and Cadbury Eggs, and know that Easter is about the cross and Jesus. It is about resurrection and new life! This isn’t so easy for a kid. So, how would I keep my children’s’ eyes and heart fixed on the true meaning of Easter? How could I get them to look past the yummy chocolate and life sized bunnies?

The Easter story is one of the most beautiful and important stories we will ever teach our kids. Why not make it fun? I decided to create an activity and tradition for families to help them tell the Resurrection story. I wasn’t really sure where to begin when I began the development process. I knew I wanted to make the activity fun, playful, and something children could interact with. I decided an “egg” would be the perfect place to start. Dying eggs and egg hunts are often the first things that come to mind when a child thinks about Easter. The egg is also an ancient symbol of new life, and for Christians the egg resembles Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. That was it! I would tell the Easter story through an egg.

We have a stack of children’s Easter books in our home, and many of them talk about new life, or really focus in on the resurrection, but often skip over the crucifixion altogether. I wanted to find a way to tell more of the story and to help children really understand the importance of this amazing holiday. It has always fascinated me how many meaningful events took place during Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, there are so many important facts and stories that would be interesting to our kids! Therefore, I decided this Easter tradition would not be limited to the crucifixion and the resurrection, it would include all of Holy Week.

The Story Egg is a tradition that celebrates the true meaning of Easter. This family activity includes a hardcover book and 7 wooden nesting eggs – Palm Sunday Egg, House of Prayer Monday Egg, Teacher of Love Tuesday Egg, Give and Take Wednesday Egg, Last Supper Thursday Egg, Good Friday Egg, and Holy Saturday Egg.

The Story Egg book begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Each egg within the set of nesting eggs has a story that relates to a particular day in Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday. As the children open each egg they will discover the Easter story and the journey of Jesus through the week of Easter. The book is written in rhyming format, and the illustrations are brightly colored yet simple to encourage a child’s imagination.

The Story Egg has been such a great teaching tool for me to use with my kids. It helps them connect with the true meaning of Easter through hands-on play. They love to open and close the eggs. They line the eggs up, un-nest and re-nest them over and over again! The Story Egg has opened up opportunities for them to ask me more detailed questions about the Easter story and has encouraged them to want to learn more of the stories of Jesus!

I hope the Story Egg offers this same experience to other families as well, and I pray that it helps children understand the significance of the most beautiful story ever told, the story of Easter.

Start a new Easter family tradition with Easter Story Eggs! #LetTheChildrenCome

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Natalie Ard is the creator, author, and illustrator of The Easter Story Egg. She is a wife and a mother to three children and has built her company on the foundation of creating lasting memories for children and their families. You can connect with her on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Raising Kids Who Guard Their Minds in an Unguarded World

July 11, 2017 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

We are delighted to welcome former Do Not Depart team member Teri Lynne Underwood back as our guest this month. Her new book [amazon_link id=”076421960X” target=”_blank” ]Praying for Girls[/amazon_link] releases next week: “Covering five vital areas of a girl’s life–her identity, heart, mind, relationships, and purpose–this easy-to-use book is ideal for anyone who feels intimidated or uncertain about what to pray for the girl they love.” – Patti

I wasn’t prepared. Even after years of working with students alongside my husband, I felt totally inept when my daughter started middle school.l

The horror stories about what to expect during those years between the ages of twelve and fourteen terrified me. I had talked with my friends who homeschooled their children, those who had kids in private schools, and the ones like me whose daughter attended public school. All of them said the same thing — it is just hard.

As I recalled my own life during that season, it was easier to understand where the difficulties came from. Between physical changes, emotional swings, and a desperate desire for more independence, it’s no wonder those middle school years feel the perfect storm — they sort of are.

So what can we as moms do? We know it’s often a battle of the mind — where will our children’s thoughts and focus be? How can we engage in this battle to guard our children’s minds in a decidedly unguarded world?

As moms, we have a great opportunity to guide our children to habits, practices, and disciplines that will help them guard their minds and protect their hearts. But long before we ever teach them, we must be praying and applying these disciplines in our own lives.

Raising Kids Who Guard Their Minds in an Unguarded World

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 119. The longest chapter in the Bible is focused almost entirely on one topic — the necessity of God’s Word in our lives.

If we want our children to have guarded minds, we have to fill their minds with something far more valuable than what the world offers. And what better than the Bible?

Encouraging our children to memorize Scripture is one of the most effective tools for helping them guard their minds. Consider this familiar verse:

I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 CSB

Throughout my daughter’s life, we have memorized many verses of Scripture.

One of the first ones was Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” She was about three when we memorized that verse in effort to overcome her fear at nighttime.

That same verse came up again in middle school, when her fears were less about the monsters under the bed and more about making friends and remembering what she’d studied for a test.

Now as we’re staring down her senior year of high school and praying about colleges and career options, her fears have new faces — will she choose the wrong college and what if she doesn’t figure out what she wants to do before she finishes college?

Time and again, I have watched my daughter navigate life’s challenges and battle against the lies of the world with the truth of God’s Word. She’s guarded her mind with Scripture and it has helped her stand strong and confident in this world where “anything goes.”

As moms, we have a great opportunity to guide our children to habits, practices, and disciplines that will help them guard their minds and protect their hearts. But long before we ever teach them, we must be praying and applying these disciplines in own lives.

What is one way you’ve taught your child to guard his or her mind? Are there verses you have memorized together in effort to stand strong against the lies of the world?

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{Praying for our daughters to have guarded minds is just one of the important topics covered in my new book, Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most.}

Teri Lynne Underwood is a pastor’s wife, ministry speaker, and Bible teacher. As the founder of www.PrayersforGirls.com, Teri Lynne is a cheerleader for girl moms and the author of Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most. Click here for more information and to pre-order the book.

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Bible Basics: A Baby Believer Counting Primer

December 7, 2016 by Guest Post 1 Comment

Bible Basics: A Counting Primer - teach your young children foundational Christian beliefs.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 a

I’ve often thought if parenting doesn’t put the fear of God into someone, nothing will. Raising a child (or two or ten) is a weighty task – we are charged with forming small, helpless little humans into well-rounded and well-adjusted individuals who contribute to their communities. For Christian parents, the monumental task of teaching our children to know and love God is added to an already overwhelming list of duties.

As a mom of two little ones (2.5 and 9 months), I spend most of my time just trying to meet the basic needs of my family – feeding, bathing, diaper changes, playtime, maybe a shower for myself. I desperately want to teach my little ones to know and love God, but I find that I’m often short on both time and energy.

As I searched for age-appropriate resources to help me in this task, I came up empty. While storybook Bibles are a great addition to my children’s library, I wanted something to go beyond Bible stories to actual theology.

That’s why I wrote Bible Basics: A Baby Believer Counting Primer – a counting book designed to familiarize young children with the core tenets of the Christian faith. Bible Basics is the first of the Baby Believer Primers, a series of concepts books to help parents teach their children foundational Christian beliefs.

Counting books are ubiquitous for young ones – my kids have nearly a dozen on their shelves! – so what makes this one different? It seems to me that if we teach kids to count random items on a page (apples, hippos, dinosaurs), why not teach them to count persons of the Trinity or Fruits of the Spirit? From where I’m sitting, integrating the core tenets of the Christian faith into basic learning just makes sense.

Although small children are not going to walk away from repeated readings of Bible Basics with a thorough and robust theology of the Incarnation (or anything else), they will become acquainted with the vocabulary of basic theology. This vocabulary can function as a jumping off point for parents to have deeper, more meaningful faith conversations with their children. It can be a touchstone that parents return to in order to help their children develop a firmer grasp of their faith.

Bible Basics: A Baby Believer Counting Primer from Danielle Hitchen on Vimeo.My great hope is that Bible Basics makes it just a little bit easier for parents like me to help teach their children to know and love God.

Danielle Hitchen founded Catechesis Books in 2016 in order to build out a collection of biblical and theological resources for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. She desires to create beautiful books to help parents have better faith conversations with their children. She is mom to two wonderful children who are her primary inspiration for writing and publishing the Baby Believer Primer series.

Her professional background includes communications consulting, radio production, event planning, and non-profit and church administration. Danielle is a graduate of the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University where she earned her B.A. in Humanities. She presently resides in northern Virginia where she loves enjoying a good story with her husband, local playgrounds, serving at her Anglican church, wine tasting, reading to her kids, and her adult coloring book.

Connect with Danielle on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Theology for toddlers? Check out the new book from @BibleBasicsBook. #LetTheChildrenCome

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The new book from @BibleBasicsBook would make a great gift for your favorite toddler! #LetTheChildrenCome

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The Christmas Star From Afar – Create a New Family Tradition

November 9, 2016 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

Today we welcome Natalie Ard, creator of The Christmas Star From Afar. Natalie’s unique activity helps kids focus on Jesus and stay in the Word as they anticipate Christmas. Be sure to check out the review Do Not Depart team member Ali Shaw wrote on her blog as well!

Learn more about The Christmas Star From Afar, a Christmas tradition that helps kids focus on the true meaning of Christmas

As a mother, I strive to find traditions that are both meaningful and playful for my children. I want traditions that we can experience together as a family, and when it comes to Christmas I want my children to understand the reason why we celebrate this special holiday. It’s not about the lights, the decorated trees, or the gifts we receive. Christmas is about the birth of a Savior.

Years ago I began searching for a Christmas tradition with these qualities, but there was nothing to be found. So I began to wonder… how could I bring a little more of Jesus to our Christmastime fun?

Through my desire to embrace my children’s excitement and my quest to find a fun daily reminder of Jesus during Christmastime, I began to dream and brainstorm about creating a new tradition for our family. I longed for a tradition that not only thrilled my children with a countdown to Christmas but also told pieces of the story of our Lord’s birth. God blessed me with the idea of the Christmas Star From Afar.

Our Star From Afar tradition began as a very simple activity. I used a nativity set we already had at home and I cut out a Star made of cardboard. We began by reading the scripture of the Three Wise Men and then our daily hide-n-seek fun began.

Every night my husband or I would hide the Star in our home. The next morning my children would hunt around the house until they found the hidden Star. Once they found it, they would bring all Three Wise Men to the Star’s location.

We would repeat this over and over until Christmas Eve. On that special night I would leave the Star on top of the stable, and on Christmas morning my children, and their Three Wise Men, would find baby Jesus. We have had so much fun with our family tradition and it brings me so much happiness that our fun is rooted in the true meaning of Christmas.

A couple of years after implementing our playful game, friends and family began to encourage me to do something with the idea. Finally, after many Godly nudges…. I said, “Yes!”

I began to draw and write again, which I had not done in years, and before you know it, The Christmas Star From Afar was born. The Lord would continue to open door after door on this project and within just ten months The Star From Afar was ready for the public.

Writing and drawing have been a passion of mine since I was a child but I am not a trained professional nor have I had a long-standing career in product development. So, I have often asked God, “Are you sure you have the right girl for this?” He gently reminds me that He doesn’t always call the equipped, but He will ALWAYS equips the called.

The Star From Afar creates the journey of the Three Wise Men through your home. Children learn through experience and play. We also offer scripture cards to go along with the story. This game has not only created special memories for my family, but it has given me a chance to show my children that Christmas is not about the presents they receive, or Santa, or snowmen. Christmas is about the greatest gift of all—the birth of our living God, Jesus.

The Star symbolizes not only the guidance and hope of the Three Wise Men, but it also represents the Light of the World. I love watching my children look high and low for their Star every morning, hearing their squeals of excitement when the first child has spotted it, and knowing they are being reminded daily of Christ’s birth.

I pray that your family will enjoy the Star From Afar as much as mine has, and that it may bring a little more Light into your Christmas.

Many Blessings,
Natalie Ard

View More: http://sharnimedinaphotography.pass.us/natalie-ard

Natalie Ard is the creator, author, and illustrator of The Christmas Star From Afar®, She is a wife and a mother to three children and has built her company on the foundation of creating lasting memories for children and their families. You can connect with her on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Start a new Christmas family tradition with The Star From Afar! #LetTheChildrenCome

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When Hope for Healing Resurrected

September 27, 2016 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

adobe-spark-window-chronic-healing-quote

The day I realized my hope had died I stood in worship, surrounded by women, all praising God. The conference had only been going for one day and the theme had nothing specifically to do with healing. But there I stood – hopeless, no longer awaiting healing – assuming my prayers would never be answered.

The speaker had finished her message and moved into prayer and prophesy, uplifting especially those in the room with autoimmune illnesses. I stood to receive prayer, again, not expecting much.

I had come to this conference as part of an annual tradition, my time with women to press into God’s presence. Just days before, I’d finished the manuscript for my second book, [amazon_link id=”1942362048″ target=”_blank” ]Chronic Healing[/amazon_link] – or so I thought. Eleven chapters chronicled my journey living with Type 1 diabetes and the multitude of ways God has brought healing to my soul, though not yet to my physical body.

Yet in that moment of prayer, hearing the prophetic decimation of autoimmune disease declared, hope stirred in my soul for the first time in years. And the Lord spoke to me: “There is one chapter yet to write. You have a chapter twelve.”

Throughout Chronic Healing, I’d poured out how God had brought healing to my wounds, food addiction, slothfulness, denial, fear, self-pity, and many more areas. But since I didn’t understand why years of prayers for physical healing had gone unheeded, I thought I’d better leave that one alone and chalk it up to God’s unsearchable ways.

And yet, in that moment, God called me to face the very thing I feared most: that hope was vain because physical healing would never come this side of heaven.

“…but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words…And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:23-26, 28 (ESV)

My physical body longs for redemption. The Holy Spirit within me intercedes on my behalf when my understanding wanes and my strength fails. He helps me walk in patience through this circumstance which weighs heavy on body and soul. And in the midst of it all, God will take each trial, each pinprick and injection, each high and low, each decision to eat or abstain, to move or rest – He will take every thing and work them together in His tapestry of good purpose, not only for my life, but for those He allows me to touch as well.

My fear that hope was vain was a lie. A lie from my enemy, not a truth from my Father.

“…Love hopes all things…” 1 Corinthians 13:7

Is there a lie standing in the way of your hope today?

Facing a chronic condition often feels like an endless hamster wheel of managing and maintaining. Few others seem to grasp what it feels like to live a life of constant monitoring, questioning every activity. Simply put, it is often lonely.

Tears for me tend to come every few months, when the spinning wheel overwhelms me again. I used to hide my tears from my children, attempting to put on a bold face, not allowing them to see how my soul was pressed.

Yet, only a few months ago, while my family worked to finish a renovation project in our garage, I swayed, dizzy. Making my way inside, I checked my sugar levels, which were low, ate in order to correct them, and lay down on my bedroom floor, face in the carpet. And the tears came once more.

My kiddos, concerned, came looking for me after just minutes away. They saw me crying, tears seeping into the floor. My daughter brought me a tissue, then laid her body on the floor, snuggled up right next to mine. My son, too, lay down on my other side. I lay sandwiched in their love and compassion.

For years, I’d sought to protect them from seeing my weakness. And yet in this moment of weakness, of brokenness, the Lord sent my sweet children as gifts to demonstrate His tenderness, His love, His nearness.

Chronic Healing emerged as a witness testifying to the grace of God and the defeat of the enemy in my life, so that you may experience them in yours. Chapter twelve did come, declaring renewed hope, declaring God’s truth: Healing is On the Way!

There is reason to hope. There is healing to be had in spirit, soul, and body. Perhaps the timing of it all is beyond our comprehension. But nothing is beyond Him.

Chronic Healing is NOW Available! When does a chronic condition open the way for God to move miraculously? Courtney shares her raw testimony here of living with Type 1 diabetes in the midst of experiencing a healing God. Order your copy today![Available at: chronichealingbook.com and Amazon] 

For Courtney Cohen, everything comes down to two questions: Who is God? And, who has He designed us to be? Whether she’s writing, speaking, or homeschooling her children, these questions propel her forward.

Author of [amazon_link id=”1938624653″ target=”_blank” ]Refining Identity[/amazon_link] and [amazon_link id=”1942362048″ target=”_blank” ]Chronic Healing[/amazon_link], Courtney passionately pursues helping others come to know the “I AM” as their closest Friend. Courtney is married to Steve, her most radical supporter, who also keeps her real. They have two children who, simultaneously, bless her socks off and keep her on her toes. Stay in touch with Courtney at her blog, IAM.NowFound.org.

Guest @CourtneyLCohen shares her journey to hope for healing of Type 1 diabetes. #hope

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Do you suffer from a chronic illness? There is #hope! Check out @CourtneyLCohen’s new book…

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Remedy for Racism: God and Humility

August 23, 2016 by Guest Post 1 Comment

(Today’s guest post was written by my friend and fellow HelloMornings leadership team parter, Ayoka Billions. I’m very thankful for her words of wisdom and her willingness to share her thoughts with us on this very important topic!)

Remedy for Racism? God and Humility! Read more at DoNotDepart.com

The racial tension that has gripped America in recent months has grieved my heart. And, I am not alone. The sixth chapter of Proverbs tells us:

¹⁶These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
¹⁹A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJV)

Websters.com defines pride as a high or inordinate (excessive) opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. THIS is the heart of racism. Pride. Simple and ugly pride. It is what caused Satan to fall from heaven. It is causing good men and women to fall today.

WHY? Our deep insecurities (caused by sin) leave us forever searching for significance. Among billions of people alive today, why do I matter? If I can exalt myself above a stranger (I would never let my kids do that.) or a neighbor (I can’t believe they won’t keep their grass cut.) or a friend (I would never let my house get that dirty.), I can feel better about ME. If a collective WE can exalt ourselves above an entire group of people, we can feel better about WE. And using skin color to establish our groups makes this WE very easy to identify, right?

WHO does this happen to? It can happen to some of the best. On both sides: those causing hurt (either out of ignorance or pride) and those allowing the hurt to turn to bitterness. How in the world does that happen to otherwise “good” people? For help answering this, refer back to Proverbs: false witnesses who spread lies and those who love to cause arguments can be found everywhere. And the harm that they cause cannot be measured. Why does God take such a strong stand on these behaviors? Because He knows the deep, deep consequences for individuals, families, communities, and countries.

WHAT do we do now? The Word gives us the answer: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). God’s people come in every color. He is challenging us to refuse to watch our nation be destroyed by pride. He is calling us to action:

Humble ourselves – Say it with me: I am not better. My culture is not better. My lifestyle is not better. (Yes, it is easier said than done sometimes!)
Pray – Ask God to search your heart and identify those deep areas of pride. Ask for healing for hurts caused by those walking contrary to how Jesus lived.
Seek His face – Truly ask the Lord what actions he would have you to take. He might surprise you.
Turn from our wicked ways – Look for ways to serve those in groups where your natural inclination is to look through a prideful lens colored by dislike. Or distrust. Or disdain. Choose to turn the other cheek and forgive…up to seventy times seven.

Yes, there is a remedy for racism! Looking to the Bible for answers in today’s guest post.

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Ayoka Billions is a Registered Nurse turned Casting Director (finding actors for commercials, TV, & movies). A true G.R.I.T (girl raised in the South) minus a few years in California to see the world and marry her soulmate, she loves running, reading, gardening, watching old movies, board games, and playing with her three sons. Her passion is to see women rise above daily struggles to walk in victory.