When I was a little girl I always looked forward to times of “hospitality.” That usually meant that we were having “company” over to our house for dinner! Maybe some family or friends were coming, or perhaps we invited a new family from church or a visiting missionary family. Regardless of who would show up on our doorstep, I enjoyed those special times because it meant people in our house, a yummy dinner AND dessert, and often some other children to play with! My sister and I eagerly helped my mother cook and clean in preparation for our guests. This is a good example of learning the character quality of hospitality.
What Makes a Difference?
Think of someone you know who grew up in a Christian home then once they turned 18 headed deep into the world. I personally have known several people, both guys and girls, who have done just this. They grew up hearing the same Biblical principles, memorizing the same Bible verses, and often had godly parents who were actively involved in the church. Why, then, at the first chance do they choose everything opposite of what they have been taught?
Mommy Obedience
I was reading through the 112th Psalm recently and came across these words in verses 1 and 2…
“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.”
So Shall We Ever
A simple phrase, no long words and easy to understand on the surface. But a complex phrase, full of deep meaning with incomprehensible truth.
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Good Gifts
Our daughter, Gracie, “inherited” this little purse from a friend, and she loves it. Dearly. In fact, I think she might have taken it to bed with her on the night that she received it. Gracie and the purse are inseparable.
Garden Fresh Goodness
Jill’s Aunt Edith introduced the family to this layered goodness many years ago. When the garden overflows with fresh ripened produce, or when the neighbors start anonymously leaving bags of zucchini on your doorstep, why not try this easy to make dish?
Friendship Benefits
Have you ever thought seriously about how important friends are to you and how greatly they impact your life? There is so much more to friends than liking the same styles or foods, playing the same sports, or even being the same age.
Focus
I love taking pictures. Photography is an art to me.I am thrilled when I feel I have not only captured the moment, but have truly captured the subject’s personality in a picture. Likewise, how exciting when I feel I have been able to transfer to photo paper the beauty of a created treasure of nature from God’s hand.
Dropping Leaves
2 Corinthians 3:2 – “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.”
Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen
In several past articles, we’ve addressed the dangers of pesticides, how to read organic labels and the benefits of purchasing locally. Very few, if any of us, can afford to purchase everything organic, so you may be sitting back and wondering what are the most important areas to focus on.
Michelle’s July Update
Greetings from a rainy Chile! We are experiencing a real, coastal winter. Last week we even had a real tornado! That is VERY uncommon! We are getting settled into our new home here in Tome.
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A Tribute to Jackie Wyatt
This particular article is written in honor of Jackie Wyatt, who has served on the mission field with her husband George for 30 years this October 2010. With the help of Kristin Hammett, another missionary’s wife, I would like to share with you what a valuable asset Jackie is to me and to others, as well as a little of what she has taught us from her many years of experience.
Way of Escape
I Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Wacky Cake
As a busy mother, Becky Simmons sometimes needs a little baking help! Not necessarily a store bought mix, but in this case, a quick and easy homemade cake.
The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life
Dear Christian, do you feel a lack in your Christian walk? Do you read about the Christian life and know what this life should look like, but find it wanting when you examine your own life? Has your heart sunk within you as you feel that the best you can expect from your Christian life is one of alternate failure and victory?
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Spending is Not Saving
“I went to the grocery store and saved $68!” Have you ever said someting like that to your husband or friend? I have on numerous occasions. It’s a thrilling thing to get a great deal! Quite frankly, it’s one the reasons I love shopping so much! You could liken it to men and hunting. They hunt for animals, we hunt for bargains. It’s really the same concept…the thrill of the chase. It can be a lot of fun!
Local Harvest
With the quickly passing signs of spring, we are headed full steam into summer. With summer comes lots of sun, and fresh air, and the opportunity for fresh fruits and vegetables. For some that means planting a large garden, for others it means visiting the local, pick-your-own farm for fresh strawberries and blueberries, and for others, it means visiting the local farmer’s market.
Giving – A Matter of the Heart
In the Old Testament, Moses taught the children of Israel to acknowledge that everything they had come from God by giving at least a tenth of it back to Him. Tithing was an act of worship as well as obedience.
Kristin’s June Update
You all are so sweet! Thanks for the many cards, gifts, and emails for my birthday. It sure made it extra special. What fun it has been to read your questionnaires! I feel like I am sitting down with each of you and catching up or getting to know you. For the next few months, I want to take the time to answer the questions you asked. There is a list of over a dozen questions, which should be fun to answer.
Desire
Remember how you desired a treat from the ice cream truck when you were a child? It seemed that there could be nothing better on a long, warm summer evening that partaking of a dainty from that musical truck! Your heart longed for it. You could almost taste the sweet ice cream as the truck rumbled past.