Live Original
Every family should have some type of outlined budget. Simply, the amount of money coming in and money going out could suffice. If you don’t have a budget you should look to create one. I wrote about how we keep track of our budget expenses in a previous blog post here. Abby and I talk […]
If you are an expectant mother, or were once pregnant, you can all too well understand the intense urge to organize and prepare for the birth of your little one. The term to describe this desire is known as “nesting”. Nesting can be your greatest asset and, at the same time, your worst enemy. I […]
Importance of family devotionals The Bible charges parents to “train up” their children (Proverbs 22:6). It is not the responsibility of a church, a pastor, grandparents, or some other institution. This is an area all Christian parents should feel compelled to create an environment that encourages faith to flourish and grow within the walls of […]
I’ve always believed that pregnancy and the process of labor and delivery are one of the rare opportunities to really press into the desperate need for Jesus. I’ve always had uncomplicated labors and deliveries, but nevertheless, there is much surrender that takes place. Knowing that much is out of our own control, I believe that […]
The case for lifelong learning: I’ve personally held onto the belief that learning shouldn’t stop after completing formal education. In fact, I would say, from the moment of graduation, life begins to expand at an exponential rate. Educating yourself should keep in step with your ever-changing life. The type of education I’m referring to focuses […]
I am not an expert by any means in the world of nutrition. I am simply a mom who, overtime, has come to appreciate and live by practices that aid in the well-being of my household. Every family dynamic is different. While what a share works for our family, I would strongly encourage you to […]
There are many important reasons to personally read and study The Bible outside of a formal church service. In doing so, we learn more about the character of God and how He wants His followers to act, speak, and conduct themselves. If you have chosen to put your faith in Jesus, then you represent Him […]
As I have recently celebrated my thirtieth birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the past decade, how I have grown and evolved as an individual, and where I hope to go in this next decade, the Lord willing. When people ask me if I’m ready or dreading the thought of turning thirty, it immediately […]
The climax of events seemed over as Jesus was taken off the cross and buried in a tomb on Friday. Saturday was dark and gloomy as they were still unpacking all that occurred. The disciples watched their Rabbi, friend, and the man they believed to be the Messiah die at the hands the Romans. Jesus […]
How many of you today are aware that nothing can stop God’s plan from unfolding? He created everything and He is in control of everything. There is no spiritual or human force that can manipulate or control His ultimate plans. Today in Matthew 27: 62-65, we read about the burial of Jesus Christ. But, more […]
Many who read this will already have a good understanding of what Good Friday entails, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s a day of solitude, of reflection, of trying to grasp what Jesus endured in being mocked and beaten nearly to death before he was nailed to a cross. […]
Jesus gathered with His twelve disciples to eat the Passover meal in Jerusalem. A meal to remember what God had accomplished by providing a way for the Jewish people to be set free from slavery and no longer under Egypt’s control (Exodus 12). As part of this celebration the Jewish people would sacrifice and eat […]
Today is a tough one to process. Jesus’ close friend and disciple, Judas Iscariot, chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver in collaboration with the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin were a counsel in ancient Israel that consisted of seventy men who were known as leaders and officials among the people. Again, these are Jesus’ […]
Related Passion Week Devotionals: Every year, we pull out a wonderful object lesson tool called ‘Resurrection Eggs’ to teach our children in a palpable way the Easter story. It’s an opportunity to teach them about the events of the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus in a way that truthfully displays the hardest […]
When we often think of Passion Week, or as some call it, Holy Week, we start with Palm Sunday then immediately jump to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These days are celebratory in nature, with Good Friday being one of reflection, grief, and solitude. However, we often miss the significance of the events in between. […]
The act of giving is often associated with the expectation of getting something back in return. However, the Bible teaches us the complete opposite perspective: giving generously to others and expecting nothing in return. Typically, the subject of giving is talked about and encouraged more frequently around Christmas time, but as Christians, we should live […]
Choosing to venture into studying God’s Word is the most worthwhile pursuit we can have in this lifetime. It is a pursuit that will not only challenge who you are and how you spend your time, but it will also lead you to a far greater understanding of who God is. You will have many […]
I joined the Air National Guard after graduating from high school. It wasn’t always easy throughout the eight years that I was in, but I am grateful for the discipline and mentorship that shaped me into the person I am today. The military took who I was and broke me down in order to bring […]
There is something incredible about not only God’s design for marriage, but what it feels like to actually dwell in a good marriage. In dwelling, it is not simply a state of finding yourself in a good marriage, but the product of working at a good marriage. Brett and I will soon be approaching our […]
Countercultural living requires you to aspire to a balanced, prepared lifestyle. It requires one to dwell in a mindset that is continually taking inventory—physically, mentally, spiritually, and in all matters of the home. It is not an anxious state of mind but rather an awareness, a form of divine wisdom, that guides you to have […]
Have you ever asked yourself, “where did my money go?”. You just got paid, but your bank account balance says otherwise. Your paycheck was deposited, but expenses quickly eroded it. Month after month you find yourself in the same financial predicament, living paying check to paycheck or not getting ahead. I want to talk about […]
Parent’s Responsibility It doesn’t matter what denomination of Christianity you’re affiliated with; I think we can all agree that it is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children about their faith in an effort that one day, our children will personalize it for themselves and walk in Truth. You can drag your children to church, […]
I recently was reflecting on my Christian walk. The man that I am today compared to the person that I used to be. I thank God that there is such a drastic difference! The Christian walk is a journey in which we strive to become more like Jesus through a process called sanctification. It is […]
“Honey, there’s a hearse that just pulled up to purchase something I sold on Marketplace! Can you come down and meet the guy with me?!” Seriously, I sold a box of radiant barrier that was stored in our shed (insignificant detail) to someone who pulled up in a hearse. My neighbors had to have thought […]
