Comparison is the thief of joy. When we look at other’s possessions and positions and think badly of them because of those things, we are jealous. We are comparing ourselves to them and in turn we are robbing ourselves of the joy that we have today. Stop looking at others. Start focusing on what God…
Ask Sarah: How Do You Keep Your Kids Quiet in Church?
I have always felt that our kids have been on display during church services. Being a pastor’s family, eyes have been on us to set an example in many areas. I felt pressure to keep our kids quiet during church services so they wouldn’t be a distraction. Over the years we have been in congregations…
Adorable Valentines Verses Ready to Print
Two of the most famous Bible verses about love are from I Corinthians 13:4-8 and John 3:16. They are quoted in many different contexts but especially in weddings. Valentines Day is a perfect opportunity to highlight both of these verses in your home! The adorable Valentines verses are ready to print for whatever context you…
The Love of Money
“Money makes the world go round.” While that may be true, as Christians we are called to more. Jesus talks about money over and over again, showing us that our view of money demonstrates what happens in our hearts. I Timothy 6:10 warns us of the trap that money can be: “For the love of…
A God-Shaped Hole: An Object Lesson for Valentines Day
Valentines Day is a fun and easy time to share a message with children and adults about how much Jesus loves them, but are you looking for a fresh idea for this year? You have come to the right place! This year try using this object to teach how each of us has a God-shaped…
A Sweet Valentines Day without the Sweets
Are you looking for a sweet alternative to the sugary Valentines Day that you have always known? When we lived in Zambia, we didn’t have the prepackaged Valentines cards and sugary heart candies at the stores. A few boxes of chocolates showed up on the shelves on February 12, while the baskets of flowers exploded…
Inspiring Families to Embrace God’s Biblical Definition of Love through Scripture
Love is in the air! Hearts are hung on the mantle and windows, cute decorations to remind us of Valentines Day. I love this time of the year when we focus on love — love for our families and love for our friends and churches and love for our God. It can be a beautiful…
God Chose You for Your Family
When we look at our family, we can often wonder why God put us together the way He did. Whether we have biological children, or they are a mix of biological, adopted or stepchildren, God intentionally chose our family. He gave us each member so “as iron sharpens iron” we will be conformed into His…
Centering Your Family’s Hearts on God this Valentines Day through Books
The Christmas decorations are barely put away when the Valentines displays are out in full bloom in the stores. I love seeing the pink and red hearts all around. But as I have tried to find good books for my family to enjoy, I have been confronted with the world’s definitions of what love and…
Creating a Culture of Hospitality in Your Home
I used to be very nervous about having people over to my home for dinner. I had to be sure the whole house was spotless — even the showers! Dinner had to be fancy, including a new recipe with special ingredients; things that we didn’t normally serve to our family. The kids had to make…