I’ve been feeling kind of down because of the winter weather. It’s not just the winter storms rolling through. The constant nighttime lows in the 20s are starting to wear on me. I’ve lived up north, where this relentless cold is expected. But here in the South, we usually get a break here and there. … Continue reading Bible Refreshment
Author: Janet Eriksson
Writing a Letter of Encouragement for a Christian Retreat
Someone asked me the best way to write a letter of encouragement for a Christian retreat. My answer: “Ask the Lord.” Many kinds of retreats invite letter writing, whether it’s a prison ministry, mission trip, youth event, or spiritual retreat. The purpose of the letter is to give encouragement. The recipient will often be a … Continue reading Writing a Letter of Encouragement for a Christian Retreat
Let Go of the Stick
Bible Verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” — Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Reflection My Yorkie puppy loves sticks. He’s not supposed to chew on them because they could splinter. Try telling him that. When he … Continue reading Let Go of the Stick
A Prayer in Winter
Lord, thank You for the beauty and peace of Your presence in winter. As I wake up to short, cold days and bare limbs on trees, help me remember You are always here. Help me to see Your creative blessings in the winter landscape. Remind me of Your constant presence. When I feel cold, I … Continue reading A Prayer in Winter
Reflecting on the Mountains and Valleys
The new year is a great time for reflection: where we’ve come from, where we are, how we are continuing this amazing journey with Jesus. This year, a song keeps going through my mind: “I keep falling in love with Him” by Lanny Wolfe. I first heard this song when I was a teen in … Continue reading Reflecting on the Mountains and Valleys
Welcome to Our World
For the past five months, I’ve been raising a puppy, sometimes wishing time would move faster so he could outgrow some puppy habits, and at the same time not wanting to rush this amazing puppy phase. It disappears so quickly. In the background of this season, song lyrics have been going through my mind: “Welcome … Continue reading Welcome to Our World
Heaven Touched Earth
As Christmas approaches, I remember my trip to Bethlehem. It was 15 years ago, but I remember like it was yesterday. I didn’t expect it to impact me as much as it did. The atmosphere in Bethlehem wasn’t peaceful as in other parts of the Holy Land. A lot of strife and hostility in the … Continue reading Heaven Touched Earth
In Busyness, Rest
December is a busy time of year. Wrapping things up—work and gifts. Preparing for the new year. Holiday plans and schedules. Lots of events. Crowds, traffic. The sense there’s not enough time to get it all done. Concerns about how we will feel starting January depleted—and the desire to get there so we can leave … Continue reading In Busyness, Rest
Where Is Your Focus?
Bible Verse “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8 Reflection When I lived in the busy city, I noticed a newspaper tie lying on the crowded sidewalk. It was … Continue reading Where Is Your Focus?
Family Bible Verses
Praying God's Word is powerful. Praying words from the Bible is a great way to pray. God loves for us to pray Bible verses back to Him. Bible verses are God's love notes to us. When we pray these back to Him, it's a way to tell Him, “We got Your awesome message and thank … Continue reading Family Bible Verses
Adventures with God 