Love is in the Air {A Series} Love One Another

Jesus loved people. He loved the ones who loved and followed after him, but he also loved those who were considered unlovable by many. Jesus lived an example for us to follow. The love Jesus showed while he was on earth is the same love he shows you and me. As Christians, we are to love everyone around us. Whether we agree with someone or not; there is to be no hatred towards another person.

It doesn’t take long for us to see people do not love others. It is obvious the people of our world have a serious heart problem. This is a heart problem that is growing worse every day and it needs to be corrected.


It’s a crying shame people have to worry about the clothing they wear for fear of being attacked. Business owners work hard to keep their business running during lean times have to deal with the destructive behavior of people who have no respect and love for others.

When did it become okay for people to loot and destroy the things that belong to others to get a point across? When did it become okay to attack another person because they believe differently than you do? It didn’t!

Love One Another

It’s not just out in the world we see this unloving behavior. We see it more and more in our churches today. Members who play the “I love you game” with their pastors and fellow members. But when the member has their toes stepped on or their feelings hurt, they quickly begin to gossip or leave the church altogether. This is not the kind of love Jesus expects from us. John 13:34-35

It’s not easy to love others, especially those who are difficult. But showing a love like Jesus did means we are to show love to everyone, even in the hard times. 1 John 4:7

To truly love one another there are three things we must to do.

1. Accept them – we can’t change people for our good. We must accept them, their good and bad points. We have to be patient while loving others. Romans 15:7, 1 Corinthians 13:4

2. Forgive them – people are not perfect. We must be willing to forgive their faults. Jesus forgave you, we have to extend that same forgiveness to others even if they don’t ask for it or deserve it. Colossians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 13:5

3. Respect them – we need to remember others were created by God. They are his creation whether they live like it or not. We need to value them as a soul who needs Jesus. Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3-5

There is only one place the love we show others comes from and that is from the Lord. Our hearts must be full of God’s love for love to be shown to others. The love can’t come from any other place.  It’s a love that only God can give us to Love One Another.

I hope you'll join me again next week in our series Love is in the Air where I'll be sharing about Love, the Words of Jesus. Did you miss the first of the series? You can read One Love.

Love is in the Air {A Series} - One Love

February is a month full of reminders that Love is in the Air. For most, it’s easy to accept and show extra love to those we love. For some, this month doesn’t bring about fuzzy feelings of love because of either a broken heart, being alone or for other reasons. My heart hurts for those who wish away the one day that everyone shows love to another.

I always ask myself why should one day be pressed upon us to show our love, when in fact, we are to show love to everyone, every day. There is One Love given to every person. No one can love like this One Love; a love that went beyond the grave and back. It is the One Love of God So Loved the World.

While it is hard to wrap your mind around how God knew all about our past, present, and future even before He created anything; there was a plan in place. He knew Adam and Eve would listen to Satan’s temptation and eat the forbidden fruit before He created them. He knew Jesus would have to die on the cross to cover our sins. He knew all about the religious conflict that is going on in the world. Nothing takes God by surprise but yet, He created man. He gave us the freedom to choose between right and wrong. God loved us so much, He provided a way out of the permanent death and separation from Him. He sent His only Son, who willingly came, to take away our sin. One Love shown like no other.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

One Love

Wherever we are in our walk in life, we will have people fail us. They are human just like you and me; mistakes are made, promises broken. No matter the words or the actions that have hurt us, there is One Love that can cover the hurt. That love is from Jesus, He is the One who knows what it is like to be mistreated, to be hated, and to be betrayed. He knows and He loves us through those situations. Instead of pulling our world in around us and hiding, we need to be climbing out of the hole of desolation, reaching out to Jesus to take his hand. He is the One who can wrap us in His arms and take away the concerns of life.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Being a child of God brings about blessings we can enjoy. One of those blessings is the One Love that no one else can give us. The One Love of God So Loved the World.

I hope you’ll join me next week in my Love is in the Air series where I’ll be sharing Love One Another.

Choosing a Creative Writing Curriculum

When you have a reluctant writer, it’s hard to find encouragement and material to help them. Over the years, I’ve spent money on books that seemed to only cause more problems for my writer. I’ve even searched the internet for free story starters and watched videos of creative writing teachers hoping to bring about more confidence in my son. Nothing has worked for us until now; Creative Writing That Puts You In Their Sandals.

This post contains affiliate links.

Creative Writing That Puts You In Their Sandals

Several years ago, I encouraged my son to write a Bible story we had finished studying. It was good, but it was like pulling teeth to get him to write it. After remembering what a fellow teacher (high school English) told me about writing, I backed off from being persuasive. Her advice was simple – Stop forcing him and focus on the grammar part of writing. You can’t have good results if the young person does not have a good grasp on the grammar side of things. Once they have the grammar down, helping them get their thoughts on paper is easy to teach. This is just what I did. I used several methods of teaching grammar so things would not be like beating a dead horse, getting old, and going nowhere.

For some, my writer would be behind in writing. But I disagree. While he might struggle with getting his thoughts on paper, when he does, his grammar is superb. While I would love for him to write and write, and write, he is not going to be that kind of writer. He is like me – don’t beat around the bush, say what I want and be done with it.

When I ordered the book Creative Writing That Puts You In Their Sandals, I was a little skeptical because of past failures. But once I read through the lessons, I knew this was a book for us. Writing fictional stories based on stories found in the Bible was a wonderful idea. There is no teaching of rewriting the stories to take away the importance of each one. But to write and expand on what the Bible already shares adding nothing weird to the lesson of the story.

While there are only eight lessons in the book with either a one week per lesson or two weeks per lesson, we lengthened the time in working on a lesson. We’ve done this so we can do a thorough research on the different Bible verse portions with different versions so we can see a comparison.

Each lesson contains these parts:

• Research - read and research the story in the Bible
• Rough – roughing out the structure of the story
• Write – the first rough draft
• Apply – a short Bible study to help the writer to open their heart to the Bible
• Revise – the second and/or final draft of the story
• Tools of Grammar – little grammar reminders

Another thing I love are the questions asked in each section. What, Who, Where, When, How, Why during the researching part of the story. Each question asked causes the writer to think a little more deeply about what is going on.

In the Rough section, you’ll find the Outline section with conflict, exposition, incitation, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution and denouement. The descriptions of setting, characters, events and thoughts and reactions.

During the write section, there is a reminder, to pray and ask the Lord to help the writer while writing. As I mentioned the Apply section being a Bible study; I love this. What better way to learn what God has to say about a story the writer is already researching to write about.

There are seven stories assigned and the last one is the writer’s choice:

Jesus casts the demons into the pigs, The Passover at the Temple, The Birth of Jesus, Noah, Joseph, The Feeding of the 5,000, and Jonah.

The guidance from Rand Hummel in In Their Sandals is just like the guidance he gives to young people every day. He truly has a heart to reach young people for the Lord and this book is evident of his love for them.

I love the help and encouragement my son has received from this book. The methods taught will definitely be used in our final year of our home education journey.

Positive Action for Christ even offers a free downloadable Teacher's Resource for  Creative Writing That Puts You In Their Sandals so you can get an idea of what is being taught in the book if you're a little skeptical like I was in the beginning.


In Their Sandals Student Manual

By Positive Action for Christ


How can studying the Bible help students to become better writers?
God's a master storyteller, and the Bible is the best story of all. This study challenges to students to dig into the Bible, read it, meditate on it, and experience it as if you were a character. Students will tackle creative writing exercises that help them learn to communicate clearly and concisely as they learn about how God has chosen to reveal Himself.

Students will:

• Write eight stories based on events and characters from Scripture

• Read Scripture meditatively, with a mind to seek God's majesty in His Word, then share Him with others

• Research the historical and cultural context behind well-known Bible stories

• Approach writing systematically, with appropriate research, preparation, drafting, and revision

• Practice the disciplines of a good writer

• Build a basic literary vocabulary

• Understand the importance and use of certain grammar structures

120 pages, softcover.
Non-reproducible; consumable workbook.
Middle school and High School / Grades 6-12.

5 Ways We Can Pray For Our New Leaders

Tomorrow is inauguration day. With it comes excitement and anticipation for many. But for others come fear and concern. Whichever side of the fence you are on there is one thing we can do to help these men being sworn into office. We can pray for our new leaders and their families.

There is no doubt in the stress level that comes with being the President and Vice President of the United States of America. They are not the only ones to suffer this stress but their families also; moving to a new residence, new school, and having someone at your elbow every moment would drive me insane.

America has not reached a point of no return. There is still time for things will turn around. God allowed these two men to be elected. He has a purpose in using them and He will get the glory in all things.

While many Americans are spewing hate filled words about our President-elect. There are many more standing behind him, praying.

5 Ways We Can Pray For Our Leaders

Protection – there’s a lot of hateful talk going around. I believe Donald Trump needs protection like no other president has needed. I’m praying for those who are in the position to stand before him as a line of defense. I’m praying the Lord’s army of angels will be encamped around these two men and their families wherever they go.

Wisdom – there is only one kind of wisdom our leaders need and that is the  wisdom of God. (James 3:17) When they follow their wisdom, things will become a mess, so a heavenly wisdom is a necessity.

Peaceful – it’s difficult living in a world racked with hatred. We need leaders who will be peace loving without selling out our country and allies. Praying for our leaders to be peaceful in all conversations and actions. (Hebrews 12:14)

Open to Reason – a good leader is one who listens. He knows he can’t do the job on his own, but with the help of others. Listening to others is so important when in leadership. (James 3:17)

A Clean Heart – our leaders need pure hearts in their personal lives. But for dealing with world powers and smaller inner-governmental powers, our leaders need clean hearts and hands
just as much also. They should not be found in the middle of misdealings for unethical reasons. (Psalm 51:10)

While there are many more areas our leaders need pray in, these are five ways I’m focusing on as our new leaders take office. Will you join me in praying for our new leaders?

A New Beginning We Can Look Forward To

“I’ll be happy when this day (month, year) is over,” are words many of us have spoken. With social media up in our faces you possibly have friends and family who've said them last recently. But you know, we don’t need to wait for a new year or a new month for a new beginning we can look forward to.  Each day, each hour, and each minute is a new beginning.

A New Beginning We can Look Forward to

One of the most precious gifts God has given to man is new moments. Whether those moments come in minutes, hours, days, months, or even a new year, they are opportunities to make changes in our lives.  While it is human nature to let things weigh our heart down, we can look at the next new moment as a time to try again.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13

We are on day 12 of a new year, are we still pondering on our past 12 months? Or are we looking ahead for a chance to make things better? Don’t let discouragement, disappointment, or heartbreak keep you from making a change. This is already a beautiful year because we are living in another year of our Lord. In fact, today is beautiful because we are living in the day of our Lord. We have a day, so make it count.

Today is a new beginning we can look forward to.

Look ahead and think about the possibilities given to us. Give the past a moment as a reminder and close the door on it. If you ever open that door of remembrance again, use it as a tool to help you in fulfilling the greatest opportunities the Lord allows you to have. Don’t allow it to be a stumbling block.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Tomorrow is a new beginning
we can look forward to.

Our past tends to hang on to us with tenacity. If we allow it, it will become a weight and burden us down where we can’t be productive in our daily lives and as a Christian.

The poem "Barnacles" by Sidney Lanier explains this perfectly.

My soul is sailing through the sea,
But the Past is heavy and hindereth me.
The Past hath crusted cumbrous shells
That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells
About my soul.
The huge waves wash, the high waves roll,
Each barnacle clingeth and worketh dole
And hindereth me from sailing!

Old Past let go, and drop i' the sea
Till fathomless waters cover thee!
For I am living but thou art dead;
Thou drawest back, I strive ahead
The Day to find.
Thy shells unbind! Night comes behind,
I needs must hurry with the wind
And trim me best for sailing.

Our past is just that, our past. There is nothing we can do about it, nor can we change it. But we can work at making our next moments extraordinary. Just remember, what we make of our life is not because of our achievements, but God’s faithfulness and mercy He gives every morning.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

2016's Top 10 Viewed Posts

I like being able to share with you, my top 10 viewed posts I wrote in the past year because it helps me in knowing what people are interested in. I started doing this several years ago because of several blogger friends, but it has turned into something good for me; something that helps me out in the long run.

I have come to the conclusion people love recipes and many are looking for that special encouragement that is only found in Jesus and within the precious words of the Bible. The posts I shared in 2016 had a lot to do with both, but mostly about Jesus.

2016's Top 10 Viewed Posts

Southern Venison Hash - Y’all this is so good. You don’t even have to use vension, you can use a regular roast from the grocery store. You’ll thank me when you give this recipe a try.

The Light in the Morning – We all face those dark moments in life. No matter how dark our night is, the light in the morning as it begins to flood the earth is amazing. With it brings a new day.


When We Pray, Things Happen – The power of prayer is real. We can’t go into it with a wishy washy faith and attitutde. When we pray, we have to be serious and with faith that the Lord will work.


A Refuge from the Storm - We have One we can run to when the storms of life hit. We don’t have to face them alone; He gives us the strength we need to face them.


Quick and Easy Chicken Taco Rice – Another good recipe. In fact, a recipe you can switch out the chicken with beef if you prefer. If you are like me, you probably have all the ingredients in the kitchen at this moment.


6 Quick Recipes for Busy Weeknights – I know who you are, the one who sadly opens a package of hot dogs to serve on those busy nights. I’ve been there, but you don’t have to be with these recipes.


Potatoes Au Gratin – Potatoes, bacon, onions, and a creamy sauce covered in cheese. Need I say more?


Unstuffed Stuffed Bell Peppers - This savory recipe is my most favorite of the year. You won’t be disappointed. If you have one who doesn’t care for bell peppers, cut down the amount or leave them out altogether. But a little bell pepper flavor goes a long way in this recipe.


Crockpot Apple Butter – I love eating warm biscuits with apple butter slathered on the inside. It’s very easy to make your own and it takes a whole lot better that store bought.



Flavorful Baked Beans – This recipe is not like canned beans. Once you’ve made your own, you won’t go back to buying flavored baked beans.



Have you missed my top 3 most viewed of all time posts?

Baked Sausage and Potatoes Recipe

Cleaning my Self-Cleaning Oven

Copycat Varsity Chili Sauce Recipe

Get Into God's Word - 3 Ways To Help

The new year is upon us and there is not a better time to get into God's Word. Yes, we’re three days in, but it is still early and you can purpose to read the Scripture more this year.

When we read the Bible, we discover so much and we receive countless blessings. The Lord speaks to us through His words while we read. It’s the only book ever written to us with a love like no other author can give.

this post contains affiliate links

Three Ways To Help You Get Into God's Word

Make A Plan. Set aside time for just you and your Bible. Find a place where you won’t look up and see things that need tending to. You want this time to be special and you only want to focus on reading and spending time with the Lord. Whether your time is in the early morning or later on during the day or late at night, find the time that works for you.

While I find early morning works for me, I would tell no one to use my early morning routine, because we are all different. What works for me may not work for you. Let no one tell you, you need your reading time at a certain time of day for it to matter, because it doesn’t. The most important thing – find what works for you and stick with it.

Have A Reading Plan. For me, having a reading plan is a must; it keeps me on track of my reading. It lets me know what the future reading is about and I don’t have to guess what I’ll be reading each day. I have done that in the past, and I found I didn’t enjoy my time as much. At the moment, I’m reading All the Words of Jesus. The last time I read through the Bible, I bounced from Old Testament to New Testament and marked them when completed in my Bible.

If you are new to reading the Bible, don’t let long daily reading schedules keep you from reading. Here are just a few reading plans I have used (*) or found while reading the internet.

*Bible Reading Plan (a 52 Week plan reading 2-6 chapters a day)

* One Year Bible Reading Plan (a plan reading small portions of several books a day)

These next two, I haven’t used, but I like what I see. I can’t recommend anything else on their sites because I haven’t looked through them. But the plans are straight scripture reading.

Daily Light Devotional (a morning and evening reading plan of around 10 verses total)

A Beginner’s Bible Reading Plan (15 key verses a day for a year Bible plan)

Bible Gateway has a page of numerous reading plans.

Include Devotional Readings. I like to include short devotional readings during my time. For the past two years, a daily email from Daily in the Word has been in my inbox. I love these short little devotionals in my email every morning. This year, I’m also including A Word to the Wise Practical Advice from the Book of Proverbs.  I’ve even used the book My Utmost for His Highest in the past. I highly recommend the book. Oswald Chambers writes in such a way every Christian needs to read his book. If your short on time, the daily devotionals are not too long.

If you are looking for a Bible study to work on this year, my friend Lisa at Conforming to the Truth has several Bible studies. She is beginning the study of I Peter on January 9th, it’s not too late to join in.

It is very important for us to read the Bible. Before you just “jump into it” because others are telling you to, pray about it. Ask the Lord what He wants from you and then ask Him to give you peace for a time and a plan of action to follow through with it. You'll be surprised at the wonderful things He shows you because He really does want to spend time with you reading His word.

The Beginner's Bible Timeless Children's Stories

If you are considering a children’s Bible to begin little readers with, The Beginner’s Bible is an excellent option to consider.

Zondervan first published this book in 1989 and it has sold over 25 million copies over the years. They have recently revised the book and images to have a fresh new look. New vibrant three-dimensional art, brings these stories to life to a new generation of children. With easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible.

{an affiliate link is included}

The Beginner's Bible a Review

There are 94 stories found in The Beginner's Bible. Many favorites from both the Old and New Testaments. The story of creation, Joseph, Daniel in the lion’s den, Jesus’ birth, The Good Samaritan, The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Paul on the road to Damascus, and the Second Coming are just a few of the stories.

Each story is between 4-8 pages long. With a picture on each page, there are 1-8 lines, perfect for beginner readers. The images are designed specifically to appeal to children. If you’re like me then they might not appeal to you as an adult either, but I’m not a kid, and I would never let my appeal keep me from sharing this book with any child.

One thing I truly loved about this little Bible book, is it has a dictionary section in the back. I love this! The top of the page says, “Some of the words in this book may be new to you. Throughout the stories, you will see these words in italics. You can find out what they mean by using this dictionary". These are just a few words and their definitions: Anoint - (1. To pour olive oil on people or things. This sets them apart for God. 2. To pour oil on people as part of praying for their healing. 3. A sign of God’s blessing or favor. ) Disciple -(A person who follows a teacher. This person does what their teacher says to do.) and Proverbs -(1. A wise sayings. 2 A book of the Bible that contains many wise sayings.). 

The Beginner’s Bible doesn’t give every detail on the stories. If your child comprehends a more in depth story, they may notice the missing details and ask questions. From what I’ve read, the details do not take away from the story. The age range is from 4-8 years of age, but depending on your child it could range from 2-6 years of age.




The Beginner's Bible was named the 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children's Nonfiction.

The Beginner’s Bible has its very own website. You’ll find games, coloring sheets, and several videos.

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Series: The Beginner's Bible
Hardcover: 512 pages
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.3 x 7.8 inches
You can purchase your own copy of The Beginner’s Bible.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”