Hands Full of Blessings! 

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

Recent Post

 

Nobodies Chosen By God- The Shepherds

by | December 18, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

I recently heard a Christmas message focused on how God uses the unexpected and the overlooked to accomplish His work for His glory. The message centered on the shepherds, who were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. In biblical times, shepherds were considered...
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Eyes on the Road

by | August 27, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

So, we have a new driver in our house… and I have learned that I am really glad my husband is good at teaching and instruction… because you don’t realize all the things a new driver doesn’t know until they get behind a wheel. For example, keep your eyes on where you...
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Seasons

by | July 19, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:6 Fruit grows in season. And look at this Prickly Pear Cactus... the fruit...
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If It Were Easy…

by | June 20, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

“If it were easy, everyone would do it.” I tell my kids this all the time. Especially when they’re learning or perfecting a new skill or hobby- like crocheting, playing music, sewing, running… seriously I cannot count how many times I have said this to all six of them...
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Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

by | June 7, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

I’ve had this thought running through my head. When I read the Armor of God in Ephesians 6, as an evangelist, I really want the Shoes of the Gospel of the Peace to represent going out and sharing the gospel. But every single commentary I read says that is not the...
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Creative

by | May 31, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

Have you ever looked at a sunrise and thought, “Wow, God! You did that. You didn’t have to, but you wanted to!” Our God is truly the Master Artist. The Creator of the universe didn’t stop once the creation was set into motion. He continues to be creative and shows His...
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Seek First

by | March 23, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

“But SEEK first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Matthew 6:33. As I wrote this verse on our whiteboard today, countless games of Hide and Seek went through my head. I remember being a kid and trying to hide in the hardest spot, so the “seeker” would have to...
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Fuel Up

by | March 21, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

You know how there are two people in every relationship? The one who always has a full tank of gas and the one who isn’t even sure if the car will make it to the gas station? Yeah… well… I’m the second one. Today my van's gas light came on… and I thought, well I...
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Seek and Save the Lost

by | March 5, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

Every time my kids and I go hiking, we end up talking about “the time mom got us lost” on a trail. Now, sadly, this has happened so often that we have to ask—which time? Well, one time we had just started a really good trail that was supposed to be a moderate,...
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Authentic Fan?

by | February 9, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

As we all prepare to watch the Super Bowl, I was struck with the thought- what would you think of a person decked out in Kansas City Chiefs gear and face paint, but saying “Go Eagles.” That’s not a real fan. Anyone can buy a jersey and put on some paint? Right? Maybe...
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More on the Blog

Book Update!!!

by | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

Coming soon! Book 1- Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy Release date: February 25, 2020 You can pre-order on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951620003 Please tell all your friends who have daughters in the age range of 2-8! Also, please leave...
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A Dream Come True

by | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...
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It’s Launch Day!!!!

by | February 25, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Today is the day! Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy is now available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also order through the publisher, Grackle Publishing. Please help me spread the word about this book, the series, but most...
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God is Faithful!

by | September 3, 2019 | Books, Growing in Faith, Popular Post | 8 Comments

I’m getting published!!! I’m so excited to share this news. However, it doesn’t seem right to share this news without sharing how AMAZING our God is! So, let me tell you the whole story! The Call In April of 2017, I felt this stir in my heart to write a book. It...
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Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride

by | May 14, 2021 | Books, Faith | 0 Comments

Book 2 is on the way!!!! But before I tell you anymore. You HAVE to hear how God brought it all together. Book #1 was released… literally right before the United States went on lock down for COVID-19. Bye bye book signings. Goodbye read-alouds. All my thoughts on...
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Always a Princess

by | January 9, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments

Growing up I was (and still am) the biggest Tom-Boy. I can seriously count the number of times I have painted my nails. You will NOT find me wearing a dress or skirt (unless I am at a formal occasion that calls for it.) And heels? - You can just forget about that~...
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A Dream Come True

by | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...
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Coffee and Jesus

by | January 25, 2020 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

This morning I made my coffee, I smiled at my coffee mug that was given to me this Christmas. “All I need today is a little bit of Coffee & a whole lot of Jesus.” So true. But is it backwards? I mean really. I’m a mom of six. I teach kids in China online starting...
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Painting with Twigs

by | March 5, 2020 | Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Well, I’m not sure if I’m an awesome mom or crazy. While playing outside one of my children was collecting twigs. Another said, “Hey we could paint with these! Mom, can we paint with twigs?” “Sure!” I said pulling out the paints and blank papers. Well, guess what? The...
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Identity

by | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

I just recently watched The Incredibles with my children. We love this movie. It never gets old. If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It is about a family of Supers trying to get along in a world where they have to try to pretend to be something they are not...
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Homeschooling with Littles

by | July 18, 2020 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 0 Comments

It was suggested that I write a blog about how to homeschool with littles at home. My immediate response was, “I wish I knew.” However, many people have told me I seem to have a good handle on it, so here it goes. If you are on the fence about homeschooling and are...
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Offended

by | April 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

Well, on Good Friday I found myself in need of a shopping trip to Target. It was a for-real need. The baby only had a handful of diapers left. (And Target’s Up and Up diapers are the best value.) So, my six children and I walked into a busy Target. I was able to...
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God Report

by | April 23, 2021 | Popular Post | 2 Comments

As you may have noticed, I have not been posting nearly as often as I have in the past. Our family is going through some big changes in which all the credit goes to God! Let me back up a few years… to right before my husband took a job as a pastor. Previously he...
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Book Update!!!

by | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

Coming soon! Book 1- Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy Release date: February 25, 2020 You can pre-order on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951620003 Please tell all your friends who have daughters in the age range of 2-8! Also, please leave...
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Diet and Exercise

by | July 24, 2020 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

Diet and exercise. I’ve started this blog many times, but I have never been able to actually complete it. I realize now, that is because it will never be complete. This is a rollercoaster of a journey. If someone would have told me when I was 17, my biggest struggle...
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Like Arrows

by | August 25, 2021 | Book Reviews, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

When I started the review section of my blog, I never really intended on doing anything outside of Christian children’s book… but last night I watched a movie on Amazon Prime that I think would benefit parents (young and old alike) to watch- Like Arrows. Movie Title:...
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A New Section: Book Reviews

by | June 11, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

“You don’t know what you don’t know…” In the Spring of 2017, I felt called to write... specifically, a Christian children’s book series. As I was seeking to fill out my submission forms to various agents and publishers, I found the section: competitive titles....
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Children Arise Review

by | July 3, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Book: Children Arise Author: Jenny Johnson Illustrator: Jessie Blasdel Summary: Children Arise is a book empowering children to become all God created them to be by teaching them how to partner with Holy Spirit! Children Arise is a sweet storybook that teaches little...
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Jesus Loves the Little Children Book Review

by | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Loves the Little Children; A Chosen Story Author: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins Illustrator: Kristen Hendricks Summary: Abigail talks a lot. A LOT. So when she meets Jesus for the first time, she talks about him to every kid she can find. Together the...
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The Pumpkin Patch Parable Review

by | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: The Pumpkin Patch Parable Author: Liz Curtis Higgs Illustrator: Nancy Munger Disclaimer: I LOVE LIZ CURTIS HIGGS! Moms, if you have not read her Bad Girls of the Bible series, you should… totally not the point of this post though… Summary: Bestselling author...
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The Princess Parables Book Review

by | June 12, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten (The Princess Parables) Authors: Jeanna Young, Jacqueline Kinney Johnson Illustrator: Omar Aranda Summary: In Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten, Princess Grace promises her father she will care for the...
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Good Good Father Book Review

by | June 15, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Good Good Father Authors: Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett Illustrator: Lorna Hussey Publisher: Tommy Nelson Summary: Grammy Award-winning music artist, Chris Tomlin, and Pat Barrett (Housefires) team up to tell the story of a little bear named Tucker whose life is...
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Jesus Storybook Bible

by | July 16, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Story Book Bible Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones Illustrator: Jago Summary: For over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade,...
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Veggie Tales Comic Book Reviews

by | June 30, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Book: Veggie Tales Super Comic Volume 3 (contains the stories of Rack, Shack, and Benny, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, and Larry Boy and the Rude Beet.) Author: Rack, Shack, and Benny is adapted from the movie created by Big Idea, adapted by Aaron Linn....
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Three Gifts for Abigail Review

by | June 26, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Three Gifts for Abigail Author: Allison Romero Illustrator: Gloria Elliott Summary: Excited to spend a special day with family, Abigail hurries downstairs where she finds a surprise waiting for her on the living room table. As she uncovers each of the three...
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Christian Parallels Post

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

by | October 9, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Goldilocks and the Three Bears The next story on the blog is Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Everyone knows the story of the curious little girl taking a walk in the woods when she comes upon a house… When no one answers the door, Goldilocks walks straight in. On the...
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Three Blind Mice

by | October 10, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Today on the blog is Three Blind Mice. I already know what you’re thinking- Renee, why? Well, rest assured, I thought the exact same thing. Why was this placed on my heart? Then I read the Nursery Rhyme. Three blind mice. Three blind mice.See how they run. See how...
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King Triton

by | November 6, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 2 Comments

Ever notice how King Triton slightly resembles Jesus. No, no, not the controlling father who won't let his daughter go to the surface. (Though as a parent I see he had good reason to make that rule.) How about the father who takes His daughter's punishment that she...
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A Poison Ivy Wreath

by | October 29, 2019 | Christian Parallels, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

This week we have seen the beautiful colors of fall in St. Louis! As my kids were playing outside, they kept showing me the colorful leaves that they would find. So, I decided we should make an autumn wreath for our front door. Oh, they had a blast finding all the...
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Signing Away Your Freedom

by | November 7, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

This image right here... Ariel is signing away her freedom for a chance at romantic love. She was the daughter of the King.  The King had the power to grant her request. Yet, she made a deal with Sea Witch.  In Ariel’s defense, she was hurt. She had this...
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Christian Parallels in The Lion King

by | November 5, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 1 Comment

Last week I had the opportunity to share some Christian parallels of the movie “Aladdin” in my blog. It was honestly really neat to see how the messages of the movie fit perfectly into the blog I was currently writing. So, I decided to try this again with another...
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Christian Parallels in Disney’s Descendants

by | September 16, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

So, with being stuck at home during COVID, my kids and I have had plenty of time to enjoy Disney Plus. Recently we watched The Descendants movies. As we were watching the last one, my oldest looked at me and said, “Mom, this would make a good blog.” Really? How so?...
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Freedom

by | November 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

I was teaching a lesson on Harriet Tubman yesterday. In the lesson, it said that Harriet Tubman was a hero because she escaped slavery, but then she decided to go back to help other slaves escape. Harriet Tubman is definitely a hero! She knew freedom and HAD to help...
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Frozen- The Quest for True Love

by | December 4, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Next up on Christian parallels in the movies is Frozen. So, if you are a parent or grandparent from this decade, you probably have this movie memorized. Let me start by saying, up until this year I was proud of the fact that I hadn’t seen it. My boys were young when...
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Little Red Riding Hood

by | October 4, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My kids love watching a YouTube channel called “Pancake Manor.” The creators are a couple in Canada who remake/remix nursery rhymes making them upbeat, creative, and fun. They do an awesome job, really! But with my kids of all ages 10-1 loving these music videos, the...
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The Hawk- The Common Enemy

by | May 29, 2020 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments

While playing outside yesterday, we noticed a hawk in the tree right over head. At first, it was cool to watch, but then it was like, “Oh no, what is it trying to get?” As the day went on, he sat there on the edge of the tree branch high above our heads. But the other...
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Growing Seeds

by | March 18, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

A few weeks ago, my children came home from church with a plastic cup, soil, and a planted seed. Let me just be honest, I do not have a green thumb. When it comes to keeping plants alive… I am not so good at that… like… at all… So we put the plants on the windowsill,...
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It clicked

by | June 30, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

As most of you know, I have three daughters. These girls are creative, fun, and energetic… but I cannot say that tidy is an adjective I would use to describe them. Yesterday I walked by their room and noticed how nice and clean it looked, so naturally I complimented...
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Frustrated

by | April 3, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 3 Comments

Not too long ago I took my kids to an art program at the library. Usually the projects are simple and allow for quite a bit of creativity. But not this time... It was more like- Here's the example. Now do it... My oldest struggled... his idea would not come out of his...
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Spoiled?!?

by | August 15, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

“Lunchtime!” I called and all my kids came running down the steps. “What’s for lunch?” “Awww Lunchmeat sandwiches… again!” “I wanted peanut butter and jelly.” “I wanted ham salad.” “Can I have bologna?” “Can we at least have chips instead of pretzels and crackers?”...
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Discipline

by | November 23, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 1 Comment

No one likes getting in trouble. No one likes punishments. Heck, no one likes correction PERIOD! However, I am learning as a parent, even the person dishing out the consequences does not like the process. It is so hard to sit and watch my son not be able to play his...
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Parents: A Glimpse of God

by | September 23, 2019 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 3 Comments

My kids were playing outside as a storm rolled in. I saw a flash and heard a boom. So, I called them inside. My youngest daughter was apparently really scared when I called them in. I gave her a hug, told her she was safe, and sent her to play with her siblings. About...
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Imitators

by | May 14, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

  A few days ago, I apparently left my shoes out in the living room. My 3-year-old comes running to me to show that she was wearing my shoes. When my 4-year-old saw me smiling, she asked if she could wear my shoes too. I tossed her a pair of my shoes and sat back...
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Like Arrows

by | August 25, 2021 | Book Reviews, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

When I started the review section of my blog, I never really intended on doing anything outside of Christian children’s book… but last night I watched a movie on Amazon Prime that I think would benefit parents (young and old alike) to watch- Like Arrows. Movie Title:...
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Behind the Glass

by | January 21, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

As I walked into the kitchen this morning, I noticed the beautiful sunrise peaking through the trees. Then I glanced at the thermometer and looked down at my dog asking to go out. It’s freezing out there. Let’s make this quick. I thought as I bundled up and put the...
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The Narrow Path

by | January 10, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Last week I watched a video on what to do if your vehicle gets submerged in water. Honestly, I had no idea what you really should do. I learned that you are to roll down the windows and get out as fast as you can before the vehicle goes under. The video I watched...
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Missed Trash Day

by | April 24, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments

Last Friday morning I treated like any other day of the week. After teaching my classes online, I got my kids up. We all went to the kitchen for breakfast. As I handed the kids their peanut butter toast, my son hears a vehicle outside, checks the date, and says, “Mom,...
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Buttered-Up

by | March 14, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

So, I have been making an effort to eat healthier. I looked into all those fad diets, but decided that ultimately, I needed to have a healthy relationship with food and eat a balanced diet. Let me be honest, I have been a yo-yo dieter since I realized I could...
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Guarded

by | January 29, 2019 | Faith | 1 Comment

While at the library Thursday, my daughter checked out a bunch of books. Since she forgot her library bag, the librarian gave her a plastic grocery bag to carry her books. As she was walking out of the library, the bag ripped, and her books fell all over the ground....
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Follow the Leader

by | September 19, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Yesterday I decided to play “Follow the Leader” with my children. It was fun (at first) as I led and they imitated me skipping, running backwards, twirling, and walking around our yard. Then my oldest jumped in front. I let him lead. He led me straight to the slide to...
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Thoughts on the CoVID 19

by | March 20, 2020 | Faith | 3 Comments

Yesterday I had to go to the doctor. I have a very tight, sore throat. I really did not want to go to the doctor among this CoVID 19 virus, but after weeks of having this annoying sore throat- it was only getting worse. For a week, my kids and I had not left the...
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Walking on Water

by | June 5, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

So many times we hear the story of Peter walking on water and the focus is Peter taking his eyes off Jesus, focusing on the storm, and sinking. Good message. Keep your eyes on Jesus not your circumstances. But Peter has a lot more to show us here. What if we looked at...
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Temporary Bubbles

by | June 25, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments

Bubbles! This morning I sat outside watching all five of my children happily play with bubbles. Smiles. Laughter. Blowing bubbles at each other. Running around in circles. Comparing the sizes of bubbles.  Popping. Blowing. Repeat. So much fun! For about 15...
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Is it about Jesus or is Jesus just added?

by | December 14, 2020 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

Is Jesus the Reason for your Season or merely part of your Season? Hard question… As you know, our church has been partaking in a #putJesusBackinChristmas mission by having an Advent Christmas Tree with Names of Jesus being added each day. The kids watch a short Happy...
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Pruning

by | June 9, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

My life verse is John 15. It’s literally tattooed on my arm. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (5).” Apart from Him I can do nothing. I need that constant reminder....
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