The God Who Meets You in Your Need
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12, NIV For 15 years, my husband and I had been parenting our three children. Though it wasnโt easy, we felt like we had been doing it pretty well.…
Action or Distraction: What’s Getting My Attention?
Today is one of those days when I am particularly–and easily–distracted. I had grand plans for all that I wanted to accomplish today. And I’ve done some of the things. But not the things that require the most focus. I…
Gratitude: 30 Days of Teachable Moments
Starting November 1st —ย Follow theย Carrie Bevell Partridge โข Writer Facebook page, where I’ll be sharing ideas for incorporating teachable moments with your kids in everyday life, with an emphasis onย gratitude. PLUS, if you are a subscriber, you’ll receive these Gratitude…
Teachable Moments in the Lenten Season
The season of Lent has already begun. If you and your family are getting a late start on this observance, or if you’ve never actually observed Lent before, it’s not too late to start. For families who profess faith in…
The Vault
“I have this thing I call ‘the vault,'” the pastor said as an introduction to the personal story he was about to share. I’m not sure why, but I immediately pictured the kind of vault that is a gymnastics apparatus.…
We Need Community
We were a couple of months overdue for our daughterโs one-year โwell-babyโ checkup with the doctor. We had recently moved to a new state and had not yet met with a pediatrician. โItโs not a big deal,โ I thought. When…
The Compassion Experience
Back before social distancing started, my family and I participated in an event to help us get as close to someone in another part of the world as we could. We participated in The Compassion Experience. This immersive exhibit allows…
The Problem with 4
When I see a problem, I have a tendency to get tunnel vision. It feels like it’s my responsibility to solve or fix the problem, if it’s within my ability to do so. But it can consume me. My brain,…
God and Sinners Reconciled
“Sin has broken the most important relationship in all of life, the relationship between people and their Creator. This separation alters everything in each of our lives…The bond between God and mankind has been broken. Fear has replaced love. Hiding…
Thoughts During Advent: Labor of Love
Several years ago, my husband and I were invited to perform a song as part of a church’s Christmas worship service. As we were waiting our turn, we sang along with the congregation in various Christmas anthems. The last one…