Afraid, Yet Filled with Joy at EASTER

A wooden cross draped with red cloth stands against a cloudy sky, evoking the solemnity of Easter. The dark, textured wood contrasts with the vibrant red fabric, creating a dramatic scene that captures the essence of this sacred time.

Are you afraid? Is joy missing in your life?  Today is Saturday, the dark and unknown day of Holy Week. As we struggle with the unknowns of life today as the result of COVID-19, consider how our feelings are similar to those of the disciples. Jesus had been crucified, was dead, and buried in a tomb…

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Lent: Time Well Spent

A lamb stands alone in a lush green field on a sunny day, with its small shadow cast on the grass. As Lent approaches, this serene rural scene—a wooden post and blurred natural background—offers a moment of quiet reflection.

Take time for the 40 days of Lent this year. From Ash Wednesday, February 25, through Good Friday, April 10, make a point in teaching children why we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter. Daily short lessons during Lent will make an impact on our kids’ faith. Lenten Ideas for Families • Read the…

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Jesus at Easter and Always

Open book in black and white, displaying two pages with text in columns. The visible headings include Psalms 139 and 140, reminiscent of Easter reflections, with verses and annotations on a flat surface.

Linda read a beautiful prayer at bible study this past week. The words reflect the many ways Jesus touched others during his ministry. May this prayer bless you as Easter approaches. I pray that Christ may come to you early in the morning as He came to Mary that morning in the garden. And I…

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Faith-filled Ideas to Remember the First Easter

A faith-filled dirt path crosses a sunlit, grassy landscape with scattered trees. The path leads to a large body of water under a sky filled with fluffy clouds. Hills are visible in the distance on a clear day, evoking a sense of journey and hope.

Passion Week begins this Sunday, Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of the most holy week of the year for Christians. While it’s easy to get caught up in everything from Easter dinner to chocolate bunnies, make time each day to focus on Jesus and the first Easter. Reading biblical accounts of Holy Week will…

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Springtime Sweets for Easter

Colorful chocolate-covered cookie pops wrapped in clear plastic, each decorated with vibrant candy pieces forming Easter flowers on top. The sticks are adorned with curly ribbons in pink, turquoise, and orange on a dark countertop.

If you’re looking for a fun activity for the children, both big kids and little kids, here are two recipes for sweet treats that are sure to please. The mess is minimal… good for Mom. The projects are fun… good for the kids. The end products can be used in a variety of ways for…

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Wrap Holy Week in Faith

A wooden cross stands on a rocky mountaintop under a clear blue sky, surrounded by fluffy white clouds, symbolizing the spirit of Holy Week.

How will this Easter be more faith-filled for you and your family? According to a Barna Study, two out of three Americans recognize Easter as a religious holiday, and less than half, 42 percent, connect Easter with the resurrection of Christ. Holy Week provides time to walk children through the death and resurrection of Christ. Use…

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Happy Easter!

Close-up of a white lily with delicate petals and prominent brown stamens, set against a backdrop of lush green leaves and soft sunlight, evoking an Easter morning's serene and natural atmosphere.

God is very clear about the role of parents in being the spiritual leaders in the home in Deuteronomy 11:18-20. In the hustle and bustle of busy family life, I have to stop and remind myself to talk about matters of faith in both instructing mode and casual conversation. When faith is woven into the fabric of…

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He is Risen Indeed! Tips for EASTER

A nest filled with colorful speckled eggs, evoking the spirit of Easter, sits on green grass. The eggs are pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, and purple.

When my boys were young, they loved the story about the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7:24-27. Melody Carlson’s Tale of Two Houses was one of their favorite books. Steve Bjorkman’s illustrations made them laugh! As the boys have grown, Scott and I have tried to be intentional in constructing a solid foundation in biblical teachings.…

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He is Risen…Resurrection Garden

Bright yellow daffodils with green stems and leaves in a garden setting evoke the spirit of resurrection. The flowers stand out against the blurred green background, showcasing their vibrant petals and trumpet-shaped blooms.

  One of my favorite Bible characters is Timothy. This young man so impressed Paul that he became his “true son in the faith” (1Timothy 1:2). How did he come to know God’s Word as a child? His mother and grandmother! Paul wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your…

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Just Jesus at Easter

Close-up of a light brown lop-eared rabbit sitting on green grass, looking directly at the camera with its ears flopping down like a gentle halo.

According to a Barna Study, two out of three Americans recognize Easter as a religious holiday, and less than half, 42 percent, connect Easter with the resurrection of Christ. Easter is decidedly more than chocolate eggs and a bunny. It’s all about Jesus and His everlasting gift for all who call on His name. Everyone who…

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