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Give Him More
“By and by, when I look on His face, I’ll wish I had given Him more.” So goes the song that I remember noticing as a little girl, and even then, I was challenged by those words. They make me think of the day when I will stand before Jesus and finally, fully understand what it cost Him to redeem me. I will see His nail-pierced hands and know that they were pierced for me. Will regret and shame fill my heart, or will I be able to fall on my knees and rejoice that I spent my life in whole-hearted service to my Savior? Oh, this world we live…
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Feelings or Faith
When you feel… Alone or forsaken—remember that Jesus is always with you. Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Afraid—remember that Jesus tells you to fear not, because He is by your side. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Discouraged—remember that with God, all things are possible. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through…
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Treasures
The smile on a baby’s cherub face, The touch of dimpled fingers round your own; The daintiness of crystal and of lace, The grandeur of a pine tree standing lone. The sunshine sparkling on the dewy grass, The bird that flutters past, trilling a song. Grace of a sweet and care-free little lass, The springtime after weary winter long. The family gathered round the table full, Each dear face full of shining love and joy, The quietness; the peaceful evening lull, The unity of siblings—girls and boys. The sound of crickets in the evening air; Music of stream a-trickling over stones. The glow of moonlight, silvery and fair; The stars…
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Instant Pot Beef Stew
This is a take on our original stew recipe that we used to make in the crockpot. When we got an instant pot, the recipe was easily adapted for a much quicker meal! Of course, you could certainly make this recipe in the crockpot if you don’t have an instant pot. This serves five of us with enough for three or four people to enjoy leftovers the next day. If you’re new to using an instant pot, be aware that it does take about 15-20 minutes to warm up before it starts the pressure-cooking countdown, and then another 15-30 minutes (or a good 20 minutes longer sometimes) for natural release.…
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This Is the Time to Stand
Do you ever feel discouraged at all that is going on around us? Do you ever wonder how we’re supposed to live for Christ in a culture where to do so is not only unpopular but becoming increasingly difficult? Do you ever get just a bit scared at the thought of all that we may be facing? I know I have. But the word of God reminds us that it is “for such a time as this” that we are on this earth. I’m not saying that we’re facing persecution here in the U.S. or that we’re going to anytime real soon, although of course that is possible. But it’s…
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The Gifts of His Grace
Sometimes, especially around this time of year, I just like to step back and review the workings of God in my life. As we approach Thanksgiving, I begin to think about the many ways in which He has been gracious to me. Somedays, the realization hits me so strongly: I am blessed. Unfortunately, my focus isn’t always on the blessings. Life has hard things, too—and this year has been no exception. Repeatedly, God has brought to my attention the need to accept His grace in walking through it all. The grace is there—freely offered and always sufficient. But the choice is mine whether I will accept it. When I surrender…
