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Give God the Pen
A new year. A new planner. A new journal, its blank pages just waiting to be filled with the future. An unknown future that spreads out before us. Some of us face it with anticipation, others with apprehension. Whether happy or difficult, more chapters in the book of our life will be written in 2022. I wonder, though, how we are approaching these blank pages? Are we tightly gripping the pen of control, straining to write our story with our limited knowledge of the future? Or do we willingly relinquish control of our lives into the hands of the only One Who knows what is ahead? Remember the former things…
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Rich and Fluffy Twice-Baked Potatoes
I must admit a rather strange weakness: I could eat potatoes every day in one form or another. These rich twice-baked potatoes are so good, and they are easy to make! They can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake, so it’s a hosting-friendly recipe. Pair with steak and tossed salad for a classic meal. This recipe makes 20 potatoes, so of course you can half it if you don’t want that many. If you end up with extra filling, it’s really tasty by itself–don’t ask me how I know! 😊 10 russet potatoes, washed 1/4 c. olive oil 1 8 oz. package cream cheese…
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2021 Review and Favorites
Hi there everyone! I thought it might be fun to review my year a little and to share with you some of my favorites from 2021…maybe you would enjoy some of them too! Favorites This year, the Lord gave me Jeremiah 29:11 as my special verse for the year. Of course, I had no idea how meaningful this verse would be for me this year, but in the midst of uncertainty, and at times, confusion about God’s working, it has reminded me again and again to trust in Him! He has a perfect plan for my life. Verses 12-13 have reminded me to seek Him with my whole heart. My…
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Inspiration for Your Week #4
Happy Monday, everyone! I can hardly believe 2021 is almost over… and what a year it has been! It’s been a blessing to see God’s leading and loving care in my own life this year. There is nowhere that is sweeter than the center of His will. It’s been a good year because God is good! I’m excited about setting some New Year’s goals/plans, some of which I’ll share in next Monday’s post. I’m curious–do you make New Year’s resolutions or goals? Personally, I’ve found that goals are much easier to fulfil than resolutions! For Christmas, I received a copy of a book I’m very excited to read–The Hidden Life…
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Beyond the Manger
Beyond the manger shines a star, Its glory bright against the sky, To soon be dimmed and blotted out; A Baby had been born to die. Deep buried in His mother’s heart, There trembles fear of future loss. The sword of grief would rend apart; Beyond the manger is a cross. He gave His life, His sinless life, His precious blood, an offering; He was the needed sacrifice, That God and man together brings. Above in dazzling glory bright, Brighter than dawning ever shone, In majesty to blind the sight; Beyond the cross, there is a throne. And round that throne, all dressed in white, The blood-washed souls He died…
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Christmas Meditations
Hello to all of my readers! Today I am so excited to be able to introduce a guest writer–the very first on Upheld by His Grace. This guest writer is a wife, mama, one of my very best friends, and…my older sister! She wrote these thoughts several years ago while expecting her first little one. Thank you so much for sharing, Emily! This year at Christmas, as I wait for the birth of my first child, only a few weeks away, the familiar story of Jesus’ birth takes on new meaning to me. I feel a new understanding and appreciation for Mary, the woman God chose to be the vessel…
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Inspiration for Your Week #3
Hello, my friends! The past week was super busy, but also wonderful! The mall singing and concert went really well. It was so thrilling to get to sing about the birth and coming reign of our Savior in a public place. This week has a slightly slower pace, and of course, we are looking forward to Christmas! This morning when I opened my Bible, I read Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Isn’t it wonderful that the work of our God is perfect? From creation to the finished work…
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Tips for Hymn Improvisation
Hi there! I hope that you all had a blessed weekend! As a piano player and teacher, I’ve found that one of the most challenging things for advancing pianists is improvisation, specifically on hymns. Although it’s a great start to be able to just play the notes, we really want our music to flow and be pleasing to the ears of the listeners. If you ever play with others singing, then you know that the piano player must carry everyone along, and that’s difficult to do if you play only the simple notes. On the other hand, maybe you’ve heard recordings, or you’ve watched accomplished pianists, and you feel overwhelmed…
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Church History Book Favorites
One of the topics I enjoy reading and learning about is church history, including the stories of martyrs—witnesses who gave up everything for the sake of Jesus Christ. Their stories challenge me to live for Jesus and remind me that He is the only One worth living and dying for. As I read of their lives, I ask the question, “Do I love Jesus this much? Is He truly this precious to me?” We don’t know what the future holds, but there’s certainly a possibility that it may hold suffering. Reading of those who suffered for the sake of Christ can help us to put our troubles in perspective. It…
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When God Says No
You’ve prayed for something, over and over again. You’ve sought to follow the Lord and be submitted to His will. Maybe it looks as if the desired gift is almost within your grasp. Hard as it may be, you’ve tried not to desire this blessing more than you desire the Lord, and to keep your focus on Him and your longings on the altar. And then, finally, you receive the answer to your prayers, and you step back in grief and disappointment. God says “No.” My guess is that you’ve been here at some point (or maybe several!) in your life. A time when, instead of the “yes” answer you…
