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Let My Life Be A Song of Thanksgiving
“What will be the first thing you say to God when you get to heaven?” I remember my pastor asking this thought-provoking question during one his sermons. My inward response was quick. “Thank You.” Such inadequate words, but what else could there be to say? “Thank You for creating me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Thank You for tasting death for me. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. Thank You for giving me a life more wonderful than I could ever deserve. Thank You for answered prayer. Thank You for the privilege of knowing You.” But…
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Autumn Chowder
This is the ultimate fall comfort food! A classic from my grandma, enjoy this thick, creamy soup with fresh homemade bread and tossed salad. While some soups are the type where you can just dump in whatever leftovers you have in the fridge, I’d recommend sticking as close to the recipe as possible (including the amount of bacon) for this one. It takes about an hour to make from start to finish, and can serve 6-7. 1 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped1 c. chopped onions1 c. chopped carrots2 1/2 c. diced potatoes1 c. water2 chicken bouillon cubes2 16 oz. cans corn, drained3 c. milk3 TBS flour3 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheeseCook…
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Travel Diaries: Local NY
Hey friends! I’m so excited to take you on a tour of our camping this summer, and share with you some of our treasures here in the beautiful state of NY. If you’re ever planning a trip to the Greater Rochester area, or even Buffalo, below are some of the places I’d highly recommend as a local. Or maybe you’ve lived here all your life but will find a new favorite! As I put this post together, I realized how blessed we were to be able to go out and about so much this summer. And what a privilege to have so many unique and fun destinations near to where…
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That’s My God ~ Psalm 65
Each year I try to read through the Psalms at least once. Laden with truth and rich in expression, I find that so often the cry of the Psalmist’s heart is also mine. Prayers abound that we may echo. Feelings which we often struggle to articulate are given words. But best of all, the constant theme of trust and praise reminds me to look up and hope in the Lord. One of the things I have come to love about the Psalms is how gloriously they present the character of our God. I’m learning that when I face anxiety, fear, or overwhelm—whether it be about the future or some stressor…
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Travel Diaries: Milford, CT
Hey friends! It’s that time of the year, and recently my family and I were so blessed to be able to take a vacation to Milford, CT. It’s a beautiful town on the Long Island Sound, and we had such a nice, relaxing time. I thought it would be fun to share some of the highlights and photos with you. 1 1 It took us about seven hours to get there, and we drove through most of NY, a small portion of Massachusetts, and almost all of Connecticut. New York is a beautiful state, and some of the parts we drove through I had been in before, but it was…
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Our Help and Shield
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Dear Graduate
I’ve been thinking about you this time of the year, and remembering how it felt to be just on the edge of adulthood and anticipating a new season of life. (It’s been five years, so I’m entitled to a sentimental sigh or two, right?) The excitement, the uncertainty, the unique mixture of sadness over leaving the past and the thrill of finally being done with school and ready to conquer the world! I also think about the struggles you’re going to face over the next few years, and I want to try and make the way just a little smoother for you by sharing some things I’ve learned. In fact,…
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My Favorite Devotional Books and Practical Tips for Quiet Time
Hey friends! I love a good devotional book, so I thought I’d share with you a few of my all-time favorites through the years. Of course, devotional books are never a substitute for actually reading the Bible; nor are they God’s word, so you do have to use discernment as you read them. While I didn’t agree with everything in the books I’ve listed below, yet these have all been a help and blessing to me in my Christian life. Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. If you are looking for a really “meaty” devotional, this classic would be the one. It contains daily devotions for your mornings and evenings,…
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For Smartphone: All Things Well
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Yes, Jesus Loves Me
Ah, the favorite children’s song! At our church, we have a tradition that if your birthday falls on a service day, you get to pick your favorite hymn as part of the congregational singing. And this is the most chosen song by the little ones! As a child, you don’t doubt that Jesus loves you—it’s just a simple truth that you accept and rest in. But sometimes, as you get older, life hits. You realize what a big and broken world you live in. It’s easy to begin to wonder, With all the wars and the crime and the big things going on, how can such a great God take…
