Courageous Authenticity
We may have several roles we play in society: as a spouse, a parent, or a co-worker, to name a few. At the same time, there are cultural standards for what it means to be “good” at the various roles we find ourselves in.
LifePoint Kids – December 5
In our first week, we start in Luke 1:5-25, 57-66, where we find Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were unable to have children. On top of that, they were older, and having a child of their own seemed impossible. Then one day, an angel came to Zechariah and told him that...
Bake: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
This pumpkin chocolate chip bread has been in Stephanie’s family for generations. Gifting it is a great way to share deliciousness this holiday.
Light Work
Jon Acuff says, “A good tradition is like a speed bump. It slows you down and reminds you of years gone by.”
The tradition of hanging Christmas lights was literally slowing me down, keeping me from the other activities I would rather be doing. But this speed bump in my day also reminded me that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). Where there is confusion, He offers clarity. Where there is death, He offers life. As I hung each bulb, Jesus’ words were being hung on me.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!
Growing up I remember the old Charlie Brown Christmas special where Linus reads Luke 8:1-14. As a young boy I wondered if Charlie Brown and his friends were Christians. Turns out, Charles Schulz, the Peanuts creator, was a devout Christian and often wove religious themes throughout his strip.
The Wonder of Advent
The wonder of Advent is the anticipation. The nation of Israel had waited centuries for the Messiah to come and save them. The people knew the prophecies and eagerly looked for His arrival. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth; Advent celebrates the longing, the hope of ancient Israel.
LifePoint Kids – November 28
This week, we head to something Paul wrote in2 Corinthians 8:1-5. The believers in Corinth had an opportunity to really help the people who were struggling in Jerusalem. Paul highlighted how the church in Macedonia donated freely, even though they were very poor. This...
New Life in Jesus Christ
Practical Christian living is built on the foundation of theological truth. Because we know that Jesus was raised from the dead, our identification with Him becomes real.
Made Whole
I have always been musically inclined. I’ve played many instruments, sang in various choruses. I think part of that is the certainty I experience when I hear it. I know that God exists when I hear music. Everything stills in my brain. My mind doesn’t wander, and everything seems to melt away.
Keepsake: DIY Advent Calendar
Making your own advent calendar can be a traditional Thanksgiving craft activity or you can build a more durable calendar to use year after year!
Remember Who You Are
Compromise is everywhere. It’s a potential pitfall even for the most well-intentioned Christian. No wonder Paul reminds the Colossians to remember who they are in Christ.
LifePoint Kids – November 21
In week three, we head to Exodus 16:2-21, 17:1-7 with a look at how God’s people responded while they were traveling through the wilderness. God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, yet when they found themselves in uncomfortable situations, they complained that...
A Safe Place
Four years old. Convinced she didn’t want to wear that sweater and not yet developed the skills needed to process the big emotions she was having over it. She was bringing me those big emotions so that we could handle them together. That’s what a parent does. They serve as the safe place to bring the things we can’t yet handle alone.
A Conversation Connecting Mental Health and Our Faith
In this installment of our Well With My Soul series, mental health professionals that are connected to LifePoint will be sharing truths about mental wellness. This week, Dana Peterson breaks down the complex connection between our mental health and our faith.
Look Out & Look Up
As we survey our current surroundings, we find a wealth of perspectives on “how the world works.” Which of these ideas we embrace will determine how we act and behave.
LifePoint Kids – November 14
In week two, we turn to 1 Kings 21:1-19, 27, where we discover what happens when King Ahab finds a plot of land he wants more than anything. There’s a problem: Naboth owns the land, and this land has been in his family for generations. King Ahab and his wife, Queen...
Words To Live By
Growing up, the front of our refrigerator was covered with scripture, prayer lists, photos, poems, quotes, and music lyrics. Unbeknownst to me, as I haphazardly grabbed the juice, I was committing these powerful words to memory. I can STILL recite the poem, “The Test of the Heart,” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
When Mental Health Impacts Your Marriage
In this installment of our Well With My Soul series, mental health professionals that are connected to LifePoint will be sharing truths about mental wellness. This week, Carolyn Hunsicker speaks to the role that mental health can play in our relationship with our significant other.
Moving Toward Maturity
Through Jesus all things are reconciled to God. That doesn’t mean that all will be saved but that all are now savable. A believer who continually pursues Christ will grow and move toward maturity in Him.
LifePoint Kids – November 7
In our first week, we start in Philippians 4:11b-13. In this letter, Paul is writing to the church at Philippi to help them understand more about what it means to follow Jesus. Paul shares how they can be content and even have joy regardless of their situation in...
Fully Convinced
When I moved to a new state two years ago, I started a special prayer journal. I write down specific prayers and mark them with the date of when I start praying for them. Just recently I went back through my journal and saw a prayer I wrote during the first week of March 2020.
Facing Mental Health Within the Family
In this installment of our Well With My Soul series, mental health professionals that are connected to LifePoint will be sharing truths about mental wellness. This week, Cheryl Durgin shares wisdom regarding how to address mental wellness with our children and within our families.
LifePoint Kids – October 31
We can use our gifts together to make a greater difference.In our final week, we head to something Paul wrote to the church in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. God’s Spirit gives each of us different gifts and abilities. Rather than feeling jealous of others or wanting a gift...
Jesus is the Point
It all points to Jesus. But for centuries Jesus has been a flashpoint for controversy. Some recognize Him for who He is while others reject Him outright.
A Change of Heart
Gradually, as our move day grew closer, I noticed a shift. By the time we were saying our farewells and loading up our belongings, I was eager and ready to go. In just a few short months, my heart had experienced a complete turnaround.
The Post-Pandemic Reality of Mental Health
This week, LifePoint’s own Suzie Lawyer answers questions about the pandemic’s delayed impact on mental health, environmental mental health triggers, and encouraging changes in the area of mental health and treatment.
Tomorrow, Today
Every day we all work to control our many appetites. In fact, one could argue that our daily activities as humans is predominately about managing our appetites. Our ambition, drive, and desires all determine our daily decisions for work, rest and play.
LifePoint Kids – October 24
You can make a difference right now.Next, we head to something Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12. Timothy was a gifted young leader who Paul mentored. Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him to stay faithful to the task God gave him. Even though Timothy was...
Our Very Present Help
The county had not yet plowed the main road, and he got stuck in the right lane with cars behind him. He responded by pushing the gas pedal to the floor. The speedometer must have read 60 but he wasn’t going anywhere.
To the Church Called LifePoint
It’s one thing for you to evaluate your own spiritual progress. It’s another thing altogether to have Jesus give His critique of how you’re doing. Sometimes the truth hurts. If Jesus were to write a letter to you about what He thinks of your devotion to Him, what would He say?