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17 role models of what living out an ordinary faith looks like

May 13, 2019 by Susan 1 Comment

There’s not one single answer to what it looks like to live a life of faith. These 17 people each lived out an extraordinary story in a uniquely different way, and a simple faith was at the heart of each one.

I received a complimentary book and was compensated for my time in writing this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

What makes someone a hero of the faith? Just the phrase is intimidating, if you ask me. But as with most things in life, a change of perspective can make all the difference. I’ve been reading about the lives of 17 individuals who did some amazing things and instead of feeling intimidated, I’m inspired.

The book is Eternity through the Rearview Mirror: How Simple Faith Changes Everything—Seventeen Extraordinary Lives, and I’m anxious to tell you about it.

7 things I can’t get enough of right now

April 15, 2019 by Susan 5 Comments

I don’t use the blog too often to talk about personal things. Instagram and Facebook are where I’m more apt to share tidbits like that. (Do you follow me on social media? Here’s where you can find me ==> Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — Pinterest )

But lately I’ve found several things that I’m simply over the moon about. And when I find things I can’t get enough of, I like to talk about them. Just me?

Beautifully creative Bible verse note cards with encouraging Scriptures. Keep them to display for yourself or share with friends.

April 8, 2019 by Susan 5 Comments

Lovely Bible verses illustrated on cards that you can display to remind you of God’s truths or use to send a note to encourage friends.

I know I’m not the only one who likes to display scriptures around my house to remind me of what God is teaching me. Written on an index card taped to a mirror. Printed out and hung on a door. You too?

I’ve even got scripture lock screen images on my phone from the Christian weight loss course I’m taking to remind me of my memory verse for the week.

Seeing God’s word is such an encouragement and a wonderful way to put Scripture to memory.

I was delighted when I found these lovely cards that do all of that PLUS are pretty. (Adding pretty to something functional always makes me smile).

Our kids need champions. Join the 14 day prayer challenge for the young people in your church.

March 18, 2019 by Susan 2 Comments

Take 14 days to pray for the kids and young people in your church. Daily topics, verses, and sample prayers. Plus a free printable prayer challenge guide.

If we don’t pray, we lose.

But let’s be honest here, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels guilty sometimes for not praying for my own kids enough. So the idea of committing to pray for other people’s kids is nice, but it’s not something I’ve ever considered committing to long term.

Until recently. We attend a small church, and the people in my church are like family in many ways. My heart began to hurt at the thought of the world and its deception getting a hold on the kids and young people that I have watched grow up.

Statistics say that somewhere around two-thirds of young people who are involved with youth groups will leave the church within two years of graduation. Two-thirds! That should not only make us sad, it should spur us to action.

You can still serve God after being caught in sin. Restoration is possible.

March 11, 2019 by Susan 4 Comments

Being restored to ministry after sin (even big sin) is possible, but it may not look like you expect. Valuable advice for you whether you are trying to help someone caught in sin, or hoping to be restored yourself.

The opportunity to sin is everywhere. Sadly, even people who love the Lord, who are serving Him, can be caught in it. Whether that is you or someone you care about, the first thing I want to say to you is that there is hope.

The second thing I want to say to you is that while your future serving the Lord is not over, it should not be your primary concern. This post is the second in a series. The first post in the series digs in to how to work through coming to a place of true repentance and how to show that to those around you. Proving repentance is a long road, and being restored to ministry comes at the end of that road, not the beginning, especially if you were/are in a position of leadership.

Proving that your repentance is real is a long road, not a one time deal.

March 4, 2019 by Susan 6 Comments

Have you ever had to rebuild trust? Whether you are the one who has done wrong and needs to make amends, or are the one who has been wronged and are looking for signs of true repentance…you know it doesn’t happen overnight. There are some important steps that you can take to work this process and cement the change that God has begun.

I’ve shared before that God’s grace is very real to me. That’s because I’ve made choices I wish I could take back and faced some steep consequences because of them. I’ve also had to extend grace in ways I wasn’t sure I could. One day I’ll tell you my whole story, but for today, know that when it comes to working through repentance and restoration, I have some experience…on both sides of the equation.

Everyone’s story will be different, of course. Still, these insights can be valuable for people walking the path to restoration, or those ministering to someone who is.