The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Song of Solomon 2:12 NLT Spring is such an amazing time of year. It’s a time when billions upon billions of plants—everything from trees and bushes to flowers and even the tiniest little blades of grass—begin to cover the earth, bringing with it a sense of hope and renewal. And, it’s even more amazing when we consider that it was … [Read more...] about Goodbye Winter. Hello Spring.
Who Was the Real St. Patrick?
“He who is powerful came and, in His mercy, pulled me out, and lifted me up and placed me on the very top of the wall. That is why I must shout aloud in return to the Lord for such great good deeds of His, here and now and forever, which the human mind cannot measure.” - St. Patrick This St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th), many people will wear the color green to observe the Irish holiday with some good-hearted fun. They’ll share their favorite … [Read more...] about Who Was the Real St. Patrick?
Five Strategies for Planning the Perfect Easter Celebration
Easter is coming! You can tell it’s close—tulips are blooming and colorful, candy-filled Easter baskets now line the walls of our favorite supermarkets. It’s time to start thinking about Easter dresses and bonnets for the kids, preparing for community-wide egg hunts, and inviting loved ones to Easter dinner. With all these tasks in mind, it’s easy to focus on our ever-growing Easter to-do list rather than what Easter is primarily about—our … [Read more...] about Five Strategies for Planning the Perfect Easter Celebration
Practicing Lent
Each year, millions of Christians celebrate the season of Lent, a time known for fasting, disciplines, and prayer. This season always begins on Ash Wednesday, which fell this year on Wednesday, February 22nd. While we are still at the beginning of Lent, let’s unpack the meaning and history behind this 40-day season and maybe even think through a few ideas on how we might ready our hearts for Easter. Here are some basic principles behind the … [Read more...] about Practicing Lent
Charcuterie Snack Board Inspiration
Who doesn't love charcuterie?! It's all the rage right now, and for good reason! Perfect for parties and gatherings of all sizes, beautiful to display, fun, and delicious to eat. And the very start of spring is a great time to pull out your serving trays, load them up with all the goodies, and invite a few friends over to catch up. Our friend Nancy C. has some inspiration for your charcuterie boards, along with the perfect Mary & Martha … [Read more...] about Charcuterie Snack Board Inspiration
Journey to the Cross
As Ash Wednesday begins, millions of Christians will begin the 40-day journey of Lent, preparing their hearts and minds to fully celebrate Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection on Easter morning, just as we are beginning here together as we “journey to the cross”. As we begin this journey today, vowing to prepare our hearts to fully accept the gift of grace on Easter morning, what if we simply asked God to help us experience an awakening over … [Read more...] about Journey to the Cross