• Heartprints

    Encourage Spiritual Growth “Ten Things Parents Should Know”

    In our modern world we find ourselves surrounded by a plethora of resources including the internet, books, conferences, counselors, and countless “professionals;” all giving advice on the best techniques, the greatest tools, and the most up to date methods to use to be a good parent.  How many times have you looked to these resources for the best solutions, techniques, and tools for raising your child?  How often do you look to these resources without consulting the best parenting guide available?  How many times do you read page after page, chapter after chapter of how to be a successful parent without picking up the most valuable resource ever written?  …

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    A Plan With A Purpose…The Journey of Ice Cream

    The first bite is scrumptiously delicious and out of this world; with each additional bite comes the most pleasant and delightful experience to your sweet-tooth taste buds.  I love to savor every moment as I enjoy the cold creamy texture and luscious taste of ice cream.  Nothing is better on a hot summer day and if you’re like me, you love the opportunity to take a journey with the sweet and creamy delight.  Excitement fills the air as you walk into the local ice cream store.  Choices, choices, and more choices are in front of you as you scale the counter and look at the array of flavors that are…

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    The Best Book On Earth!

    A little journey to the local Barnes and Noble is always a fun experience for those who love to read.  Author displays, best seller tables, new releases, magazine racks, and categorized book shelves line the isles and walls.  Bold words, bright colors, and eye catching illustrations are displayed on front covers and on banners in an effort to lure the reader to choose ‘this’ book.  An enormously wide array of books can be found as they scream on the shelves, “buy me!” Why do you purchase a book?  Is it for pleasure, knowledge, or information?  Perhaps, you wish to make something and are browsing the shelves for a “how to” book.  Whatever the reason, most…

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    E…A…S…T…E…R

    As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, what do you believe?   Do you believe that Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and then rose again on the third day?   For me, this is what I believe and I will celebrate Easter this way:      Those who believe in    His Death and Resurrection have:              Everlasting Live   Jesus defeated death for all those    who believe in Him.  My home is    not this earth…it is in heaven with    Him forever.     Those who rejoice in    His Death and Resurrection have:      …

  • Heartprints

    The Color Green, Gold, And St. Patrick’s Day

    Several years ago my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland and experience the culture first hand.  The landscape of the country was beautiful and the people were so friendly and hospitable.  Whether we were in the city or in the country, the charm of the Irish and the beauty of the country followed us everywhere. Most of you know that Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle and yes, this island certainly does live up to the name.  The velvet green grass clothed the hillsides as sheep grazed peacefully in the sunlight.  The steep cliffs and the beauty of the ocean sent the message of richness and splendor as we…

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    What Does The Bible SAY…..

    By now, you may have heard the song, “What Does the Fox Say.”  Yes, the words were written about a fox and the sound that it makes, or doesn’t make.  According to the lyrics no one knows the sound of a fox and if you have watched the hilarious video, the vocalists make odd noises to portray the possible sounds of a fox. Two Norwegian brothers put the lyrics to a catchy beat, dressed up in fox costumes, and made one of the funniest videos ever.  According to some sources this video has gained such popularity that they have over 360,000,000 people who have watched and laughed to their humor online.  Old MacDonald, move…

  • Heartprints

    Celebrate the Meaning of Christmas

    On the First Day of Christmas the Bible reveals to me….   Jesus born into humanity   On the Second Day of Christmas the Bible reveals to me…   Two joyful parents and     Jesus born into humanity   On the Third Day of Christmas the Bible reveals to me…   Many shepherds watching   Two joyful parents and    Jesus born into humanity   On the Fourth Day of Christmas the Bible reveals to me…   Flocks of sheep grazing   Many shepherds watching   Two joyful parents and   Jesus born into humanity   On the Fifth Day of Christmas the Bible reveals to me…   Bright…

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    Thankful

    Several years ago our pastor gave a series of messages on the Names of God.  To this day, that particular series has been one of my favorites and has touched my heart and has deepened my relationship and understanding of who God is, His attributes, and His character.  As we go into this holiday season, I am reminded and thankful to Almighty God for… He is Jehovah…God is my LORD.  To Him I am thankful.  (Exodus 3:10-15) He is my Elohim…God is my Creator and ruler over all.  To Him I am thankful.  (Exodus 3:14-15; 12:12, Psalm 121:1-3) He is my El Shaddai…God is Almighty and the Sufficient One.  To Him I am thankful.  (Genesis 17:1-8; Psalm…

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    Impact, Calling, Serving…”Do You Know Your Destiny?”

    “Thank you for teaching my son why we celebrate Christmas.  Our family never knew the reason why we celebrated Christmas.  We thought it was all about giving gifts and never knew it was because of the birth of Jesus.”  Believe it our not, these words were spoken to me in January 1991 by the mother of a three year old in my preschool class.  I was surprised by what she said as she shared from her heart with such sincerity and gratitude.  You see, I just assumed when I was teaching the lesson about the birth of Jesus that the ten children in my classroom already knew the story and…

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    Encourage Children To Bloom…”Blooming As An Infant”

    Several years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Singapore.  While there, we were thrilled to get to visit the National Orchid Garden.  This garden was not just any orchid garden; rather, it was filled with more orchids than any other garden in the world. Upon entering we saw a large array of orchids, large and small, growing from one single stem.  Each one was unique, a one of a kind.  There were myriads of varieties sprinkling the sidewalks, paths, and walkways with their vibrant colors and designs. If you have ever tried to grow an orchid then you probably know of their temperamental nature.  Unlike most flowers, orchids can be very…