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Lettie Cowman, Fellow Traveler
Perhaps you have never heard of Lettie Cowman, but hopefully you have been introduced to her mloved devotional books, Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley. These two books, published in 1925 and 1939 respectively, have been perennial best sellers, gracing the nightstands and desks of men and women for generations. What made them so timeless and who was the woman behind them? Lettie and Charles Cowman served faithfully as missionaries in Japan from 1901-1918. Their efforts were successful, but eventually Charles developed serious health problems and they had to return home. This was not the future they expected. Lettie began to journal various quotes and scripture verses…
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How to Have Your Own Advent Wreath
Christmas will be here before we know it. It’s time to start gathering the things you need to help your family or classroom really get the most out of the season. The Advent wreath is a part of many church services but it originally started in homes. The Advent wreath is a really great way to help our families focus on Christ throughout the season. There are many different versions on line. I want to share what I found out about how to put together an Advent wreath with you. It all begins with a wreath. Insert four candles in a circle with one in the middle. Traditionally three of…
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The 12 Ways of Christmas: Plan now for more peace in your life
No-o-o! Did I just say "Christmas"? it's too early! Don't you hate it when stores put up their holiday displays before Thanksgiving? (Okay, before the Fourth of July.) Me, too. Ugh. But here’s the thing . . . If we actually get started early like the stores do, we can have a calmer Christmas. And who doesn’t need one of those? The first Sunday in Advent is right around the corner—this Sunday, November 27. Don’t let it sneak up on you, or you might get caught in the usual vortex of mega-debt and uber-busy insanity. This year you can get it right. Here are my twelve suggestions for what to…
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Jesus Calling?
“Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.” Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. —Colossians 3:23 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. —John…
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Plan Now for Calmer Holidays
I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, and I promise I’m not one of those people who starts decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween. But the first Sunday in advent falls on November 30 this year, so I don’t want us to get broadsided by the insane pace, the mega-debt, and the uber-insanity. So that means planning ahead a bit. Here are my five suggestions: Decide to make Christ your focus. Pray for wisdom and ask God to help you honor him during this holy season. Set aside ten minutes this week to decide what reading plan you want to use for spiritual reflection. Do you need to order…
