"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:9 - 12
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
For years, one of my ultimate favorite television stations has been HGTV! From “Home Town” and “Fixer Upper” to “Love It Or List It”, I could sit and watch these home renovations shows for hours and just dream of the potential our thirty year old house held. All I was waiting for was that perfect “Let’s do this!” moment.
"So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already." (1 Thessalonians. 5:11)
Have you ever had the opportunity to be a spectator at one of the iconic Blue Angel aviation shows? Last summer, we held our family reunion in Traverse City, and after all the reservations had been finalized, we were very excited to learn that the Blue Angels were scheduled to perform that very same weekend over the Grand Traverse Bay!
"A new command I give you; Love one another." John 13:34
Moby Max is a K-8th grade standards-aligned learning platform that teachers can use to assist with differentiated and classroom learning goals. Through this program, classrooms can earn "reward points" for achieving classroom goals.
Two weeks ago, our second grade learned that they had earned $20 through their Moby Max Rewards program. The company encourages teachers to use these Reward dollars as an avenue of celebration for particular milestones that the class accomplished.
"A new command I give you; Love one another." John 13:34
One news report recently shared: It's been nearly a month since Hurricane Ian changed lives forever, and many people still need to figure out where to live.
In Lee County, the use of mobile homes or travel trailers is being allowed as temporary housing for people repairing their permanent homes. And you don’t have to look far to see how many are doing just that.
"It’s comfortable. I mean, we’re blessed that we have this.”
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40
Last Friday was such a fun and exciting day as our students in grades 5 - 8 served God in so many powerful ways!
“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40
A few days ago, my Kindergarten granddaughter, who is also my occasional car pool buddy, began our commute to school with this question:
“Nana, if I sell cider and donuts this weekend, will you buy some? Then I can give the money to the people in Florida!”
I honestly thought that hearing her articulate the development of her servant’s heart was going to make my own heart burst with joy!
“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40
If I would ask what destination holds special memories for your family, how would you respond?
Maybe it would be the location of a special family reunion, endearing visits to grandparents’ homes, the location of that fabulous “once in a lifetime” vacation, or just a frequent treasured destination.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27
Currently, all eyes are on Florida, as Hurricane Ian continues to batter most of Florida with catastrophic winds, rain, and storm surges throughout most of Florida's regions. Hourly weather updates have been grabbing our attention as well as guiding our prayer petitions, especially when we have loved ones or own property in Florida. If you have ever experienced being caught in a hurricane, you know first-hand how frightening this type of storm can be.