Turn the commercialized version of love on its head as you live out love. Continue Reading …
Resources by Topic: Holidays
I’d like to propose a toast. Grab a cup of coffee, your Nalgene bottle—any beverage nearby will do—and let’s drink to . . . the best Valentine’s Day yet! Continue Reading …
Every day I hear myself telling my toddlers, "Put Mary down. Put the wise man back with his friends. That sheep is not for riding. DON'T TOUCH THE NATIVITY!" Continue Reading …
The hope of the resurrection gives hope to grieving moms. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will one day raise our babies. Continue Reading …
Here are gospel-focused ways to help make the holiday season more peaceful. Continue Reading …
Are there times in your life when showing hospitality feels more like a duty than a delight? Here are four reminders to cultivate joy in the hostess's heart. Continue Reading …
Can we participate in Halloween without getting sucked in by all the yucky stuff? Continue Reading …
Let me warn you—you might just find yourself falling freshly in love. Continue Reading …
Take a look at Mary's song and be humbled afresh by the incarnation! Continue Reading …
I've worked hard to make this a Christmas where I had time to consider the sacred. That's why I keep wondering how Jesus would celebrate His birth. Continue Reading …
A magnificent exchange of the blood of the perfect On for all of my deep, dark, even secret ugly sins seems, well, illogical and unfair. Isn't more required? Continue Reading …
While the progressive instrumental version of "Joy to the World" blasted overhead, I observed grumbling store clerks, worn out children, and couples arguing. Continue Reading …
The holidays can be a time when the pain of broken relationships, or the sorrow of loneliness is not dulled by cheerful festivities but made all the more acute. Continue Reading …
The churches I grew up in did not formally observe Lent. But recently I started setting aside these weeks to fix my eyes on Jesus in a more intentional way. Continue Reading …
As a child growing up in a Roman Catholic family during the 1960s, we celebrated Halloween. Continue Reading …
The six weeks leading up to Easter has begun to bloom within my soul after years of being just a bud, tightly wrapped and green. Continue Reading …
It's not that I have something against the friendly old guy with the red suit and reindeer. Even so, my husband and I have decided to ban Santa from our house. Continue Reading …
My three-year-old son came home from church brokenhearted. “I want . . .” sob, sob, “Jesus to give me,” sob, sob, “my heart back” he wailed. Continue Reading …
The lit tree and carols playing softly couldn’t hide the tension in our relationship. We couldn’t seem to communicate without some level of misunderstanding. Continue Reading …
A meaningful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Continue Reading …
This Christmas let three little, but powerful, words guide your thoughts, your words, your actions, your feelings. Continue Reading …
Does Valentine's Day bring out your inner cynic? Does your desire to be loved drive you crazy? What does God say about our desires and His love? Continue Reading …
I heard familiar carols blasting overhead: “Angels we have heard on high . . .” And I wondered, What are the angels doing this Christmas? Continue Reading …
What difference do the Cross and empty tomb make for those who are facing pain or tears or failure? Here are some of the implications of that momentous event. Continue Reading …
Each year I walk past Toronto's Bay Street Christmas windows and just for fun choose which festive scene I would step into for the night if I could. Continue Reading …
This Christmas, may our silent aches and longings compel us to worship the God of the universe, who wrapped Himself in flesh and blood so that we would know the hope that does not disappoint. Continue Reading …
Santa just can't wrap his brain around the message of the Gospel. Can you? Continue Reading …
Lies about beauty and worth have wreaked havoc on my family for generations. But even with the long history of rejecting truth, I am free to stop the pattern. Continue Reading …
An attitude of gratitude requires practice. Why not start the habit by devoting an entire week to practicing thankfulness? Continue Reading …
It’s more than technology and the passing of years that separates us from the hard-working and faithful Pilgrim women. Continue Reading …
Are you longing for home this Christmas . . . but it seems just out of reach? Be reminded that in Christ we’ve found the home we’ve always longed for. Continue Reading …
Imagine! God could have sent a superhero Savior, a fully grown man who would rectify social, political, and moral evils in one fell swoop. But instead He sent a newborn baby boy, His first and best. Continue Reading …
If Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, why do families make such ugly messes when they get together? Continue Reading …
Are you yearning for a silent night in the midst of another joyous, crazy, busy, noisy Christmas season? Continue Reading …
Into our glory-seeking world came a glory-forsaking God. Continue Reading …
That restless stirring in your heart is not the need for a new pair of skinny jeans or a dashing young man or a box of chocolates. It is our soul’s soft reminder that we were made for Christ. Continue Reading …
Does Christmas bring out the worst in you? Continue Reading …
Five simple ways to help you battle the pull to drown in busyness this season and to keep your focus on Christ, seeking to follow His pattern of love and humility. Continue Reading …
The God of redemption is a God who delights in stepping into our messy lives and cruel disappointments, to bring about the most unexpected transformation! Continue Reading …
When God ordained the specific and unique timing of Mary’s pregnancy, He had our faith in mind. Continue Reading …
Allow this advent devotional to revive the wonder of Christmas in your heart again. Continue Reading …
Your reality may be beyond what you can bear this December, but it’s not beyond the capable hands of our loving Father. Continue Reading …
Traveling for the holidays? Here are five things to pack in your suitcase that will help keep you spiritually alert and shining for Christ. Continue Reading …
How would a mindset of humility, which is yours in Christ Jesus, change the way you approach Christmas this year? Continue Reading …
Without Jesus, our lives and hearts are dark, not merry and bright. Continue Reading …
You’re invited to rediscover the awe of Christmas this season with The First Songs of Christmas. Continue Reading …
Put aside the things you already know about the story of Jesus’ birth and believe the impossible anew. Continue Reading …
We’ve got the recipe for great conversation. Continue Reading …
Love is concerned about the other person first. Love focuses outward. Continue Reading …
We’ve all seen Advent calendars, but have you ever seen an Advent blessing jar? Continue Reading …
Brew a pot of coffee. Whip up a batch of your favorite cookies. Because we need each other. Continue Reading …
This Christmas season, “Let us exalt His name together”! Continue Reading …
A challenge to serve outside your wheelhouse. Continue Reading …
Mary had many reasons to fear, but she sang her testimony anyway. How will you sing yours? Continue Reading …
Thanksgiving isn’t always happy. Sometimes it’s heart wrenching to give thanks for everything. Continue Reading …
Dust off that planner you bought and never used and get to writing. You will find that God never changes, and neither does His Word. Continue Reading …
Mary’s song tells us that God Himself is the only One who has the final word, because He is sovereign. Continue Reading …
There is a hunger that Christmas treats can never satisfy. Continue Reading …
When it comes to reminding others of God’s trustworthiness, I think it can be done over some hot chocolate and a Christmas treat or two. Continue Reading …
Are you praying and praying, yet still waiting for Him to answer? Continue Reading …
No one and nothing in this whole world can defeat Him—this tiny baby in the manger. Continue Reading …
Remembering our rescue (and a last-minute gift idea). Continue Reading …
We here at the True Woman blog are avid bookworms, and we’d love to share our Advent and Christmas favorites with you. If you’re looking for a new read or a gift for a friend, this is the right place! Continue Reading …
God remembers. So can we. Continue Reading …
God saves us for a purpose. He saves us to serve Him. Continue Reading …
Every child needs to be told that God put him or her on this earth for a reason. Continue Reading …
How to turn your kitchen into a mission field. Continue Reading …
As we look to the sky this Christmas season, may we remember that sunrise is coming again. Jesus Christ is the Light filling up the darkness. Continue Reading …
God’s Word, sentimental scents, and a moment to pause and reflect . . . these are a few of my favorite things. Continue Reading …
What better time to thank God for sending Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins than on the day we celebrate the Savior’s birth? Continue Reading …
Sip and savor something unexpected this season. Continue Reading …
A heavenly celebration (and a make-ahead casserole recipe). Continue Reading …
God works to keep changing us after we’ve opened all the gifts and put the decorations away. Continue Reading …
Since hope never goes to waste, let’s keep celebrating! Continue Reading …
May we hold our arms and hearts open to the many gifts Christ still wants to give us. Continue Reading …
Now that he had seen his Savior, Simeon wanted to “depart in peace.” Continue Reading …
When it comes to God’s Word, don’t bypass the wonder. Continue Reading …
This gospel that we believe, as glorious as are its benefits, is no bed of roses. Continue Reading …
Life is our great opportunity to worship and witness. Continue Reading …
Are you hanging out in Bedford Falls, celebrating all things merry and bright? Are you living in Pottersville, feeling hopeless, that any joy is too far out of reach? Continue Reading …
No matter your fears, pain, longings, or sorrows, the True Hope of Christmas is for you. Continue Reading …
This is the love that’s worth celebrating. Continue Reading …
Blessings of Thorns: Small Group Plan
This creative small group plan corresponds with the "Blessings of Thorns" radio series and CD drama for a meaningful Thanksgiving together. Continue Reading
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln established the official national holiday of Thanksgiving in 1863 with this plea for a national acknowledgment of God's blessings. Continue Reading
Blessings of Thorns: Family Devotional Plan
This creative family devotional plan will provide your family with an unforgettable Thanksgiving holiday together. Continue Reading
Resolutions for Godly Living
Jonathan Edward understood the importance of being purposeful. Here are 70 resolutions he wrote before he was twenty years old. Continue Reading
A Week of Thanksgiving
Developing the habit of thankfulness may require some practice! Here are some suggestions for devoting one week to practicing thankfulness. Continue Reading
31 Questions for the New Year
Take the time to ponder these questions--and you'll live a much more purposeful life in the New Year. Continue Reading
Christmas Giving Idea
Practical ideas you can use to share Christ during the Christmas season. Continue Reading
Personal Vitality Plan
Christian growth and spirituality is about the whole person. This plan addresses the body, soul, and spirit. Continue Reading