The bad news feels relentless right now. Inflation is rising steadily, gas prices are ridiculous, and the ongoing supply chain problems keep popping up like the game “Whack-a-mole.” How unexpected and crazy that suddenly there was no baby formula on store shelves? Worst of all is, of course, gun violence. We are shocked at every […]
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Note from Barbara: Last month The Joyful Life magazine ran an interview with me and I was able to talk about a number of topics relevant to young wives and moms. The following is an excerpt from that interview; you can read the entire interview here. What is one thing younger mothers struggle with today […]
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In my seminary class on the doctrines of our faith, our professor Dr. John Hannah told a story of how he prayed for his girls when they were growing up. “I used to pray for their safety and their protection,” he said. “Then one day I realized what God would have me pray is for […]
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What do you know about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit? I have found that so many people I come in contact with don’t understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He fits into the Trinity. I say all of this because Pentecost–which celebrates the coming of the Spirit–is this Sunday, June 5. In […]
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As you have probably noticed, holidays are important in my life and in the life of my family. I’ve invested a good amount of time to find creative and memorable ways to mark these annual days on the calendar we call holidays—especially those with connections to our faith. From the early days of the Bible’s […]
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Has May become like December for you, too? When our kids were in school I discovered that both months feature packed schedules. Extra events times six (surrounding the end of the school year and then high school graduations) made May on par with December. So this month’s letter will be a small photo album because […]
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Can you imagine what it was like for Mary, an adolescent engaged to Joseph, to be greeted by the angel Gabriel? And then, to be told she would conceive a child who would be the Son of God? She had to be stunned, in shock. I’m surprised she was even able to ask Gabriel, “How […]
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Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling sad and unsettled. I ask myself, “How do I have joy when it seems that so much is unresolved and unrestored in my life, my relationships, my world?” Do you know that feeling? Have you thought about the disciples and the weight of their unanswered prayers when […]
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Do you and your spouse pray together? As awkward as you feel it may be, that is the one thing I can say changed mine and Dennis’ marriage for the better. I know this time of year tends to be very hectic for most families, so as summer approaches, hopefully your schedule is going to […]
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Note from Barbara: Recently I wrote about the amazing access to God’s presence that we can enjoy because of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. If you missed it, you can find it here. As I’ve continued thinking about this, I’ve discovered I might know a little of what constant access might feel like for God. As […]
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