Providence: Not Just an Old Lady Word

There are many Biblical concepts that are not named or laid out in a logical fashion in the Bible.  Take the Trinity for example.  The word "trinity" is never found in the Bible, but the idea of "God in three persons" is evident all over Scripture (Matthew 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 12:3-6; 1 Peter 1:2 to name a few).  Another one is providence.  Unlike trinity, which is a scholarly word, providence is a word used by little old ladies every where.  It isn't in most versions of the Bible, but I've come to believe that God really does move in all situations in our lives for our good and, more particularly, the good of those around us, just as he did throughout the Bible.

A Good Guest

Christmas seems to be the most popular time of year to have guests.  In the last month alone, I have been in the homes of at least 7 different people.  There are parties and cookie exchanges, not to mention the on-going rounds of visiting the sick and Bible study.  I hope I've been a good guest.

All I Want for Christmas

Perhaps of all the people in my life, my Mother-in-law knows my little quirks the best.  I say this based on this evidence: she did not bother asking what I want for Christmas.  Everyone else still held on to a smidgen of hope that I might be able to come up with some useful suggestion.  They are all doomed to disappointment.  I'm hopelessly unable to think of anything I want or need.

Spiritually Uplifting Gifts for Grown-ups

Last week we gave you a holiday gift-giving guide for the children in your life.  This week we'd like to share some ideas for your more seasoned friends and family, from youth on up.  Remember, these presents are the kinds that will encourage your loved ones to live out Philippians 4:8 and think on things that are true, honorable, just, and lovely. 

The Dress

When you were a little girl, did you envision your wedding day? I know you thought of husbands, flowers, streamers and cakes. Yet nothing touches the dress for making a bride feel her most beautiful. Brides go all out for those dresses.  They try a hundred on looking for the perfect one.  They beg their dads to write checks for them.  They pick the perfect material, the perfect cut, in short the perfect dress.   Take a moment and remember (or if you're single imagine) your wedding dress.

Whatsoever Christmas for Kids

Last week, Helene encouraged us all to think about getting our loved ones the kinds of gifts that will help them to live in the spirit of Philippians 4:8 -- gifts that will inspire them to think on true, honorable, and pure things.  That sounds like an awfully tall order for children, doesn't it?  I don't know about your kids, but when mine go to sleep on Christmas Eve, it is not visions of Bibles dancing in their heads.  However, there are many gifts for kids that are both fun and spiritually uplifting, and we'd like to share some of those with you today.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Cookie

I think cookies are awesome.  I love that you can get a quick sweet fix in a small package.  I love all kinds -- chewy, crispy, no-bake, chocolate, cinnamon, peanut butter, store bought, homemade -- you name it, I probably like it.  Of course, Make a Difference Mondays are not all about what I like, but about how we can serve others.  Thankfully, my favorite dessert is also a great way to serve.