Reading Roundup- April 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Tags
- articles
- bible
- book
- book-review
- calling
- christmas
- church
- discipleship
- eschatology
- evangelism
- family
- friendship
- grace
- great-commission
- habits
- home
- hospitality
- joy
- leadership
- ministry
- missionaries
- missions
- new-year
- parenting
- perspective
- prayer
- reading
- resolutions
- resources
- seasons
- self-care
- seminary
- sending-church
- spiritual-disciplines
- time
- time-management
- women
- work
- worship
- writing
4
Posts
articles
Reading Roundup- March 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Reading Roundup- February 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Reading Roundup- January 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
5
Posts
bible
3 Ways the Psalms Point Us to God
Psalms helps us remember the God who is the beginning and end of all things, rest in His sovereignty, and have joy in all circumstances.
3 Things to Remember When You Teach the Bible
Teaching God’s Word is a privilege. It’s a responsibility we should take seriously.
4 Reasons Why I Appreciate Expository Preaching
I will never stop learning about the Bible, which is why I appreciate expository preaching.
3 Reasons to Learn from the Old Testament
I’ve grown to love the Old Testament for these reasons.
A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions
The local church should be the center of the missionary sending process and should take responsibility for providing member care to its members who it sends out.
1
Posts
book
I'm Writing a Children's Book
The story behind my children's book.
4
Posts
book-review
What is considered normal in your household?
My review of "Habits of the Household" by Justin Whitmel Earley.
The Greatest Book Ever (B&H Kids, 2023)
My review of "The Greatest Book Ever" by Teresa Joyelle Krager.
Lucy and the Saturday Surprise (Crossway, 2023)
My review of "Lucy and the Saturday Surprise" by Melissa B. Kruger.
Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal (Crossway, 2024)
My review of "Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal" by Ginger Blomberg.
1
Posts
calling
God can use me right where I am. Encouragement or Excuse?
Where you live, where you work, and your relationships are no accident. The Lord can, indeed, use you right where you are.
1
Posts
christmas
I Made Too Much of Christmas
I looked for Christmas in all the wrong places, and it was a gracious reminder of why we celebrate Advent in the first place.
6
Posts
church
Do We Really Have All Things in Common?
If we believe that Scripture is true, then we believe that the gospel has the power to unite us as fellow believers, regardless of our disagreements.
When the Church is Family
Living far away from our extended family has caused us to learn just how vital the local church is to our life—our spiritual growth, our emotional well-being, and our physical needs.
4 Reasons Why I Appreciate Expository Preaching
I will never stop learning about the Bible, which is why I appreciate expository preaching.
3 Reasons to Learn from the Old Testament
I’ve grown to love the Old Testament for these reasons.
Discipleship Beyond Peer Circles
It matters that members of the church body—made up of a diversity of people—practice intentional fellowship with each other.
How to Survive the Church as an Introvert
The church is a vital part of the Christian life. So what does this all mean for those of us who have frequent moments of “I just cannot see or talk to another person today?”
1
Posts
discipleship
Discipleship Beyond Peer Circles
It matters that members of the church body—made up of a diversity of people—practice intentional fellowship with each other.
1
Posts
eschatology
3 Reasons Eschatology Matters for Good Works
Our hope in Christ's return uniquely motivates us to do good works while proclaiming the saving truth of the gospel.
3
Posts
evangelism
Sharing the Gospel Cross-Culturally Doesn't Take Expertise
You don’t have to be an expert in other cultures to share the hope of the gospel with someone who is much different than you.
Use the Holidays to Your Evangelistic Advantage
The holiday season is filled with opportunities to share the gospel with neighbors, friends, and family. Here are just a few ways each holiday offers us easy ways to share our faith.
Get Excited to Talk to Others About Jesus
What if I spoke to others with as much excitement about Jesus as I do about a host of other things?
1
Posts
family
When the Church is Family
Living far away from our extended family has caused us to learn just how vital the local church is to our life—our spiritual growth, our emotional well-being, and our physical needs.
1
Posts
friendship
Why You Should Be Friends with Missionaries
Friendship is not bound by proximity, especially when the gospel is the foundation of that friendship.
1
Posts
grace
Daily Bread, Eternal Joy
Though we may have to work to see it, God's grace is in each day. It should point us to the ultimate gift of grace, Christ Himself.
1
Posts
great-commission
5 Ways to Lead a Church to Fulfill the Great Commission
Here are five practical ways to lead your church to fulfill the Great Commission.
7
Posts
habits
Examples and Resources for Habit Formation and Time Management
When determining what habits to practice, consider your schedule, commitments, and values. I use a three-tiered system for habit formation and time management.
How to Begin the Process of Habit Formation
If how we use time is determined primarily by our habits, then how do we start building in good habits that ultimately lead us to use our time wisely for the purpose of loving God, neighbor, and fulfilling the Great Commission?
The Right Motivation for Habit Formation
Habit formation must be grounded in love of God and love of neighbor, which will allow us to obey the Great Commission.
How We Spend Our Days- A Discussion on Habit Building
Building good habits will help you steward your time well, maintain perspective on your level of busyness, and allow you to say "yes" to opportunities that come your way.
Climbing Up the Slide- A Reflection on Habit Changes
In 2020, I leaned into bad habits begun years earlier. It led me to the bottom of a downward spiral in my mental and emotional health. This is the difference changing my habits made to my spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.
Why I Shifted from Setting Goals to Building Habits
Rather focusing on a list of goals to achieve or New Year's resolutions to (not) follow, I have increasingly begun to speak and think in terms of habit building.
Why Our Spiritual Walk Needs Repetition
If Scripture frequently repeats itself, then maybe we should consider the value of repetition—not just in our worship songs but in all aspects of our life.
1
Posts
home
There's Nowhere Like Home
The low-grade nostalgia and homesickness I feel for the homes I've had in my life are there to remind me that home is not here on this earth. It's with my Father in heaven.
3
Posts
hospitality
How I Make Hospitality Easier on Myself
Our desire to have people in our home regularly has created a need to always be prepared to do so. These are some ways I make hospitality easier.
Receiving Hospitality as Gospel Ministry
Though we often emphasize showing hospitality, I think that learning how to receive hospitality is equally important. This is especially true in cross-cultural ministry.
Hospitality is Hard, But You Should Do it Anyway
Hospitality is an important part of both obeying the “one another” commands we see in Scripture regarding fellow believers and doing gospel ministry with those outside the church.
2
Posts
joy
This is the Day
A reflection on stewarding and rejoicing in today.
Words for the New Year
Reflections on the pursuit of Christlikeness in the new year.
1
Posts
leadership
Important Qualities of Servant Leaders
When I think about the qualities I have observed in servant leaders, these are the three qualities that stand out the most to me. These are the ones I most hope to demonstrate in any leadership opportunity the Lord may give me.
2
Posts
ministry
6 Ways to Fight Frustration in Ministry
What if I spoke to others with as much excitement about Jesus as I do about a host of other things?
3 Reasons Eschatology Matters for Good Works
Our hope in Christ's return uniquely motivates us to do good works while proclaiming the saving truth of the gospel.
1
Posts
missionaries
Your Church's Continued Responsibility for its Sent Ones
The local church should be the center of the missionary sending process and should take responsibility for providing member care to its members who it sends out.
3
Posts
missions
Resources to Help You Teach Your Kids About Missions
I have spent a lot of time reading and researching books to teach my kids about missions. Here is a master list of helpful books for babies to early teens.
5 Ways to Lead a Church to Fulfill the Great Commission
Here are five practical ways to lead your church to fulfill the Great Commission.
A Snapshot Biblical Theology of Missions
The local church should be the center of the missionary sending process and should take responsibility for providing member care to its members who it sends out.
2
Posts
new-year
Words for the New Year
Reflections on the pursuit of Christlikeness in the new year.
Why I Shifted from Setting Goals to Building Habits
Rather focusing on a list of goals to achieve or New Year's resolutions to (not) follow, I have increasingly begun to speak and think in terms of habit building.
8
Posts
parenting
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- Worship
I realized recently that we've been teaching our kids the spiritual discipline of worship, often without realizing it. Spoiler alert- we're not doing a great job at this! So this is my attempt at processing what we are doing and how we can improve.
A Parenting Moment I Hoped Would Come Later
We've had a lot of firsts with our kids. When my daughter's teacher unexpectedly passed away, we faced another, weightier, "first." This first experience with true grief was one I had hoped would come later.
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- Prayer
As parents, we are convinced that we are the primary disciplers of our children. We are stumbling our way through teaching our children how to pray.
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- The Bible
As parents, we are convinced that we are the primary disciplers of our children. We have found two ways to help our children learn the Bible and incorporate it in our family's daily routine.
When Parenting Toddlers Feels Like a Lot
On days where I feel at the end of myself, it’s helpful to remember things that keep my perspective in check and joy intact.
The Full-Time-Stay-at-Home-Working-Mom (Part 2)
I get asked a lot how I both stay at home with my kids and work full time from home. While I am not an expert and I do not do this perfectly, this is my attempt to answer how I try to be both a present mom and a good employee.
The Full-Time-Stay-at-Home-Working-Mom (Part 1)
I get asked a lot how I both stay at home with my kids and work full time from home. While I am not an expert and I do not do this perfectly, this is my attempt to answer how I try to be both a present mom and a good employee.
My Favorite Parenting Advice
There is one piece of advice that, so far, I have received more than any other. It is always unsolicited. But I never get tired of hearing it. The phrasing may not always be the same but the message is.
4
Posts
perspective
Daily Bread, Eternal Joy
Though we may have to work to see it, God's grace is in each day. It should point us to the ultimate gift of grace, Christ Himself.
There's Nowhere Like Home
The low-grade nostalgia and homesickness I feel for the homes I've had in my life are there to remind me that home is not here on this earth. It's with my Father in heaven.
This is the Day
A reflection on stewarding and rejoicing in today.
6 Ways to Fight Frustration in Ministry
What if I spoke to others with as much excitement about Jesus as I do about a host of other things?
3
Posts
prayer
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- Prayer
As parents, we are convinced that we are the primary disciplers of our children. We are stumbling our way through teaching our children how to pray.
Resources to Guide Prayer for the Nations
A compilation of resources to help guide your prayer for the nations.
4 Ways to Pray for Pastors During the Pandemic
Here are some ways I’ve been praying for pastors and churches in this season.
7
Posts
reading
Reading Roundup- April 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Reading Roundup- March 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Reading Roundup- February 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Reading Roundup- January 2024
Every month, I offer a list of articles (and sometimes books) that I believe are worthwhile reads.
Best Reads of 2023
A list of my most enjoyed books and articles of 2023.
Our Favorite Board Books
When our kids were babies, these were their (and our) favorite board books.
My Favorite Reads of 2022
Adding my favorite reads of 2022 to the millions of blog posts that have already done the same thing.
1
Posts
resolutions
Why I Shifted from Setting Goals to Building Habits
Rather focusing on a list of goals to achieve or New Year's resolutions to (not) follow, I have increasingly begun to speak and think in terms of habit building.
5
Posts
resources
Resources to Help You Teach Your Kids About Missions
I have spent a lot of time reading and researching books to teach my kids about missions. Here is a master list of helpful books for babies to early teens.
Best Reads of 2023
A list of my most enjoyed books and articles of 2023.
Our Favorite Board Books
When our kids were babies, these were their (and our) favorite board books.
My Favorite Reads of 2022
Adding my favorite reads of 2022 to the millions of blog posts that have already done the same thing.
Resources to Guide Prayer for the Nations
A compilation of resources to help guide your prayer for the nations.
1
Posts
seasons
3 Things to Remember as Circumstances Change
Life is full of seasons that ebb and flow. Here are three things I remind myself in such times.
1
Posts
self-care
Taking the Self Out of Self-Care
“Self-care” has become a prolific term for anyone who feels overextended, burned out, and busy. But I am concerned that the pursuit of self-care leads us to disobey Scripture.
1
Posts
seminary
My Best Advice for Women Starting Seminary
A woman's seminary experience is unique. After a decade of experience, conversations, and observations, this is my best advice for any female planning to go to seminary.
1
Posts
sending-church
Your Church's Continued Responsibility for its Sent Ones
The local church should be the center of the missionary sending process and should take responsibility for providing member care to its members who it sends out.
5
Posts
spiritual-disciplines
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- Worship
I realized recently that we've been teaching our kids the spiritual discipline of worship, often without realizing it. Spoiler alert- we're not doing a great job at this! So this is my attempt at processing what we are doing and how we can improve.
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- Prayer
As parents, we are convinced that we are the primary disciplers of our children. We are stumbling our way through teaching our children how to pray.
Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Our Toddlers- The Bible
As parents, we are convinced that we are the primary disciplers of our children. We have found two ways to help our children learn the Bible and incorporate it in our family's daily routine.
Taking the Self Out of Self-Care
“Self-care” has become a prolific term for anyone who feels overextended, burned out, and busy. But I am concerned that the pursuit of self-care leads us to disobey Scripture.
Climbing Up the Slide- A Reflection on Habit Changes
In 2020, I leaned into bad habits begun years earlier. It led me to the bottom of a downward spiral in my mental and emotional health. This is the difference changing my habits made to my spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.
1
Posts
time
3 Things to Remember as Circumstances Change
Life is full of seasons that ebb and flow. Here are three things I remind myself in such times.
3
Posts
time-management
Examples and Resources for Habit Formation and Time Management
When determining what habits to practice, consider your schedule, commitments, and values. I use a three-tiered system for habit formation and time management.
How to Begin the Process of Habit Formation
If how we use time is determined primarily by our habits, then how do we start building in good habits that ultimately lead us to use our time wisely for the purpose of loving God, neighbor, and fulfilling the Great Commission?
How We Spend Our Days- A Discussion on Habit Building
Building good habits will help you steward your time well, maintain perspective on your level of busyness, and allow you to say "yes" to opportunities that come your way.
1
Posts
women
My Best Advice for Women Starting Seminary
A woman's seminary experience is unique. After a decade of experience, conversations, and observations, this is my best advice for any female planning to go to seminary.
2
Posts
work
The Full-Time-Stay-at-Home-Working-Mom (Part 2)
I get asked a lot how I both stay at home with my kids and work full time from home. While I am not an expert and I do not do this perfectly, this is my attempt to answer how I try to be both a present mom and a good employee.
The Full-Time-Stay-at-Home-Working-Mom (Part 1)
I get asked a lot how I both stay at home with my kids and work full time from home. While I am not an expert and I do not do this perfectly, this is my attempt to answer how I try to be both a present mom and a good employee.
1
Posts
worship
Why Our Spiritual Walk Needs Repetition
If Scripture frequently repeats itself, then maybe we should consider the value of repetition—not just in our worship songs but in all aspects of our life.
1
Posts
writing
I'm Writing a Children's Book
The story behind my children's book.