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I didn’t fully understand the depths of grief until the year my family lost two sisters and a brother within eight months. My brother-in-law lost a five-year battle with cancer, my sister died an agonizing death from a toxic clash of prescribed medications, and my sister-in-law died suddenly from a triple brain aneurysm. Before 2010 I had a head knowledge of death, but afterward, I’d been baptized by fire. As one family member eloquently described, “I felt like my body had been cut open and all my happiness pulled out.” God comforted us through those horrible days in many different ways. Friends made hospital visits and attended funerals. Distant relatives emailed sweet expressions of sympathy. Fellow church members sent cards and casseroles. Our greatest source of comfort, however, was the Bible verses we read in the days surrounding our loved ones’ deaths. Here are 10 verses we found especially meaningful. Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/CandyBoxImages

I’ve been happily married for over thirty years, and I love my husband dearly, but he is not my first love; Jesus is. This realization led me to wonder if I lavished on Jesus the same expressions of excitement and endearment as I did when I fell in love with Jesus as a child. Do you remember when you first accepted Jesus as your Savior? How you couldn’t wait to spend time with him and wanted everyone to know how Jesus changed your life? But over the years, our relationship with Jesus and studying his Word can become routine or stale. Maybe it even turns into a mundane duty or seems repetitive instead of full of the enthusiasm, exuberance, and eagerness we first felt when learning more about Jesus by reading and studying our Bibles.I’ve prayed about ways to approach my Bible study time with Jesus each day with the same attitude I should lavish on my earthly love, my husband. Just as many couples have date nights, I began to think of my Bible study and prayer time as a date with Jesus. One I could actually experience as often as I wanted. You might also like to incorporate some of these fresh ways to spruce up your Bible study that I’ve found so enjoyable when lingering with my First Love, Jesus Christ.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/PeopleImages

Fall is a great time of year to do things with your grandkids. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, and there are all kinds of special things to do this time of year. Watching the wonder on their faces is also fun as they hunt for the perfect pumpkin or eye that delicious caramel apple treat. If you have a date planned soon, here are some activities you can do outdoors, things to go see indoors, and activities to do when the rainy fall chill rolls in and your plans have to change.

The book of Revelation is either the most exciting or the most frustrating book of the Bible to read. It can be exciting when you’re looking at prophecy fulfilled or frustrating when you’re confused about what is literal, what is symbolic, what is future and what is past. It can also be the most divisive book of the Bible because of differing views on interpretation. Yet John, the writer of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, said “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3, ESV). How can you be blessed or happy when reading Revelation? When you avoid the common mistakes most people make when reading it – mistakes that can lead to confusion, fear, inaccurate predictions, disillusionment, paranoia, or end-of-the-world hype. Here are 10 common mistakes people make when reading Revelation. Photo credit: ©©Unsplash/Ben White

Fall is my favorite time of year. The air gets cool, the leaves change, and it's time to break out the sweatshirt jackets and cozy socks. It's also time for cozy meals and baked goods like pumpkin bars, apple cider donut muffins, and cinnamon streusel bread.One of my other favorite things to do this time of year is curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee, cocoa, or apple cider. My favorite genre to read is clean and wholesome romance, so here are some great romances to warm your nights. You will find family sagas, stories of friendship, and, yes, even a Christmas story or two. It's never too early to read holiday stories. I start in November and read Christmas stories throughout the Christmas season.

Fall is the season to curl up with a great movie, and while there are a lot of new movies out there and all sorts of streaming services to choose from, it's also a great time of year to rewatch the classics. Because let's be honest, classics equal cozy. They just do.So what's a great list of classics to rewatch under a soft blanket, with a big bowl of popcorn, coffee or tea, and your significant other or best friend? We surveyed folks on Facebook, and they've curated a great list to choose from. We've tailored them down to movies PG-13 and below. As always, movies are curated carefully but won't always fit the standards of every home. With a little help from www.rottentomatoes.com and their movie synopses, here are the top picks of those polled for the best cozy movies to watch this fall:Photo credit: ©GettyImages/mixetto

This morning, my teen asked if she could do something that quickly prompted me to reply in my standard mom response – "no!" After the usual grunts, groans, and "bruh," I was told I don't know how to have any fun and that I'm just old and boring. Hmm. Yep, I guess you could say that. But, just for the record, this boring "old lady" still knows how to have fun. It just generally revolves around a cup of coffee.After that fun and feisty teen left for school, it just got me thinking about how many times a quick-witted remark, sharp judgmental glare, or simple (yet oh so complex) negative thought can easily change my entire demeanor. Before too long, I find myself going down this ugly trail of thought and start believing all kinds of crazy things. Then the floodgates open as the past begins to resurface, painful memories unfold, and this tight feeling in my chest slowly starts to choke out any clarity, exposing lies upon lies. And sadly, I entertain them all.I really hate how lies sneak in and demand to be heard. All the while forcing us to put on a brave face, pretending that all is good, when the battle rages on inside, capturing our thoughts, ransoming our hearts, and staking claims to our souls. Friends, we have to fight, and it starts with a simple word - no!No, we will not entertain the enemy and let lies today.So, will you join me today as we seek to call out some of the most common lies women believe and how to combat them with the Truth? And, who knows, if you sit here and read this with a cup of coffee, you might even have fun or at least find enjoyment knowing God's Truth will always defeat the enemy.And that right there is worth celebrating!

In his book The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis famously wrote about hell: “There is no doctrine which I would more willingly remove from Christianity than this, if it lay in my power. But it has the full support of Scripture and, specially, of Our Lord's own words; it has always been held by Christendom; and it has the support of reason” (HarperOne, 1940, p. 119-120).Throughout the history of Christianity, the reality of hell as the destination that unbelievers go to when they die has been an essential tenant of the faith. Individuals like Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon regularly taught about the danger of going to hell if someone rejected Christ.We see this teaching reflected in the writings of C. S. Lewis. Yet, the modern church of the Western world has somewhat moved away from this teaching, with many believers accepting other views that were not embraced by the church in the past.Today, hell is a controversial subject among Christians. Many believers do not want to dwell on the fiery fate of those who do not place faith in Christ, while others scoff at the idea of hell altogether. Some Christians even argue that hell and eternal punishment are pagan concepts.I think the problem is that there are numerous misunderstandings because people are not gleaning their views of hell from the Bible.Instead, some believers base their beliefs about hell on their feelings, depictions in popular culture or literature, or the desire to appease the world. Others are influenced by members of “Progressive Christianity,” who seek to rewrite the historic, biblical faith of followers of Christ.As believers who want to uphold the truth faithfully and lovingly, we need to know what Scripture teaches about hell. The reality of hell and the fact that unbelievers go there after death are essential points of Christianity.Not only is this doctrine important because it addresses the fate of those who reject Jesus, but also because this doctrine is tied to other essential tenets, such as sin, judgment, and God’s holiness.Since hell is an important teaching of Christianity, we need to carefully examine the views that challenge what the Bible teaches.Let’s look at five myths about hell that are not biblical.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/1001Love

Autumn. Doesn't it bring the crisp delight of pumpkins, fall colors, and cozy sweaters? It's also the perfect time to pack away the summer decorations and crafts and pull out all the great fall projects you've been waiting for!There are so many fun and easy fall crafts to do. We've taken some time to pull together some easy ones that you can make without too much trouble, experience, and not a lot of clean up! Are you ready? Pull out your craft table and supplies, and let's get going!

When we speak about "the Church" doing this or that, we tend to paint a picture of pastors, elders, or those in leadership at the forefront — as if they bear responsibility for sin issues on the rise in today's congregations. But according to Scripture, you and I are the Church. And if you and I are the Church, then the responsibility to identify and act on sin issues begins with us. As Rachel-Claire Cockrel points out, "There are certain sins that Christians are always good at pointing out - usually in others. But there are a few that we tend to ignore, and these same few are the ones we also tend to commit more often ourselves." Here are 8 sins that your church congregation — and you — are likely ignoring:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect(Romans 12:2).Autumn has a beauty all its own as the crisp cool air meets the warm hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves as they gracefully float down from the once lush, green, and stately trees.It’s as if autumn softly sings a bittersweet symphony reminding us that this life is fragile, yet majestic, filled with awe and wonder.As we settle into school routines and look forward to the football games (or the snacks in my case) while eagerly awaiting the pumpkin patch pickings and harvest festivals, there is this open invitation to take notice of God’s goodness.From the breathtaking landscapes to the bounty of blessings tucked within our homes, this time of year seems to prompt us to pause and reflect.So, here is my question for you. How are you going into this semi-sweet season? Is it with a heart full of thanksgiving, or is there a bit of numbness and pain associated with it?Whether you find that it brings you utter joy or leaves you seeping in sorrow, do keep in mind that there is something about autumn’s warm glow and drastic changes that can trigger our emotions and fuel our thoughts.Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of our mind. As we head into a new autumn season, and the transformation slowly shifts and takes place, it also creates a prime opportunity for us to shift our focus as well.Will you join me in seeking a Christ-like mindset? Let’s renew our thoughts to savor the goodness that God intended for us this season.Photo Credit: ©iStofk/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic

As God’s children, our Father wants us to look to Him for all of our needs. The Bible tells us so, encouraging us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).Among our most ardent prayers and requests are those for healing.Whether you’re praying that God mend your own or someone else’s emotional, physical, or spiritual wounds; here are 10 Scriptural verses you can pray out loud or in your heart, to help usher in complete healing and restoration:Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Joel-MunizVideo Credit: Image: Unsplash, Audio: Soundstripe

Biblical marriage is a beautiful representation of the marriage of Christ to his Church. “My soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest” (Isaiah 61:10).Revelation 19:7 echoes this Old Testament verse with its joyous tone: “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”Christian churches typically encourage a man and a woman not to live together before they get married, and not to forgo the ceremony. A wedding doesn’t have to be expensive, but declaring vows in front of other people provides accountability to everyone.Husband and wife are now accountable to each other and to the Body of Christ. If one party openly engages in sins and a member of the church witnesses the activity, that member has the responsibility of declaring the truth and leading this person back to the cross.My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).Married couples can also become mentors to younger brides and grooms. Their relationship is designed to be an expression of the relationship between a person and his or her Savior, one in which there is grace, forgiveness, mercy, gentleness, loyalty, humility, generosity, trustworthiness, and so on.Marriage is a great friendship, and the Bible has a lot to say about it, but much of what is written is taken out of context or overlooked in the modern world, leading to the proliferation of damaging lies. Here are five myths about biblical marriage.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Anchiy

Life is an adventurous journey that is filled with opportunities. Sometimes, you find yourself at a crossroads, unsure of whether to continue down a particular path or to make a change. You face a decision about whether to stay or go from a situation. It’s important to seek signs from God to help you figure out the best course of action at those times. If you’re in a situation that is no longer good for you – such as an unhealthy relationship or an unproductive job – God will lead you to move on from it. The Bible provides valuable wisdom on how to understand when God is telling you to move on from situations that are no longer where you should be.Remember that seeking God’s will requires patience and discernment. Don’t rush the process. Communicate regularly with God, and seek counsel from faithful people you trust, such as mentors, friends, clergy people, or counselors who can provide additional insights and support in your decision-making process. Carefully determine what to do as God gives you signs and leads you in a certain direction. Trust that God will reveal your next steps for moving forward at the best time and in the best ways.Here are five key signs God is telling you to move on:Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Rasica

In 2012, my husband of eight years started wondering if he should leave me. His internal discontent, unprocessed trauma from tragically losing his mother, and declining spiritual life spiraled faster and faster until he came to a crossroads. He agreed to go on a Christian men’s retreat and said, “if God doesn’t change me while I’m there, then I’m going to have to change something when I get back.”I knew what that meant. So I fasted and prayed. More than a dozen caring people came to my parent’s home for intercessory prayer. I just knew God was going to heal my husband at this retreat in California, comfort him from his loss, revive him spiritually, and renew his love and commitment to me. Everyone was certain it would play out that way. After all, God isn’t for divorce! Surely He would intervene and change my husband’s heart. This was just the dark, dramatic moment before the Happily Ever After. The uncomfortable night before the redemption. The brokenness before the restoration! We were going to have a testimony of God’s glory!Five days later, I picked him up from the airport and he left me that same night.It was only a few days before Valentines.Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz

I remember holding my first child and feeling an overwhelming weight of responsibility. In an instant, I understood that what I did and didn’t do as a parent would seriously influence the course of my child’s life. It was a frightening and holy moment, one that caused me to fling myself on God’s mercy. Realizing how clueless I was, I claimed James 1:5 as my parenting life verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”When I held my first grandchild, that weight didn’t settle quite as heavily upon my shoulders. I realized that instead of being one of the main influences in my grandchild’s life, I was to play a supporting role. Yet like the actor who seeks to win the Best Supporting Actor award, I wanted to do everything I could to help my children raise healthy, happy, godly adults. To that end, I’ve developed 10 tips for biblical grandparenting.Photo courtesy: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages

Making the Psalms a consistent part of our time studying the Bible is enriching and important. The Psalms are meant to be sung and prayed, and there are specific psalms that were written to help us when life it bleak and we feel miserable. The individual and communal laments are the largest category of psalms. These psalms lay a troubling situation before the Lord and ask him for help. They can be about broad community problems or individual struggles. There are also songs of confidence and comfort these psalms enable worshippers to deepen trust in God by reminding us of Gods goodness and plan for us. Here are 20 psalms, mostly psalms of lament and songs of comfort, to help you as you struggle through a hard season of life. We pray they will move you to remember the mighty love of God for you he is steadfast, always rich in mercy, and will never leave your side. Image Credit: Thinkstock.com

Cancer had invaded her brain, radiation was stealing her energy, and her rapidly approaching death was shattering her hope. She needed to hear about heavennot just that she was going there, but what it would be like. As her mental faculties and thus her world shrunk, she needed to build her anticipation for what lay ahead. When lifes problems feel more than we can bear, our hope of paradise can give us strength. Here are 10 truths about heaven that we can hold on to: Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock

Welcome to motherhood, the season where you live off strong, reheated coffee and embrace the look of your unshaven legs. No, wait, scratch that, let me try again. Welcome to motherhood; life as you know it has changed; you will never be able to sit and look comfortable on the couch again or go to the bathroom in peace. Okay, that didn't really capture it all. Welcome to motherhood, dear friend; you will now receive unsolicited advice from just about everyone for the next eighteen years. Yep, that about sums it up.Unless you've recently changed a diaper that contained a projectile poop or witnessed your little darling spitting up on someone else for a change, you probably haven't laughed in a while. And I figured you might have needed that right about now. So, while I am not a natural comedian, I invite you to put down the feeding and nap schedule for a moment and experience the simple joy that a little giggle brings. Because, sweet friend, I know these days are super long, and you are utterly exhausted, but sometimes the best cure is found in the endorphin boost that comes from a hearty chuckle. After this, you go ahead and Google Tim Hawkins, Chonda Pierce, or Anita Renfroe – The Mom Song is the best!On a more heartfelt note, I want to welcome you to motherhood and say, "Yay! You did it!" Becoming a mother for the first time is a big deal. A very big deal! Stepping into this tender season comes with lots (and lots) of emotional strings attached. It takes a little time to figure out your own rhythm and settle into a new normal. It's all a game of trial and error, finding what works best for you and your little bundle. But, oh, my sweet momma friend, please give yourself grace and be patient and kind to yourself. After all, you just underwent a major life change, which may still feel like a mental and emotional whirlwind while your body is physically healing.So, here I am reaching out to you, just checking in and extending my most sincere excitement for you first and foremost. But, more importantly, it would be an honor to cover you in some Truths as you enter this brand-new season. Truths combat the lies we can so easily believe as new moms, so without further ado, take heart and know:

As our children go back to school, we throw ourselves into preparations. Instructions from teachers send us scurrying for supplies, including everything from notebooks to calculators to tissues. We shop for new school clothing, shoes, backpacks, and more. For those who don’t buy lunches at school, we stock the pantry with nutritious, easy-to-pack foods. With older students, we analyze class schedules to make sure our kids have the courses they’ll need for their next steps in life.By now, most of us have already posted first-day-of-school pictures on social media. We breathe a sigh of relief as transportation snafus finally resolve. The days fall back into routine after summer’s freedom. But have our preparations been enough?When we send our children to school, we allow others to influence them. We all can remember that special teacher who inspired and motivated us. Most of us also recall others, perhaps a coach or a bully, who devastated our self-image. The content of the curriculum itself shapes young minds and hearts. There’s no doubt our kids will encounter material that is contrary to God’s holiness. Despite our best efforts to shield them from the world, our children’s peers will expose them to all forms of ungodliness. And behind all those primary concerns, we wonder if the recent spate of mass shootings could make its way to our hometown.These transitional days back to school mark a critical need to lay a foundation of prayer for our children. Our best resource for prayer is the Bible because it contains God’s will for us. Meditate on the following verses and ten prayers for the school year. As you pray, include the names of your children to make them personal.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/SkynesherHere Are 10 Prayers for the School Year: