Devotionals

Devotional: I Want to Give It All Away

~ Tonya ~ Leave a comment

Often my children remind me just how greatly and simply they understand the principles of the Lord. They are a constant reflection of Christ’s words in Matthew 18:3 – “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. At 8 & 6 years old, my kids just “get it”.

On the way to church Sunday, my son announced that he was bringing all his money to donate to Jason (an orphan boy the Sunday School classrooms support each year). He’d gathered every dollar in his possession and had his treasure clutched between his tiny fingers, ready to give it all away to a child he’s never met. Instantly, his generous spirit laid bare an overarching principle that I still struggle with well into my 30s. “Ours” is really God’s. He doesn’t need our stuff…but wants to bless our lives through giving. Continue reading →

Devotional: I Prefer “Passionate”

~ Tonya ~ Leave a comment

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

I am an easily agitated person. “That makes me so mad” is a common utterance from my lips. Whether it’s a political issue, interpersonal relationship  breakdown or just a general life annoyance, I’m far too quickly brought into a frenzy of fury. I’m sure it isn’t good for my blood pressure, and according to this scripture, it’s not how the Lord would have me respond to life either. Continue reading →

Devotional: You Are Mean, Obstinate and Argumentative

~ Tonya ~ 3 Comments

“For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10

Why do I consistently place the opinions of others in higher esteem than God’s truth? When confronted with gossip, accusations and whispered remarks, my strength should be rooted in the word of God, rather than my own fleeting feelings of self-worth and self-righteousness. I’m quick to leap to my own defense, instead of resting in the promise that God will fight for me, that I need only be still. (Exodus 14:14) Continue reading →

Resurrection Rolls

~ Tonya ~ 1 Comment

Yes. That preview photo is a marshmallow being dipped in melted butter. It’s the beginning of another way we reinforce the meaning of Easter. With Resurrection Rolls. They require just a few simple ingredients, and kids can easily assemble them. You’ll need marshmallows, a tube of biscuit dough, melted butter and some cinnamon/sugar.

Resurrection Rolls
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Resurrection Eggs

~ Tonya ~ 1 Comment

It’s come to my attention that not everyone has traditions upon traditions to draw from during holidays. Since Easter is just a week away, I thought I’d spend the next few days sharing a few of our Easter traditions. Starting with Resurrection Eggs. Resurrection Eggs are a way for even the youngest children to learn the story of Easter. We’ve been using these puppies since my oldest was only three. Twelve eggs have a symbol inside that help remind kids (and adults too) of the events leading up to the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

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Gone in an Instant

~ Tonya ~ Leave a comment

When life doesn’t seem fair, it can be hard to keep the perspective that God knows what He’s doing. When events and circumstances seem to pile up inequity and loss, trusting the Lord becomes challenging. The struggle to understand pain and suffering can be overwhelming. The past month I’ve experienced a repeated lesson. An ever-increasing revelation that life is precious. Fragile. Frail. A vapor. And that I have no control over it. I am a shadow. Continue reading →

Devotional – Casting Cares

~ Tonya ~ Leave a comment

One of my favorite things about writing down my devotionals is that I can come back to them and see how much (or in this case, how little) I’ve grown. I wrote this in 2011 – and the words convicted me this morning every bit as much as three years ago.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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