This month, I’m excited for the new release of Sharing the Good News with Mormons, and a few other goodies to help us reach our LDS friends.
Apologetics, Articles, Everyday Life, LDS, Mormonism, Tools
For several years now, we’ve made time for the practice of inviting LDS missionaries into our home.
In the beginning, our neighborhood was patrolled by elders (the male duos). After a few months, “the powers that be” moved boundary lines and now we’re patrolled by sisters (the female duos and trios). Together and separately (and through 2 rotations with an awesome college student friend), my husband and I have spoken with well over a dozen missionaries: all freshly out of high school or taking a break from college for their mission. Some met with us for several weeks, others for a single visit, but each time we’ve endeavored to use the interaction as an opportunity to be hospitable, develop a true relationship, and share the light yolk that is the true gospel of Jesus Christ with these earnest young people.
We’re blessed to stay in contact with a handful of them now that they’re off of their mission, and we’re thankful for their willingness to maintain a relationship with us. They’re often on my mind.
So, why am I telling you this?
Apologetics, Articles, Everyday Life, Family Time, Featured, Tools
Ready for the Great Commission and a Book Giveaway?
It’s time for a giveaway, friends.
Violence, poverty, hate… this world is sinful and rough and lately the weight of it has been especially heavy for me. My reach feels small, my time feels short, and I know I’m not the only one that wants to be more present and effective for the Kingdom. Bonus points if that effect impresses upon our children the importance of being advocates for the vulnerable and oppressed.
I’m fairly confident we’ve all heard the phrases:
“The stars aligned”
“It was written in the stars”
Perhaps you’ve heard them used as if they were a simple idiom, or maybe used by someone who truly thinks the stars had something to do with their good fortune. But what is the underlying meaning of those phrases? That’s what we’ll explore today as we take a closer look astrology.
Last week, as I drove my boys and their friend home from AWANA, they began asking questions about the state of their body after they die. Will they have a body in heaven? Only on the new earth? If they’re a soul while they await their body, will they be able to eat (a question of great importance at this age)? On and on. It reminded me of the importance of discussing these things, and also of the need to revisit topics my husband and I thought we already sufficiently addressed. Kids just need repetition.
In light of that, this week I’m revisiting Jason’s series on the soul and where it *comes* from. There’s a lot of food for thought here, so grab a cup of something warm, and have a think.
-Danielle
Defending the faith, encouraging others in their faith, watching the Lord bring others to faith; these are the things a Christian apologist yearns to do and see. From the moment we’re saved, sanctification is taking place in us as the Holy Spirit works on our weaknesses, molds us into someone more like Jesus, and gives us the ability to look back on our walk. I don’t know about you, but looking back on my walk is both an encouragement and a disappointment.
Yes, God pulled me from the pit of human depravity, and yes, I can see that I am more like the person I ought to be than I was on day one, BUT I’m still human and I still fail on a daily basis. Having children in our family has amplified that awareness. Those failings are a reminder of my need for reliance on Jesus and they help me to focus on improvement for future days.
Loving people well is hard to do. Loving people who don’t like you back is even more difficult. And yet, it was Jesus who said “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Who was Jesus charging with these words? Just a select few? No: