It’s December 28, 2023 as I write these words, another year draws to a close. It’s been a year of learning, writing, grandbabies, and grace. Lots of grace. This 2023 was my first full year of writing in this space. I have enjoyed it immensely and thank you for taking your time to read here. In case you missed them, I’ve gathered a few highlights of the year:
Most Viewed Posts of 2023
#4. Crave What Gives You Real Peace
#2. Forming and Shaping of the Light
#1. Hold Steady
First Externally Published Article
The Unexpected Blessings of a Rural Church which I wrote for Gospel-Centered Discipleship’s series on the local church. Here you will find so many great articles on the Christian life as well as making and multiplying disciples.
My Favorite Post of 2023
Sparkle of Light on the Grayest of Days
And then there is the time I became a grandmother for the first time. This post sits very dear to my heart.
For the Lord and His bountiful grace I am most thankful. As one year nears it’s end and another emerges before us, I am reminded of the Lord’s great faithfulness:
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion”, says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24
The wailing prophet in his anguish and despair the penned these great words of encouragement, followed with,
“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25
Do you know that the LORD is good? That He is faithful? Have you sought Him for the good of your soul, dear reader? May I encourage you to consider taking up the Word of God and reading it this new year?
Whether seasoned and experienced, listless or slumberous, or a brand new Christian, we all need a greater measure of truth in our hearts and minds. There is no better time to commit to reading, or reading more, than right now.
Where do I start? I have found a couple of resources linked below to help you get started. I have used McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan for a few years, though this coming year I am planning to try the Legacy Reading Plan which allows you to focus in on one book at a time. Which plan should you choose? It really depends on what you need! If you don’t have a solid understanding of the full redemption story and the history of the Old Testament, a reading plan that guides you in reading both the New and Old Testaments each day would be a great place to start.
- Tim Challies – In this post, Tim Challies talks about two approaches to reading the Bible – familiarity (Bible as a whole) and intimacy (deeper knowledge of important parts). He suggests and provides the link to a Five Day Reading Program.
- Ligonier – In this post, Ligonier offers summaries and links to several different reading plans.
- The Slow Down Plan , a plan recommended by Glenna Marshall, for slower meditation and reflection on smaller pieces of the Word.
The most important thing is that we, as Christians, commit to daily reading of the Scriptures for the health of our souls and the renewing of our minds. We wouldn’t neglect eating to nourish our physical bodies; let us not neglect to nourish our spiritual soul with the bread of life. Will you, blessed reader, join me?
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
– Psalm 1:1-3
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
– Psalm 119:9-16
The Light for My Path 