'Kalkaska' Tagged Posts
A Carol’s Echo: The Impact of Christmas Music on the Secular World
Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a ubiquitous soundtrack: Christmas carols. From bustling shopping malls to quiet elevators, these melodies permeate the atmosphere, reaching even those who may not actively celebrate the religious aspects of Christmas. This raises an interesting question: what impact do these songs, so deeply rooted in Christian tradition, have on the secular world? How COVID has affected us
Depending on Others
One thing that I’ve always been, is fiercely independent. This is a good thing, but sometimes it can be a little prideful. Something I’m HORRIBLE at is asking for help. I do not like to inconvenience others, and even when I NEED help I have this whole spiral into worthlessness etc. I think sometimes when something becomes a theme for you in your life, you need to take notice that God is trying to tell you something. Last year when How COVID has affected us
Questions of Christmas
December has arrived, and that means the Christmas Season is upon us! If any of you are like me, you’ve been keeping your wife at bay until after Thanksgiving. If she had her way, it would be Christmas in our house all year long. There is something special about preserving the holiday for this specific time each year. We anticipate it. We plan for it. We don’t take it for granted. During the Christmas season, several characteristics of Christ readily shine How COVID has affected us
Thanksgiving Quiz
As we enter into this season of thanksgiving, let’s look to scripture for some inspiration. Here are some questions put together by Dr. Doug Mendenhall, a professor at Abilene Christian University to encourage you to dive into Biblical incidents of praise and thanksgiving. Need a little help? Here in alphabetical order are the 20 possible answers: Anna, Daniel (twice), David, Fools, Four creatures, Hannah, Jesus (twice), Lazarus, Levites, Nehemiah, Noah, Paul in Corinthians, Paul in Romans, Paul in a boat, How COVID has affected us
Using Your Gifts
I Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” This verse along with many others such as Romans 12: 3-8, I Corinthians 12:7, and I Timothy 4:14, teaches us How COVID has affected us
Get Lit
As I grew up here in Kalkaska, at least one if not two of my weeks in the summer were spent at church camp. And I loved church camp! They would assign us to groups or families. Each meal we would line our family up and they would decide who got to eat first based on the straightest and quietest line. And, as a family, we would earn points throughout the week to see who could score the most points. How COVID has affected us
16 Freedoms we Have in Christ
This week people throughout the United States celebrate the freedom we have as Americans. But, the concept of freedom didn’t originate with the founding of the United States. It’s found throughout the pages of the Bible, culminating with the person and work of Christ. Jesus declared, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). As believers, we enjoy numerous freedoms because of what Jesus has done for those who have placed their trust in How COVID has affected us
Summertime
The sun is shining, warmth is in the air! We all know what that means; summertime is here! For many youth ministers across the country, that means camp is just around the corner. I am in full camp mode getting every detail locked in and ready to go for a fun week with high schoolers this July. The camp theme this summer is “You Be the Judge”. I will be challenging the campers to make good Godly choices in their How COVID has affected us
Seasons of Life
Life seems to ebb and flow like waves on the ocean. Change is a constant in our world. Today you may be young and single living alone and going to school. Tomorrow you are middle-aged, married, and working 40 hours a week. Today you may be standing up at your best friend’s wedding. Tomorrow you are mourning with family as you say “Goodbye” to a loved one. Life can drag on for years or come at us in a second. How COVID has affected us
The Next Gen
“He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.” Psalm 78:5-7 These verses teach us the importance of making sure the next generation knows God, His laws, and How COVID has affected us