With a history stretching back to Genesis, the tamarisk tree provides an example of a hardy survivor. Not only can Christians appreciate the tree’s long history and beauty, but they can derive valuable faith lessons from it. Endurance in adversity and helping others are two takeaways from the tamarisk tree. What’s A Tamarisk? The tamarisk is a shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Over 54 species exist, with uses for it ranging from shade tree... Read more
Tourists may aim for a slice of heaven during their travels. Although often disappointed, that result would not occur with a visit to the stunning Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Nestled in the Ozarks, the attraction offers a thin place with heaven. The Chapel Thorncrown Chapel is a creative masterpiece uniting architecture with environment. Located just outside Eureka Springs in the rolling Ozark hills, the woodlands structure with free admission is a tourist favorite. In fact, over seven million... Read more
Causing a great media stir, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, known as the Great North American Eclipse, provided a wonderful viewing opportunity for scientists and average citizens alike. Although this eclipse is a big deal today, history contains records of numerous eclipses, with one possibly occurring almost 2,000 years ago upon Jesus’ crucifixion. Was the total darkness covering the land when he died the result of an eclipse, making it an eclipse of the Son? What’s An... Read more
For Americans, Easter evokes thoughts of eating a ham dinner and indulging in chocolate candy shaped like eggs and bunnies. But another food, hot cross buns, boasts a long history with the religious holiday. Indeed, hot cross buns offer tasty teaching about Easter. What’s A Hot Cross Bun? Truth in advertising prevails with a hot cross bun. The spiced bun, normally eaten while warm—often toasted with butter—bears a cross on top. Some describe it as a mix between a sweet... Read more
March brings not only the arrival of spring but the celebration of Women’s History Month. Those honored typically include high profile women such as Sally Ride (the first female US astronaut), Amelia Earhart (an aviation pioneer), and Susan B. Anthony (a leading activist for a woman’s right to vote). But a woman who spent her life tending the home fires, homeschooling her children, and serving God faithfully out of the limelight deserves recognition. This woman is Susanna Wesley, model mom... Read more
Today’s society offers super-sized items. People want big vehicles, big TVs, and big fast-food meals. But some things are naturally small, tiny even, such as the mustard seed. How can believers grasp the concept of faith like a mustard seed when the societal clamor is for all things big? The key is understanding that small size doesn’t matter with mustard seed faith. What’s A Mustard Seed? Mustard plants, a member of the cabbage family, produce small, round seeds colored from... Read more
A view of the star-filled heavens creates a sense of wonder and awe in everyone. The scene inspires a small child to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” spurs a scientist to conduct astronomical research, and led a famous Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh, to capture the scene in his oil work “The Starry Night.” The dazzling night lights studding the black velvet heavens provide an amazing opportunity for believers to look up at the stars to learn about God. God’s... Read more
Along with the beginning of spring, the month of March brings Women’s History Month. Typically, female figures such as suffragette Susan B. Anthony, aviator Amelia Earhart, and astronaut Sally Ride are mentioned and honored. But another book full of history offers additional women on which to focus. Celebrating biblical character Judge Deborah for Women’s History Month allows learning about a woman who achieved much in a time men monopolized leadership roles. Who Was She? Long before Judge Judy became famous... Read more
The lyrics to a popular Taylor Swift song, “I Knew You Were Trouble,” aptly sum up what life is like—“Trouble, trouble, trouble.” This characterization fits the lives of both believers and non-believers alike. Are Christians doing something wrong if they have trouble in their life? Not necessarily. Unfortunately, if you are human, you’ll have trouble. What’s Trouble? Cambridge Dictionary defines “trouble” as problems or difficulties. Trouble can cover a wide range of problems, and it may depend on the person.... Read more
February 14th stood out as a big day on the 2024 calendar for more than one reason. Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday both occurred. The latter event served as this year’s start of Lent, the period when Christians prepare for celebrating Easter. But Christians should always be preparing for Jesus not just during Lent. Preparation’s Meaning Regardless of what someone prepares for, the idea remains the same. They put things or themselves in readiness. For example, a parent asks a child... Read more
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