Bible study

Life lately

Hi there! Time for another life lately post. I love writing these and looking back on what I was doing at different times in my life. Here’s what’s going on in my life lately.

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I’ve been pet sitting, as per usual! I spent some time with one of my favorite clients this week and it left me feeling so happy. I truly enjoy how every animal I take care of has a completely different personality.

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I’ve been diligently working on the devotional I’m giving at my church this month. It’s on the lessons we can learn from the book of Esther. I have always loved the story of Esther, and working on this project has led me to a deeper understanding of the culture during that time period. It’s one thing to read the Bible, but studying it takes everything to a whole new level. Loving it!

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I just recently started listening to podcasts again, and I’m totally obsessed. My top two favorites are The Birth Hour, which is a podcast where women share their birth stories, and Daily Hope With Rick Warren. Daily Hope is a Christian devotional podcast full of encouragement and hope.

Edited to add I don’t fully agree with Rick Warren’s view on salvation because he doesn’t seem to believe baptism is necessary for salvation. I also don’t believe a preacher should be called a pastor. If you want to read about my faith and how it lines up with the Bible, please visit this page!

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I’m still chugging along with my book! Jimmy took this picture of me writing on the couch one night with Lola snuggled up beside me.

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The windowsill herb garden is growing with gusto! So far I’ve only used the cilantro (it’s in the container on the right) and it was absolutely delicious.

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Last but not least, I had to share this sweet picture! My mom just sent it to me as I was typing up this post and I was like “I need to add this to my blog post!” haha. My parents’ dogs are just too cute.

What has been going on in your life lately?

Revival and Apple Fellowship

The church I attend is holding its annual fall revival this week.

Basically, a revival is when a church holds more services than normal in order to “revive” the congregation and strengthen members’ bond with Christ and His mission for the church.

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My church usually has three services/Bible studies a week: two on Sunday and one on Wednesday. During a revival, my church holds two more services–one on Monday and Tuesday. My church’s preacher arranged for a really great evangelist from Ohio to preach each service during the revival.

During last night’s service, were studying Mark 2:1-12. Jesus was preaching to a lot of people in someone’s home, and a four men carried a paralyzed man to see Jesus. They couldn’t get in the door because people were in the way, so they lowered the paralyzed man through the roof, and Jesus forgave him of his sins and healed him.

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What the evangelist pointed out was pretty cool. The four men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus were very persistent. They couldn’t get in the door because people were in the way, so they lowered him in through the roof.

Then he said something that really resonated with me:

“When you want to do something for God, someone or something will always stand in your way. Be persistent. When God is calling you to do something, the little things don’t matter–love finds a way.”

Just thought I would share that!

After last night’s service, we had an apple fellowship. Everyone from the congregation brought their favorite apple dish to share.

Jimmy and I made spiced cider whoopie pies!

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Remember how I said I love baking? Well, I really love baking with Jimmy.

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whoopie pies

If you’re looking for a fall themed whoopie pie recipe, definitely try these out. They were a hit!

Do you like whoopie pies?