“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall
it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot
be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:13–16

“We could really use your help at the children’s ministry next week,” a friend mentioned as we stood on the church sidewalk. “Are you available?”
   
​I had volunteered for this particular conference in the past. However, that summer was one of the busiest of our lives, with various other ministry projects piling up and the three youngest members of the family still in diapers. “I’m sorry I can’t help out this year,” I smiled to my friend, “but, you know, God has given me a ‘children’s ministry’ in our own home right now!” We both laughed.

Anyone who spends even a small amount of time on computers is familiar with the convenient “undo” button. :) It is in Microsoft Word, all of the craft and card programs, and even some games.  But I have learned that in the reality of life, there is no undo button.  When I make a mistake or say something I later regret, I cannot take it back.  I can do my best to fix it, but I can never take back the past- what happened yesterday, last month, or last year.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”--Proverbs 18:21 There have been times when I’ve had to apologize for things I have said. How we must seek the Lord to guard our tongue! Proverbs 17:28 comes to mind: “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
   
​At the same time, Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the potential to provide life. Sometimes it does need to be exercised. The following points emphasize words that we are commanded in Scripture to speak. I hope these thoughts encourage all of us as we seek to glorify God with this “little member” that can wield so much power.

It has been said that there should be no neutrality in the universe, because of the admonition of Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” So we should do nothing neutrally; but, whether we are doing our schoolwork, changing a diaper, or doing household work, we should do nothing with only the aim of getting it done, but everything “for the glory of God” and “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” If we do this, then not one moment of our life will be lived in vain. By doing all in Christ’s name and for His glory, we will be living a life of nobility and greatness.

We have, at one time or another, used all of these ideas in our family! Some of them became such favorites that they are often requested by the younger ones. :) I hope your family will enjoy them as well

It’s true. Whether or not you like it, or whether or not you are even aware of it, YOU are being watched. Which means, of course, that you are setting an example. The question is, what kind of example are you setting? As Christians, we need to be sure that we are being a good testimony to the world. That way, our unsaved neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances won’t look at us and say, “They say that they’re Christians, but look at what they do!” This is probably one of the easier and more obvious areas in which we are to be an example.

I walked into the health foods store and saw a young ‘earthy-looking’ employee in the produce section. It was a normal outing to the store, but then the thought, “Why don’t you witness to her?” Me: “Oh…no…well…what would I say? I can’t just walk up to her and say Jesus died for her sins!” That would be quite the first impression! God had been working in my heart to be bold in witnessing, but…Here? Now? What if I say the wrong thing? God’s grace prevailed and I found myself in front of this unsuspecting worker asking, “If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would go?” I waited for her reaction…she actually was looking very contemplative; she wasn’t even yelling angry words at me! She replied to my strange question by listing off several exotic countries that she would really like to visit before she died!  Surprised by her answer, I said, “Actually, I meant, where do you think you would go after you died?” This time she looked very contemplative. She did not know what happens after this life, and I had the opportunity to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She did not fall on the ground in repentance or even seem very responsive, but I had obeyed, and I walked away with a great sense of joy and fulfillment.

“My soul thirsteth after Thee.”—Psalm 143:6
 
I smiled to myself as I watched my six-year old brother read his Bible. I had to help him with the big words and hardly got time for my own Bible study, but still enjoyed watching him as he completed his first book of the Bible—Philemon by name—since he got the Bible for Christmas.

It’s that time of the year again when we give thanks to our gracious Lord and Savior for all that He has done in our lives! Need some scrumptious recipes? Need a craft idea? What about a new tradition to start each Thanksgiving? Maybe these are some help to you! :)

Dear Virtuous Daughters,

​One thing God has been teaching me lately is to apply Galatians 6:2 to my life. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” It is easy to go on with life and only think about ourselves, but I have been trying to think about others instead. Sometimes I don’t want to “bear one another’s burdens,” but then I remember Galatians 6:2 and do it. After all, you can’t argue the Bible!