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Wednesday Writings

Lessons From Narnia: A Prince, a Horn, and Answered Prayer

Last week I shared some themes that encouraged me from The Horse and His Boy, book two in C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. This week I’d like to discuss some thoughts on prayer based on my reading of the next book in the series, Prince Caspian. Note: as I said before, these books are […]

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Wednesday Writings

Lessons from Narnia: A Boy, a Lion, and Chronic Illness

I’m reading through C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, and several sections of The Horse and His Boy, the second book, deeply encouraged me. I’d love to share that encouragement with you. Note: these writings are not Scripture. Being a Christian himself, however, Lewis wove many Scriptural themes into the fiction of his books. […]

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Wednesday Writings

God’s Plans and Our Plans (and What to Be Thankful for)

I know we said we were taking a break this month (and we are), but God gave me this blessing unexpectedly, and I wanted to share it with you in time for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving! The Girl Who Was Going to Spain I stood between two headstones, hands in my coat pockets, shivering in […]

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Special Occasion Wednesday Writings

The Seasons of Chronic Illness

Nothing better illustrates the nature of life than the seasons of nature: seasons for growth, seasons for harvest, seasons for work, and seasons for rest. To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 In May we announced a season of rest (at least from The Valley) for us as Emily got […]

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Wednesday Writings

Heaven’s Treasure in Earthly Vessels, Part 2

Last week I shared the first half(ish) of a sermon our pastor preached a couple of months ago, titled “Humbly Ministering for His Glory.” The text is II Corinthians 4:7-18 and offers so much encouragement to those of us in chronic illness. Here are the main points so far: God identifies you as precious vessels. […]

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Songs on Saturday

Songs on Saturday: He Giveth More Grace

Scripture tells us that, under the control of the Holy Spirit, we should be “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). May you be encouraged by the spiritual truth in this song! He Giveth More Grace words by Annie J. Flint […]

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Wednesday Writings

Heaven’s Treasure in Earthly Vessels, Part 1

A couple of months ago, the pastor of my church preached a sermon from II Corinthians 4:7-18 that really encouraged me in my chronic illness struggles. With his permission, I’m sharing his outline and both our notes in hopes the message will encourage you too. The message was titled “Humbly Ministering for His Glory.” I. […]

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Lessons From Job Wednesday Writings

3 More Lessons From Job

About a year ago I wrote a series of posts called Lessons From Job, sharing things God taught me from my devotional reading of the book of Job.  I’m following the same Bible reading schedule this year and recently came through Job again. This time God spoke some new truths to my soul that encouraged […]

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Women in the Valley

Women in the Valley: Janeen’s Story

Thank you, Janeen, for sharing your story with us! Tell us about yourself! Hi, there! I’m just an ordinary woman who serves an extraordinary God! I’m almost 64 yrs old, married to Ray for almost 40 years. Together we’ve raised 9 children and 1 in heaven, and enjoy our 5, soon-to- be 6 grandchildren. I […]

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Songs on Saturday

Songs on Saturday: Day by Day

Scripture tells us that, under the control of the Holy Spirit, we should be “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). So once a month we’ll share a hymn or spiritual song whose words offer special encouragement for those of us […]