Habits
Lisa Schnedler
They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes

Each year, I listen to a daily audio Bible podcast—and complete the Bible in one year. This year marks my sixth year through the Bible.

Why don’t I stop?

Every year, I learn new aspects of the Bible because each year, I am in a different place in my life, and the Holy Spirit speaks to me where I am.

The Bible is always fresh! It is always alive!

It is the only book that has a Living Spirit within it.

Each year, when I get to Judges in the Old Testament, I say, “Oh boy!” because I know what is ahead.

They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes
Lisa Schnedler
What Passover Means to Christians

Passover begins this evening.

It is one of the most significant Jewish Holidays, commemorating when the angels of God “passed over” the Hebrews as the firstborn children and animals of the Egyptians were killed—all because Pharoah would not set the Hebrews free as God commanded.

With this final plague on Egypt, Pharoah agreed to free the Hebrews so they might begin their journey to the promised land.

God instructed the Jews to commemorate the first Passover, when they had marked their houses with blood, alerting the angels to “pass over” their homes.

Christians draw parallels in their faith,

What Passover Means to Christians
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
The Days After Easter...

This week, I was listening to a minister on the radio who noted that in the days after His resurrection, Jesus did not appear to Pilate to tell him that he had been wrong in ordering His crucifixion.

Jesus did not appear to the Jewish leaders and chastise them for not believing and demanding His death.

He did not appear to the Roman soldiers who nailed Him on the cross.

Why?

The Days After Easter...
Lisa Schnedler
Holy Week

Today, I was drinking in the beautiful hymns of Psalm Sunday. They are majestic, powerful, and inspirational!

Among my very favorites is All Glory, Laud and Honor. When I close my eyes and listen to the lyrics, I can feel all the emotions I imagine those present at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The hope. The joy. The expectation.

As Christians, we carry the hope, joy, and expectation at our Lord’s second coming. Feel this excitement. Play this song and sing along. It is a wonderful way to enter into the spirit of Holy Week.

What are some of your favorite Holy Week Hymns/ song?

Holy Week
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
An Irish Blessing

My mother is Irish—which makes me Irish as well!

One of my favorite blessings is The Irish Blessing, which is a favorite benediction of my forefathers—and so appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day!

It is a great blessing for everyone—even if you aren’t Irish!

An Irish Blessing

Loneliness--What You Can Do in a Pandemic

Loneliness--What You Can Do in a Pandemic

How to conquer loneliness in a pandemic.

I read a study this week that was completed by Cigna Insurance—back in January—before the pandemic heated up in America.

Even back then, when life still seemed “normal,” more than 60% of Americans reported feeling “lonely, left out, poorly understood, and lacking companionship.” Sixty percent! This is more than three in five Americans. My guess is that most of the industrialized countries see similar numbers. In America, that is an increase of 13% in loneliness in just two years.

The Power of One

The Power of One

One thing that the quarantine did for me was to make me realize that, once again, I needed to drop a few pounds. For some reason, I find myself back in this battle too frequently. I love learning new tips and tricks - so if you have your own, please share!

One of the tips that has helped me most recently is “the power of one”. I find that I often feel cheated if I have to completely avoid certain foods. Enter the Power of One. The secret, though, is you really do have to stop at one!

Fruitfulness--After Years of Barrenness...

Fruitfulness--After Years of Barrenness...

That tree.

It was only half the size it is now when we first bought the house. It was stunted, crowded by a Mulberry tree that stood over its shoulder, each competing for light and water. For 23 years, the tree grew by inches—not feet—and never produced a single pine cone. Never. Really, I thought it couldn’t.

But, about three years ago, the crowding Mulberry tree was showing signs of rot and had to be taken down.

New/Renew

New/Renew

Is there any part of your life would you like to renew? What “newness” can you bring into your life this year?

Each year, I try to challenge myself to take on something new in my life.

Last year, after many years of contemplating the idea of becoming certified as a Christian Life Coach, I decided to take the plunge. I didn’t have time to take the course. We had need for the money the course would cost. I told myself this as I tried to once again talk myself out of taking the course.