Authored by Tina Kapp
There are many ways to avoid being a frog, starting with not making frog noises or eating bugs as treats or hopping around uncontrollably. But in this podcast I want to tell you about the boiling frog. The boiling frog is an anecdote used as a metaphor to describe people who accept something as the norm if it’s
Tina Kapp,
conviction,
influence,
wisdom
Authored by Mara Hodler
There is a message that’s been on my mind for some time. It’s been composing itself in my head as I have waited to find the time to put it into words. For the past few weeks, each time I log onto my Facebook page, which is also, ashamedly, my news source, I have seen things that greatly troubled me.
Authored by Mara Hodler
This is not something I talk about often. I touch on it with my kids, beginning to paint the picture, but they’re still pretty young. Talking about it with teens, like you, I haven’t done in a long time. But, if I could talk to you about one thing, light one path on your journey, it would probably be this.
Authored by Eldora Sichrovsky (a guest contribution)
A few months ago, I began a project of reading my Bible cover to cover. This venture has involved studying books and passages that I’d never read before or never in their entirety. It’s been a rewarding and fascinating journey, and I’ve made several discoveries along the way, one of which I’d like to share with you. I was reading through the book of Isaiah when I found, in chapters 36 and 37, this amazing story:
Bible study,
faith,
fear,
trusting God,
Guest Authors
Authored by Steve Hearts
Some people believe that the Christmas tree is idolatrous, based on these words recorded in the book of Jeremiah:
“Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations be terrified by them. For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails
christmas,
Steve Hearts
Authored by Steve Hearts
Like many people, I enjoy and look forward to the Christmas season every year. No other season reminds me more of the great love God had for us in sending His only son to give us eternal salvation.
christmas,
Steve Hearts
Authored by Peter van Gorder (a guest contribution)
Life is a sand clock of rich and poor;
The sand flows not in vain.
It is turned over and filled once more—
What you give returns again.1
Authored by Mara Hodler
I remember the day very well. I was nine years old and something happened with my parents. They made a decision I didn’t agree with, and for the first time in my life the thought that my parents may not always be right actually crossed my mind. It was just one of the many steps that a girl takes on the journey
Authored by Steve Hearts
While fixing our eyes on a beautiful rose and smelling its fragrance, it’s easy to forget its sharp, prickly thorns.
Authored by Elsa Sichrovsky (a guest contribution)
Patience is not the first trait that comes to mind when I think of King David. Zeal, eloquence, charisma, and leadership skills are some of the qualities that I associate with Israel’s greatest king—but patience? My impression has always been that David was primarily a man of passion and action. But when I recently read through the Psalms, I came to the realization that David certainly mastered patience during his long and eventful life. Here are some examples:
Authored by Mara Hodler
Have you ever heard of a turducken? It’s a southern delicacy of sorts. You take an extra-large turkey and debone it, leaving only the leg and wing bones. The deboned turkey is laid out and a layer of stuffing is laid over it. Next you completely debone a duck, lay it over the stuffing, and then spread a layer of stuffing
Authored by Tina Kapp
Note: This story is adapted from 2 Kings chapter 5.
Life during Bible times was often pretty intense: Battles raged, kings ruled, kingdoms were conquered, and servants and slaves were a common part of life.
Authored by Steve Hearts
I personally believe each of us is created with at least one talent. It’s likely that we possess several talents, including those we may have not yet discovered.
Authored by Mara Hodler
I was not born a citizen of the United States of America. Earning the right to be here was a process. I had to fill out piles of forms, spend hours on the phone with officials, pay a hefty sum, get fingerprinted, and have an interview to determine if I indeed met the requirements to earn residency. And, yay, I did! I met the
miracles,
Mara Hodler
Authored by Steve Hearts
One of my favorite forms of exercise is weightlifting. I’m no bodybuilder; I just do it to stay toned and keep in shape. I also find it interesting how akin weightlifting can be to our spiritual growth.
Authored by Mara Hodler
About 13 years ago, my husband, Sam, and I had to make a trip from Calgary, Alberta, to the not-so-beckoning town of Winnipeg, Manitoba. We loaded up our old truck for the move and headed off. We had planned for this move pretty well. Everything was neatly packed and sorted. We had mapped our
choice,
Mara Hodler,
effectiveness
Authored by Steve Hearts
There are many natural human tendencies that are easy to fall into, yet end up being hazardous in some way. One of these is the tendency to procrastinate—to put things off, telling ourselves that we’ll get to them “later” or “tomorrow.” We could come up with plenty of justifiable excuses for our procrastination. Our schedules are too busy, our obligations are demanding, we don’t have enough energy, to name a few.
Authored by Steve Hearts
In Ephesians 6:10–18, Paul teaches us a detailed lesson about the “armor of God” and how we are to put it on. As a child, I committed these scriptures to memory. The Holy Spirit, ever faithful to “guide [us] into all truth,”1 has recently shown me about how I can apply these scriptures to the practical day-to-day. This has strengthened me spiritually.
Authored by Tina Kapp
Some of you may have seen the movie or musical, Man of La Mancha. It’s the story of Don Quixote, the crazy Spanish crusader, who sings the famous song, “The Impossible Dream.” A couple of lines of the song say:
Authored by Mara Hodler
I’m thinking about those moments when life is moving along smoothly, it looks like you have a good view of where things are headed, you’re making progress … and then all of a sudden, surprise! A total about-face happens. Something that forces you to change and pushes you in a different direction. A complete
God's plan,
Mara Hodler,
change
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Just One Thing is dedicated to providing reading material for teenagers that presents the fundamentals of the Christian faith and character-building principles … find out more!
* Check out Luke 10:38-42 for the story behind this title.
