About Marie

Happily married to the same awesome guy for many years. Love God, reading, cats, and travel. Avid crafter especially counted cross stitch and crochet.

Pathways to Understanding – Thompson Chain Reference Bible Review

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Marie

Sometimes, when I’m teaching God’s Words, I tell the class we are going to chase a bunny trail. In other words, we are going to dig deeper into the underlying meaning and application of a Bible verse or concept. Rabbit trails have a destination. They don’t just go off into unknown places. The rabbits are looking for sustenance or they are heading home.

So, how does that apply to the newest revision of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? Let’s suppose you’re reading a section of the Bible and come across a topic that is new or interesting to you. All you have to do is go to that verse in Thompson’s and ‘chase’ the references (other places in the Word that refer to that verse or concept).

You might think with thousands of references and topics the process is complicated. It’s actually quite easy to choose how deep you want to get into the issue you are pursuing. There are several study helps in this revision including individual book synopsis, studies of individual Biblical characters, an extensive concordance, maps, and much, much more.

I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to review and experience this new resource. I’ll be using it for many years to come as I write blog posts, prepare to teach, and just want to learn all I can about a concept I’ve come across in my daily Bible reading.

If you’d like a copy for yourself, which I highly recommend, you can click on the blue highlights. They will take you to the Faith Gateway Store and Amazon. (They are not connected to my affiliate stores and I receive no compensation for your purchase.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” #BibleGatewayPartner

God Does Not Show Favoritism

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Marie

God’s Word is very clear about this subject. Just as God includes everyone we are to do the same. It does not matter whether we are male/female, rich/poor, educated, beautiful, young/old …

Look at James 2:1-13. It’s really clear on the issue. We are to welcome and love everyone who enters our ‘meeting’. We are to be inclusive, not exclusive.

God loves us all the same. So, if we’re truly trying to become more like Him, then, we are going to stop the favoritism game. There’s a great song out right now by Mandisa, We All Bleed The Same, that says it all. “…if we’re going to shout, let love be the cry.”

And so, in response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. (Hebrews 10:24)

Blessings to you and yours!

This was first posted on May 11, 2018.

Wisdom for Life – Book Review

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Marie

Are you like me? We buy a book of devotionals that looks like it is exactly what we need and four or five days in we give up and find something new to read because it wasn’t what we thought it was. I found Wisdom for Life by Gail Purath to be exactly what I needed and wanted.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Psalms and Proverbs this collection of 100, 1-Minute readings, gives direction on how to use Biblical principles to direct daily life.

If you’re dealing with discouragement, depression, or discontent you will find how the psalmist dealt with these tough issues. Are you wanting a more joy-filled, positive outlook? You’ll find some answers here. Have you wondered how to praise our God more effectively? She gives some excellent suggestions on how to give thanks in the mundane activities of daily life.

I love her style! When an issue is important to understand how the Holy Words apply to our life she wastes no time in explaining the errors in our thinking. Many of these very short, daily writings spoke to me about the people and this crazy world around me. Each devotion ends with a short section that helps us dig into the subject more deeply and use it more effectively in our own life situations.

This book will be available for you to read on February 21, 2023. You can pre-purchase it here (Wisdom for Life). It is definitely worth your time!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H Publishing Group/Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday Psalms – 11

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Marie

Psalm 11

I will hide in my GOD.

He gives me safety from the evil around me.

He is everywhere watching and seeing everything.

He tests the righteous and the evil.

Because He is righteous, He loves those who make the right choices and they will see Him.

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words. You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Cookies and Cheddar – Food Friday

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Marie

It’s a cloudy, cold, winter day in Northwest Ohio. Perfect for comfort food and baking cookies. My sister gave me this recipe and it is yummy. I’m always on the lookout for recipes that do not have wheat, milk, or refined sugar. It’s a personal commitment to my own health. Give it a try!

If you choose to eat the cookies first that’s OK by me. I often wonder why we save the best for last. (?) Here’s an easy and yummy dinner recipe. It’s good as both a main dish and a side dish. Once again, it’s healthy and good for you.