InstaEncouragements Blog

Our Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide

12/4/2020

Christmas will be here before we know it! It seems to creep up on me sooner than expected every year and I am rarely prepared for it.

This year, however, our family is doing something a bit different. We are not giving gifts. Instead, we're doing experiences and having a family photo made.

All fourteen of us met at a local farm with our photographer, Katelyn, and afterwards for a family dinner. The dinner was one of those "experiences" as we spent the day making several different kinds of pasta for it.

I know that some of you are already well into shopping for Christmas. Maybe, you even have all of your shopping done. But if you are one of those, like me, who wait till the last minute, have I got a sweet deal for you! It's like going to the mall (remember those days?) but better!

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Psalm 77—A Guide To Godly Grief

11/15/2019

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Psalm 77--A Guide To Godly Grief: How would you help someone who’s going through deep pain and heartache? How would you counsel and comfort them? How would you help them find hope when all seems lost?Picture

How would you help someone who’s going through deep pain and heartache? How would you counsel and comfort them? How would you help them find hope when all seems lost?

Maybe you’d say something like, “It’ll all be okay. You’re stronger than this.” Or “Don’t worry, it’ll all work out in the end.” Maybe you don’t know what to say, so you’re just there with your presence but no words. Perhaps you avoid them because you don’t want to say the wrong thing.

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Finding Hope in Heartache

10/18/2019

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Finding Hope in Heartache: Have you ever felt alone in suffering? Where can you turn when you feel completely broken from an aching heart? Your mind says, I know God’s Word could help, but what does that look like? Dear friend, my heart has asked these questions too.

Have you ever felt alone in suffering? Where can you turn when you feel completely broken from an aching heart?

Your mind says I know God’s Word could help, but what does that look like?

Dear friend, my heart has asked these questions too.

One impactful resource I’ve found is the Voice Of The Martyrs. Have you heard of it?

Their podcast called VOM Radio, their magazine, and their books have helped me realize that I'm not alone. Also, they have given me real-life examples of suffering Christians who find their hope in God.

I always come away from VOM media in awe of God and His good work in people through incredible trials.

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Finding A Sure Hope After Deep Loss

7/12/2019

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About 4 years ago, one of the worst things that I could’ve ever imagined happened to me. My husband and I lost our firstborn son Jack.

Last year I came across the book Therefore I Have Hope by Cameron Cole at a large Christian conference. I had heard about it and knew the author had also lost his son unexpectedly, but was unsure if I should read it. Plus, the cover picture looked more sad than hopeful. I was afraid of weeping through the entire book. Could I handle that? I didn’t feel like I had any strength to be weak again.

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10 Favorite Bible Verses On Adoption

4/12/2019

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10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption Over a year ago, my husband and I started our adoption journey. The wait has been long and hard, but God gives endurance through His Word.

This is part 2 of our series on adoption: 10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption by Redeeming Goods.

Hi Friends!
Over a year ago, my husband and I started our adoption journey. The wait has been long and hard, but God gives endurance through His Word.

I’ve been compiling a list of Bible verses to encourage us along the journey and wanted to share that list with you!

“In you the orphan finds mercy.” Hosea 14:3

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Hope From Psalm 140 When My Heart Hurts

2/15/2019

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I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:12-13

Soooo…. The other day I was struggling with depression. Yes, [raises hand] I struggle with depression. For those who know my story, the last few years have been incredibly painful. Where can I find hope when my heart hurts? I have looked in many places. The only thing that has brought life to the deep sting of death is God’s Word, the Bible.