Blog
Welcome to my blog, where I share family devotions, short novellas, discuss book quotes, or share excerpts from my latest journalistic reporting. I find that faith and literature inspires and guides me on my journey of growth and self-discovery. Join me as we explore the power of books together.
Joy to the World
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Bible Verse:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.’”
– Luke 2:10-11 (EHV)
Devotion:
Merry Christmas! Today is the day we’ve been waiting for—the celebration of Jesus’ birth! Can you imagine how the shepherds felt when they heard the angel’s message? They were probably amazed, a little shocked, and then completely joyful. The Savior, the one everyone had been waiting for, was finally here.
This good news wasn’t just for the shepherds—it’s for all of us. Jesus came to bring hope, love, and joy to the world. So today, as you open presents, eat yummy food, and spend time with family, take a moment to thank God for the greatest gift of all: Jesus, our Savior.
Questions:
What good news did the angel share with the shepherds?
Why is Jesus’ birth such a joyful event?
How can you share the joy of Christmas with others?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for coming into the world to be our Savior. Help us to celebrate Your birth with joy and to share Your love with others. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Sing “Joy to the World” with your family and talk about what it means to have joy because of Jesus.
Full Bible Reference:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.’”
– Luke 2:10-14 (EHV)
The Light of the World
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024
Bible Verse:
“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”
– John 8:12 (EHV)
Devotion:
Do you have a favorite Christmas light display? Maybe it’s your own tree or a house in your neighborhood that sparkles like it’s covered in stars. Lights are a big part of Christmas, but they also remind us of something even brighter—Jesus, the light of the world.
Jesus came to shine His love and truth into the darkness of sin and fear. When we follow Him, we don’t have to stumble around in the dark anymore. His light shows us the way to live and fills us with joy. This Christmas Eve, as you look at all the lights, remember the brightest one of all—Jesus.
Questions:
Why is Jesus called the light of the world?
What happens when we follow Jesus’ light?
How can we share Jesus’ light with others?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the light of the world. Help us to follow You and share Your light with everyone around us. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Go on a Christmas light walk or drive with your family. Talk about how Jesus’ light is even brighter and more beautiful than the lights you see.
Full Bible Reference:
“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ The Pharisees told him, ‘You testify about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going.’”
– John 8:12-14 (EHV)
The Prince of Peace
Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
Bible Verse:
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid.”
– John 14:27 (EHV)
Devotion:
What comes to mind when you think of peace? Maybe it’s a quiet evening, a hug from someone you love, or a moment when everything just feels calm. Jesus gives us a special kind of peace, one that’s bigger and better than anything the world can offer.
This peace isn’t about everything being perfect—it’s about knowing that Jesus is with us no matter what. When life feels noisy or scary, His peace can calm our hearts and remind us we’re safe in His hands. So this Christmas, let’s celebrate Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and share His calming love with those around us.
Questions:
What kind of peace does Jesus give us?
Why is Jesus called the Prince of Peace?
How can we bring peace to others this Christmas?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for being our Prince of Peace. Help us to trust You when life feels hard and to share Your peace with others. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Create a “peace chain” by writing ways to bring peace on paper strips and linking them together. Use it as a decoration or gift for your family.
Full Bible Reference:
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.”
– John 14:27-28 (EHV)
The Gift of Love
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024
Bible Verse:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16 (EHV)
Devotion:
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Was it something you’d been dreaming about, or maybe a surprise that made you smile? In this verse, we learn about the greatest gift ever given—God’s love through His Son, Jesus.
God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to save us from sin and give us eternal life. This gift wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow. It came in the form of a tiny baby born in Bethlehem. And the best part? This gift is for everyone, and it never runs out! So as Christmas gets closer, let’s take time to thank God for His incredible love.
Questions:
What gift did God give the world in this verse?
Why is Jesus the greatest gift of all?
How can we share God’s love with others this Christmas?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus to save us. Help us to remember Your gift of love and to share it with others this Christmas. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Make a “gift of love” card for someone special. Write down why they are a gift to you and include a reminder of God’s love for them.
Full Bible Reference:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.”
– John 3:16-18 (EHV)
Immanuel: God with Us
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024
Bible Verse:
“Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which means, ‘God with us.’”
– Matthew 1:23 (EHV)
Devotion:
Do you know what makes Christmas so special? It’s not just the presents, the food, or even the decorations—it’s the promise that God is with us! When Jesus was born, He came as Immanuel, which means “God with us.” That means no matter where we are or what we’re facing, we’re never alone.
Think about it: the God who made the stars, the mountains, and even you chose to live with us. He sent Jesus so we could know His love up close and personal. This Advent, let’s celebrate Immanuel, the greatest gift of all, and remember that God is always with us.
Questions:
What does the name “Immanuel” mean?
Why is it special that God chose to be with us through Jesus?
How can we celebrate God’s presence in our lives this Christmas?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for being Immanuel, God with us. Help us to remember that You are always near, and help us to share Your love with others. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Make an ornament that says “Immanuel: God With Us.” Hang it on your tree as a reminder of God’s presence during this Christmas season.
Full Bible Reference:
“All this happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which means, “God with us.”’ When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife.”
– Matthew 1:22-24 (EHV)
A Light for the Nations
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
Bible Verse:
“I will make you a light for the nations, to bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
– Isaiah 49:6 (EHV)
Devotion:
Have you ever been in charge of holding a flashlight during a camping trip or power outage? It’s a big job! Without the light, it’s hard for everyone to see where they’re going. In this verse, God tells His people that they’re like a flashlight for the world. He chose them to show others His love and lead them to salvation through Jesus.
Today, God still calls us to be lights in a world that can feel pretty dark. When we share kindness, love, and hope, we’re pointing others to Jesus, the brightest light of all. So this Advent, let’s remember to shine God’s love everywhere we go!
Questions:
What does it mean to be a “light for the nations”?
How can we shine God’s love in our daily lives?
Who can you share God’s light with this week?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for making us lights in this world. Help us to shine Your love brightly and bring others closer to You. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Make a “light map.” Draw your house or town and write ways you can be a light to people around you, like helping a neighbor or showing kindness to a classmate.
Full Bible Reference:
“He said to me: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to reestablish the tribes of Jacob and to restore the ones I have preserved in Israel, so I will make you a light for the nations, to bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
– Isaiah 49:6-7 (EHV)
God’s Mighty Hand
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
Bible Verse:
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
– Deuteronomy 20:4 (EHV)
Devotion:
Have you ever faced something that felt like a big, scary battle? Maybe it wasn’t a real fight, but it could’ve been something hard like learning a new skill, standing up to a bully, or dealing with a fear. The Israelites knew all about battles, and God reminded them over and over that they weren’t fighting alone. He was right there with them, giving them victory!
God does the same for us today. He fights for us in ways we can’t even see—helping us through challenges, protecting us, and reminding us that His strength is always greater than anything we face. So the next time life feels like a battle, remember that God is on your side, and with Him, you’ve already won.
Questions:
Who did God promise to fight for in this verse?
What are some “battles” you’ve faced where you’ve needed God’s help?
How can we trust God to give us victory in hard situations?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for going with us and fighting for us. Help us to trust Your mighty hand and remember that You are always on our side. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Make a “Victory Shield” out of paper or cardboard. Decorate it with the words “God is my strength” and use it as a reminder of how God fights for us.
Full Bible Reference:
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Deuteronomy 20:4-5 (EHV)
Amelia and Cleaning Chores
Chapter Fifteen: Spark Learns About Cleaning Day
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the Stratton family had gathered in the living room, ready to tackle an all-hands-on-deck cleaning day. Or at least, that was the plan.
“Okay, team,” Mom said, holding a clipboard and pointing at a hastily drawn chore chart. “Here’s how this works. Everyone has assignments, and we’re not stopping until this house sparkles.”
“Did someone say ‘sparkles’?” Spark chirped, her horn glowing as she shimmered into view on the back of the couch.
“No,” Mom said firmly, narrowing her eyes.
“But I’m very good at sparkles!” Spark said, tossing her mane.
Mom sighed. “Spark, this is a cleaning day, not a ‘cover everything in glitter’ day.”
“Noted,” Spark said with a mischievous grin that made Amelia nervous.
The Assignments
Mom started handing out tasks.
“Elias, you’re in charge of vacuuming the upstairs.”
“Why me?” Elias groaned.
“Because I’m not trusting you with cleaning supplies downstairs after the spaghetti incident,” Mom replied.
Amelia smirked. “Fair.”
“Amelia, you’ve got the kitchen,” Mom continued.
“Fine,” Amelia said, grabbing a sponge.
“Iris is helping me with dusting,” Mom added, glancing at the preschooler, who was already attempting to wear a feather duster as a hat.
“And Dad?” Amelia asked.
“I’m writing about all of this for the book,” Dad said from the corner, scribbling in his notebook.
Mom glared at him. “After you clean the bathrooms.”
“Right,” Dad said quickly, setting down his pen.
Spark’s Contribution
Spark decided to “help” Amelia in the kitchen, which immediately proved to be a mistake.
“Amelia Jean,” Spark said, inspecting the pile of dishes in the sink, “you mortals have such outdated cleaning methods. Allow me.”
“No, Spark,” Amelia said, but it was too late.
With a flash of her horn, Spark zapped the dishes. They began scrubbing themselves in midair, spinning like tiny whirlpools of soapy chaos.
“Spark!” Amelia shouted as one plate flew past her head. “This is not helping!”
“Sure it is,” Spark said proudly.
“Mom’s going to kill us,” Amelia muttered, grabbing a towel and trying to catch the flying dishes.
The Vacuum Incident
Upstairs, Elias was wrestling with the vacuum cleaner, which had suddenly started moving on its own.
“Why is this thing alive?!” Elias yelled as the vacuum zigzagged wildly across the carpet.
Spark poked her head into the room. “You’re welcome.”
“Spark, I don’t need help!” Elias shouted, chasing the vacuum as it darted under the bed.
“You’re right,” Spark said. “You need inspiration.”
“WHAT I NEED,” Elias said, grabbing the vacuum cord, “IS FOR THIS TO STOP!”
The vacuum finally came to a halt, and Elias collapsed onto the floor, glaring at Spark.
“Fine,” Spark said, rolling her eyes. “Do it your boring way.”
Iris and the Feather Duster
Meanwhile, Iris had fully embraced her role as the “dusting assistant.”
“Mommy,” Iris said, waving the feather duster like a wand, “I’m making the dust go bye-bye!”
Mom smiled. “Good job, Iris!”
Spark, who had joined them in the living room, watched with interest. “Iris, have you considered upgrading your method?”
Iris blinked. “Upgrade?”
With a flick of her horn, Spark turned the feather duster into a glowing, animated mop that danced across the furniture.
“Spark,” Mom said warningly, “what did I just say about magic?”
“It’s efficient,” Spark said defensively as the mop began twirling around the coffee table.
“Undo it. Now,” Mom said.
Spark sighed but complied, the mop turning back into an ordinary feather duster.
The Final Stretch
By the time the chores were done, the house was mostly clean—aside from a few stray glitter trails left behind by Spark’s “enhancements.”
“Good job, everyone,” Mom said, collapsing onto the couch with a cup of tea.
“Define ‘good,’” Elias muttered, brushing glitter out of his hair.
Amelia sat at the kitchen table, glaring at Spark. “You made this ten times harder than it needed to be.”
“Correction,” Spark said, lounging on the counter. “I made it ten times more fabulous.”
Dad grinned from his writing corner. “Definitely going in the book.”
“Of course it is,” Mom said, rolling her eyes.
The End (or the beginning of Spark’s cleaning service…)
Disclosure: These prose were written with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4o.
God’s Faithfulness
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
Bible Verse:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”
– Lamentations 3:22-23 (EHV)
Devotion:
Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to go wrong? Maybe your toast burned, you tripped over your shoelaces, or you got a math question totally wrong. The good news is, God’s love and mercy are brand new every single morning!
Jeremiah, who wrote these verses, knew life could be really hard. But he also knew that God never gives up on us. His faithfulness is like the sunrise—always there, always beautiful, and always a reminder that each day is a fresh start. So if today feels tough, remember: tomorrow brings new mercies, and God’s love never runs out.
Questions:
What does it mean that God’s love and mercy are new every morning?
How can we trust in God’s faithfulness even when life is hard?
What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for Your love and mercy that never run out. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness and remember that every day is a new beginning with You. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Draw a picture of a sunrise and write “God’s Mercies Are New Every Morning” on it. Hang it where you can see it every day as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Full Bible Reference:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. My soul says, ‘The Lord is my portion. Therefore, I will hope in him.’”
– Lamentations 3:22-24 (EHV)
A Savior is Born
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
Bible Verse:
“For today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.”
– Luke 2:11 (EHV)
Devotion:
Do you know what makes Christmas so special? It’s not the lights, the presents, or even the cookies—though those are pretty great! Christmas is about celebrating the most amazing gift ever: Jesus. When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he had exciting news—God’s promised Savior was finally here!
That news wasn’t just for the shepherds or the people in Bethlehem. It’s for everyone! Jesus came to save the whole world, including you. This Christmas, as you look at the twinkling lights and open your presents, take a moment to remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus, our Savior.
Questions:
Who did the angel tell the shepherds had been born?
Why is Jesus called the Savior?
How can we celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the greatest gift of all. Help us to celebrate You this Christmas and share Your love with others. Amen.
Activity Idea:
Wrap an empty box and write “Jesus is the greatest gift” on the outside. Place it under the tree as a reminder of what Christmas is all about.
Full Bible Reference:
“For today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.’”
– Luke 2:11-14 (EHV)