• Faith on Fire

    Faith Expectations: Learning to look heavenward.

    Contributed by Liz Hunt We have spent this month talking about expectations. We have defined them, looked at day-to-day expectations and family expectations. Now we turn to faith expectations. As Christians, what should expectations should we have for our faith. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we wait expectantly for things we have never seen, then we hope with true perseverance and eager anticipation.” Clearly, the focus of our expectations should be eternal. When our expectations are oriented toward the heavenly we rest in the hope of forever with our Lord. I have to be honest here. I get sidetracked from the heavenly and get stuck in the earthly quite often.…

  • Family First

    Family Expectations: We are all unique.

    Contributed by Jessica Clemens If you are a first-time reader, you may not realize how important our family connection is to us. For those of you who have been following us, you know that most of what we do in life involves our family, or that time for family is what we strive for. Our blog is written by three sisters from three different walks of life. We have very diverse careers, are parenting at different stages in life, and have husbands that couldn’t be more different! However, there is one thread that keeps us close and that is family. Family connections can be tough for some. We often hear…

  • Intentional Living

    Expectations: Day-to-Day

    Contributed by Carrie Guthmiller As I go about my day-to-day life, I have to-do lists that I need to, have to, and would like to accomplish each day. Each of you reading this has your own day-to-day to-do lists. As you read this article in the back of your mind you may even be thinking about them. Our to-do lists are our expectations of what and how the day should look like. I would like each of you to take a step back from your to-do lists and day to day expectations for a moment and read this verse:  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares…

  • Faith on Fire

    Right expectations.

    Webster’s Merriam Dictionary defines expectation as anticipation, assurance, or something expected. I have alternatively heard expectations referred to as “premeditated resentments”. Have you ever expected your spouse to do something and they didn’t? Or your coworker to hold up their end of a project and they didn’t? Or your child to pick up their room and they didn’t? Our reactions often include resentment, disappointment, and frustration. But, is it wrong to have expectations of our spouses, coworkers, children, or others in our lives? No. In fact, God’s word clearly defines expectations for a number of roles including spouse, employee, and parent. The word also outlines expectations for how a believer…

  • Devotionals

    Changing Leaves: A Devotional

    Contributed by Jessica Clemens We have experienced an amazing fall here in our area. After a warm, dry summer, we continue to enjoy summer-like days and have an extended growing season in our gardens. We typically have had a frost or two by now or even a hard freeze on most years. The forecast, for now, looks to be at least another two weeks of great weather meaning I will be canning well into November! As much as I am enjoying this fall, I know that each year will be different and things are always changing. Like the leaves that begin to change colors in the fall to prepare for…