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Farewell 2024! Bible Plan for 2025

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Hi Friends,

We have less than 24 hours left in 2024. I wish I could say I got in the best shape of my life, read more than ever or exceeded some writing goal. But I did finish my Bible reading plan, and there’s great satisfaction in sticking with it the whole year! I have gotten behind and given up every other time I have tried it, sadly. What was the difference? Two things: (1) I used this 5-day plan so if you do get behind you have the weekend to catch up; and (2) Almost everyday I listened to the reading while reading along. This was huge for me. I feel like my absorption with seeing AND hearing went way up. The Bible says much about how we need to “hear” and “keep.” And obviously most of the early church members did a lot more hearing than reading. We are blessed to so easily do both! I used this free Bible app which has the audio of various translations. I pulled that up and used my physical Bible to follow along. For me, this was a game changer.

I was also amazed by how much stories and struggles from Scripture parallel today. At least a couple of times a week I would come across a verse or snippet that felt so much like what’s going on in my life or in the world at large. The plan’s organization meant you were reading one of the Gospels every couple of months, a couple of Psalms every week, and both the New and Old Testament daily. Oftentimes the readings all address a similar theme. I was in awe of how this particular structure reinforced the unified message of the Bible: He created us, He redeems us, He is with us. We are called to trust Him, love Him, surrender to Him and live joyful lives full of gratitude.

In sum, I could not love that Bible plan more. But, I am changing things up not because of the plan but because of me. Unless I had something early, like 6:30 am Bible study on Fridays, I mostly read the Bible within an hour or so of waking up. I’d often exercise first, but crank out the readings before getting ready for the day. The key word there is “crank.” Sometimes, especially in the midst of some of the harder Old Testament books, I felt like I was checking a box and sometimes walked away with a sort of bewildered feeling. I want my mornings to be more contemplative. I don’t want to feel like I’m banging it out. My plan this year is to use Paul David Tripp’s Everyday Gospel. It has a reading plan but then also a devotional. He’s fantastic. So I am excited about that. I’m going to do this later in the day, maybe even consistently right before bed.

My new goal for 2025 is to start my mornings with a snippet of Scripture and my prayer journal, meditating and praying instead of rushing through a larger portion of Scripture. This practice is sometimes called Lectio Divina and here is an explanation from Tom Tarrants of the C.S. Lewis Institute.

Psalm 119:15 says “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” This is my goal for 2025. I’d love it if you’d join me. Either way, I hope you have a lovely time today reflecting on this past year and looking forward to knowing and serving God better in 2025. I hope we can spur each other on!

Blessings,

Kristie

January Meditations

  • January 1st -4th 1 John 3:1-3
  • January 5th – 11th John 17:20-26
  • January 12th-18th Ephesians 1:3-10
  • January 19th-25th 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
  • January 26th-February 1st Colossians 1:15-20

Christmas Spirit Hacks

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Hi Friends,

I have not been feeling very Christmas-y? I haven’t been reading any advent devotional with regularity — only a few here and there. I haven’t been listening to enough Christmas music either. One trip to the mall left me feeling kind of sad. The convenience of modern life with Amazon delivering whatever, whenever has pretty much ruined the mall. Golly it was fun to shop and dream about getting and giving gifts. Movies too are just not what they were before the “upgrade” of streaming. I guess I’ve been wishing for the days of old in some ways.

But I have had such a wonderful day! This morning I went to a ladies Christmas brunch for church. I love multigenerational gatherings. I met a woman who was in my sorority and graduated from my same college — except she graduated 40 years before me. I also held a friend’s new baby for at least half an hour. These sweet moments are not marred by technology. They are the same yesterday, today and forever. Just like Jesus. I also wore a $20 sequined shirt I bought at TJ Maxx. I got so many compliments on my festive shirt and partook in so much yummy food. Such a wonderful Christmas-y morning.

When I got home, I read a text from my best friend from 6th grade. It made me laugh till my face hurt. She was making me aware that I had accidentally reposted her cousin’s “story,” which had something to do with her firstborn buying a car. Now I don’t really know this person — certainly never met the son — and I of course have no idea how I reposted this. I neither watch nor understand stories. My only other “story” was also an accident — it was a parmesan chicken recipe a couple years ago. But can you imagine what she thought when she saw I had reposted hers? Do you think she’s going to pursue some kind of social media restraining order? I don’t know when I have a had a better laugh.

Clearly, my views on the mall and my propensity for inexplicable social media faux pas suggest, at heart, I’m more 82 than 52. But I will tell you that a fun Christmas gathering and a laugh-till-you-cry interaction with your friend of forty years are sure paths to festive vibes.

Proverbs says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,  and one who waters will himself be watered.” (11:26 ESV). Today, my soul was watered by celebrating with friends, holding a precious newborn, meeting a lovely older woman and cracking up with an old friend. Hopefully tomorrow I can be a blessing to or “water” someone else.

Blessings,

Kristie

Esther, Mordecai and Bhattacharya

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Hi Friends,

When is the last time you read the Book of Esther? We tend to hear mostly about Esther’s courage and the principle that there are moments in life where we are called to a specific task. For such a time as this.

But when I read Esther last week as part of my Bible reading plan I was struck by how humiliating the course of events proved for Haman. One day he was a powerful advisor to the king, plotting to kill Jews throughout the kingdom, and the next thing you know he is having to lead Mordecai (the Jewish man Haman hated the most) through the streets for the people to honor Mordecai. Talk about a stunning turn of events. Haman hoped to discredit Mordecai and have him killed. Then the tables turned in the most surprising and poetic way possible. When Mordecai was led through the square in royal robes, at the King’s direction, Haman was forced to call out: “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” Esther 6:11b (ESV).

Such poetic justice can even happen today: the fact that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is headed to lead NIH is downright Mordecai-esque. The Wall Street Journal had a lovely piece on him this weekend that is worth your time. Bhattacharya credits his Christian faith for being able to endure the onslaught of attacks, but the stress of it all was still very disruptive. For example, he lost a lot of sleep and thirty pounds. I am just thrilled that he is tasked with bringing credibility and objectivity back to NIH. I’ll certainly be praying for his success. I have not met the man but, like many others, so valued his voice of reason during the pandemic.

Maybe you have something in your life where you just feel like there’s no way out. Perhaps there’s something discouraging you to the point of hopelessness. Can I suggest you read through the book of Esther today? Put yourself in Mordecai’s shoes. Imagine facing not only your demise but the elimination of your entire family. But God found a way. His resolution was gripping and dramatic, and instead of being killed, Mordecai was greatly honored and elevated to power. It’s a great story. It’s hard not to smile as you read it.

Of course Mordecai’s story doesn’t hold a candle to the greatest story. The greatest story is that the Person the Hamans of the world came to kill actually died, even though He was innocent. Mordecai beat death, temporarily, but Jesus willingly died on the cross. By paying the price for our sins and rising again, He beat death forever! You may have a Mordecai story in this life and witness justice on a grand scale. But even if you don’t, the perfect and eternal justice bought by Jesus is offered to you. Have you accepted His robe of righteousness? Unlike Mordecai’s royal robe, you won’t ever have to take it off.

Blessings,

Kristie

Finishing Strong!

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Hi Friends,

I had some specific goals for 2024. You probably did as well. Now, with just 27 days left, how did you do? I have gained weight and essentially reached none of my goals. I kicked a bar stool in my kitchen and broke a toe in March. Then three weeks ago I tripped on a brisk walk and road rash claimed most of my left knee. Minor setbacks, but they can be terribly discouraging when you are in a routine. Since I am not a naturally disciplined person, minor disruptions tend to feel more defeating than they probably should. So 2024 has been a bust for me on a number of fronts.

On the other hand I have been crushing my Bible reading plan. I’ve also spent a lot of time being with people. From teaching 5th graders to a mini-semester of Sunday school to lots of Bible study. I’ve grown closer to two new-ish friends who are both 86. I’ve shared meals and laughs with these two and been inspired by their zest and determination. We’ve had lots of out-of-town guests, and I’ve taken quite a few trips which allowed me to connect with some old favorites and spend time with my four best guys. On top of that, my baby is a senior. He’s been such an easy, funny and faithful companion for me that I am trying to soak up his presence all I can.

The Bible says everything passes away: money, status, health — everything our culture prizes. In fact, there are only two exceptions. Things from this world that will last forever: people and God’s Word.

Ecclesiastes 3:11b says that God “has put eternity into man’s heart.” C.S. Lewis famously said that none of us has ever met a mere mortal. People are destined for eternity, that is certain. The only unknown is where they will spend it.

The Bible also teaches that “the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 Peter 1:25a.

So yes I wish I had better results from all the miles and gym time I’ve logged this year. I wish I had made more progress on some vocational goals. I wish I had taken up baking sourdough. I really wish I would’ve devoted more time to writing. I wish my MacBook hadn’t died and took some of my writing with it. But none of the time I’ve spent in God’s word or with people has been wasted. And the same is true for you.

I’m hoping to make the best of this year’s last few days — cranking out some sit-ups, wolfing down some carrots, pounding out some miles, but I’m also going to remember the blessings of a great year of committed Bible reading and time with people. I’m grateful these treasures are forever.

Blessings,

Kristie

P.S.

The picture above is from Thanksgiving Day where I had occasion to enjoy not ten toes in the sand, which is something I can do almost any time, but ten feet. What a gift! I think I say this every year but I cannot recommend Thanksgiving at the beach highly enough.

P.S.S.

I did a google search when I was brainstorming this post. I think there are some great things happening in the world right now and this search result buoys my soul. Let’s keep praying for an all out revival.

P.S.S.

Bought myself an early Christmas gift. Thinking about using this Bible for my reading plan next year. Do you have a plan picked out for 2025? I’d love to hear about it.


A New Formula for Nuclear Energy?

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Hi Friends,

It is freshly-squeezed orange juice season in Florida. The OJ pictured above is literally $15 per gallon and I can testify that it is worth every delicious penny. It’s like sunshine in a glass. I am utterly obsessed! I am also obsessed with this little water bottle that my son, an SEC athlete, gave me. Since I have two favorite SEC schools, and may add a third Fall 2025, it is just perfect for me. But today I found out that combining OJ and my SEC bottle may cause a nuclear reaction.

Last Thursday I left my beloved bottle — half filled with orange juice — at Bible study. I meant to swing by and get it during the week but I never did. I had no idea such a mistake would cause a near death experience. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the force with which it exploded upon untwisting was many many many orders of magnitude stronger than the most intense champagne uncorking you’ve ever witnessed. Plus this “cork” is metal. David killed Goliath with a stone to the head, and so I praise God that somehow no one was injured. I mean the ceiling is scarred but you’d have to know where to look to see it. Once again my life is marked by grace upon grace!

But you know what else is a dangerously atomic combination? Godlessness and political fervor. I have strong political convictions and I always vote. But no matter the outcome, I know God is sovereign. In fact, even when things haven’t been decided how I may have liked, I have been blessed to see how God has used certain aspects to grow me personally. I believe God is at work in my life no matter who sits in the Oval Office. I believe the calling on my life to be invested in the people where I live is the same no matter who controls the Senate. I am certain we were never intended to have our identities wrapped up in politics. The meltdowns confirm that something is really wrong.

I am praying that a revival breaks out in our country — that all people would stop pretending that their “works” earn them anything. Instead may we daily adopt a posture of gratitude. Guess what? We woke up today. We live in a free and prosperous country. More importantly, Jesus died for our sins. Our works don’t mean a thing, but He wants to wrap us in His completed work. We don’t have to do anything — it is done. When we accept His offer, we can rest in His robe of righteousness.

Look with skepticism on those who want to push you towards victimhood, or towards identifying with a group. Reject identifying with a voting bloc or even an oppressed group. You are you unique. You were knit together with love and intention in your mother’s womb. You are loved beyond measure because you are YOU, made in the image of your Creator. No one “sees you” like He does. No one loves you like He does. Every single person on this earth will disappoint you. But you don’t have to be devastated by that when you find your identity in Christ.

He will never leave you nor forsake you. And His love is the more powerful, more transformative than nuclear energy. His love is the most powerful thing that exists. Why would you reject that?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only 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. John 3: 16-17

With Love,

Kristie

Misinformation Revisited

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Hey Friends,

I wrote the post below in 2021, but the issue is ongoing. If we aren’t careful we are going to lose the First Amendment. Censorship, disregard for life and a slew of other issues I care deeply about are on the ballot. I do not take for granted that I have a say in the process — voted today in fact. Hideous angle on a beautiful day, but it documents our tropical “I voted” stickers.

*******

Has your automobile passenger ever gotten you a speeding ticket? I realize it sounds improbable, maybe even impossible, but it happened. A few weeks ago Will and I left Raleigh, North Carolina at the crack of dawn to drive back to Chattanooga. He drove the first shift. I took over around 8 a.m. On Saturday mornings Will loves to watch English Premier League soccer, and so I sailed through the mountains of North Carolina while he watched soccer.

We were passing through Asheville when I noticed a navy blue Dodge Charger on my right. It occurred to me that it could be an unmarked police officer. I asked Will to look and see if it was a cop. I pulled up next to the car. Will examined the driver and confirmed it was not. I accelerated on by.

About 60 seconds later I exclaimed, “It WAS a cop!”

“How do you know?” Will asked.

“Because he’s pulling me over!”

If you pull up next to a cop, have your passenger stare them down and then pass on by, that’s a foolproof recipe for a speeding ticket. You need not even be going way over the posted limit.

Talk about misinformation: Nah, that’s not a cop.

He was in full uniform, including a wide-brimmed trooper hat. But we make mistakes. It’s part of being human. The idea that we can eliminate misinformation is a scary premise. Do you think there’s a group of people who should decide which narrative is the truth for you? Even if we could assume pure motives, which of course we can’t, people are flawed. The human who most cherishes me, who is most invested in my happiness and well-being, made a costly mistake. He’s the best-case-scenario and yet still capable — rare as it may be — of giving me misinformation.

Shouldn’t we just want information and acknowledge some of it is good and some bad? News outlets are mostly propaganda machines, spewing lie after lie. Government officials and organizations likewise are increasingly unreliable. So-called “experts” are even worse. It almost feels like the truth is unknowable.

But alas it’s not that dire. The Truth is a Person and His name is Jesus. He is the same yesterday today and forever. And He loves you.

We also have Bibles. We can compare the information of the day with the eternal truth of God’s Word. Do you do that? Do you pray for discernment? Do you assume the information you are given is true? Or do you filter it through a biblical lens? We are made in God’s image and we can reason through things. I find it astounding how people don’t even ask the most obvious of questions. They just accept the narrative.

Let’s take even the simplest example. In 2020, a universe changing discovery was made: cloth masks stop respiratory viruses.

Think about that. We put men on the moon fifty years before the virus stopping cloth mask was “invented”? It defies credulity. That would be like the iPhone coming before the wheel. Yet it would seem many have accepted this misinformation as truth without batting an eye.

But no matter the topic, thoughtful questions can quickly reveal nuances. Unexamined, surface- level analysis will never lead to wisdom and it doesn’t even seem the intent. The intent is more like “Here’s what you need to believe. No data nor discussion required. No questions allowed. Oh, but here’s a new show on Netflix. Enjoy.”

In the 21st Century, the unquestioning passivity of the masses is easily accomplished. But we weren’t made to live like that. As image-bearers we are called to much more.

How can you use your knowledge and intellect to ask good questions? How can you discern between good and bad information? How can you resist the scare tactics of authoritarianism? How can you use your God-given gifts to serve your community? Ponder these always applicable verses, and have a fabulous and discerning weekend.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

*******

What are some 2024 examples of “misinformation”? In the aftermath of the horrific destruction from Hurricane Helene, President Biden remarked that some people think the government controls the weather. What do you think about that? I have no idea the extent to which the weather is modified, but I think it’s beyond absurd to think no one is trying to influence the weather. Think about how brainwashed you’d have to be to believe that we send people into space, we can communicate instantaneously with anyone anywhere via video, we have been transplanting human organs since the 1950’s, but nope, no one has ever tried to modify weather. Yet that appears to be the official narrative despite easily accessible evidence to the contrary. I hope you’ve noticed that the “narrative” often has zero basis in fact, much less logic. Praying for revival to break out in our country and around the world.

With Love,

Kristie

The Camel that Broke the Straw

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Hi Friends,

Today I had lunch with a friend. We went to a “tea room” after Bible study. It’s a charming little place with yummy food and an attentive staff. We were sitting near a woman talking on the phone. I heard her say, “It was the camel that broke the straw…or whatever the expression is.” I didn’t acknowledge that I’d heard it or anything, but I found that so amusing. The tiny incremental burden of another piece of straw is such a funny contrast to a camel breaking the straw!

Yet I can easily see myself saying something like that. Not long ago I was observing a pair of Danish boys climb out of the car for school.

“See you later,” one called out to his mother.

I found this so interesting that I couldn’t resist. “Do you always speak English at home?” I asked.

“Yes,” the handsome teenager confirmed.

I was so confused. “Why?” I prodded.

“English is the only language we know,” he answered.

Yep! Turns out these boys look like the boys from Denmark, but they were American. I asked Caucasian American boys why they speak English at home! They probably thought, “That tall lady has issues.”

I’m sure the woman on the phone in the tea room was probably humbled by how she mangled the expression. I was certainly humbled by my little inquiry of the non-Danish boys.

Do you have something that has humbled you recently? How have you had an opportunity to extend grace to someone who messed up? Even small embarrassments are opportunities to acknowledge we are imperfect. And overlooking slight offenses also trains us to be forgiving.

Proverbs warns that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (16:18). May we heed the warning.

Ponder these words from The Valley of Vision: “Destroy in me every lofty thought, Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds, Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness, Implant in me true lowliness of spirit.”

The Puritans knew how to bang out some strong verbs for lasting effect! Yes, Lord destroy, break, annihilate and scatter what is impure in me, and instead implant your Spirit.

Blessings,

Kristie

(pictured above my pumpkin chai latte at the tea room)

Storms and Wars

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Hi Friends,

I cannot believe it has been more than a month since I last posted. I have a few excuses. For one, my computer died. It is still in the shop but the technician told me he’s pretty sure it is “toast.” Since I am a hopelessly disorganized person and start writing projects on a whim, I actually do not know what all I’m losing. Fortunately, much of my writing is in the cloud. And I’m pretty sure all my pictures are recoverable.

After the last month though it is hard to even think this qualifies as a problem. Given what others are facing, a computer is an infinitesimal blip on the screen. So many people have had their lives ravaged by disaster. Someone I love is dealing with a tremendous loss due to cancer. Everywhere you look people are hurting and lonely. And the storms just keep coming. Wars and rumors of wars just keep coming. It’s almost like we can’t solve any of our problems. It’s almost like we need a Savior.

Fortunately, God loves us so much — despite all our shortcomings —that He sent His Son to save us. Jesus solves our ultimate problem. Jesus bridges the gap between us and God by paying for our sins. He gives us peace that passes all understanding. He is the loving Shepherd who makes a way through all the destruction and pain. I am praying for revival in our country. I am praying that all this pain will amplify the Still Small Voice which says:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I hope your soul knows His rest.

With Love,

Kristie

P.S. Thank you to the many friends who have checked up on us. The tornadoes which formed in the outer bands of Hurricane Milton have caused devastation near us, but we did not sustain any damage. In fact, yesterday morning I walked on a peaceful beach with a cup of coffee and ended up finding many of my favorite shells — a whole overflowing cup. A picture of grace upon grace.

Glory in the Paradox

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Friends,

I heard a snippet of a podcast the other day that talked about how the inaugural addresses of U.S. presidents have consistently been aimed at audiences that are less and less sophisticated. This isn’t a surprise. The dumbing down is inarguable.

President Washington began his first inaugural speech with these words: “Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present month.”

President Biden began his inaugural with these words: “This is America’s day.”

Schools are not going to play any role in restoring the public’s ability to communicate at Washington’s level. Schools played no role in the public’s abilities in Washington’s day either. It wasn’t education — it was just reading. Still though, it feels sad, doesn’t it? I don’t like the idea of being dumber — a lot dumber — than people hundreds of years ago. Do you?

This is one reason why I think we should be reading the Puritans. Many of the ideas are complex and worthy of contemplation. Consider this excerpt from the Valley of Vision:

“Let me learn by paradox…that the way down is the way up…that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit…that to have nothing is to possess all.”

Grappling with these ideas requires time and concentration. May we take our faith seriously, knowing that God intended us to use the intellect we’ve been given.

Praise be to his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen. Psalm 72:19

With Love,

Kristie

No Enemies?

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Friends,

Do you have enemies? Most of my life I would have considered such a question absurd. I mean sure there have probably been a few people who hate my laugh, or find my personality grating. But that would have been the extent of it for the majority of my life. The last decade has been different though.

Thomas Aquinas defined loving someone as to will their good. Sadly, a whole group of people actively did just the opposite. I am not being dramatic, and honestly having enemies requires an odd season of adjustment — it takes a minute for it to sink in. Fortunately, in many ways the experience has made me a better person. I can testify to how profoundly important it is to pray for your enemies. I can also praise God for His protection in the last decade like never before. He has hid me and mine in the cleft of the rock. He has gone before and behind in such loving ways, unexpectedly turning what others meant for evil into blessing beyond what I would ask or think.

In Psalm 23 we read that God prepared a table for David in the presence of his enemies. But wasn’t David a man after God’s own heart? Why would a man after God’s own heart have enemies? Of course, David was a sinner, but Jesus wasn’t. Yet Jesus had enemies despite there being no one on earth He wronged in any way.

You may be someone who has never had an enemy. Or maybe you have taken a bold stand that has earned you a plethora of enemies. Or maybe you are like me, and having enemies at all has come as a surprise. No matter where you stand, I hope it’s a comfort to know that God often sets a table of blessing right there in front of your enemies.

The most important thing — whether you are in green pastures or feeling the heat from haters — is to know your Shepherd. May we cling to Him through the joys of life and not wait until we find ourselves in need. May we consistently recognize the truth each and every day: The Lord is my shepherd.

Blessings,

Kristie