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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

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

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 Puritan Family

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Hi Friends,

Can you believe it’s August? It’s funny August use to mean wrapping up swim team and a relaxing month before my little boys went back to school the Wednesday after Labor Day. August used to be a month to vacation and breathe easy. Now, August marks the end of summer. For the first time, we took our family vacation to Michigan in June. Although July was lovely, it still felt like the most fun thing was behind us. Not sure I like that schedule. My dream is to spend the whole summer in Michigan.

But today I am launching a series on writings from the Puritans. If you have not read any Puritan authors I trust you’ll be blessed to see the richness of their language and the depth of their faith. Many people have recommended The Valley of Vision to me over the years. I’m actually not even sure when I ordered it, but it has been sitting around for a good bit and then last week I had a lovely beach day with a sweet pal of mine. Our husbands have been tight buds since kindergarten and we all got married young. She mentioned how much she has been loving The Valley of Vision. I decided I’d start reading it and blogging about it.

Today I read an entry entitled The Family. Here are some excerpts:

Help me to hate and forsake every false way…O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred. Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory…Grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love.

Maybe one way to counteract the praise song repetition, the uniformity of language generally, is to read these authors. Plus, the sweetness of the faith! How can you not love it?

Yes, Lord, yes. As time with family in the summer of 2024 comes to a close, may “those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory.”

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3

A few of you may remember that sweet song our little ones sang at school in the early 2010’s. It is indeed: “For His glory. It’s for His praise.”

With Love,

Kristie

What Does the Fool Say?

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Hi Friends,

I hope you’ve had a fabulous Tuesday. I snapped the picture above on a walk with my man this morning and I just wrapped up a steak dinner grilled by my middle son who has recently taken on the role of grillmaster. These are the bookends of a very lovely day. God is good.

In my much beloved Bible reading plan, I read Psalm 53 this morning. Do you know the opening line? It is a familiar one, and the title of this blog is a hint: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 53:1 (ESV).

How could one walk along the beach at sunrise and think there is no God? How could one marvel at the comfort of love and think there is no God? How could one cuddle a newborn babe and think there is no God? How could one smell a sizzling steak off the grill, delivered by one who was seemingly just a newborn himself and think there is no God?

It’s foolishness, utter foolishness.

Yet my eyes are not opened as a result of my own effort. I am not able to recognize such foolishness because I am smart, as tempting as it may be to sometimes feel that way. The truth is that even my faith is a gift from God. I can take credit for nothing. All glory and honor belongs to the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

I hope when we look around and see the many who say in their hearts “there is no God,” we pray for them instead of condemning them.

With Love,

Kristie

Jackson Five Friday: “Baby Coming”

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My Friends,

I haven’t posted on my blog for over two years. In 2022 I gave Substack a whirl and it was the right platform for the right time. In fact, I could not have known what a comfort it would be to write only for my people (subscribers) in that season of life. I demonetized it as the end of 2023, and planned to write more on other projects. I cannot overstate how epically I have failed on this front. I either self-impose deadlines and structure, or I simply don’t write. So, I’ve been thinking about how to get myself back to writing more regularly. I enjoy the process of writing so much, and I invariably walk away with greater clarity, so it is selfish in its fulfillment as well. I am going to start writing here again twice a week (even if the posts are super short). On Tuesdays I’m going to do a series on the Psalms and then onThursdays I’m going to do a series on the Puritans. Psalms and Puritans may sound dry, but I’m excited to convince you otherwise!

As for today, Happy Friday. If you have followed my blog from years ago, you know that I did a series called Jackson Five Friday for about a decade. I used funny stories from my boys and life in general. I now have four giant volumes of my old posts — they are like Jackson family yearbooks. But the problem is my sons are all grown up — the youngest is a senior this year. They are still funny, but certainly don’t want me blogging about them, understandably. Will and I are not quite as entertaining, so Psalms and Puritans it is!

Of course everyday life always gives me ample experiences to write about. This morning I saw a woman putting caution tape around some trees.

“Baby coming,” she said. And I looked down. Yes, a baby agave plant was sprouting up next to the adult agave plant. She was taking precaution to protect this new little life from pedestrians who might cut the corner. Her loving concern for this baby plant has been on my mind all morning.

What a contrast to our world! I am praying today and in the days ahead that new human life, that all human life, will be cherished and protected. I am also praying for the protection of my own well-being. The evil of those who throw away every shred of caution tape can get me feeling down and defeated.

May we remember that God knit us together in our mothers’ wombs and in His own image. We are of infinite worth, as is the person who drives you most crazy. Plus, we know how this all ends.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more.’ Revelation 21:3-4a

With Love,

Kristie