Ah, the New Year—a fresh start, a blank page in the journal of life, and the perfect time to buy a planner you’ll stop using by March. (No judgment here; my 2023 planner is now a glorified grocery list.) But instead of chasing fleeting resolutions, let’s prioritize what matters most: spiritual goals rooted in scripture.Continue reading “Grow in God’s Grace: Spiritual Goals for the New Year”
Author Archives: melissaelsner
A Merry Christmas to You
Merry Christmas, dear friends! What a beautiful time of year this is! Among the lights, the aroma of cookies, and the sound of carols, we celebrate something greater—the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Over 2,000 years ago, in the quiet town of Bethlehem, God’s ultimate gift arrived in the most humble way. Jesus, theContinue reading “A Merry Christmas to You”
Grief and the Holidays: Finding Hope in the Tension
The Christmas season looks different this year—and forever will. December 16th marks one year since my dad went to be with the Lord, leaving an ache I never imagined. With his passing so close to Christmas, a time once defined by joy and togetherness is now tangled with deep grief. How do you navigate griefContinue reading “Grief and the Holidays: Finding Hope in the Tension”
Through the Hymns: Christmas Edition – O Come, O Come Emmanuel
The Advent season always brings to mind the quiet beauty of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Growing up in my Lutheran church, this hymn seemed to set the tone for the entire season. The grand organ’s low, resonant notes created an atmosphere of reverence and hope. The congregation’s voices, united in the hymn’s hauntingly beautifulContinue reading “Through the Hymns: Christmas Edition – O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle?
This post is part of a series exploring popular Christian sayings, examining them through the lens of Scripture to uncover truth and encourage Biblical thinking. At some point, someone may have told you, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Perhaps it was said during a difficult time, intended to offer comfort andContinue reading “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle?”