Aru Shah and the End of Time

Brief overview:

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah wants nothing more than to fit in at school, but sometimes she lets her imagination take things too far. When some peers show up and confront Aru's lie, she lights a lamp she wasn't supposed to and now she must save the world before time ends.

Recommended age range: 11 + (with adult or intentional conversations)

Strengths:

• A likeable, flawed main character with a character arc fitting for a 12-year-old
• Similar to the stories Rick Riordan writes, unpacking mythology through storytelling 
• Explores the world of Hindu mythology in an adventurous way
• Sprinkles in humor 

Notes for Parents:

• This story is told from a Hindu worldview. Young readers will hear about reincarnation. In this story, Aru and her sister are reincarnations of past warriors. This can be a springboard to unpack what Hindus believe about life after death and how this differs from what the Bible teaches.
• Demons are a part of this story, but depicted according to a Hindu perspective. The bad guy, the Sleeper, is a demon, but he didn't used to be. This can be used as a touchpoint for unpacking what the Bible teaches on demons.
• Aru lies to try to fit in and thinks that's all she can do well. But as the story unfolds, Aru realizes she has a good imagination and that's the real gift. This could be a useful conversation about why honesty matters.
• Lots of gods and goddesses referenced in this book.
• Aru and her sister battle some scary people along the way who want to hurt or kill them. 
• Aru starts at not thinking all the myths are true but through her journey realizes they are, thus affirming the validity of the Hindu worldview.
• pg. 86 - "Who should I cut first?"
• pg. 155 - reference to Mini's brother being gay, but hiding it
• pg. 165 - "a very good daydream" with winky face beside it
• pg. 301 - "A dozen or so demons with blood-spattered jaws"
• pg. 305 - "someone's head (literally) flew past her"
• pg. 308 - "Blood and spit flew over the walls."

Final Thoughts

This book provided insight into the world of Hinduism through storytelling. The Hindu religion can be difficult to track with from a Western point of view. This story places readers into a fictionalized understanding of Hindu mythology and pulls the curtain open to better understanding this worldview. Unlike Rick Riordan's writings, this book highlights religion more strongly (in this series that's Hinduism) than perhaps other books pulling from mythology. 

Shooting Kabul

Brief overview:

Relocating to California from Afghanistan hasn't been easy for sixth grader, Fadi, and his family. But winning a photography contest could give Fadi a chance to find his missing little sister.

Recommended age range: 8-12 years old

Strengths:

• Lovable characters who you root for 
• Well-written multi-cultural story 
• Navigates harder topics well for this age
• Introduces young readers to Afghan culture in a personable way
• Photography a part of the storyline
• Shows a loving, supportive family walking through difficult times
• Grants young readers a chance to understand the life of a refugee in an engaging way

Notes for Parents:

• [Spoiler alert] Some bullying takes place in the book (but it's not the primary focus). At one point, Fadi fights back and gets suspended from school for three days along with the two bullies. Later on, Fadi and some other boys who were bullied confront the bullies. Rather than cross the line of using physicality, the group opts to toss the bullies into the lake.
• [Spoiler Alert] In one scene, Fadi's guilt and stress about his missing sister triggers him in a toy store. His missing sister owned a well-loved Barbie and when he sees some in the store, he tries to destroy them. This isn't a long scene and the character is kind, but this scene shows his guilt and stress about the situation.
• [Spoiler Alert]: Fadi tries to runaway to the airport by hiding in the trunk of his dad's taxi car to find his missing sister. He's unsuccessful and gets in trouble for this foolish move. 
• This book takes place around the time of 9/11. This isn't the focus of the book, but it is mentioned and provides a backdrop to the some of the difficulties Fadi faces.
• [Spoiler alert] It's unclear if Fadi ever shares with his family that he feels responsible for his sister getting lost, but he does confide in his photography teacher.
• Uses "drunken turkey" and "p*ssed" once. 

I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket

Brief overview:

A Nepali folktale about valuing the elderly told from the perspective of a basket, doko.

Recommended age range: 8-12 years old

Strengths:

• Beautiful illustrations 
• Story adapted from a traditional Nepalese folktale
• Multi-generational families depicted to show the course of our lives and how roles shift over time
• A way to introduce Nepali culture to young readers
• Emphasizes the value of every human life isn't measured by age

Additional Notes:

• Deals with a heavier topic: our responsibility to care for our aging loved ones
• Seems less suited for the typical picture book audience, but could be useful for families interested in learning about other cultures or for older elementary kids doing a country unit study on Nepal.
• This is a bit more in line with traditional fairytales and touches on its lesson in a heavy hitting sort of way. In this story, the following topics are mentioned: drought, the death of a loved one, injury, a mistake leading to a fire, quarreling, considering sending an elderly loved one somewhere else to provide better care, the child providing the key lesson of the story. I would recommend parents reading this first to determine if this style suites their family.
• Could pair this with a biblical story about how God creates each person in His image and our responsibility to care for others

Lent Resources

                                                                    Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Preparing our hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Christ starts during Lent. I love this quieter season of reflection. This year Lent starts February 18th. 

Here are some resources to consider utilizing:

FAMILY 

Journey to Jesus: A Scripture Adventure to Discover the Savior (Tweens) - An interactive study for tweens to reflect on the importance of salvation and grace.

A Jesus Easter: Explore God's Amazing Rescue Plan - Prepare your family's heart to celebrate Easter in this family-friendly devotional.

The Friend Who Forgives Family Bible Devotional: 15 Days Exploring the Story of Peter - Devotions based off the picture book that pair well for the Lent season.

Walking with Jesus: A Lent Family Devotional - Reflect as a family on the life of Jesus and the importance of His sacrifice.

Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional - In 10 minutes a day, spend time as a family reflecting on Jesus' rescue mission to mankind.

Uncovering the Mercies of the Cross Bible Study - Help kids understand the importance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in this 20-day Easter study.

Awaken: A 21-Day Easter Devotional for Kids & Family - Learn more about Christ through the eyes of four witnesses who interacted with Jesus through daily devotions, activities, and discussion questions.

ADULT

What Depth of Love: Devotions on the Cross and Resurrection - Spend 40 days reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ based off Charles Spurgeon sermons.

Clinging to the Cross: How Lent Points Us to Lasting Hope in Christ - Spend Lent reflecting on the hope found only in Christ.

Return to Me: A Holy Week Devotional (FREE) - Spend eight days before Easter, called Holy Week, reflecting on the concept of biblical repentance.

Contemplating the Cross: A 40 Day Pilgrimage of Prayer - Spend time meditating and reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is my favorite Lent devotion!

Lent and Missions: A 40-Day Devotional - Spend time reflecting on the costliness of salvation and long for those who haven't yet heard about Jesus to hear the Good News. This would be a good resource for missions committees, small groups, staff teams, and elders who want to cultivate a shared vision on God's heart for the nations.

Look to Jesus Lent Reflection Set - Spend 40 days preparing your heart to celebrate the day Jesus rose from the dead. Each card includes Scripture, a brief devotion, a reflection question, and Ruth Chou Simons' beautiful artwork.

Be sure to check out my 2024 Lent Resource blog post for even more resources for Lent and Easter which includes specific tools for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids.

Please note: I haven't used all these resources personally, but shared them because they look like promising tools. 

A Wish in the Dark

Brief overview:

Pong is an orphan raised inside the walls of a prison in a land of magical lights. When Pong escapes, he realizes fairness doesn't exist in the world beyond the prison either. The daughter of the prison warden, Nok, has one mission: return Pong to jail. Join Pong and Nok as the crossing of their paths changes the course of their lives.

Recommended age range: 8-12 years old

Strengths:

• Thai-inspired world weaves cultural elements into a world of fantasy
• Great characters you want to track with
• Fast-paced read
• Explores the theme of the importance of doing our part to push back the darkness in the world

Additional Notes:

• Written as a modern twist on Les Misérables for young readers
• Touches on themes of poverty 
• Author portrays characters as capable of having good hearts on their own and able to push back darkness apart from Christ. But could foster a good conversation about the importance of believers being light in a dark world in whatever ways the Lord leads.

Study God’s Word Without a Devotion (Week 4)

Lean into Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina (divine reading) is an ancient tradition to help us slow down when reading the Bible and reflect on a passage of Scripture in meaningful ways. This practice tunes our hearts to the presence of the Lord.

I've done this on my own or as a small group. This practice is a sweet way to quiet the busyness and listen to the voice of the Lord.

Here's the process:

Before diving into this reflective time with God, take a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath and slowly exhale, and ask the Lord to remove any distractions so you can meet with Him. Grab your Bible, a pen, and a journal.

1) Read a passage of Scripture slowly (read aloud if possible). Repeat. Wait quietly for a minute or two. Write down a phrase or word that stands out from your reflection. The focus is on who God is and how He operates. Keep it short and sweet.

2) Read the passage again without rushing (read aloud if possible). Wait in silence for two or three minutes. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal a key message from this passage to you. The focus is on how God relates to you and the world. Write down what you think you heard during your time of reflection.

3) Read the passage again at an unhurried pace (read aloud if possible). Then ask the Lord what He wants you to see, understand, or do today. The focus is on how God leads you to respond to His Word. Write down what you think you hear.

4) Based on what you heard during your time, spend time in prayer with the Lord. This could be a prayer of praise or asking for help to walk in His ways.

Thank you for joining me as we unpacked four different methods to study Scripture on your own. I hope you gleaned some useful tools to help you dive more deeply into the Bible and cultivate closeness with the Lord.

You can study the Bible without devotions and these different methods are the building blocks for doing so well. Different seasons may call for different tools. At times you may find yourself in a season when a devotion is a good tool. That's great! Just remember the goal is to connect deeply with the Lord and to delight in His Word.

May your love for Jesus and His Word continue to grow.

Study God’s Word Without a Devotion (Week 3)

Jump into Journal Questions

I've used this method overseas with non-Americans, in my own personal studies, and with my kids. Don't underestimate the power of this simple technique. You're engaging with Scripture as you read and reflect. 

Grab a blank notebook, a pen, and Bible. 

Write the following five questions at the front of the notebook:

1) What's going on in the text?

2) What does the text mean?

3) What does this teach me about who God is?

4) How should I respond?

5) How should I pray about/think/remember what I’ve read today?

Now select a passage of Scripture to read (I suggest starting with Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John to get used to this method) and start answering those questions!

This method is also great when you're traveling, find yourself in a busy season, or in between your own Bible studies. 

Study God’s Word Without a Devotion (Week 2)

Step into SPECKA

SPECKA is an interactive Bible study method used around the world to dive into the Word and gets everyone involved in processing and talking about a Bible passage. 

SPECKA is an acronym that makes it easy to remember this study technique. I’ve used this method with adults in a small group setting, during personal Bible study time, and even with my kids!

SPECKA is a great tool to put in our Bible study tool belt as it gives us a tangible way to think through Scripture and provides a specific framework to glean some biblical truth from a given passage.

STEPPING INTO SPECKA

First, read a short passage from the Bible. (The Gospels or the book of Acts are great starting places to learn the ropes for this method.) Then work through each letter of SPECKA and write down your answers in a journal.

Here’s what SPECKA means:

S stands for sin. We see if there’s a sin to confess or that created a problem in the text.

P stands for promise. We look for any promises God made.

E stands for example. We think through what the people in the passage did and whether or not it’s an example to follow or not follow.

Even after pinpointing a specific action, the key is to think through the underlying principle. For example, when Jesus calls Levi to follow him, he does (Mark 2:14). But the underlying principle is something about who Jesus is compels Levi to give up everything to follow him.

C stands for command. We determine if God gave any commands in the text.

K stands for knowledge. Based upon what we read (or heard), what do we learn about God, ourselves, or the world?

A stands for application. We think through what we read from the Bible today and how this should impact the way we think, pray, speak, act, or view God.

Remember we don’t want to force an application, but think through the bigger picture of the text. For example, if we read a passage about how the religious leaders doubted Jesus was the Son of God while the tax collectors didn’t (Mark 2:13–17), the application could be to ask: Who is Jesus? And what is my response to him?

Sometimes a passage won’t have every letter! That’s totally fine! But this method teaches us to look for different elements in a passage and process through what is communicated on the pages of Scripture. Other times, some letters may have multiple answers. The text you're studying will determine which letters will have answers and if some letters have more than one answer.

Thinking through the text is like treasure hunting for truth. We don’t force anything as we read Scripture, but there’s value in looking at a passage from different angles. Utilizing this tool can help you unpack a section of the Bible and uncover biblical truth along the way.

Next week we'll unpack another Bible study method to add to your toolbelt.

Study God’s Word Without a Devotion (Week 1)

Dive into In-depth Bible Study

“Why didn’t anyone teach me how to study the Bible for myself sooner?” one woman from a Bible study group asked me. Two other ladies nodded their heads in agreement.

Recently I finished leading an in-depth Bible study with a small group of women. We didn’t trudge through a Bible study or work through a devotion written by someone else.

Instead, we followed simple steps to dive into the riches of Scripture ourselves and ensure we were rightly handling the Word of God. And the results were beautiful.

While utilizing Bible studies or devotions can be great tools, we don’t want to depend upon them as our only source of spiritual nourishment. We want to directly engage with Scripture and hear the voice of our beloved Savior from studying the Bible for ourselves. Without someone else leading us through God’s Word.

When we lean into the messy, but meaningful work of studying the Bible we position ourselves to experience Scripture—and Jesus—in powerful ways. But sometimes, like the women in my recent Bible study group, we aren’t always trained how to do so well.

STEPPING INTO THE GAP OF BIBLE STUDY

Fifty-seven percent of those who attend Protestant churches acknowledge it’s difficult to understand the Bible when they read it. This means over half of churchgoers find it challenging to take what they read during their own devotional time and connect it to biblical truths.

The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and the last thing we want to believe is that we need to purchase yet another devotion to meaningfully connect with the Lord. While devotions can be a quality resource on our faith journeys, we want to acquire the skills to tap directly into the riches of the Bible so we can hear God speak to us through His written Word.

Here’s the good news: We can learn how to study the Bible. We can uncover deep, biblical truth by trusting the same Holy Spirit who speaks to those who write Bible studies and devotions and teaches on a Sunday morning, can also speak to you and me.

We don’t need a seminary degree to know and treasure God’s Word. (Although, that’s a lovely skill set to possess and pour into our churches!)

We should be careful to not take the Bible out of context, but with the right framework and tools we can glean biblical truths from Scripture.

ONE WAY TO STUDY SCRIPTURE WELL

While there are a variety of methods and tools to study the Bible well, one I return to again and again is called inductive Bible study. This technique allows us to observe a passage, interpret Scripture, and reach an application based on what we’ve studied—and we can do it if we’re willing to put in the hard work.

Let’s unpack what this process looks like:

1) Read through the chosen book of the Bible to study. This provides an overview of the book and allows us to observe key themes by reading it as a whole before diving into smaller chunks. If we don’t feel like we have the capacity to read the entire book, then skim it. Jot down key points and overall impressions.

2) Next, we want to understand the context. Determine the type of literature the book is (narrative, letter, wisdom, etc.), who the author is, who is the target audience, when this book is written, what’s happening during this time, and why the book was written. This information can often be found in study Bibles or from free online resources (see section “additional resources to consider” below).

3) Divide the book by chapters and/or sections based on what seems to fit together. Give each section a short title. (If you don’t enjoy this, lean into how your Bible divides sections and try to combine sections together that seem to fit.) Then consider what a key theme of the book might be and write that down. Jot down any assumptions (or things you feel you already “know”) about this book and ask the Lord to help you rely on the Holy Spirit as you study.

Now it’s time to dive into smaller sections of Scripture to study more in-depth. For each passage you decide to tackle (from a few verses to a couple of chapters), repeat the following steps:

4) Read the passage, then note repeated words, things contrasted or that are similar. What are the connections between paragraphs? Consider the meaning of these connections and write it down. (Sometimes reading the passage in a couple of different translations can be useful.)

5) What is the main truth of this passage? Distill it into one clear sentence.

6) Consider how to respond to this passage in light of your study. Is there a truth to find joy in? Or something to obey? A promise to hold on to? Take time to praise the Lord and ask for this truth to be walked out in your daily life.

(If you have time, jot down notes from a trusted commentary, podcast, article, or sermon on the passage you’re studying. What did this additional perspective add to your own studies?)

Once you’ve reached the end of the book, it’s time for the final step.

7) Take time to consider how the different truths you discovered link together. What’s the key theme of the book? Write it in one sentence. Does this match how you viewed the book at the beginning of your study? Write a prayer of praise for what God has revealed from your time studying this book of the Bible.

Putting these steps into practice can provide a guide for our personal devotion time. When I was studying through the book of Mark, we divided the book into six sections so we studied a few chapters each week. Before starting the focused passage studies, I worked through steps 1–3 to provide context and a foundation for the Bible study during the first week. I didn’t complete all the steps at once, but worked through steps 4–6 on the designated section of Scripture throughout the week.

Like any new skill, we can continue to grow and deepen our Bible study skills. We can keep growing, diving deeper, and adding new elements leveraging the inductive Bible study method, but this overview of the method is a great starting place for learning how to study the Bible well.

We don’t have to rush through these steps or become bogged down in them either. We want to move at a pace that allows us to reflect and process the passage of Scripture. We won’t catch everything—and that’s the beauty of the Bible. We can return again and again and the Holy Spirit can reveal something that’s always been there, but we missed before. But each time we embark on personal Bible study, we can think deeply about sections of Scripture and walk away with solid biblical truths.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO CONSIDER

Here are some free resources that can come alongside your personal Bible study (consider just looking into one during your next time in the Word):

The Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary - This provides lots of resources to study deeper such as online commentaries, podcasts, recommended resources, courses, etc. There's a wealth of useful tools at your fingertips to help go deeper.

NET Bible - If you're curious about translation of a text and word meanings, this is a useful online tool. It can provide a glimpse into some detailed explanations behind a text.

Study Light - Bible study tools (commentaries, encyclopedias, concordances, bible dictionaries), language tools, historical writings, and resources to study more deeply.

Blue Letter Bible - Audio and video commentaries, Bible references, topical indexes, theological resources (step 5 on the sheet), courses, language resources to study well.

Bible Gateway - Multiple translations at your fingertips.

Bible Project - Great short videos, guides, and podcasts to assist in studying the Bible.

The direct study of God’s Word can transform us and lead to lasting spiritual impact. As we cultivate the skills and invest the time to study the Bible, may our love for Jesus and His Word increase.

We can study the Bible. And we can start today.

Stay tuned as I share three more methods to study the Bible.

*Adapted from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA

Study God’s Word Without a Devotion (Intro)

No devotion. No Bible Study. Just you, the Lord, and solid Bible study methods.

Imagine waking up every morning, ready to dive into Scripture and engage directly with God’s Word.

Over the next four weeks, I’ll share a different, but simple Bible study method to help you study Scripture on your own.

Cultivate the skills to study the Bible well.

I have a background in biblical languages and training in how to study the Bible using different methods. I’m not an expert, but someone who believes everyone can study the Bible for themselves with simple tools.

Learn some quality methods you can use again and again.

Some of the Bible study methods I’ll share are used around the world. You can study the Bible and rightly handle God’s Word.

Grow in treasuring Jesus and the Word.

My goal is to make studying the Bible attainable. 

Curious about the four methods I’ll share? Let me give you an overview of what we’ll unpack in the coming four weeks:

1) In-depth Bible Study: I’ll walk through seven steps to help you dive deeply into Bible study on your own. You’ll learn to observe, interpret, and discover applications based off the text you studied.

2) SPECKA: SPECKA is an interactive Bible study method that is used around the world to dive into the Word and get everyone involved in talking about a Bible passage. SPECKA is an acronym that makes it easy to remember this study technique.

3) Journal Questions: Utilizing five simple questions, you’ll be equipped to unpack a passage of Scripture.

4) Lectio Divina: Learn an ancient tradition of Scripture reading and contemplation that slows us down and helps us reflect on a passage of Scripture in meaningful ways.

Ready to grow your Bible study skills in the coming month? Get equipped to study the Bible and have more tools to do so well.

Starting January 1st, I’ll post how to do one of these methods here on my blog. 

Simple. Free.

Let’s do this!

The Dreamer: 2026 Christian Indie Awards Finalist

The Dreamer is a finalist for the 2026 Christian Indie Awards (Children's 8-12)! 🥳 What an honor to have my debut children's chapter book selected as a finalist for this award. 🥹 And thank you @callapresspub for partnering together to bring this book into the world. 🌏💜In The Dreamer, 10-year-old Jason is unsure if God is still at work around the world. That is, until he and his younger brother, Fred, discover a board game that transports them to countries across the globe. But one mistake could mean being stuck in a country with no way home.

Be sure to grab a copy for the young reader in your life today! Available online at Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Calla Press Publishing, and other sites. Copies available at select bookstores as well.

Keep an eye out for authors of other books selected as finalists. 📖 Winners will be announced in March 2026.

7 Practical Ways to Cultivate Faith in Children from a Young Age

Standing in the toy and picture book-strewn dining room, I stared out our third-floor apartment window. The sun cast a shadow across the rocky, empty lot across the alley. Unsettledness crept across my heart.

How do I teach my preschooler and toddler to follow Jesus?

Discipleship felt like such a daunting task—even though I was the children’s ministry coordinator for my city church.

I wasn’t more qualified than anyone else, but my job description involved encouraging parents in our church to teach their kids how to follow Jesus.

I couldn’t come alongside other parents if I wasn’t doing it myself.

God gave me two kids, and it was my role as a parent to point them to Jesus.

So I embarked on a journey to figure out what intentionally training my kids to follow God looks like for my family.

Almost a decade later, it’s still a learning curve to coach my kids in following Jesus through the different ages. But I’m convinced that teaching the next generation about God’s faithfulness means laying a biblical foundation before the teenage years arrive.

Read full article on Living By Design Ministries.

Because Fiction Podcast Interview

Tune in to my latest podcast interview with Chautona Havig on Because Fiction. Here's the episode in a nutshell from the podcast host, Chautona:

Chapter books about sharing Jesus with the world? Yes, please! Listen in as Jenny Marcelene and I chat about her new series and the heart behind her stories.

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I keep thinking of this series as "Jumanji meets The Chosen Kids" but for new readers. How cool is that!

Christmas is coming, and this would be a great stocking stuffer for a new reader in your life!

Listen to podcast here.

Saving Kabul Corner

Brief overview:

Ariana's family has owned the only Afghan grocery in the plaza for years. But one day a rival Afghan grocery store opens up and reignites an old feud from Afghanistan. When events start happening that hurt both stores, Ariana must uncover who's behind it before both stores go out of business.

Recommended age range: 8-12 years old

Strengths:

• A relatable cast of characters
• Touches on themes of rivalry, jealousy, family, and friendship
• Kids acting as detectives to uncover who is behind events hurting both stores
• Portrays Afghan culture in a natural way throughout the story
• Fun read overall
• Kids ultimately share key findings with a trusted adult who helps them 
• Love how Ariana is a fan of origami

Additional Notes:

• The kids do lie a couple of times to get information, but the main character does acknowledge feeling bad about it. Also, it can provide a touchpoint for Christian parents to discuss the topic of lying in the Bible.
• This is the second book in a series called The Kabul Chronicles. But the first book has a different main character (who you "see" in book 2, but isn't very much a part of this second story).
• While some rivalries felt a bit too easily resolved, I really enjoyed this book and intend to read the first one, Shooting Kabul (where the main character likes photography).

Stories We Have Trouble Finding

 

Listen in to my podcast conversation with Brooke:

- Writers, if you want to get published, my publishing journey may encourage you!

- Teachers and parents, if you're looking for engaging chapter books that go beyond the same old story lines, my new chapter book is one you want to pick up.

- Readers and published authors, I share some inspiring reminders about the stories we desire but have trouble finding.

Catch the podcast interview here.

Life in Central Asia: Experiencing Eid

Excitement crackles in the air as I prepare for my first Central Asian Eid. 

I feel like my 7-year-old self waking up on Christmas morning as I slip on my new poinsettia-red outfit. I rub my fingers across the smooth mini reflective mirrors and feel the bumpiness of the sequins and thread to secure everything in its place.

Eid is one of two major Muslim holidays. This first Eid marks the end of the month of fasting called Ramadan. Locals celebrate by having quick visits to the homes of family and friends to drink tea and eat sweets. For those who can afford it, they wear a brand new outfit and the children receive money. Kids race to a nearby shop to buy whatever toy or sweet they can with their newfound funds.

Shouts of joy meander through the open windows. I peek out an upstairs window and observe two elementary-aged boys chasing after each other in the dirt street with their new toy guns.

After applying make-up—something I rarely do these days—I add my faux gold dangling earrings and costume gold necklace to my complete my festive look. 

One by one, I carefully slide on my set of four 21-carat gold bangles, a treasured gift from my husband years ago when we started to date, but also highly coveted by every Central Asian woman.

Clink! Clink! Clink! Clink! The bracelets jingle together in their familiar melody. The corners of my mouth turn upward. I sashay downstairs. 

My husband and I visit two households together, but we don't stay in the same rooms. He's taken to the men's guest room while I'm whisked away to the designated hosting room for women. With limited language, I'm grateful a short visit is expected for the holiday. This takes my mind off the pressure for what to say with my limited vocabulary and allows me to savor the experience.

I step into the women’s room. Compartmental glass trays filled with a wider than usual assortment of dried fruit, candy, and nuts spread across the Persian rug. Trays lined up next to the floor cushions contain sweets I haven't seen or tasted yet.

A small sampler plate of goodies and a steaming cup of green tea is set in front of me. The hostess beams with holiday cheer and I sit on the soft floor cushions.

One treat grabs my attention. It resembles an orange donut hole. I lift the dessert to my mouth. My eyes widen. This thing heavier than I anticipated—and dense.

I take a small bite, wondering if this will not be a treat I'll want to repeat. But then the soft, syrupy flavor cascades inside my mouth. This donut-hole imposter melts in my mouth. My eyes sparkle like tinsel on a Christmas tree. 

“What is this?” I ask, slightly in awe.

“Mutiyeh,” the hostess says. Her eyebrows arch and a half smile plays across her lips.

When Your Kid Is Treated Unfairly

I pace along the sidelines of the turf field and past my abandoned chair. This warm and sunny day feels ironic given the emotional storm crashing inside of me. The first game of my son’s recreational flag football team isn’t going as expected.

My eleven-year-old sits on the sidelines across the field, shoulders hunched. He gazes toward the track and plucks at the fake grass. His friend comes off the field and plops down beside him. My son is momentarily pulled back to the present. He smiles, offers a high-five, and utters what looks like “Good job.” He talks with his friend for a couple of minutes before the coach puts his friend back in the game.

Disappointment flashes across my son’s face, and I watch as energy drains from his body. He shifts his eyes away from the field to anywhere but the painful moment he finds himself. When the game finally ends, my son has played thirty seconds of a forty-minute game. And he’s not the only kid with this low playing time. Three others were in the same boat.

My anger surges. How could a program advertised as recreational, intended to teach youth who’ve never played flag football before, treat kids like this?

My son meets me on the track beside the turf field, eyes cast downward. His arms sag at his sides.

“I’m so sorry for the way the coach treated you,” I said. “It wasn’t right.”

My son snaps his head my way and stands a bit taller. The acknowledgment of the unfair situation he faced makes him feel seen for the first time in an hour. No one likes to be treated unfairly. And when we or someone we care about experiences unfair treatment, it can be unsettling.

Read full article on Gospel-Centered Discipleship.

Advent Family Resources

Thinking about Advent before Thanksgiving may seem counterintuitive, but I’ve learned over the years that a little planning ahead helps prepare my kids' hearts—and mine—for Christmas.

Whether we’re looking for a fresh way to teach our children or struggling to figure out how to engage our families this Advent, we can find ways to point our hearts to the Messiah this Christmas season. Here are some resources to help engage your family this Advent:

AGES 0-3

The Promised One - This board book engages little ones with the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Surprise - Teach toddlers all about the first Christmas.

Jesus Came for Me - Help little ones understand what Christmas means in a personal way.

A Very Noisy Christmas - A chance for toddlers to learn about the Christmas story and make some noise while doing so.

ABCs of Christmas - Set of 26 cards to help littles ones focus on Christ.

  

AGES 4-7

The Advent Gift - Help kids understand the beauty of why Jesus came.

    

The Promise of Christmas - A picture book for kids is designed to help children grasp how Christmas was a part of God's plan.

  

Tully's Christmas Mess - Join the Miller family as their family dog reminds them why they celebrate Christmas.

  

The Best News of All - Invite kids to memorize the angel's announcement to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus in an engaging way.

  

The Christmas Promise Storybook - A retelling of the Christmas story and how God kept his promise to send a forever king to rescue us.

Journey to the Manger Card Set - Set of seven cards to introduce kids to the characters involved in the nativity story along with Scripture references and an Advent reading.

AGES 8-12  

Abigail and the Christmas Contest - Join Abigail as she navigates the craziness of Christmas and learns how Jesus brings true joy.

The Promise and the Light - A creative retelling of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of different people who first experienced it.

Bartholomew's Passage: A Family Story for Advent - Prepare your family to marvel at the coming of the Jesus this Christmas with this resource that pairs a fiction story set during Christ's birth along with devotions.

The Best Gift Ever (free Advent devotion from Wycliffe Kids) - Five-day guide for families with a Bible verse, short devotion, discussion questions, and activity (a couple with an international component).

Family Tree of Christ Advent Cards - Through a set of 25 cards, kids unpack the family tree of Christ and some unlikely characters God used as a part of His plan. Each card includes a Scripture reading, explanation, and discussion questions.

ALL AGES

The Advent Adventure: A Family Devotion - This family resource pairs with lighting an Advent candle, provides devotions, a weekly Scripture to memorize, and a craft for each week of Advent.

25 Days of Christmas: An Advent Family Experience - A way for parents and children to reflect on the Christmas story one person, place, or object at a time.

Kregel's Christmas Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories - Read 18 passages in preparation for Advent along with ideas to celebrate the season as a family.

Advent Prayers for the Nations (free printable from Via Families) - Print off a prayer chain so your family can pray each day of Advent for an unreached people group. This was one of my favorite Advent activities I've done with my kids.

Jesse Tree Ornaments + Card Set - Track with the story of the Bible from creation to Christ's birth with 25 wooden ornaments plus cards helping unpack Advent in an impactful way as a family.

As we take steps toward investing into the spiritual lives of our families, may our hearts be drawn closer to Jesus and our Christmas celebration richer for the time spent preparing for it.

Six Ways For Families To Join God's Global Plan

“Your kids have asked me better questions than most adults.” The visiting missionary shook her head in surprise, then smiled at me across the dining room table.

My family was hosting a missionary our church supported. Over dinner, my children had a chance to hear about her ministry and ask questions. Joy sprang up in my heart like a bouncy ball. Their interest in another culture wasn’t an accident. I cast a simple vision for how we—my kids included—have a part in God’s global plan and now it was spilling out during a dinnertime conversation.

Over the years, I’d found pockets of time in our family rhythms—like the drive to school, mealtime, or bedtime routines—to foster a heart for the nations and teach my kids how God is a God for all people groups (Isa. 49:6). Somehow God multiplied these small investments to develop a global perspective in my children.

Read full story on Gospel-Centered Family.

Exploring Faith

In this podcast interview, I share my journey of faith, the evolution of my writing passion, and the inspiration behind my new children's book, "The Dreamer." I discuss the importance of raising households that serve the Lord, the impact of cross-cultural experiences on my worldview, and how prayer can connect families to global missions. I emphasize the need for resources that cultivate a biblical worldview in children and the beauty of different cultures, all while encouraging parents to take small, intentional steps in nurturing their children's faith.

Tune in here.