Friday, December 25, 2020

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11


 From Kevin, Zachary, and me ~ 
We wish you a Merry Christmas filled to the brim with God's most precious and special blessings!
Thank you for being a part of our online family!  So many of you have become so dear to our hearts over the past eight plus years of blogging that you truly do feel more like family than friends.

Thank you for the many emails, comments, and gestures of encouragement in response to my last blog post.  You have warmed and blessed my heart more than I could ever put into words.  I continue to press on and seek God earnestly day by day concerning His perfect will.  I am sure He will make it known to me as I continue to search for Him with my whole heart.  To those of you who are faithfully praying for me, sending notes of encouragement, and continuing to loyally support my efforts, I send a huge hug and much gratitude, and I humbly ask you to please, please keep me in your continued prayers.

A few of you know this, but for those who don't, I regularly host online youversion Bible studies.  I would love to have you join in with us!  It is completely flexible, you are not on any time constraints, and you can do it at your own pace.  Depending on what I have going on, I sometimes fall several days behind, but I just catch up as I am able - that is just how flexible it really is.  The group God has woven together there is a great blessing to me, and we have been continuing to study together for several months now.  As one study ends, the Lord leads us on to the next, then the next, etc.  If anyone would like to join us, please email me at homespundevotions@gmail.com.  I would love to welcome you to our study team and have you share your own thoughts and perspectives with us!

At the end of each lesson, we are given space to comment on what the day's lesson has meant to us on a personal level, and after reading an especially impactful lesson in a study called, "Who I Am in Christ" today, I shared with Zach some thoughts God had impressed me to write.  After hearing it, he walked in to the kitchen where I was seated in front of my laptop.  The pleading look in his eyes melted his mama's heart as, among some other comments he said, "Mama, PLEASE don't shut down Homepun Devotions!  Please keep sharing what the Lord gives you."

So, at our dear boy's request, here it is - I hope it is a blessing to you.

"For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."  Hebrews 12:3

"I don't know how many times I have read this or heard it preached on through the years, but I NEVER got this until right now.  The "contradiction of sinners against Himself" is what jumped off the screen at me today. Everywhere Jesus turned He was told He was not who He really was. Hardly anyone believed Him. Those in His own hometown tried to push Him off a cliff. All they could see is that He was Joseph's son, Mary's son, or the brother of His siblings. They could not see past His humanity to who He really was. 

When He was in the wilderness being tempted by satan for 40 days, this is one of the main tactics satan came at Him with, "IF You are the Son of God" trying to place that doubt in Jesus' mind. His true identity was continually under attack all throughout His earthly life and ministry. There was a constant "contradiction of sinners against Himself" that He had to deal with and keep squelching the lies and believing the truth about who He was. 

Sound familiar? If Jesus' true identity was constantly being contradicted by sinners & satan, do we think we will get by with less? Jesus said, "a man's foes shall be they of his own household" in Matt. 10:36, and in Mark 6:4, He said, "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." Familiarity breeds contempt, and often those we grew up with and those who saw us in our past, sinful life have a difficult time believing who we are now in Christ. They see only the failures and issues and are blinded to the fact God has made us new and can use us mightily. Also, satan will continually throw our past up to us, but that is NOT who we are now. God sees us through the lens of His own Son's blood that was shed on the cross, and that is how we must learn to view ourselves and drown out those who contradict that with the truth of who GOD says we are today."

So, don't ever forget how special you are!  No matter what is said about you, who turns against you, how the enemy tries to bring you down, when you try and fail, or where your insecurities lie.  Remember that it is GOD who defines you, and you are His extraordinarily special child.  It was for YOU that He sent His only begotten Son to be born in the lowliest of circumstances on that first Christmas night so long ago.  

Have a wonderful Christmas, and keep your eyes on Him!

Much love from our house to yours!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(Thank you to my special friend, Priscilla, for sending the beautiful Christmas graphic!)

Update on Kelly:

Kelly is home from the hospital and continuing to improve!!  Isn't God so good?  Please continue to keep her and family members who are caring for her in your prayers.  God has brought her a long way, and we know He is able to complete her healing process.  Thank you so much for your prayers!

Monday, November 2, 2020

Katherine J. Masters Book Review & GIVEAWAY!

 "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."  Proverbs 25:25

Do you know that feeling you get after just reading a good book?  If you are anything like me, you are beyond anxious to get the word out to others, so they can enjoy it, too!  

That is exactly how I feel after reading the brand-new book by Katherine J. Masters, "New Beginning at Rosewood: Finding Hope While Exploring an Old House.

I will give no spoilers here, but just this intriguing hint - the book starts out with the main character, Emily, receiving news that she has just inherited a house from a late uncle she never really knew.  Now, if that isn't enough to draw anyone in to a story, I don't know what is!  Who wouldn't want to inherit a house from a "rich, old uncle?"  Don't we all wish for an uncle like that?  😂

I will confess that I do not do much fictional reading at all.  Nearly all of my reading is from the Bible, Biblical studies, Biblical commentaries, and spiritual non-fiction.  I simply do not have time for other reading, and it is not something I regularly do.  But, I found myself powerfully drawn into this story and hardly able to put it down.  I cannot wait for the sequel!  

Yes, pretty please, let there be a sequel!🙏

Here is the author's personal description of the book:

"Difficulty, loss and sadness have discouraged Emily as problems have overwhelmed. Settling the affairs of a reclusive old uncle in a distant town gives her a chance to get away for a time. Determined to complete her unpleasant responsibility, she faces trials as well as blessings along the way. She has always loved touring old houses, and finding this forgotten one is an experience she will never forget. Emily’s inner strength grows as she uncovers stories about people from the past and her life is influenced by the lessons she finds there. New friendships are built and an old one is restored. Quirky characters in the town become friends not only to Emily but to the reader, as well, as the lives of these fun and sincere people intertwine with Emily's life. The light suspense and mystery of the old house draws the reader to discover its history and uncover its secrets. For so many years, it has stood alone and undisturbed, until Emily finds it. This is a story of redemption and hope as her heart begins to heal and she is able to see the "happily-ever-after" she had given up on can possibly be hers in this unexpected place at just the right time. This is a feel-good book that will leave the reader wanting to spend more time with these new friends. You will find encouragement and wisdom to build a stronger marriage where joy and contentment can flourish. Walk with Emily on her journey to walking with God, learning to love and hope again as she finds a way out of her distresses and enjoys a bit of adventure along the way."

And, here is what other readers are saying,

Emily is very relatable.”~ ”A charming book.”~ “I hope there will be a sequel! I want to see what happens to these people!”~ “I love that old house!

After reading Katherine's book, we ordered two copies to give away!  

Here are the rules:

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave us a comment below.  

The giveaway will be open until one week from today! On Monday, November 9, 2020, Zach will use wheel decide to choose two winners' names.

Giveaway is open to ALL, including those who live outside of the US!  

Anonymous commenters will not be entered into giveaway since we have no way of identifying you or making contact.  If you are an anonymous commenter and would like to enter the giveaway, you will need to leave your name and contact information in your comment, please. 

May God bless each one of you, and we look forward to getting this wonderful book into the hands of two giveaway winners!

You can also purchase Katherine's book HERE!

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Seven Things To Think About in These Troubled Times


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in the most troubled times of our lives, but yet, God's Word instructs us to only think on the things that fall into the six categories listed in the above verse.  Today, I want to encourage you by sharing seven true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good report facts that we can all rely upon and draw our thoughts to no matter what is going on around us.  I am also including some songs that are bringing encouragement to my family and me.  I am amazed at the lyrics penned by these modern Contemporary Christian artists and the depth of meaning and faith that is woven throughout their words.  I hope they bless you, as well.  At the end of the post, I will announce the three winners of the giveaway!

#1.  Everything is going to be okay.
One of the things I most miss about my dear Dad is when he would tell me something I was troubled about was going to be okay.  Just hearing him say that brought a sense of peace and calmed my fears.  Though he is no longer here to speak those words of peace to me, my Heavenly Father sends the Comforter to let me know - everything is going to be okay.  Even now.  No matter what. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."  
Psalm 46:1-3


#2.  When Jesus speaks "peace," everything changes.
The tumultuous storm that threatened the lives of His disciples had to back off and cease raging when the voice of the Eternal God in a body of flesh spoke!  Every attack of satan has to back off when He speaks peace to our situation, regardless.

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."  Isaiah 59:19

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."  Mark 4:39


#3.  Jesus knows you.

He was there.
Ever since the moment of your conception.  Long before you breathed your first breath.  Every moment of your life.  Through your highest highs and lowest lows.  He was not only there, He pulled you through.  Just look back over the years.  Trace His hand.  The evidence is all over your life.  He knows every, single thing about you, including right now - in this season, in this moment of time.  He is there.  Seeing every tear, watching every event unfold, walking by your side, giving you strength, and supplying your needs.  

"O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether."
Psalm 139:1-4

"By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You."  Psalm 71:6


#4.  Jesus knows what you need.
Even before you come to Him.  Even before you say a word.  He is completely aware of everything weighing on your mind and heart.  He will work it all out.  He cares about everything you care about, and He is perfecting all that concerns you.

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever."  Psalm 138:8

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."  Isaiah 65:24


#5.  God has always kept every promise He has ever made.

Why would He change now?  Why is this situation any different?  Sometimes, it takes time to see a promise fulfilled, but just because God delays in sending the fruition and manifestation of the promise does not mean He has failed to keep His Word.  He works on His own timetable, but He always, always does what He says He will do.  Abraham was 100 years old when God made good on a promise He gave to him when he was 75.  Yet, Abraham's faith stood firm, and he staggered not at the promise of God!  Even during those long years of waiting, he stood firm and was fully persuaded in the promise of the One Who had never failed him!

"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform."   Romans 4:18-21

I have heard it said that a child of God can grasp a hold of one of the promises of God and safely swing out over the fires of hell with a full assurance and certainty that God's Word will not fail!  Let us continue to hold fast and firm to the truth of God's Word and look to Jesus no matter what is shaken around us.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2


#6.  Nothing is more powerful than the power of God that dwells in us!

Nothing in Heaven above or earth below or even the powers of hell is stronger or bigger or above the power of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  All things are under His feet, and no matter what satan throws at a child of God, it has NO power over HIS power that lives and works in us.  Praise God!!

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."  Ephesians 1:18-23

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world."  I John 4:4

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."  Romans 8:11


#7.  Even in the worst of times, God remains the same.

My dear Mom always told me that there are three things God cannot do.  

He can't lie.
"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?"  Numbers 23:19

He can't fail.
"Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant."  I Kings 8:56

He can't change.
"For I am the LORD, I change not."  Malachi 3:6

No matter what happens, God is good.

"For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100:5

He is faithful.
"But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."
2 Thessalonians 3:3

He is kind.
"How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings."  Psalm 36:7


Speaking of Big Daddy Weave, it is now one week after the announcement of our giveaway of THREE of their CDs!  Today, Zach entered the commenters' numbers into wheel decide, and #4 was chosen, then #3, and then #9.  So, the winners are:

Kitty, Barb D., and Deborah!!!

All three winners will receive their own copy of Big Daddy Weave's CD "When the Light Comes," along with a copy of our new book, "Biblical Minimalism:  Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life."

I have been able to contact Kitty and Deborah, but I have no contact information for Barb D.  Barb D., could you please kindly email us at homespundevotions@gmail.com and provide your mailing information, so we can get your package in the mail to you?  We hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks to everyone who commented and entered the giveaway!  If you didn't win and would like our book or the Big Daddy Weave CD, you may order them at the links above.

Keep encouraged, dear friends, and keep pressing on for Jesus.  Heaven will surely be worth it all.  


In closing, Kelly made it through another operation and according to the last report I received, she continues to improve.  The recovery road ahead of her is long and overwhelming, so please do keep her in your prayers.  (If you would like to read the original prayer request for Kelly, click HERE.)

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Helpful Tips for Minimizing with Kids

 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Today, I am sharing a new article on No Sidebar about challenges that can be encountered while minimizing with children.  Here's a snippet in case your interested!

"The journey to a more peaceful, simpler life looks different for all of us, and there is no one size fits all, step-by-step plan or method. For those of us pursuing simplicity as families with children, it is important to remember that while we are working toward a life of greater peace, the everyday press toward that goal can be anything but peaceful."

To read the rest of my latest article on minimalism, click HERE to be redirected to No Sidebar!


Thursday, July 23, 2020

The Inner Views of Kalen Bruce

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
James 1:22

I am so excited to introduce you to a new friend!  God recently orchestrated the crossing of our paths online, and he has been such a blessing to my family and me.  He just recently published a brand-new book that is absolutely wonderful and life-changing, and I will tell you how to purchase your own copy at the end of this post.  I am SO grateful to him for being willing to take the time to grant us an exclusive interview.   He's a Christian, a husband, a father, a USAF soldier, and an author, and I know his words will bless you as much as they blessed Kevin, Zach, and me.

Without further ado, I bring to you ~

The 

of
Kalen Bruce


Cheryl:  Please tell us about yourself. 

Kalen:  I'm a pretty random guy. My wife and I have been married for 15 years. We have 5 amazing kids, between the ages of 2-14. I've been a financial writer since 2013. I'm a financial coach, and I run a few blogs, with my main focus being Freedom Sprout, dedicated to helping parents raise money-smart kids. I just published my first book, "10 Branches of Growth." My next book, Intentional Children, will be out later this year! For my day job, I'm a War Planner for the USAF. I've served on active duty for about 8 years and I'm not sure how long that will continue. I love what I do for the military, but my passion is in writing and helping people become financially free and free of consumerism. I wasn't raised financially literate and now that I am financially literate, I've been able to help my mom do the same. I was mostly raised by my mom, since I lost my dad when I was 13. In my early adult years, I played drums in a Christian Metal band (I told you I'm random) -- a passion I still hold. I play multiple instruments and hope to return to doing that for God one day soon. I also have a lot of tattoos (call it the military in me), but 90% of them are biblically based and the others are related to world travel. I'm an avid reader and hiker as well.

Cheryl:  We would love to hear the details of your personal Christian testimony.  What life events led you to Jesus?

Kalen:  I actually got saved in a parking lot behind a club called KMA (which stands for Kiss My ***). Excuse the language, but that says something about what I was saved out of. My past life was a pretty dark place. Fortunately, I made some great friends and got saved at the age of 14. A certain youth pastor had a lot to do with it. I didn't step foot in a church for the first time until I was 14. Everything before that involves a lot of stuff adults shouldn't be doing, let alone a child. God's grace is amazing.

Cheryl:  How has surrendering to Christ changed your life and perspective?

Kalen:  I firmly believe Jesus + nothing = everything. I try to do every action in my life for Christ. My sense of consumerism has faded. My love for material possessions has dwindled. Even though I'm a financial coach, I really don't care much about money. I believe giving is so important and ever since we started giving to God's work (I purposely don't use the word tithe, I wrote about why here), our finances have been blessed beyond measure.

Cheryl:  Tell us about your website/blog, "Freedom Sprout."  What is it all about?

Freedom Sprout is about raising money-smart, generous, non-materialistic kids. I write about everything from teaching kids about money to simplifying your life to making the most of your time. It started when I had the realization that kids don't learn a lot of important life skills in school (finance being the primary one). So I set out on a journey to help.

Cheryl:  What is the story behind the name, "Freedom Sprout?"

The name came naturally (or maybe supernaturally) as we were praying and preparing to start creating a finance course for kids (coming soon!).

Freedom: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous (a burden).

We’re breaking the generational curses of financial bondage.

Sprout: to send out new growth.

Financial freedom is often a new concept to families.

We're sprouting a future generation of financial freedom.

Cheryl:  What role has minimalism played in your life? 

Kalen:  A huge role. Mostly the detachment from consumerism and materialism. Having five kids, it has allowed us to breathe in a home without being overwhelmed with stuff (read: junk). I write a lot about this, especially in my new book coming later this year.

Cheryl:  Please share some of the main life lessons you have learned about being a faithful Biblical steward.

Kalen:  Give and you shall receive applies to all areas of your life, not just finances, and giving specifically to receive is going to disappoint you.

God doesn't owe us anything, but He has chosen to give us everything. If we are faithful in the little things, He will entrust us with the big things.

Cheryl:  What do you identify as being one (some) of the biggest area(s) of struggle for today's Christian families?

Kalen:  Keeping the family together. As Christians, our divorce rate is no lower than non-believers.

Finances. We, as Christians, are often reluctant to even give 10%, let alone to give sacrificially as Jesus did.

Consumerism. It affects all of us.

Cheryl:  How have you and your wife found victory in these) areas?

Kalen:  Minimalism has led to our victory over consumerism and it has helped with our finances. We are huge givers, but honestly, we could give more. I don't believe we give to the level of sacrifice -- we don't truly feel it. But we're working our way there. As far as marriage goes, it's hard. We've had to admit that. We've had plenty of setbacks, but we both have the mindset that marriage is forever and we will keep our family together no matter what it takes. That's led us to a very happy marriage. However, marriage isn't meant to make us happy, it's meant to make us holy. That's important to know.

Cheryl:  Tell us about Financial Freedom Coaching.

Kalen:  Everyone is capable of controlling their finances. As a financial coach, I help them see that. It's nothing revolutionary. Everyone knows the basics of how to handle money, but we don't do it. I help people figure out how to do it. I would coach for free if it worked, but it doesn't. I've learned if people don't have skin in the game, they won't take the advice and the accountability seriously.

Cheryl:  Can you share with us about your adoption experience?

Kalen:  We adopted a brother and sister (kinship) through the state. It wasn't expensive. Adoption doesn't have to be expensive. That's a myth. If you adopt through the foster system like we did, it doesn't cost much other than time. It's been around 6 years since we adopted. We don't tell people immediately, unless they ask, and everyone assumes all five children are biological. Adoption is beautiful. Christ Himself was adopted by His earthly father. I think too many people say "I would like to adopt one day," like we did for years until God dropped the opportunity in our laps and we had to decide if we were serious or not.

Cheryl:  What advice would you give anyone who is considering adoption?

Kalen:  Start the process of at least getting more information today. If you keep saying you'd like to do it one day, that day may never come. I know too many people who have been saying that for 20 years. It's not always easy, but with God's help it's more doable than you may think. Anyone is welcome to contact me with specific questions if they are considering adopting.

Cheryl:  Please tell us about your new book, "10 Branches of Growth." 

Kalen:  It's a manual for living, written to the 18-year-old me. Everything I wished I knew earlier and written from a Christian perspective. It's a Christian productivity book, specifically directed towards young adults. It covers things like the importance of character, building self-discipline, creating positive habits, controlling your finances, self-awareness, your relationship with God, how to have more energy, and a lot more... it's the 10 areas of life we can grow in and how to do it in under 200 pages.

Cheryl:  What inspired you to write the book?

Kalen:  Myself. It's what I would've loved to have had when I graduated high school. I wrote it as a guide to life for my kids and everyone else who wants a good outline of how to live a life of growth.



Cheryl:  Who will most benefit from reading your book?  Why?

Kalen:  Teens, and young adults (Christians or people on the fence), so I would say anyone ages 16-25, but it's written for anyone and everyone.

Cheryl:  As a source of hope for those who are struggling, please tell us about a dark or difficult or discouraging time in your life and how your faith in God sustained you.

Kalen:  I actually have a recent one. I was deployed to the Middle East when the recent bombing happened in Iraq. After Iran bombed Iraq, they set their missiles on our base. The President's statement deescalated the situation, but we spent a lot of time in our protective gear and under bunkers. The sound of fighter jets gave me anxiety for months, because they sound similar to rockets. This was a problem, because I work at a fighter base and hear them all day. Through prayer and my wife's help I've been able to overcome what they tried to label as PTSD. Prayer is what got me through and helped me escape dark thoughts. Without God, I don't know how I could have mentally handled that load.

Cheryl:  Name some spiritual resources that keep you encouraged during hard times.

Kalen:  For songs, this is where I get weird or random again, because I like a style of music that's foreign to many Christians. I listen to Christian metal bands like Fit For a King, Phineas, Sleeping Giant, For Today, Living Sacrifice, and the list goes on. I connect with that style. I also love praise and worship, like Bethel, Hillsong, and David Crowder. Crowder's Church Music album is a go-to for me, but mostly it's the heavier stuff. For books, I'm a big reader so too many to name, but I would say my main ones are:

Anything by Greg Boyd, but especially Is God to Blame, Cross Vision, The Jesus Legend, The Myth of a Christian Nation, Escaping the Matrix and Present Perfect

Anything by John Eldredge, but especially Fathered by God, Moving Mountains, and Wild at Heart

Anything by Donald Miller, but especially Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What
Anything by Francis Chan, but especially Crazy Love

Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

Speaking of Jesus by Carl Medearis

The Bible Tells Me So by Pete Enns

Trust First by Bruce Deel

I'm also a huge fan of Ravi Zacharias, Dallas Willard, Philip Yancey, and Andy Stanley

Scripture-wise, James is my favorite book. I read the Bible daily and have too many favorite Scriptures to name all of them. Phillippians 4:13, as common as it is, is still a favorite of mine. James 1:22. Joshua 24:15. I actually want to get a tattoo of Leviticus 19:28 (the verse against specific tattoos under the Old Testament Law), because to me it shows how we were under the law, but now live under the Spirit, and how it's not what goes into us or what we look like that defiles us, it's what comes out of us and what we produce.

Cheryl:  What are some thoughtful gestures by others that have been most effective in ministering to you in your Christian walk that readers can emulate to help others?

Kalen:  Showing Christ's love through loving me, without throwing Scripture at me before I believed. Loving me where I was.

Cheryl:  What are some of the most meaningful ways the body of Christ can bring peace to a troubled, divided world?

Kalen:  LOVE. EACH. OTHER. That's it: love. We all need to stop judging and start loving. We need to understand that we all have our struggles and we're no better than anyone else, Christian or non. We can't earn our salvation; Christ already did that for us. Through loving and serving others, it's impossible for people to not eventually see the love of Christ. We need to stop worrying so much about being safe and start worrying about living a life of meaning and purpose and love. Another issue I've seen is holding doctrine above the Bible. Doctrine is great, but it can become an idol.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you and your family?

Kalen:  We will be going through a big move soon, likely to Asia. Please pray for our family's cohesion through this time and our reliance on God. Pray that this move helps us grow closer to God and to each other.

You can connect with Kalen at his website, FreedomSprout.comFinancial Freedom Coaching, on Facebook, and on Twitter.


To order Kalen's brand-new book, "10 Branches of Growth," click HERE!!  

You will be abundantly blessed by reading this book.  It is jam packed with Biblical truths and advice that will absolutely change your life for the better!  It is one of those books that you will refer to time after time as you are faced with new life challenges because its truths can be applied to so many different situations.  As I read it, the precious Holy Spirit inspired me to apply Kalen's words to my ongoing weight loss battles.  It is already helping and motivating me, and I am so thankful God led me to Kalen's book.  I hope you will click HERE and order your own copy today!

To read previous 
click the links below:

Friday, July 3, 2020

Sharing Today at "Becoming Minimalist"

"And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Luke 12:15
(KJV)

Today, I am SO grateful to Joshua Becker for allowing me to share my heart at his amazing blog, "Becoming Minimalist."  I have been following Joshua for years, and he has been a huge inspiration to my family and me on our minimizing journey.  Joshua was the first person I wanted to interview back in 2015 when God began to lead me to start the "Inner Views" segment of this blog.  I thoroughly enjoyed our telephone conversation, and you can read my interview with Joshua by clicking HERE.

My family and I are finding a deep and meaningful sense of purpose in the "nothingness" God has led us to carve out in our lives.  Our passionate pursuit echoes the cry of John the Baptist's heart in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

A closer walk with Jesus is the driving force behind our letting go of so much of this world's goods, and it is the thrust of our new book, 

(You can order your own copy of our book HERE!)

"I stood in our son, Zach’s room, staring at his cleaned-out, nearly empty closet. 

“The only thing that will be on the floor will be my laundry basket, Mama!” His words were spoken with such pride and excitement, and in that moment, it hit me how grateful I am not only for our minimizing journey but for the timing of it."  

To read the rest of my latest article, "Finding Substance in Nothing," click HERE!

Monday, June 29, 2020

Changes at Homespun Devotions, BOOK REVIEWS, & Frugality in the Kitchen

"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
Titus 2:3-5

Today, from the midst of the heartache going on in my family, I have some good tidbits of news to share, but first I want to let you know that my nephew, Brian has been moved to a hospice facility.  They are keeping him comfortable, and the family has spoken their good-byes.  How long Brian will tarry in this condition is in the hands of our just and loving God.  Our hearts are broken, and we lean upon the Lord for strength and grace.  Even in the face of all that is happening, I am STILL holding out hope that God will perform a miracle, and Brian will wake up.  Please do continue to remember my family in prayer.  Your loving thoughts, friendship, and prayers mean more than I could ever say.

~ Changes here on the blog ~

You may have noticed that I have pulled nearly all of the content down from the Homespun Devotions archives.  It will no longer be available here because I am in the midst of a new and exciting project—a long-awaited dream!  Now that I have walked through the grueling experience of independently publishing our book, Biblical Minimalism, and I believe by God's help and grace I can do it again, I am compiling devotional content that He has inspired me with over the years into a book!  A homespun devotional tapestry that will be interwoven with inspirational thoughts, some of my original poetry, and new material that He is streaming into me along the way.

When I first started this blog, I had a dream of writing a devotional book.  Recently, the Lord brought to my attention that this is exactly what I have been doing over the past almost nine years!  As I have been writing the devotionals He has been inspiring me to share here, I have been writing that devotional book.  

I apologize if there are certain articles you have become accustomed to referring to here on the blog that will no longer be accessible to you, but if you can bear with me, Lord willing and somewhere down the road, you may just be able to refer to them forever by way of a book you can hold in your hand!

What I will leave accessible here on the site are all the Inner Views interviews I have conducted over the years, all of the guest posts that some of you have so kindly provided, and a select few of my own devotionals scattered here and there.  (I also have a very exciting NEW upcoming Inner Views interview that I can't wait to share with you soon!)

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Book Reviews of our new book are happening!
OH, it has been an exciting time for us, and how grateful we are to our beloved launch team!  Some of the launch team members have already finished reading the book, and we could not be more grateful for their beautiful reviews.  We are looking forward to all the upcoming reviews, also, and hope to be able to share them with you here soon!

Click on the links below to read what the launch team members are saying!

Shirley at "A Word Fitly Spoken"

Karen at "Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge"

Martha at "Meditations of My Heart"

Deborah at "The Beautiful Matters"

If you would like to order your own copy of our book, just click HERE!

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Moving forward in the spirit of Titus 2, I felt led to share some of the lessons on frugality the dear Lord has taught me throughout many years of marriage.  It was fun writing this "new-direction" post!


Being married for 32 years is such a gift on so many levels.  Staying with the same man, loving him wholeheartedly, knowing what he likes and enjoys, sharing such a long history together —it all adds up to this wife feeling so, so blessed.  Kevin and I give ALL glory to God for the precious life and deeply meaningful marriage He has blessed us with, and my heart is humbled and beyond grateful that I get to walk through life with this amazing man.  The fact that God sent us a dear son of our own to raise together and love is a treasure the two of us will never be able to praise God enough for —how we thank HIM.  He has been so faithful to us, and it would take at least 32 years for me to sit down and tell you of the many answers to prayer and manifold blessings He has poured and continues to pour out upon us every, single day.

One thing I've learned over these 32 years of marriage is how to be frugal in the kitchen, and one of the neatest ways that allows me to call forth my creative side is by challenging myself with making meals that will feed us for more than one meal.  The goal is to always stay in competition with myself to see just how many meals one dish can stretch into!  😂

Upon leaving a comment over at Deborah's blog, "The Beautiful Matters" (by the way, I love, love, LOVE her blog ~ you should check it out and subscribe - she published a beautiful book review of our book today ~ you can read it HERE), it came to my mind that I should share here what I was sharing in that comment.  So, here goes!

First, though - I'm sorry I am not one of those super-talented foodie bloggers.  I have no photos of the food to show, but I can promise you that these recipes work, they will stretch your grocery dollar until it screams, and you will hear lots of "mmms" and see smiling faces at your supper table!

One of the ways I cook something that stretches into feeding our family of three for nearly a week is by starting out with cooking a HUGE pork roast in the crock pot.  

I season the outside of the pork roast with my "go-to" seasoning combination.  I use this blend for SO many recipes.  Here are the stars of the show:

Seasoned Salt 
(I used to only buy Lawry's, but I have found that the Aldi brand is just as good and usually less expensive.)
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Black Pepper

I will also sometimes add paprika or even steak seasoning, (depending on what I am cooking) to this "go-to" seasoning.

So, after I rub the outside of the pork roast with the above seasoning combination, I put it in the crock pot (fat-side down), and I take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the roast, making sure to twist the spoon handle to make the holes bigger.

Next is where an amazing secret comes in concerning cooking a pork roast!! 

The liquid I pour over and around the pork roast is ~ not water, but apple juice!
The apple juice permeates down into the holes and flavors the pork as it cooks, and oh, my!
Let me just say that it takes this already delicious dish to a whole new level.
It also makes your gravy a beautiful golden color and gives it a distinctive flavor.  (recipe below)

Meal #1 from cooked Pork Roast

~ Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, and Green Beans ~

After the roast is done, remove the meat from the crock pot, leaving the broth behind.
Cut the meat into servings and place it on a pretty meat platter.
Strain the broth by putting a colander over a large bowl and pouring the broth from the crock pot into the colander, making sure to sift out everything but the luscious, rich broth.  Set the strained bowl of broth aside.

Then, make homemade gravy, just like this:

Start out by melting one stick of butter in a large saucepan.
To the butter, add some flour to make a nice, rich roux ~
(sorry, I don't have the exact measurement on the flour - I use the old-timey Tupperware scoops, and it usually takes about 2 to 3 of those heaping scoops to one stick of butter.  The general rule for a roux is equal parts fat and flour.)
To the roux, add the "go-to" seasoning mix above (to taste) and stir the butter, flour, and seasonings together until everything is smooth.
Then, pour the entire bowl of broth into the roux and stir vigorously.  You will want to have your heat up pretty high during this process.  Let it bubble, and stir continually until the mixture starts to look like real, homemade gravy.  Oh, my goodness!  This is SUCH good gravy!  It thickens to a beautiful texture, and the taste is just amazing!  If any remaining lumps bother you, you can use an immersion blender to break them up.  (I LOVE my immersion blender!)

For this meal, I also make homemade mashed potatoes, canned corn seasoned with butter, and 2 cans of green beans.  I pour the 2 cans of green beans into a pot, add two beef boullion cubes, and let them cook until all the water is cooked off (about 10 minutes or so).

After this original pork roast meal, the creative fun begins!  From that leftover pork roast, the following recipes spring forth!

Meal #2 from cooked Pork Roast

~ Open-faced Pork Roast Sandwiches ~

Toast two pieces of bread, while heating a portion of pork roast and gravy, separately, in microwave.
Butter the toast, then layer the pork roast on the buttered toast.
Pour the warm gravy over the open-faced sandwich.

Serve with some of the leftover mashed potatoes, corn, and green beans, if desired.

Meal #3 from cooked Pork Roast

~ Pork Ranch Barbecue Nachos ~

Ingredients:
Cool Ranch Doritoes
Shredded Cheese
Can of Chili Beans, heated
(I pulverized the beans with an immersion blender as I heated them, but you could also smash them with a fork or potato masher.  Chili beans are what we had on hand, but you could also use refried beans or some other type of canned beans.)
Leftover Pork Roast, reheated
Diced Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Ranch Dressing
Barbecue Sauce
Diced Onions (if desired)

Spread a layer of Cool Ranch Doritoes on a dinner plate.
Spread shredded cheese over the Doritoes.
Spread warm chili beans over cheese.
Spread warm pork roast over beans.
Shred another layer of cheese on top of the pork roast.
Top with diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, onions (if desired).
Squirt ranch dressing in a criss-cross pattern over the top.
Squirt barbecue sauce in a criss-cross pattern over the ranch dressing.

You could also add jalapeno peppers, black olives, pico de gallo, salsa, or any other toppings you'd like.

Meal #4 from cooked Pot Roast

~ Barbecue Pork Sandwiches ~

Ingredients:
Leftover Pork Roast
Barbecue Sauce of your choice
Hamburger Buns
Butter
Bag of Cole Slaw 
(Pre-shredded mixture of cabbage & carrots.  We always put ours through our chopper to blend extra-fine.)
Mayonnaise
Vinegar
Sugar

Sandwiches

Heat leftover pork roast in a saucepan & slather with barbecue sauce while heating.
Butter top and bottom of each bun and brown in a skillet, butter-size down.
Assemble sandwiches by placing a portion of barbecue pork on each bottom bun, then topping meat with cole slaw.  (Recipe below.)

Cole Slaw

Place shredded cabbage mixture in bowl.
Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in small bowl.
(I apologize that I do not measure.  I just put about 2-3 large dollops of mayonnaise in a bowl, with a dash of vinegar, and about 2-3 teaspoons of sugar.  I keep stirring and taste-testing and adding sugar/vinegar it until it tastes "right" to me.  😕
I know ~ but this is the country way of doing things and the way Mom taught me to cook!)
Pour mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar dressing over the cabbage, and voila!  You have cole slaw!

Note:  This slaw is SO good - it takes me back to when I was growing up and Mom, Dad, and I would go into country restaurants and they would serve cole slaw with Captain's Wafers crackers before the meal.  Does anyone else remember that?  

Meal #5 from cooked Pork Roast

~ Cold Pork Roast Sandwiches ~

Slather a slice of bread with mayonnaise and pepper.
Place cold pork roast on bread, and top with second slice.
Yummy and so, so simple.

Meal # 6 from cooked Pork Roast

~ Must Go Soup ~

Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Corn
Green Beans
Pork Roast
Half & Half
Any other leftover cooked veggies from refrigerator
You can also add any canned veggies that don't require a long cooking time

Dump all into a large pan and heat slowly.  When meat and veggies are warm, top everything with Half & Half until all is covered to a creamy, liquid consistency.  The leftover mashed potatoes and gravy give this soup an amazingly rich base that morphs into a delicious, velvety soup.

Again, I wish I had taken photos of all of this at each step, but I failed to do so.  I was too busy enjoying the process of creating wonderful things for my little family to eat.  
I hope you can find something in this post that will spark a new creative and very frugal adventure in your own kitchen cooking for the ones you love most in the world!

Let me know if you try any of these recipes!  May God bless you as you seek to steward wisely!