It’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Here’s what Laura says about the recipe from this week’s Martha Monday video:
When I see “lemon” in the title it always brings a bit of nostalgia. I still love and long for those fried lemon pies from the grocery store my mom bought for my dad’s lunch bucket he carried to the plant every day. They are hard to find now, but I can’t resist buying one (or more!) when I find them.
It seemed, then, only fitting to google “lemon pie” when making an early Father’s Day dessert for my dad. I found a few recipes and adapted them to create this one. I think it’s a keeper.
I hope you do, too.
We hope you give it a try and add it to your dessert rotation. We invite you to visit our YouTube channel for a link to download your own copy of this yummy recipe!
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18
Do you find the Bible boring?
Have you tried reading it, but either it doesn’t make sense, doesn’t seem to apply to your life, or you just don’t seem to get it?
Perhaps the problem lies in not preparing to read it. Just as we must shop before we cook or pack before we travel, savoring the journey in God’s Word also requires some preparation.
How do you get ready to read the Bible?
I’m glad you asked!
The answer: You pray! If you have no words of your own, simply use the words from the Psalmist above and pray them back to God.
Asking, in itself, places us in a posture of humility. When we ask God to reveal truth – to open our eyes – we acknowledge that we are unable to get it on our own, to see what is there, or to understand what we read.
Humility fosters a teachable spirit. Pride, on the other hand, bristles up — refusing to ask and, therefore, struggling to learn. James puts it bluntly, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) Admitting how much we don’t know and understand allows us to learn new things.
Asking to see “wonderful things in your law” is a declaration of faith: I know it’s there, God … help me see it!
Will you commit today to preparing to read God’s Word before you open your Bible? Will you ask God to give you both faith that there is something there for you and focus so you don’t miss it?
I’d like to invite you to open your heart and eyes to God’s Word as we study Psalm 119 during May and June!
This week Laura is joined by her friend Alice Menks as they discuss the importance of God’s Word and the need to set our heart on seeking the Lord and His help in our lives in all circumstances.
You can download your copy of our bookmark highlighting Psalm 119 here: https://2ly.link/216Qc
I seek you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10
These words are both a declaration and a plea.
The Psalmist boldly declares with confidence:
I seek you with all my heart…
And then immediately follows with a plea for protection from wandering:
Do not let me stray from your commands.
Centuries later, time and circumstances have changed but the human heart is the same. Our desire to know and follow God is still great. Those of us who follow Him still have the longing to be “all in” — to embrace an all-my-heart conviction.
Both Biblical truth and modern-day colloquialism use “heart” to capture our overriding beliefs and desires. From our hearts spring our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions. Phrases like these flow in our modern-day conversations:
Put your heart into it…
I have my heart set on it…
My heart tells me…
Then and now, what is in our heart on the inside will eventually be revealed on the outside. Those who follow Christ have the desire to be consumed by God. To be all in. We say, “Amen,” as we link arms across the centuries with the Psalmist and agree with the all-my-heart commitment.
But as we all know, declaring it is one thing. Living it is quite another.
Embracing an all-my-heart commitment means to reject the divided or lukewarm heart. It means we allow God to be God — not just in our morning devotions, but in our afternoon conversations. He is ruler over not only our beliefs but our behaviors. We yield to Him in our purchasing, viewing, and eating habits. We allow Him to lead out in our relationships, work ethic, and responses to hard things and hard people.
Too often, our afternoon choices fall short of our morning declaration. In my life, God’s way can easily be pushed aside for Laura’s way.
Sometimes I drift. Other times I run.
But I’m always grateful for His love, grace, and mercy that both draw me and welcome me back.
As I have lived out this cycle repeatedly, I’ve learned that choosing to seek God with all my heart is not only a morning declaration — it must be an all-day-long abiding. Continually walking with God keeps me consciously aware of His presence, protection, and power. That awareness brings sweet peace.
It’s not frightening, but freeing. It’s not scary, but sweet. While He is God of the universe, He is my Father, as well. He loves me. I can trust Him.
The continual, throughout-the-day seeking and abiding reassures me that I am safe and loved. It makes “all-my-heart” a transforming lifestyle that fulfills the request in the second part of the verse:
Do not let me stray from your commands.
Truth unfolds. Realization dawns. The connection between seeking the Lord and obeying Him is revealed: they are the same. If I love Him, I will want to respect the healthy boundaries of His Word.
Jesus Himself said,
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me… John 14:21
My love for God prompts me to trust Him. My obedience flows from a heart of love, not guilt or legalism. I can obey Him because I love Him and know that He loves me and knows what is best for me. He knows what I do not. He sees all, while I see only in part. I do not have to know everything — I just need to know Him. He is enough.
The principles of God’s Word are not there to rob us of joy, but to give us joy. A focus on rule-keeping makes His Word a burden to carry. But when we focus on loving and pleasing God, His precepts become an easy burden.
Because He is ever faithful, because He is good, and because He is loving, I declare (and I pray) I will seek, serve, and abide with all my heart!
In this week’s devotional video, Laura is joined by her friend, Connie Matchell, as they discuss learning to delight in God’s decrees. By hiding God’s word in our hearts, and beginning to look at things through God’s eyes, we can truly learn to delight in God’s decrees.
You can download your copy of our bookmark highlighting Psalm 119 from our Downloads page!
This past week, Laura found a lonely can of cannelloni beans on her pantry shelf. She diced up her left-over Easter ham, then added some frozen soup veggies, broth, and a few spices. We think you will LOVE the result: Left-Over Ham, Bean, and Veggie Soup.
Please take a few minutes out of your day to watch her make this delicious soup, and to introduce our May ‘Do It!’ List. If you want to give the soup a try, you can visit our YouTube channel for a link to download the recipe!
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
The reason John wrote his gospel is the same reason many of us talk to our families, friends, and loved ones about Jesus: we want them to have eternal life!
A few years ago, on Easter Sunday morning, we watched as a little girl in our church was baptized. The children’s pastor commented that when he asked her about coming to know Jesus she responded, “My family talks to me about Jesus all the time!”
Let’s pray our children (and our grands and greats!) grow up saying the same thing about us!
We teach and train our children. We go to their soccer and baseball games (or at least we used to – and we will again!). We chase their bent by investing in music lessons, sports camps, and science kits. We love them. We take them on vacation, teach them to cook, and caution them about stranger danger. We teach them about money, relationships, forgiveness, generosity, and how to change a flat tire.
But as followers of Christ, what we want most is for them to come to know our Jesus!
God has no grandchildren. Our faith is not inherited by our children, but it is seen and heard by them.
Other than our living testimony, they also get to know Jesus through His WORD.
As women, many of us are mothers and grandmothers who are anticipating the summer … planning vacations, outdoor activities, sports, and other opportunities for your children or grandchildren to enjoy the warmer months. But whatever your plans, be sure you also talk to them about Jesus.
I’d like to personally invite to you commit to writing God’s WORD with us this summer – taking advantage of days that may be a bit less busy, and developing (or continuing) the habit of spending time reading, writing, and studying the Bible each day. My prayer is that as you write each verse, you renew your belief in Jesus and your faith is strengthened by His WORD.
Do you believe in my Jesus? Have you placed your faith in Him? Do you understand – and know in your heart – that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? It’s simple, but changes everything:
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. (John 3:16)
If you are ready to commit your life to Jesus, here’s a simple prayer prompt:
God, I’ve made a mess and I am a mess. I am a sinner. I cannot fix or change myself. I need You. This day I give my life to You, Jesus. Thank you for taking the punishment on the Cross that I deserved. Come into my life. Take over. Take charge. From this day forward, I will follow You. You are my Savior and my Lord. Amen.
Whether you prayed that prayer or something like it (and whether you prayed it today or many years ago), your life in Christ will be transformed by His WORD. Why not commit to writing the Bible daily – and then pray it, speak it, and live it?
Our free monthly Write The Word bookmark is a tool to encourage you to abide in His Word. Be sure to visit our Downloads page for our upcoming May bookmark, S.O.A.P. study pages, Do It! List, and other free resources to help you balance your heart for God with the demands of a busy life and home.
If you need inspiration for abiding in the WORD, Psalm 119 is a great place to begin. Not only is it the longest Psalm, with 176 verses, it is also the longest chapter in the entire Bible.
Most scholars believe it was written post-exile and possible authors may be Ezra or Jeremiah. Even if we don’t know who wrote it down, we know that Psalm 119 (like all Scripture) is prompted by the Holy Spirit. We can celebrate God’s gift of His Word and we can embrace the benefits and blessing that come from knowing and following it. We will devote two full months to writing out this powerful chapter!
Listen as Laura introduces Psalm 119 and then visit our Downloads page to get your own copy of our May bookmark. Let’s Write the WORD together in May!
Our first Prayer Walk was so successful, we want to do it again– but we need YOUR help!
Last year we prayed for 100 walkers. We received donations to cover 100 shirts. And over 200 people came! So this year we are keeping the sponsor ask the same ($100), but need TWICE as many sponsors. Whether you are an individual, business, non-profit, church or other organization we would love for your partner with us to help underwrite the costs of our Prayer Walk for Siloam Springs Schools.
This year’s walk will be on Saturday, August 9, 9-11 AM. We will meet at Siloam Springs High School and then peel off to prayer walk around the other schools in our district.
And more big news — any excess funds raised will be used to fund a scholarship for a graduating Siloam Springs High School senior!
You can partner with us by sending your tax-deductible contribution to Cross My Heart Ministry to 1310 Scout Trail, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. Or @CrossMyHeartMinistry if you prefer Venmo. Finally, if you live outside our school district, we would love to visit with you about bringing the prayer walk to your community! Please reach out to us via email!
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
This verse may be familiar to many of us. The phrase, “…the way and the truth and the life” may easily roll off our tongues, because we have heard it quoted many times. We may have committed it to memory if we grew up in Sunday School or Awana.
But as we write it out (are you writing the WORD with us this month? It’s not too late to join us!) we may be struck by the combination of these three descriptors: way, truth, life.
These are an interesting combination. As we focus on the words individually, it prompts us to ask, “What do they have in common?”
What do way and truth have to do with life?
Jesus could have said, “I am the hope and the peace and the joy.” Or – “I am the purpose and the reason and the end.” Many combinations might seem to be more logical than, “the way, the truth, and the life.”
Without going deep in the Greek or consulting theological writing, it seems way denotes the path or the journey.
If we have a destination in mind, our Maps app may offer lots of routes for getting there. If our stomach growls, there are lots of ways to satisfy it. We are accustomed to options for the choices we make.
You may have heard some suggest there are many ways to get to heaven. Having a plethora of options on Earth could make some resent the fact that eternal salvation has only “one way.” Those naysayers might even call this suggestion intolerant.
And that’s where the next word becomes important: truth. By its very definition, truth is exclusive. While many suggestions and options can be presented, what matters is what is the truth. Anyone can say with confidence, “I think you can get to heaven if your good deeds outweigh your bad…if you’ve done your best…if you’ve tried to be a good person…”
At the end of the day, all the “I thinks” and “I believes” mean nothing. Have you ever tried to get out of a speeding ticket by telling the officer, “I believed the speed limit here was 55” when he informed you it was a 25 mile-per-hour zone?
Believing — passionately — that the moon is inhabited by purple people does not make it so.
Believing — with all your heart — that you have a fairy godmother who, upon your death bed, will appear and escort you to heaven will not make it happen.
Believing — quite confidently — that I-40 will take you to Florida will leave you disappointed.
Our passion, devotion, and confidence will make zero difference in achieving our destination goal. What matters is the truth.
Truth was not only used to describe Jesus. Truth also was featured prominently in the Armor of God:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:14a
When we don our spiritual armor, the belt of truth goes on first. Perhaps that is to remind us that truth is the foundation of everything else. Jesus not only described Himself as, “the truth,” He also declared in John 17:17, “… your word is truth.”
As followers of Christ, we put on the armor of God daily so that we can take our stand against the enemy. Ours is a spiritual battle. We know we stand against the enemy. We also stand behind the truth.
If we want to know the way, we must have truth to show us the right way. And that’s the means to reach life … eternal life. Real life. Life that matters.
Is God’s Word your source for finding the way, the truth, and the life? Is it your go-to for answers to life’s questions?
When the world argues there’s some gray in the decision, His Word may reveal clearly what is black and white.
When the world tries to push, pull, and tug us off course, the Word of God is our compass pointing due north.
The Psalmist describes it as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We need that illumination to live well and stand firm in today’s world — and we need to understand the importance of modeling that truth for our children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and family.
Seeking the way, the truth, and the life is a daily choice:
Get up.
Will yourself to HIS way.
Put on your belt of truth.
Immerse yourself in the Word of God.
Rejoice in the life you have in Him.
Yesterday is gone. If you sought truth from scripture yesterday and walked in the light of that truth, you chose well. But today, the battle begins all over again. Find the way, put on your belt of truth, and celebrate your eternal life in Jesus … TODAY.
Each day is a fresh start — for good or otherwise. Protect yourself from the lies of the enemy today, by choosing to believe Jesus. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life.
John 3:16 seemed the perfect choice for a Good Friday verse. Please take a moment to watch this week’s teaching video, and to listen as Laura examines a verse familiar to many (or even most) of us. We hope you might glean some fresh insight and inspiration to what believing in Jesus means.
It’s not too late to download our April bookmark and join us for the last third of the month as we read, write, and dwell on verses with the word, LIFE. What could be more appropriate for this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the eternal LIFE He secured for us on the Cross.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3
Life is good. You’ve probably said that a few times – perhaps in response to a passing “How are you?” from a friend. The response has become almost a cliché, on par with:
Can’t complain!
Awesome!
Fine!
Great!
One organization has successfully transformed “life is good” into a thriving business. (Maybe you own a Life Is Good tee shirt.) Their mission is to spread the power of optimism and their tag line reads: LIFE IS NOT PERFECT. LIFE IS NOT EASY. LIFE IS GOOD.
As a follower of Christ, I can’t argue with that statement. In fact, I agree with it. My life is good. I am grateful for the life I have, and am well aware that I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.
Even though life is never perfect and is often not easy, life is still good.
Life … is … good.
But God’s love is better. Because of God’s love we need not settle for good … we get better. We get eternal life. We get freedom in Christ. We get hope for eternity.
And all that is made possible because of God’s love. Love that is better than a life that is good.
The nerdy part of me wants to make it work in an equation:
Life = Good
God’s Love > Life
If we pause to count our many blessings – to make a list of all the things that make this life good – that list might include:
A devoted, godly husband
Children that bring delight
Grandchildren that bright delight multiplied!
A safe home
Plenty to eat
Friends I can count on and confide in
A pastor who preaches the Word
Coffee
My Bible
The ability to read
Air conditioning
A library card
A KitchenAid mixer
Photo albums
Chocolate
Laughter
Tylenol when I have a headache
Sweet tea on a hot day
The list is endless. Some seem trivial and others more substantial, but all are blessings of a good life.
As good as this life may be, God’s love is better. God’s love trumps every other blessing. God’s love brings peace and joy that transcends this life and reaches to eternity. Because of God’s love, my destiny for eternity is secure. I have confident hope.
Life here is good. I love the blessings this life brings. Anticipating that life for eternity is even better brings wonder … amazement … peace … joy.
As I ponder and embrace the truth that God’s love is better than life, the only possible response is praise. I can’t help but glorify Him. As natural as breathing is the song on my lips to the God who loves me.
The one whose love is better than life must be praised. He must be glorified. The deep sense of belonging – of abiding in Him – brings a delightful desire to glorify Him.
Surely, there is no better way to observe the Sabbath than to allow our lips to glorify our great God! Let’s declare with the Psalmist:
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you!
Our word for April is LIFE — and appropriate for the month we celebrate eternal life in Christ. In this week’s devotional video, Laura shares thought from one of the verses on the bookmark: II Peter 1:3. We invite you to listen as she explores living a godly life and how we can do it.
You can download your copy of the April Write the WORD: Life bookmark here.
This cake will not only look beautiful gracing your Easter lunch table, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip it up the Saturday afternoon before! Watch this week’s Martha Monday video, as Laura makes her Easter Egg Cake Mix Cake … then dash out to pick up the ingredients to make one for your Easter dessert!
Visit our YouTube channelfor the link to download a printable copy of instructions to make and assemble this week’s Easter Egg dessert!
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Jesus not only taught this truth, He modeled it. We may contribute to causes we believe in. We may donate our time or share our talents, but giving one’s life is the ultimate sacrifice.
These chaotic times lend themselves to considering life and what it means to us as citizens on earth, and certainly as citizens of heaven. As Americans, many of us may be unable to quote the Declaration of Independence in its entirety, but if any portion is committed to memory, it’s most likely this:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
What does it mean to have a right to life as a citizen of America? How do we exercise that right? Does that right ever interfere with the right to life of another person?
Those questions become more sobering and significant during seasons of global upheaval. Around the world, we see war and violence and political unrest. As a citizen of this country, I am tremendously grateful formembers of the military (and our local law enforcement) who continue to do their jobs — and lay down their lives, if need be — so we can live ours in relative peace and safety.
According to the research site Macrotrends, the average life expectancy for a person in the United States in 2025 is 79.4 years. Some live longer, some less. But when stacked up against eternity, even the 119 years of supercentenarian Sarah DeRemer Knauss of Hollywood, Pennsylvania(the longest-lived person in the United States, who passed away in 1999) seem insignificant.
How can we measure a lifetime on earth to eternity in heaven? One grain of sand on a seashore? One drop of water in the Pacific Ocean? One tree in the vast Amazon rain forest? We may find it difficult to isolate and remember one day in our finite lifetime … so how can our minds even begin to fathom infinity?
But what we choose to do — actually, who we choose to trust— in this life is what determines how we spend the next one in eternity. This month, as we read, write, think, and pray over verses that all include the word life, I pray we are challenged to think of this life we have as not only a right, but a great gift. God Himself orchestrated where and when we would be born, the family we are part of, the place we would live, and the individuals with whom we interact and build relationships.
Jesus, the holy perfect son of God, gave His life willingly and sacrificially to make our eternal life a reality. Has that truth become trite or stale? Has familiarity made it less precious?
I’m asking God to give us all fresh gratitude for this life and a renewed urgency to live it well. The clock is ticking on today … how are you spending the gift of these hours?
Youand I may never be asked to lay down our lives for a friend or to die for our faith, but every single day, most of us are likely to have an opportunity to die to ourselves. Anyone can stand up and demand their rights, but only the strongest will lay down their own in love for others.
How might God be calling you and me to give up our rights — or die to ourselves— during these challenging days?
This week’s teaching video concludes our study in John 17, as we unpack the prayer Jesus prayed for US! Given our human nature, He prays something unlikely: unity in the body. We not only see the WHAT He prays, He gives the WHY. We invite you to watch and listen to Laura’s newest teaching as she shares the startling purpose for our unity in the body of Christ.
