tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70818047790800442742024-03-18T12:34:04.888-04:00Noelle KirchnerNoelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-16448039051810525152024-03-17T20:39:00.002-04:002024-03-18T12:33:32.432-04:00Do You Know the Story of St. Patrick?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoyD8LJC6mUY3D_Wo52TUKmSL-fbR2wTfLo8S0Z7DWMFlj4L-gv4O8AdUouIqm5_aBXuOCxesas9QwZXqpZndKLoN-MV0or8hQVo6I1gDFR2OrlfhB3qLLV3lQeAQzTfGPzbPONiY_LvkHi36bQMcLiGFBkZ2H39NFMfndghkturWivRANez0xGA0iLs/s4496/St.%20Patrick.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4496" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoyD8LJC6mUY3D_Wo52TUKmSL-fbR2wTfLo8S0Z7DWMFlj4L-gv4O8AdUouIqm5_aBXuOCxesas9QwZXqpZndKLoN-MV0or8hQVo6I1gDFR2OrlfhB3qLLV3lQeAQzTfGPzbPONiY_LvkHi36bQMcLiGFBkZ2H39NFMfndghkturWivRANez0xGA0iLs/s320/St.%20Patrick.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because I have some Irish heritage, and because I love a powerful gospel story, I have to share this inspiring history on St. Patrick's Day! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ireland was evangelized by St. Patrick, who has quite a compelling story. St. Patrick was born in the fourth century in what is present-day Scotland. While he grew up in a church family, he didn't have a personal faith commitment. That changed the day Irish raiders came to his town, torched his home, and took him to Ireland as a slave at sixteen years old. During that ordeal, St. Patrick dedicated himself to his faith. He later wrote, “The Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief in order that I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God.” St. Patrick eventually escaped and returned home. At age thirty, however, God called him to go back and evangelize his captors through a strange dream. He obeyed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The impact that St. Patrick’s obedience has had is sweeping. He became one of the most successful evangelizers in history. He planted around 200 churches and converted 100,000 people. We know that he has an internationally-celebrated holiday named after him and a color (green) tied to his legacy. What I didn’t know, however, is that his conversions led to the formation of Irish monasteries that were a light during the Dark Ages. They expanded across Europe as centers of faith, worship, culture, and learning. One author, Thomas Cahill, argues that they single-handedly preserved Western Civilization as we know it during that period.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">While St. Patrick is a credit to his faith, I can only imagine the internal struggle that occurred within himself before he returned to Ireland. How could I return to a people who hurt me to help them, Lord? Why choose me? Is your grace enough to see me fuel this complete heart turn with conviction? St. Patrick followed God’s vision for his life whatever befell. And while returning to his captors wasn’t easy, it is the grace he showed that probably made him so effective. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-48987162040530828772024-01-25T11:53:00.002-05:002024-01-26T11:20:37.378-05:00Got Prayer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NrP3OPfQP2tQ42hnBPCJ41E7z4TEf7HB_lAu0YwdoQmYPrHw4Obt-O0PY41iufCI4U0hFY9WwP778dBWw7vfC1zz8OEBPiC6DE5pta9OgRnJjx_M6jvMfAZkt7GymmWH0BoyyG3M9jRLl9gRX4ZSDmgv1koaRM0A3jTcydpvQ91QbQMkVMDDQIooB_8/s5743/Prayer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="5743" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NrP3OPfQP2tQ42hnBPCJ41E7z4TEf7HB_lAu0YwdoQmYPrHw4Obt-O0PY41iufCI4U0hFY9WwP778dBWw7vfC1zz8OEBPiC6DE5pta9OgRnJjx_M6jvMfAZkt7GymmWH0BoyyG3M9jRLl9gRX4ZSDmgv1koaRM0A3jTcydpvQ91QbQMkVMDDQIooB_8/w400-h191/Prayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This week, I attended a prayer meeting for a sick child at my son's school. While I did not plan the meeting, I had the unexpected honor of leading it. I proposed doing a prayer circle for the child, which I led. The women gathered were open to the idea, but admitted that they were intimidated to pray.</p><p>I explained that prayer is simply talking with God. Each of us often see the same situation a bit differently, and therefore, each prayer is different and valuable. Whether we utter a long supplication or just a few words, the Holy Spirit can inform what we say and work on our behalf. Our gathering alone ushers in Christ's presence (Matthew 18:20). </p><p>In these instances, it's easy to think that prayer is simply a means to petition God. Yes, we are asking for healing. But the mom who initiated the group was quick to frame our meeting—we cannot promise any particular outcome from our prayer. </p><p>It's true. This side of heaven, creation is broken. Even though there is sin, disorder, and death, however, we worship a good God who has numbered the hairs on our head and desires our wholeness. When we stand upon his promises, I have seen God act. He healed my aunt and grandmother from critical conditions, for instance, when prayer was the only thing they had going for them.</p><p>Therefore, while prayer is indeed a petition, it's also a therapeutic release. It's the act of placing our requests before the throne of God and leaving them there, trusting that he's got it, come what may. This is enormously helpful because our worries are often multi-layered in tragic situations. While we cannot swing the balance in every aspect of another person's life, God can, as he holds everything together. <b>This allows our yoke to be light and for God to care for us as we're seeking his blessing for another. </b></p><p>As the women went around the room during our prayer circle, there were tears and surprises. One mom, for instance, confessed that she did not pray often, but she said the most beautiful, heart-felt prayer. I explained that my tears were a sign that I felt the power of the Spirit. From the comments afterward, it was clear that everyone who had gathered felt like they had been a part of something bigger than themselves.</p><p>This makes me wonder...</p><p><i>What prayer is on the tip of your tongue for another?</i></p><p><i>Are you willing to be used by God exactly where you find yourself too? </i></p><p>The <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/01/24/religious-nones-in-america-who-they-are-and-what-they-believe/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Pew Research study released this week</span></b></a> contained another alarming church statistic. About "28% of US adults are religiously unaffiliated, describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or 'nothing in particular' when asked about their religion." This group of people has historically been referred to as the "nones." Of note, however, is that the majority of the nones were raised in a religion, usually Christianity. Further, about half say that spirituality is very important to their lives. </p><p>This means the situations we find ourselves in are fertile soil for the people of God. Christ himself encouraged us to not hide our light under a bushel basket (Matthew 5:15)—and it's more important now than ever. You might be the lifeline that someone needs to draw them back into church or plant seeds of faith in their family. </p><p><b>Prayer is one way you can impact your community, right here, right now.</b> A friend of mine admitted that she had been scared to pray during the circle, but took comfort that the Holy Spirit would give her the words. Maybe that's it. We both had to move out of the way to let God move in and take over. Both as a leader and participant, respectively, we had to be willing to be a vessel "at such a time as this." </p><p>I have no doubt God wants the same from you. I encourage you to pray about opportunities in which God can use you. Don't be afraid to step out when they come, and don't be surprised when it's unexpected.</p><p>***</p><p><i>Thank you to my friend Autumn for sending along the Pew study! I love getting articles, especially from fellow prayer warriors. </i></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-47644102597791695252024-01-18T14:12:00.001-05:002024-01-18T14:17:03.779-05:00Let Faith—and Youth—Arise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE-WCnW_W3oTsyhm5H8SclNFVQ4Qn7wP4-mg3bn_4WkqJ0TjFL4f5Nzp1VpulJXh-frJCFLvftUM84TRABx4YS8GfTO6CVidjhNgkQnCGVGSY49SCmcHNTRq4GolbDAnnoKlZKAsbhYDW3-aTRjR7cxRXj8jvsL3pfOHOffNtWLsipRpZGFZra5fxvPc/s5095/matt-botsford-bBNabN9R_ac-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3376" data-original-width="5095" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE-WCnW_W3oTsyhm5H8SclNFVQ4Qn7wP4-mg3bn_4WkqJ0TjFL4f5Nzp1VpulJXh-frJCFLvftUM84TRABx4YS8GfTO6CVidjhNgkQnCGVGSY49SCmcHNTRq4GolbDAnnoKlZKAsbhYDW3-aTRjR7cxRXj8jvsL3pfOHOffNtWLsipRpZGFZra5fxvPc/s320/matt-botsford-bBNabN9R_ac-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This fall, I wrote about <i>The Great Dechurching</i>. I passed along some alarming statistics about the decline of the church. To catch up, read my posts <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2023/10/alert-church-is-in-serious-decline.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></b></a> and <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2023/11/can-church-win-even-in-death.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></b></a>.</p><p>This week, I listened to a <a href="https://youtu.be/-Co738dNIY0?si=LCfnoNKQJ8KCetjm" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">message</span></b></a> that attempted to convey one solution to the dechurching problem: our youth. Yes, the generation that is rising with the most discouraging statistic yet, being the first generation in American history that is largely unchurched, might also be the church's best hope for the future.</p><p>Dr. Richard Ross is the senior professor of student ministry at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and the author of 20 books on youth ministry. In his message, he references Jonathan Edwards, the great preacher of the First Great Awakening, who observed, "And indeed, it has commonly been so, when God has begun any great work for the revival of the church, he has taken the young people and has cast off the old and the stiff-necked generation." Youth have been integral to revivals throughout American church history.</p><p><b>Dr. Ross asks us therefore to consider, "Wouldn't it be just like Jesus to raise up an anxious and depressed generation to spark a revival?" </b>Wow. This question really hit me. The modern challenges to our youth are real, as is the declining membership in our pews. But what if these things were an opportunity for Christ rather than an endpoint? </p><p><i>Taking that hope-filled direction, what do we need to do to turn things around?</i></p><p>The answer is two-fold. <b>First, the church needs to better engage our youth. </b></p><p>Dr. Ross believes two changes can help the church. For one, intergenerational worship is key to seeing engagement and change in the pews. The churches that do not engage the next generation and attempt to simply hang on will not survive. Also, giving youth key ministry jobs now rather than just when they are older is important too. If the church fails to use children's gifts and invite youth to serve when they are within the walls of the church, then what will inspire them to come back and utilize their gifts down the road?</p><p><b>Second, families need to better engage Christ and model it to their children. </b></p><p>Dr. Ross is adamant that the most effective witness to children is their parents. For youth to lead a revival, they need parents who can disciple them and who are discipled themselves. What does discipled mean? It means reading the Bible, and prioritizing worship and faith conversations. Dr. Ross shares some tough words. He notes, "Parents can't pass on what they have not received...Here's what the research says. Lost parents usually rear children who become lost adults. Discipled parents usually rear children who become discipled adults. Spiritually shallow parents rear children who walk away from the faith."</p><p>As a mom of three boys, I know the pulls that keep us from prioritizing faith are real. But as a pastor, I don't want any of us to give away the incredible power we have to shape our children's lives through faith. Nothing is worth it. </p><p>In the end, the goal is a revival of the church, but it's also a revival of the soul. It's so easy to live with full schedules and thin souls these days. And the result is a small Jesus. Dr. Ross believes that Jesus today for many is pocket-sized and simply pulled out upon occasion for quick fixes—this is instead of Jesus' true potential and identity as central to our faith and existence as our Best Friend and the Lord of our Lives. </p><p>The revival that's needed today, Dr. Ross argues, is a reclaiming of the person and divinity of Jesus Christ. "To see a young generation awakened to Christ, we need to see the entire church awakened to Christ." And while Dr. Ross asserts that "only God can make the winds of revival blow," I certainly feel them stirring. </p><p>Do you want to be a part?</p><p>***</p><p><i>Thank you to David Bryant for pointing me to Dr. Ross' message through his ministry to reclaim Christ called </i><a href="http://ChristNow.com" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>ChristNow.com</b></span></a><i>. I am inspired by David's friendship, distinguished and faithful service to Christ and his heart to touch many for him.</i></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-9462457592854935662023-11-02T11:11:00.002-04:002023-11-02T11:13:22.577-04:00Can a Church Win Even in Death?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89H9zZwFTzxLA3wxWRrNzm8cqi-JaNbFLIGOVU22LiJiaRfbHuJLRfnqWQ3j-_fYR4IlK5AX-zbxZmS8Wksv3tHlxVYvLTYojrTwDRub_YNoDpFc2fqWGoQgZEYugHVvxKepbqZRlsAPSmGsQw_u_xGmQ-CsuwzvmtxegwQewOQfA4DCkBkRhpUj23U4/s4703/old%20church%20door.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4703" data-original-width="3600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89H9zZwFTzxLA3wxWRrNzm8cqi-JaNbFLIGOVU22LiJiaRfbHuJLRfnqWQ3j-_fYR4IlK5AX-zbxZmS8Wksv3tHlxVYvLTYojrTwDRub_YNoDpFc2fqWGoQgZEYugHVvxKepbqZRlsAPSmGsQw_u_xGmQ-CsuwzvmtxegwQewOQfA4DCkBkRhpUj23U4/s320/old%20church%20door.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p>Last week, I <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2023/10/alert-church-is-in-serious-decline.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>posted</b></span></a> about my newest read, <i>The Great Dechurching</i>. If you haven't read the book yet, I hope you pick it up or listen to it on Audible like me. It's not only about the church's vitality in our modern age—it's about the availability of a formalized spiritual lifeline for our children.</p><p>I am still chewing on a comment the authors made: <b>"A church can win even in death." </b></p><p>Yes, churches are dying. Did you know? <b>70% of people who go to church today attend 10% of the churches. </b>The majority of churches today have 100 or less people attending each week. As people continue to leave the church, that means these smaller churches will continue to close their doors due to a lack of attendance and financial solvency. </p><p>This is a sad fact. We have all seen churches, whose buildings might be paid off, cling to their dwindling resources in an attempt to hang on. It is a slow, painful death for those who remain.</p><p>What can the church do?</p><p>First, the church needs to prepare its future leaders wisely. Pastors are basically walking into a church equivalent of an ER. One can imagine that it's exhausting work, especially without the proper training. Seminaries need to train pastors how to intelligently handle dire financial situations, effectively market what they can provide using modern tools like social media, and foster adequate pastoral care avenues to support pastors so they don't <a href="https://www.restorativefaith.org/post/departure-why-i-left-the-church" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>burnout</b></span></a>.</p><p>Second, I'd like to challenge us as pastors and congregants—better yet, as people who love Jesus—to consider new ways of growing his body. How can a church win in death? The authors propose that a dwindling church can gift their paid-off building to a new ministry that might be growing. This allows a dwindling church a new opportunity through a shift in perspective—they can still bless and minister by planting a mighty seed.</p><p>As a Protestant pastor, I am proud of my heritage. I am proud of a tradition that looked to put a Bible in every hand. But <b>Christianity's many denominations and non-denominational church options have splintered our ability to see our solidarity.</b> Quite simply, the world needs Jesus. We are all on the same team. And for Christ's body to have a viable way forward, we need to act like it.</p><p>The world today is growing increasingly polarized—politically, socially, and religiously. If the church can't model humility and conversation with the other, who can? Especially when the future of Christ's very body is at stake, each of us is an essential member. My prayer is that God opens our eyes to the unique gift we have in one another. </p><p>This week I invite you to consider along with me:</p><p><i>When is the last time I've spoken about Jesus with a Christian from a different tradition?</i></p><p><i>How do I frame the many different church options to my children when they ask?</i></p><p><i>Is it possible to find a local service opportunity for my children that brings different churches together?</i></p><p>***</p><p><i>Please continue to <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2023/10/israeli-palestinian-crisis-prayer.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>pray</b></span></a> with me for the Middle East. Our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters need our prayer. Every drop of blood does not fall lightly.</i></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-80421537189671056682023-10-26T11:31:00.002-04:002023-10-26T11:31:42.824-04:00Alert! The Church Is in Serious Decline<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bpKurpisRi3ADbzauZcoCxr7EKrC3qSJ-dtv0hXL1Jf4_ySOVr8SN-N3TW0tvz3qgNyFTmyz1gF3c-8-ugpXNvfm6o7FtHvSBi_W5O4v2trzgJcmgQDx8xtDch5-iPitYVF5489kdyvG6xXBEUP4-9f_9qqsYujeOEm9O3d894pnk5RlT8NqYxnwoYY/s5398/Woman%20in%20Empty%20Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5398" data-original-width="3599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bpKurpisRi3ADbzauZcoCxr7EKrC3qSJ-dtv0hXL1Jf4_ySOVr8SN-N3TW0tvz3qgNyFTmyz1gF3c-8-ugpXNvfm6o7FtHvSBi_W5O4v2trzgJcmgQDx8xtDch5-iPitYVF5489kdyvG6xXBEUP4-9f_9qqsYujeOEm9O3d894pnk5RlT8NqYxnwoYY/s320/Woman%20in%20Empty%20Church.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><b style="font-family: inherit;"><p><b style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know?</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">More adults don’t attend church versus the ones who do for the first time in United States history.</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently read the book “</span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Dechurching-Leaving-Going-Bring/dp/0310147433"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Great Dechurching</b></span></a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">,” and I can’t recommend it enough. I am appropriately concerned by its accessible and applicable statistical study about the church’s dire straits, and also, its hope.</span></p></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I read the book because I was aware of the number of people leaving churches coupled with the number of churches closing their doors. Around the week that I learned of this book, a church from a former call reached out to me to consider serving there again. I was honored. Over ten years ago when I had been their associate pastor, the church had two other full-time pastors plus a Christian Ed Director. Now, the church is looking for a solo pastor position. I was saddened to hear of its loss of staff and congregant numbers. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I was aware of the decline in churches, especially since COVID, I had no idea that it was as bad as it was. <b>Did you know? 40 million people have stopped going to church, largely in the last 25 years.</b> People are walking away from almost every branch of Christianity. This mass migration out of the church is the largest Christian movement in United States history. Of further note is that the other three sizable Christian movements were awakenings, which added numbers to the church.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a pastor, I care about this loss. But as a mother, I do too. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">This mass exodus from the church is producing the first generation of largely unchurched youth in United States history. And this unchurched generation is growing up at precisely the time when the world feels more lonely, anxious, and depressed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My sense is that the two are in fact causal rather than unrelated. Studies document the health benefits of regular worship—it has the capability to decrease depression, loneliness, and even heart issues. <i>The Great Dechurching</i> mentions these findings as well. I have seen the health benefits of persons igniting faith connections in real time while serving for two years as a hospital chaplain. At the hospital, spirituality and pastoral care were regarded as integral to the healing process, especially when other modalities simply could not produce the desired outcomes in the patient. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our children are not only lacking the health benefits of </span>regular<span style="font-family: inherit;"> worship, but they’re lacking the formal formation of a spiritual rudder in a world with more options and pressures due in part to the mass accessibility of the Internet. You and I might take any rudder we have for granted. After all, we were likely raised in the church and are at least aware of what we are walking away from. This is not the case for our children. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s time for well-meaning Christians to care. Jesus didn’t live and die only to live on in our hearts. It’s not enough. Simply scanning the news shows me that the world needs the light of Christ and people who take this transmission seriously (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Along those lines, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to leave you this week with three questions to consider with me:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i>What will be your part in transmitting the faith to this unchurched generation?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you doing to support regular worship for your family?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Does your child feel spiritual supported and connected?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">***</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For great ideas to support faith at home, please review my site for great faith book suggestions! I just received a new one courtesy of the publisher Zonderkidz called </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Your-Emojis-Devotions-Navigating/dp/B0BX1RNWX5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PPQDWRFQVB3R&keywords=managing+your+emojis&qid=1698333245&s=books&sprefix=managing+your+emojis%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Managing Your Emojis: 100 Devotions for Navigating Your Feelings</b></span></a><i>. It's for children ages 8-12. Such a cute title by two authors I respect and have had on my show!</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-80947884093329381292023-10-19T11:55:00.003-04:002023-10-22T12:25:37.861-04:00Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Prayer<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while since I've posted, though you have been on my mind. Watch for changes to the blog/website to follow. For now, I wanted to ask you to pray with me. This is my small attempt to be the </span>kind<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of change I want to see in the world. Prayer not only invites God's power, it unites us. In humility, we come before the One who created us all. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMai7fcPpV5fHdj1lD9dyj0W1DafFrT2I4zge70xY99exNS1iC5a9eo_9DL0pTpfqEgcqS2cRuVRh-6BO7K8qX6MMH0muWOfu7_9MDRQxclYhtAAquU7loNckYkmI-DRDZaLlLVDqDrEDvUpHU17Gi1vJslCA22MigDg6lx-JV3fFQzt7dXKUl_j-br8/s1920/jon-tyson-CYswOLYDUXY-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMai7fcPpV5fHdj1lD9dyj0W1DafFrT2I4zge70xY99exNS1iC5a9eo_9DL0pTpfqEgcqS2cRuVRh-6BO7K8qX6MMH0muWOfu7_9MDRQxclYhtAAquU7loNckYkmI-DRDZaLlLVDqDrEDvUpHU17Gi1vJslCA22MigDg6lx-JV3fFQzt7dXKUl_j-br8/s320/jon-tyson-CYswOLYDUXY-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Lord, I pray to you feeling like we may be on the brink of a Third World war. Maybe it is already occurring; it’s just in a different form.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just as our country feels divided, the world does too, Lord. People are hurting and driven by fear. And some are using that fear to manipulate people.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, my heart breaks for the slaughtering of the Israelis. You know I could barely sleep. So many dear Jewish friends felt like this brutal attack was waged at them, even though they were miles away. There is hurt, fear, and anger. Hamas demonstrated cowardice going after innocent, unarmed people, not strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the violence rages, it’s clear that Hamas is willing to hurt even its own people in an attempt to control the narrative and recruit people to their cause. Don’t let them, Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I fear Israel’s attempt to protect itself will in fact make them less safe by inciting a new wave of terrorists as innocent Palestinians suffer. I fear this will impact the world my children will know as new fuel to the cycle of violence has been added. The pain and the devastation is fresh, and it’s hard to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, this is your holy land. Lord, these are your people. On behalf of the grieving Israelis and innocent Palestinians, bring your peace. Arise and bring your truth and justice as only you can do…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Where there is pain, bring healing. Where there is mistrust, show us stories of bridge-building. Where there is hopelessness and devastation, bring us a path forward paved with your peace. We ask for wise diplomacy in this delicate situation that can shine like a beacon to a world who wonders if hard solutions from two sides are even possible anymore. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, you are our Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 1:8). You value every life. You also not only care about our pain right now, but also the kind of world we’re building. You lead with strength and humility—we look to you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that leaders will arise with strength that’s not their own to do the work that only you can do. Help them to make a difference, right here, right now, and for years to come. You showed us through your own example that the world is worth saving and one life can stem the tide. No situation is too far gone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come, Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-30960421269504231562022-09-15T15:03:00.000-04:002022-09-15T15:03:36.748-04:00Back-to-School Prayer and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetsGdhXX1BAMYE77llQv9OF1NIOWmOkFjp6a9rAW0UFWcEPD2JRfkFC-b9Lwey7XErdDD0PnatOMLQhLpGPnbOSkqclu4jYEb78NKm-6W8S4eH-0RgAHeqUJijORvQc0wAlr3t6qUkwHH2sP7MeakmsjP_PtksnhuMc8pDkKK3erAu0r-yWc6hROv/s650/LM%20Goes%20to%20School%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetsGdhXX1BAMYE77llQv9OF1NIOWmOkFjp6a9rAW0UFWcEPD2JRfkFC-b9Lwey7XErdDD0PnatOMLQhLpGPnbOSkqclu4jYEb78NKm-6W8S4eH-0RgAHeqUJijORvQc0wAlr3t6qUkwHH2sP7MeakmsjP_PtksnhuMc8pDkKK3erAu0r-yWc6hROv/s320/LM%20Goes%20to%20School%20cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hi Friends, It's been a while since I've posted. I have been busy potty training my toddler, getting a new family puppy, and adjusting to a teenager in the house!</p><p>If you're like me, you're still knee-deep into the back-to-school frenzy. Every year, I plan way ahead, hoping that it doesn't have to feel that way (again)...but the extra meetings, last minute requests from my children for necessary items, and non-summer schedule always requires an adjustment.</p><p>The good news is: We have God who hears our prayers, even when we present the worst version of ourselves to the people we love most. We have children, who sometimes just need a hug or a hand to hold (relish it). And we have an exciting new year of possibilities.</p><p>This year my challenge to myself and maybe to you too is...Let God surprise you. Keep your heart open and optimistic. Don't let prior pain, a tinge of bitterness, or a mom fail rob you of the good that God wants to do in your life right now. Yes, we are raising children, but we can be children too...OF HOPE. And wouldn't the world be a better place if we chose—and better yet EXPECTED—to live into that identity through our eyes of faith every day?</p><p>Your arsenal: Here are <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2016/09/two-mom-ready-back-to-school-prayers.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">two back to school prayers</span></b></a>. I wrote the first one when my first baby went off to school. The second is a list of qualities that I intentionally wanted to pray over my children. You can try praying your own list based upon your favorite Bible verses too. A favorite of mine is, "Lord, surround my children with your favor as with a shield" (Psalm 5:12). </p><p>And now for the giveaway...</p><p>A friend of mine who has guest posted on my site many times before has released a new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Mole-Goes-School/dp/150647859X/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2O74Y65ULWBDL&keywords=glenys+nellist+books&qid=1658168999&sprefix=glenys%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Little Mole Goes to School</b></span></a>. You may remember <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/2020/03/guest-post-glenys-nellist-on-tips-to.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Little Mole's book on hope</span></b></a>. This time, Little Mole is empowering children to surmount back-to-school jitters and find friends who appreciate what's unique about them. If you have a little one in mind who would like this book, you can register to win a free copy from the publisher on my Instagram (@noellekirchner). A few rules:</p><p>1. Follow me and the author, Glenys Nellist (@GlenysNellist)</p><p>2. Leave a comment on my back-to-school post (look for the toddler in the backpack) and tag a friend!</p><p>3. Be sure you live in the US for shipping purposes (no PO Boxes).</p><p>I will pick a winner this weekend on Sunday!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7tSA4CKvhvFtlJlIABlYbb1NFqtjafkJFtQlpqJ9wxyughhLbA6uaBvJllCW_hy2GrTmCaODlsKEb16KY3-575CetNrpC5_aWQ3nTywXJEXRDjiGwvZJe8RchInAHvqVZEOoE7hKXieE9sYcInoifA1BBebSU_rU_iwzsPj0LAa-GHvzmgREuxJn/s1000/Little%20Mole%20Worried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7tSA4CKvhvFtlJlIABlYbb1NFqtjafkJFtQlpqJ9wxyughhLbA6uaBvJllCW_hy2GrTmCaODlsKEb16KY3-575CetNrpC5_aWQ3nTywXJEXRDjiGwvZJe8RchInAHvqVZEOoE7hKXieE9sYcInoifA1BBebSU_rU_iwzsPj0LAa-GHvzmgREuxJn/s320/Little%20Mole%20Worried.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Download the book's <a href="https://ms.beamingbooks.com/downloads/LittleMoleGoestoSchool_Activity_Pack.pdf" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">free activity pack</span></b></a> here. Thanks, Glenys!</div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-58878350954945952822022-04-14T09:30:00.002-04:002022-04-14T13:45:53.858-04:00Easter Treat: Easter Basket Book Ideas and Author Interview!<span style="font-family: inherit;">In honor of Holy Week, we have a special guest! I am delighted to welcome back bestselling children's book author Laura Sassi, who just released a new Easter treasure for little ones! I asked her some questions so that we could get a sneak peak into her newest book, <i>Bunny Finds Easter</i>. I pray her words enrich your Easter holiday, no matter the ages of your children. Plus, at the end of the interview you will find other Easter basket book ideas to help you ground the holiday in its true meaning—happy reading!</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3MQEz_Uj-4jB0uGpRjHs1UGzZVG3sbmpDe6ZV3TUtWqsPtYu-oFExXcSyvKxPjWBD2cWWz4881TpVzx3IHdn0TKzKmPYAJ2I8TovVQj0HlmUxtW3z7ZDLAq7Of-BjdfiQ77jImtxe_Le29n0EZyvFGgk5OCNEEWPe-QbKAsln2OnsXIEvNc5cmBE/s480/Bunny%20Finds%20Easter%20Image%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3MQEz_Uj-4jB0uGpRjHs1UGzZVG3sbmpDe6ZV3TUtWqsPtYu-oFExXcSyvKxPjWBD2cWWz4881TpVzx3IHdn0TKzKmPYAJ2I8TovVQj0HlmUxtW3z7ZDLAq7Of-BjdfiQ77jImtxe_Le29n0EZyvFGgk5OCNEEWPe-QbKAsln2OnsXIEvNc5cmBE/s320/Bunny%20Finds%20Easter%20Image%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></b><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>Welcome, Laura. Can you tell us: <span>Why did you write your newest book, <i>Bunny Finds Easter</i>?</span></span></b><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">As a young child I was confused about what we were celebrating at Easter. I loved coloring Easter eggs and hunting for jelly beans, but it wasn’t until I was a tween that I made the connection that Easter is when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Inspired by that memory, I decided to write a board book for preschoolers and toddlers that would celebrate those fun Easter traditions and, at the same time, serve as an introduction to the real gift of Easter—Jesus!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">In my book, Bunny is on a quest to find out if Easter is all about chocolate eggs and jelly beans, or if it might just be about a little bit more? As the story unfolds, Bunny encounters many of the fun traditions surrounding Easter, including going on an egg hunt, but it’s not until she arrives at church and they sing an Easter song that she realizes JESUS is the reason we celebrate Easter.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo0ay_1nyK2yXQRrQTA6350e61SR1eD_kVhLWBFopvby4JqyKP91fKOFB_yZ08rWFlhajx76r4-X0qJccvGp64PWvrmRFtYmvLsJBvxcfmkUvOgEd7wE2Ygu0bOAtflZqYEuIV2pRbCs9BnH7QK5ygQWzu-p119ffK5LAphMmOSgxoUqfnihf9w6Z/s480/Bunny%20Finds%20Easter%20Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo0ay_1nyK2yXQRrQTA6350e61SR1eD_kVhLWBFopvby4JqyKP91fKOFB_yZ08rWFlhajx76r4-X0qJccvGp64PWvrmRFtYmvLsJBvxcfmkUvOgEd7wE2Ygu0bOAtflZqYEuIV2pRbCs9BnH7QK5ygQWzu-p119ffK5LAphMmOSgxoUqfnihf9w6Z/s320/Bunny%20Finds%20Easter%20Image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div><b>Why does your book begin with a question—is that intentional?</b><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to begin BUNNY FINDS EASTER with a question because kids love asking questions! I also wanted them to see, in a fun way, that asking questions is a good way to find things out. Thankfully, we have a wonderful God who can withstand any question we might bring him. Indeed, God is always ready to answer. And how does he answer? Through his rich and in-depth word—the Bible. He also uses his followers, us, to point each other and others in God’s direction.</span><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some questions are tougher to answer than others as parents! I noticed one question in your book reads, "Who died to take our sins away? And rose again on Easter day?" How do you explain the cross to children who are curious?</span></b></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">My approach with little ones who are curious about the cross is to set it in the bigger context of God’s love for us. We don’t want to frighten children, but at the same time, we don’t want to minimize the amazing gift of Jesus’ sacrifice. Through Jesus' death on the cross, he paid the penalty for humanity’s sinfulness once and for all as God’s son, perfect and without sin. And death was not the end of the story! On Easter morning He rose again and we will too—in eternity with God in heaven! As Christians, our hearts overflow with gratitude for this lavish outpouring love bestowed on us. Our response is to believe, accept, and share the good news with others.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">I like to tie everything back to God’s word, which I hope plants a pattern in their hearts to seek truth there. Here are two passages that speak to Jesus’ redemptive love at Easter in a way that kid’s can grasp: John 3:16 (this is a good one to memorize) and Matthew 20:17–19 (Jesus predicts his own mission on the cross).</span></div><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">Do you have advice for parents who are willing to tackle tough questions </b><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">in general</b><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">?</b></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">Think big picture. Have some applicable passages of scripture at the ready so that you can point your little ones directly to God’s word as you work together to tackle tough questions. This, of course, will require that we spend time with God ourselves, asking questions, delving into scripture, and praying for God’s wisdom and light as we navigate through our days and nurture our children to know God.</span></div><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you most looking forward to doing this Easter with your family?</span></b></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">I’m looking forward to going to church together, as a family, and gathering with others. Our church is having a very special service this year under a big tent. And my prayer is that it serves as a revival tent—that it will be just the beginning for our community. And, like Bunny in the story who hears the Easter news when rising to sing, I can’t wait to stand and sing together of the joy we have in Jesus, our risen Lord! </span><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9WHbnMcgihE7c8J8VUjV5BsjYhEj_LQMd5A2R16UK5RmvlRZdL-BHbPpkCj1eYG2H8OdV3qL3MmrC5prr3NbZwAu1BzohMCQW1GWIbt5pUe4keyS-C5jHj6TMDB4ZcNLtDFfZXusrYz3O044BkZIzrefCY-n4Cm1nTsGqXp2kbQSsqLmxoGXPyI-/s960/Laura%20with%20Bunny%20Finds%20Easter.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9WHbnMcgihE7c8J8VUjV5BsjYhEj_LQMd5A2R16UK5RmvlRZdL-BHbPpkCj1eYG2H8OdV3qL3MmrC5prr3NbZwAu1BzohMCQW1GWIbt5pUe4keyS-C5jHj6TMDB4ZcNLtDFfZXusrYz3O044BkZIzrefCY-n4Cm1nTsGqXp2kbQSsqLmxoGXPyI-/s320/Laura%20with%20Bunny%20Finds%20Easter.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Thank you, Laura! And thank you to the Christian publisher Zonderkidz for bringing Laura's book to life. For more Easter basket book ideas, check out these titles. Zonderkidz let me preview them for free, and they're adorable!</div><div><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></i></div><div><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">How High is Heaven?</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> By Linsey Davis—</span><a href="https://youtu.be/TcgKdFtAkrs" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Linsey has been on my show</span></b></a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">! </span></div><i>Easter Egg Board Books, 3 pack</i>, Illustrated by Emily Emerson—my toddler went right for these!<div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Snuggle Time Easter Stories</i> and <i>'Twas the Morning of Easter</i> by Glenys Nellist—I love the <i>Snuggle Time</i> series for little ones! Glenys is no stranger to my blog!</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The Tiny Truths Bible for Little Ones </i>by Joanna Rivard and Tim Penner—This board book Bible has inclusive illustrations, making the Gospel story approachable for all, since children learn and connect through images.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div>Looking for more inspiration? Check out my <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-april-8.html?utm_medium=twpage&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=cwtweet" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Easter devotion</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/a-beautiful-prayer-for-easter-sunday.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Easter prayer</span></b></a> or <a href="https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/an-easter-meal-prayer-to-pray-with-your-family.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=twpage&utm_campaign=ibtweet" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Easter dinner prayer</span></b></a>, or stayed tuned to Redbud Writers Guild's Facebook page on Saturday, where I will share an Easter video!Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-41222296460530723002022-03-31T09:42:00.000-04:002022-03-31T09:42:03.685-04:00To Thrive and Revive, We Need to Pivot<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It was my honor to contribute the vibrant and growing platform at Propel Women again. They are looking to empower female voices in the church, and nothing could excite me more! Perhaps your church has been struggling with numbers since COVID—the statistics aren't always encouraging. If you're discouraged by what you see in the pews or outside of them in our often divisive world, read this. Urge God to show you how he can use YOU to grow the church precisely when it is needed most.</i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgWw8vBSkosPSaQLQjU5eoWNt6F4DeoDS6wWEP1_u19U3eQ1sawPY0MIBAA8T23inB2KvadNHxRJOd-2jHF8fNEu4d19XVMBX6IYj6mHaBP7F7Pi-U0DAfD0bKNByhY_soEPI7Gnd0ByBcAYe8lLwSwlf0-dAHfgBCwQ553hwR1-CsDw4r8nCb-NG/s6016/Girl%20Praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgWw8vBSkosPSaQLQjU5eoWNt6F4DeoDS6wWEP1_u19U3eQ1sawPY0MIBAA8T23inB2KvadNHxRJOd-2jHF8fNEu4d19XVMBX6IYj6mHaBP7F7Pi-U0DAfD0bKNByhY_soEPI7Gnd0ByBcAYe8lLwSwlf0-dAHfgBCwQ553hwR1-CsDw4r8nCb-NG/w400-h268/Girl%20Praying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is the church dying? I am a denominationally-trained pastor, and worship statistics in the United States aren’t always encouraging. My heart breaks when I hear that more churches have closed their doors.</span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">I recently sat down with a few female pastors for lunch. As much as we were excited to catch up, the topic quickly shifted to, “How can we creatively engage our congregation and spur its future growth?” It’s a vital question.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">Brainstorming ways to reach new people about old wisdom is important for two reasons. First, God wants the church to continuously reflect the vibrancy of his Being. Second, while numbers might have dwindled in the pew, the need for God’s church certainly hasn’t.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I look around, cultural pain is both old and new. Widespread social division is palpable. The need that the church can fill still abounds, but many are going to drier and drier wells to drink. In an online age when we’ve never been more connected, we’ve never felt more alone. Plus, we’ve forgotten how to talk to each other.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve been hoodwinked.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FILLING THE “GOD-SHAPED HOLE” IN OUR HEARTS</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Faith has always been capable of uniting people. Shared values and goals are more important than differences when people come together for something bigger than themselves. It’s our following of something greater than has the power to fill us in ways that don’t disappoint and heal the cracks in our collective soul.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest” (John 10:10). Christ can fill a void that nothing else can or will. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.”</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">While the need for God is age-old, the humility that faith inspires is precisely the balm needed today. We’re poised for another revival. There’s freedom in dethroning the self and enthroning God. There’s healing in recognizing our need for God and one another amidst widespread isolation. There’s victory in grounding life in God’s unconditional love rather than our fickle culture.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;">BE BRAVE. BE BOLD.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">I am reminded of Jesus’ observation that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few in Matthew 9:37. His truth holds true. The harvest is brimming.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">Who are the laborers? We are. Fellow women, the church needs our voices too...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Read on at<span style="color: #101820;"> </span><a href="https://www.propelwomen.org/content/to-thrive-and-revive-we-need-to-pivot/gjebmd" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Propel Sophia Here</span></b></a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);">Want more? You can also read my <a href="https://www.propelwomen.org/content/from-sickness-to-comfort-in-covid/gjebj7" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">last article</span></b></a> for them</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><i>. Thank you as always to my fantastic Propel editor and friend, Bronwyn Lea. Check out her newest book, </i>Beyond Awkward Side Hugs<i>.</i></span></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-47188632395156092792022-03-03T08:59:00.000-05:002022-03-03T08:59:16.273-05:00Should You Choose a Career Based on Money or Passion?<p><img alt="diverse man and woman at work on touchpad screens" class="img-responsive " height="334" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/13565-diverse-man-and-woman-at-work-on-touchpad-scr.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This is the second article in my recent career series, which features a shout out to my interview with author and former Broadway star Kate Battistelli and my life purpose study. It begins:</i></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;">It's thrilling to follow our God-given passion and make a difference in the world precisely in the way that our Creator intended. Further, experts argue that a career based on passion versus money will be more fulfilling and ultimately even more successful because we're whole-heartedly invested. That said, our need for money is a fact of life. For those who are at a precipice and seeking God's direction for their career, here are some vital pointers to consider as you weigh both money and passion.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;"><b>Shield Your Heart</b></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;">The Bible is cautionary when it comes to money. True, we need money for our livelihood, and it's possible to enjoy it as a blessing from God's hand. But Scripture encourages us to keep two concerns in mind. First, it instructs us not to worry about money. We can work hard, save, and plan for the future, but we must not allow the stress of money to steal our joy. In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus encourages us to trust in God's provision (25-26) and focus on heavenly rather than earthly treasures (19-20).</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;">In addition to not worrying about money, we cannot place money before God in our lives. Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;">). God wants to be the driver of our career choice, not money. Further, God wants us to conduct ourselves according to his standards within that God-ordained field. Compromise in position or standards—no matter how lucrative—is not his will for us.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discover Three More Pointers and <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/career/should-you-choose-a-career-based-on-money-or-passion.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Read On Here</span></b></a></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday was Ash Wednesday! </span>Check out my Instagram (@noellekirchner) to see a pic of me back in action. It felt so good to be giving ashes and gathering again! Looking for prayer, scripture, and reflection prompts to begin Lent intentionally? Read my <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/ash-wednesday-prayer-with-reflection-prompts.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ash Wednesday resource</span></b></a>.</i></p><p><i>Also, check out <a href="https://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-march-3.html?utm_source=iBelieve%20Truth:%20A%20Devotional%20for%20Women%20-%20iBelieve.com&utm_campaign=iBelieve%20Truth:%20A%20Devotional%20for%20Women%20-%20iBelieve.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=6133044&recip=549499904&aps=e77014bc7fd1ca833eaa7cfbbc67092af900520355f17f01224caf6b7ab0f876" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my devotion</span></b></a> featured on iBelieve and Crosswalk today about persistence—something we all need to run our race!</i></p><p><i>Looking for more? Read <a href="https://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-february-28.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">this devotion</span></b></a> from yesterday on the refreshment that you can only find in Christ!</i></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-9009609617058896082022-02-22T09:00:00.001-05:002022-02-22T09:00:00.232-05:00How Do I Know God's Direction for My Career?<p><img alt="Men and women talking at work" class="img-responsive " height="418" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/24221-gettyimages-1184334696.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="800" /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever heard of a God Dare? According to author Kate Battistelli, a God Dare is choosing to be chosen by God to change the world. Kate would know. She’s a former Broadway star and mother to the Dove and Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Francesca Battistelli. When I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/AbyQBuw0iMA" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">interviewed Kate</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">for the sixteenth episode of my show</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Chaos to Calm</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, she described her newest book,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The God Dare</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Each person’s God Dare is unique, filled with its own challenge and victory when we take God at his word and trust. Kate’s advice is to “be brave and be bold.” They’re wise words for all of us who want our lives—including our careers—to be a Kingdom tool.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a pastor, I believe our career choice fits into God’s larger life purpose for us. Our life purpose is all encompassing—it includes our relationships, family choices, career, and volunteerism—when we seek to honor God with each aspect of our lives. Every choice we make, including our God Dares, have the potential to give God glory. Giving God glory can unlock our greatest joy and fulfillment on Earth. God designed us that way. So, for those who want to impact the world and experience God’s blessing, how can we start by discerning God’s dire<span style="font-family: inherit;">ction for our career? My <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Your-Life-Purpose-ebook/dp/B089HJ3MM9/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2PFAGMWIUPQE8&keywords=how+to+live+your+life+purpose&qid=1645108495&sprefix=how+to+live+your+life+purpose%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-2"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Bible study on life purpose</span></b></a> names three steps that can help: longing, surrender, and an inventory of strengths. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Longing</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot ignore God’s call on our lives, at least, not happily. Longing is an ache that something is missing. It’s an indicator for necessary soul-searching. For some, longing is a subtle reminder that God is hinting at a change. It’s that “ah-ha” moment that hits you repetitively when you least expect it or a goal that keeps you awake dreaming at night. For others, longing is so pronounced that it masks as depression. You feel disconnected and disengaged in your work. You might even hate it to the point of physical symptoms. While longing isn’t pleasant, it’s a hopeful sign that God has something different and better in mind for you...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Continue reading my newest article for </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crosswalk</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/career/how-do-i-know-gods-direction-for-my-career.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">HERE</span></b></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-82392123970781234042022-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:002022-02-08T09:47:43.897-05:00Dream Big: New Chaos to Calm On-Demand Episode!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="359" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AbyQBuw0iMA" width="483" youtube-src-id="AbyQBuw0iMA"></iframe></div><p>* Do you want to dream big for yourself or your children?</p><p>* Do you want to fully embrace the plan God has for you and your family?</p><p>* Are you longing for an invitation filled with the necessary direction and inspiration?</p><p>Then this episode is for you! </p><p>For the sixteenth episode of my faith and parenting TV series, <i>Chaos to Calm,</i> I had the privilege of sitting down with Kate Battistelli. Kate is a former Broadway star, popular parenting podcast host, and the author of two books. She is also the proud mom of Francesca Battistelli, a Dove and Grammy Award-winning Christian singer and actress.</p><p>I spoke with Kate about her newest book, <i>The God Dare</i>. A God Dare is choosing to be chosen by God for the great future that God has in store for YOU! Through personal story and Bible-based advice, Kate tells us how to step out, persist through heartbreak, and take the limits off of God!</p><p>I hope you will tune to this inspiring on-demand episode!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WATCH <a href="https://youtu.be/AbyQBuw0iMA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-6480404534393070552021-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:002021-12-20T09:00:00.208-05:00Last Minute Stocking Stuffers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdMxPbL_nRfYtX8XTUUpDRR1YkUqGoUqjWdxaMrpRFkKAMgJiUZ75otzamfLYgDIsFFLhbuaZCbuuwwhIGaAI9bqwm9nzZ1Q8RVAyWtHYSdmGdd5hIlr6ykPROAlLB4No_SEmXwhN6VvK8wRx146c2cDtsxB8V3udVLVpFOB13mkQarWhXtfHHY6-X=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdMxPbL_nRfYtX8XTUUpDRR1YkUqGoUqjWdxaMrpRFkKAMgJiUZ75otzamfLYgDIsFFLhbuaZCbuuwwhIGaAI9bqwm9nzZ1Q8RVAyWtHYSdmGdd5hIlr6ykPROAlLB4No_SEmXwhN6VvK8wRx146c2cDtsxB8V3udVLVpFOB13mkQarWhXtfHHY6-X=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>Every year, I eagerly anticipate a Christmas bundle of books from the Christian publisher Zonderkidz. Like the Christ star, these books help us find Jesus. In exchange for my honest review, I pass along the treasures I find through their pages.</p><p>I wanted a devotional to share with my preteen boys at the breakfast table. Rule: Devotions have to be fast and snappy to avoid eye rolls. Surprise! <i>New York Times </i>bestselling author Lee Strobel's <i>The Case for Christ: Devotions for Kids</i> looks promising. </p><p>If you have a preteen daughter who likes to journal, I recommend Margaret Feinberg's <i>God's Power in Me: 52 Declarations and Devotions for Kids</i>. Each devotion is tied to a strength-building truth while engaging the reader's creativity in each lesson.</p><p>My two-year-old enjoys Caroline B. Cooney's <i>I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug!</i> Every animal in the books hugs a different way, which is fun to imagine and mimic. This fun-loving book is now available in a board book version and heading straight to my newborn nephew!</p><p>I'll keep <i>The Berenstain Bears' Values and Virtues Treasury</i> for our shelves. It's eight books in one and will be fun to flip through for character-building bedtime story options. Plus, it's fun to share characters from my childhood with my children. (You still got it, mama!)</p><p>Watch my Twitter feed for other shout outs, @NoelleKirchner! Merry Christmas!</p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-73556330765752989842021-12-09T09:00:00.001-05:002021-12-09T09:00:00.208-05:00How to Help Your Kids with Grief After the Loss of a Pet<p class="MsoNormal" p="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="Child grief dog loss" class="img-responsive" height="418" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/23324-gettyimages-1132760269.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="800" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The holidays are a time of love and joy, but some feel lingering sadness when precious memories resurface too. We lost our beloved cat of almost 17 years last fall. As a mom of three, parenting writer, and former chaplain, I’m writing this article to equip you with practical tips to help your family through pet loss and grief.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking back, I knew the day was quickly approaching when we would have to put our cat down. His health conditions were mounting. He was growing increasingly lethargic as his body was failing. None of us wanted him to suffer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">When the day arrived, I walked with my two older sons into our vet’s office. My youngest son was a toddler; because he was too little to understand, he stayed back with my husband. The vet was surprised to see my two older sons with me, however. They were grade and middle school aged at the time. As she looked at their tear-streaked faces, she asked me if I really wanted them to remain in the room. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I told her yes, and my sons agreed. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had prepared them for this visit. We had talked through what would be happening, and I had given them the choice to be present.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Gift of a Good Goodbye</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">While my sons’ decision might not be what every child would choose, here are five reasons why I encouraged them to stay:</span></div><div><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">There is a gift in a good goodbye</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. As a hospital chaplain, I’ve seen grief compound in situations of sudden loss. Standing with a loved one in the end is never easy, but it can assist in your healing and bring the one you love comfort. The opportunity to vocalize or demonstrate the importance of a loved one (pet or person) firsthand is a precious and fleeting opportunity.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I knew this would be a formative experience</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. I knew my sons would always remember the passing of their first pet. Therefore, I wanted the experience to be as helpful as possible and serve as a touchpoint. When they encountered future loss, I wanted them to remember what they learned beside me that day.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I wanted to empower them</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. Feeling pain is uncomfortable. I welcomed my sons’ tears, words, and gestures (as I expressed my own) in that moment of loss. But I also wanted to let them know that they could use their pain to help another. Our kitty would be comforted by their voices and tender hugs as his last memory. They could make a difference through their presence and bravery in that moment.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I wanted to model strength</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. Having my children stay in the room took strength, for I was mourning too. I chose to model what I hoped to see from them. I didn’t want them to see me as someone who was too fragile for their pain; rather, I wanted them to see what we could do together.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">5. </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Confronting death is sad, but important</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. While acknowledging the reality of death is sad, it can also call us to action. I learned firsthand the gift of each day while working beside hospital beds. I was inspired to live wisely and fully, or to number my days, just as scripture encourages (Psalm 90:12). This is a powerful message for all of us, including children.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My goal is to raise children who are brave in the face of loss, empowered to make a difference through their life experience, and comfortable expressing hard emotion with the support of others. This isn’t an easy goal. For one, popular culture celebrates and esteems youth, not aging. Second, death and loss are challenging topics to bridge in everyday conversation.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-help-your-kids-with-grief-after-the-loss-of-a-pet.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Continue reading about loss on Crosswalk</span></a> & learn practical tips you won't want to miss—they're the difference between healing well or holding onto hurt...</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It's been a while since I've posted! I have been quiet, but not idle—I've been working on things for you! Stayed tuned for new shows in the new year, a new *look* for the website this spring, and more writing news. In the meantime, my devotions have been featured recently on iBelieve and Crosswalk. Check out this one on <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-december-11.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>shining God's light this Christmas</b></span></a> or this one on <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-december-9.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>God's strength available to you</b></span></a>.</i></span></div><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p></p></div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-48915585532682633682021-09-30T12:07:00.000-04:002021-09-30T12:07:16.487-04:00Popular Parenting Advice You Should Ignore<p>Happy Fall! I am excited to share my recent article, which was inspired by many of my <i>Chaos to Calm</i> show guests. Read as I bust 6 popular parenting myths.</p><p><img alt="Popular Parenting Advice You Should Ignore" class="img-responsive" height="512" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/980w/via/7387-digitalskillet.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 17px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="980" /></p><p>Parenting is an exhilarating, exhausting, and sacred task. Author Jodi Picoult beautifully describes the gift of a child: “Sometimes when you pick up your child, you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands or smell the scent of your skin in the nap of his neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood. Finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.”<o:p></o:p></p><p>While it’s often easy to fall in love with our children, raising them is not so easy. The fear of getting it right is real, and children do not come with a manual. Thankfully, God wants to partner with us as we parent. What follows are six popular parenting myths. Learn why they’re problematic and how faith offers a different vantage point that can help your family soar.</p><p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>1. I must be perfect.</b></span></p><p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">True, there is a push in modern blogging to portray parenting imperfections that were formerly kept behind closed doors. Writers portray the messiness of family life, humorous moments, and parenting fails that often come with the territory. At the same time, however, social media continues to cast an unrealistic portrait. Facebook and Instagram encourage comparison as users scroll (messy stories or not), and already overburdened parents feel pressure to be Pinterest-ready.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Popular blogger, teacher, and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">New York Times</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> bestselling author Rachel Macy Stafford is quick to admit her struggles to her children. Instead of finding strength in the illusion of perfection, she lets her children into her inner life in an age-appropriate fashion. By sharing her struggles and strategies to surmount them, she hopes to encourage understanding and competence in her daughters as they face challenges of their own.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">One step that we can take as parents is to be willing to apologize to our children. Perfection is not reality—though we do try our best. Our children often see us as perfect, however, especially when they’re little. Their eyes are constantly monitoring and learning from our behavior. Imagine the freedom found when we cast off the air of perfection, personally drink in God’s mercy, and model life-giving grace and growth in our home.</span></p><p><b>2. Keep children busy—it keeps them out of trouble.</b></p><p>It’s easy to live in a culture of rush. The tendency to schedule more and more for our children often comes from a good place. We want them to enjoy and advance in their talents. Further, we fear boredom might lead to trouble. The problem is when good things inadvertently choke out time for better things. Better things are family dinner time, parent-child conversation, and regular downtime. Each serve as a powerful grounding force for children, and unfortunately all were on a statistical decline pre-COVID.</p><p>Our need to honor and protect a rhythm of activity and rest in our families stems from God’s example in scripture. In the first creation story, God models good work and then the importance of stepping back to enjoy it. Further, the concept of Sabbath rest is later a biblical command found in the Ten Commandments.</p><p>Just as God models Sabbath, we need to model it in our families. God calls us to live in a rhythm of not being stretched too thin so that our children learn how to recharge and we all have a reserve for life’s challenges. As a mother of three children who range in age from two to twelve, I can attest to the fact that balance isn’t always easy and I don’t always get it right. Regardless, God’s command couldn’t be more applicable today.</p><p>Read on as I debunk myths 3–6:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/popular-parenting-advice-you-should-ignore.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Read the Full Article Here</b></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Interested in learning more? You can <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/p/blog-page_10.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>watch former Chaos to Calm episodes</b></span></a> on-demand. Don't forget to share them with friends!</span></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-39396137692705265222021-08-24T09:00:00.010-04:002021-08-24T09:00:00.212-04:005 Ways to Be Good Stewards of the Earth<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you have had a restful summer. I have been enjoying time with my children, who start school early next month. Summer is always a slower time on the blog for that reason. This summer, we were blessed to take two long-awaited family trips. My newest article tells the tale of our first one. We traveled to Wyoming, which I can only describe as God's country. I wrote about my experience and how God spoke to me through the beautiful creation there:</span></p><p><img alt="5 Ways to Be Good Stewards of the Earth" class="img-responsive" height="334" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/9495-gettyimagesnastco.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When my oldest son was in the third grade, one of his school projects was to adopt a US state and learn about it. My husband and I promised to take him to the state that he chose. He picked Wyoming. Though our family trip was delayed partially due to COVID, it brought several surprises. First, it turned out to be our youngest son’s first flight; I had not even been pregnant with him when my oldest son chose the state. Second, while we expected to encounter beauty, my family of five was startled by Wyoming’s majesty. My two-year-old kept looking out the window saying, “Wow.” Third, the trip inspired us to consider our commitment to the Earth. Experiences that bring us to our knees change us. In the wake of that holy awe, here are five ways that we can be better stewards.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">#1 Make time to retreat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">My oldest son will tell you from his report that Wyoming is the least populated state in the union. I live in a suburb of New York City and can witness to the energy and excitement of being surrounded by others. But there is also something medicinal about being in an expanse of beautiful land where the animals outnumber the people. You can breathe freely when it is just you and the open sky; it is almost as if the mountains cradling you are lifting their praise. Getting away and getting quiet is a discipline that Jesus himself practiced (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/1-35.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Mark 1:35</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">). Doing it in nature is that much more inspiring. Scripture reminds us about the genesis of strength: “In quietness and trust is your strength” (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/30-15.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Isaiah 30:15</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#2 Discover nature as a biblical teacher.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">As a female pastor, I have enjoyed mining the diverse scriptural names for God. The </span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Bible</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>gives us so many that stretch beyond gender and serve as powerful teaching tools. Many of these names come from the natural world for ease in understanding. The Psalmist describes God as a mighty Rock (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/18-2.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Psalm 18:2</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">), the Samaritan woman discovers that Jesus is the Living Water (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/4-10.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">John 4:10</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">), and my favorite metaphor for Christ is the Vine (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/15-5.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">John 15:5</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">). I learn about what it means to stay connected and grow in Christ by taking time to observe actual growth around me. I marvel at the splendid work of our Creator. Whether I witness the climbing of a vine, the flit of a butterfly, the bright red burst of a cardinal wing, or the glorious hush of a waterfall, God’s spirit is there to teach me, delight me, and remind me of his glory. The agrarian society of biblical times might have been more in touch with natural metaphors by necessity, but the lifeline they provide is only an observation away today. “</span><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/how-does-be-still-and-know-apply-to-my-ordeal.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Be still and know</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>that I am God,” the Lord tells us (</span><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/46-10.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Psalm 46:10</span></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">For more ways that we can become better stewards, visit Crosswalk.com and <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/ways-to-be-good-stewards-of-the-earth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>continue reading </b></span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/ways-to-be-good-stewards-of-the-earth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For pictures from our trip, visit me on Instagram (@noellekirchner). Stay tuned for more happenings here this fall! </span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-21372011240160663432021-07-13T09:00:00.007-04:002021-07-13T09:00:00.209-04:008 Key Things to Tell Teens Who Are Going into High School<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir3naZ3n_Ec/YOcdtAqVzOI/AAAAAAAAEKo/TvjLgLvgioA9BC5R7pAcCiGbSB6GKU08wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Rachel%2BTruth-Telling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2048" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir3naZ3n_Ec/YOcdtAqVzOI/AAAAAAAAEKo/TvjLgLvgioA9BC5R7pAcCiGbSB6GKU08wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h319/Rachel%2BTruth-Telling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy of Rachel Macy Stafford, Hands Free Mama</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Based upon my recent parenting episode with the <a href="https://youtu.be/nZtQAr0o_Io" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Hands Free Mama</b></span></a> and guest podcast appearance, I wanted to pass along my newest Crosswalk article. I am grateful for the insights of my show guests, whose work has influenced these tips. Propel your children or grandchildren forward with these 8 talking points, designed to hone their purpose and usher in God's best.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tip #1: Ask them if there is something that they feel God has called them to do. Does it unexpectedly keep coming to their mind? Encourage them to make time for introspection and honest conversations with the Author of their heart.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Read the <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/church/youth-ministry/key-things-to-tell-students-who-are-going-into-high-school.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>ARTICLE HERE</b></span></a></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-66541863319893795902021-06-15T09:00:00.009-04:002021-06-15T09:00:00.197-04:00Add This Podcast to Your Queue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlyr5Hd5crw/YMPNy6WWL0I/AAAAAAAAEIc/mWxBEgI2uZ4Ake55ACN7acuHxsDM0G7BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Noelle%2BKirchner%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlyr5Hd5crw/YMPNy6WWL0I/AAAAAAAAEIc/mWxBEgI2uZ4Ake55ACN7acuHxsDM0G7BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Noelle%2BKirchner%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Creating your summer podcast must-listen list? Add my appearance on the podcast <i>Theodora Speaks</i> to your queue! My new friend <a href="https://gaylekeller.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Gayle</b></span></a>, a former Microsoft exec, left her job to spend more time with her two young daughters during the pandemic. Her exit was also a response to a heart pull to help equip fellow women to follow their passion by using hers for speaking and writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was honored to be a part of her launch by sharing my story and hard-fought wisdom from my book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Your-Life-Purpose-ebook/dp/B089HJ3MM9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+live+your+life+purpose&qid=1623438836&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>How to Live Your Life Purpose: The Six-Step Journey to God's Best</b></span></a></i>. I encourage you to listen, explore my book, and hop over to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialNoelleKirchner" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Facebook</b></span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/noellekirchner/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Instagram</b></span></a> this week for some inspiring memes from the interview.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/is/podcast/all-in-three-of-six-ways-to-live-your-lifes-purpose/id1555760344?i=1000523719971" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>listen to the Apple podcast here</b></span></a>. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Miss my recent interview? Tune in to the latest <i>Chaos to Calm</i> episode with <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Rachel Macy Stafford. Her message is so beautiful and powerful—it made me teary on air! Watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/nZtQAr0o_Io" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>full interview here</b></span></a>.</div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-56039699550333842292021-05-20T09:00:00.019-04:002021-05-20T09:00:00.204-04:00New On-Demand Episode: Rachel Macy Stafford<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="361" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nZtQAr0o_Io" width="472" youtube-src-id="nZtQAr0o_Io"></iframe></span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(3, 3, 3); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.20000000298023224px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you ready to turn the chapter on COVID too? I could think of no better person to help us do that than my friend Rachel Macy Stafford, the <a href="https://www.handsfreemama.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Hands Free Mama</span></a>. Rachel is a cultivator of soul space who has touched millions of lives. A trained special education teacher, she is also an acclaimed <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author. Her newest book is <i>Live Love Now: Relieve the Pressure and Find Real Connection with Our Kids</i>. Drawing insights from her book, Rachel will help us keep the good and leave the bad from COVID as she offers timely </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">advice that will impact your family for years to come!</span></p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(3, 3, 3); letter-spacing: 0.20000000298023224px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch On-Demand<span style="color: #030303;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/nZtQAr0o_Io" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Here</b></span></a></span></span></p><p>Do you like my 15th episode with my 5th <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author? If so, check out my <a href="http://www.noellekirchner.com/p/blog-page_10.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">other episodes</span></a> too!</p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-72150257864459715142021-04-29T09:00:00.001-04:002021-04-29T09:00:00.203-04:00How You Can Build a Dream Marriage<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's wonderful to post again! I have been busy with projects, including my newest interview for <i>Chaos to Calm</i> with Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel is the fifth <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author on my show, with another important and timely message for us. Her passion is creating soul-space, making her the perfect author to usher us out of COVID. She will help us keep the good, leave the bad, and strengthen our families. Stay tuned! Until then, check out my newest article below.</span></p><p><img alt="How You Can Build a Dream Marriage" class="img-responsive" height="418" pinger-seen="true" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/5681-wedding-couple-sitting-on-green-grass-in-fron.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="800" /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Building a healthy marriage can be a great source of support and comfort. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interestingly, many found this to be the case during COVID. At a time when the experts expected the divorce rate to spike due to lockdown stress, it did not. Instead, the divorce rate continued its decline to hit a 50-year low. Meanwhile, according to the American Family Survey, 58% of Americans claimed that they appreciated their spouse more and half claimed that COVID brought them closer together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still, the decline in the divorce rate does not necessarily mean that all marriages are happier or healthier. Divorce can be costly, and the looming health and economic uncertainty brought about by COVID surely impacted decision-making. Further, custody issues grew more complex with daycare and schools closed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With COVID complicating divorce proceedings, it’s also caused a decline in the marital rate due to the curb in mass gatherings. This has contributed to an already declining marital rate in America. Experts worry about the larger impact this may cause in years to come, as marriage is often a stabilizing social force.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we reflect upon these statistics concerning marriage and COVID, natural questions arise. How can one grow a marriage that’s a source of blessing during a difficult time? What are the qualities of a healthy marriage? Also, for those who are considering tying the knot, what are the indicators to look for to usher in the greatest chance of success?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/how-you-can-build-a-dream-marriage.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Click here</span></b></a> to continue reading my new article for Crosswalk, which includes 3 compatibility indicators and 7 helpful pointers for creating a dream marriage.</span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-3549131201896702872021-03-31T09:00:00.000-04:002021-03-31T09:00:02.257-04:00Easter Prayer and More!<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1zpSKCza8Q/YGIkgT38ZqI/AAAAAAAAEDM/JikYOWXPK0UOBNxTb83XL1HsRUqkdISWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/pisit-heng-ci1F55HaVWQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1zpSKCza8Q/YGIkgT38ZqI/AAAAAAAAEDM/JikYOWXPK0UOBNxTb83XL1HsRUqkdISWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/pisit-heng-ci1F55HaVWQ-unsplash.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: inherit;"><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Almighty God,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reminder that you are Almighty is hope-filled this Easter.<br />So much has passed that’s beyond our control due to the pandemic.<br />Yet we as believers can rest in the firm and certain knowledge that you will work all things for our good.<br />Scripture promises us that you are the good Potter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We ask you to take the broken pieces of our lives and form something good,<br />Something to startle and amaze us—<br />Like you startled the women at the tomb!<br />The women came to the tomb,<br />A place of decay and death, ready to meet you.<br />They went away instead with good news!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />You had conquered the grave,<br />And you graft us into that moment, that promise, as your people today.<br />Transform us today through your power.<br />Forgive our sin,<br />Redeem the dead places in our lives,<br />And plant new seeds of life and hope.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />May we live as an expectant people,<br />Bolstered by your grace.<br />Lord, where we are afraid, bring peace.<br />Where there is anger and division, bring humility and unity.<br />Where there is lack, bring your abundance.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We confess as your people:<br />Your spirit is alive and active—<br />Give us the eyes to see it and the willingness to be used by it!<br />Christ, when you were on Earth, you said,<br />“Blessed are those who believe, yet have not seen.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />While we are not face to face with you like the disciples of old<br />We affirm that you are working, even now, to redeem your creation.<br />We affirm as your people:<br />“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.”<br />Could it be that we are uniquely poised to see you move in big ways<br />At such a time as this?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Release your Spirit and let it blow through our needy land.<br />Bind us together as one people in your service,<br />Use us as agents of your grace, and<br />Move mightily through your church.<br />For the world is hungry for what only You can provide.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Only You offer enduring peace.<br />Only You offer victorious hope.<br />Only You offer unconditional love.<br />And scripture promises that those you seek you will find you,<br />When they seek you with all their heart.<br />Hold our tender heart in Your strong hand.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Let us experience your Easter promise,<br />Face to face with your grace.<br />May your victory be our victory,<br />As we await the promise of all your glory,<br />Face to face in heaven. Amen.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This prayer was part of an Easter article I wrote for Crosswalk. To read 10 Easter Bible verses, the meaning behind the holiday, and an Easter challenge, <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/a-beautiful-prayer-for-easter-sunday.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">click here</span></b></a>. Stay tuned on my social media channels this week for cute Easter book pics I'm highlighting!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Empty tomb photo <span style="caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); white-space: nowrap;">by </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/@pisitheng?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-skip: ink; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out; white-space: nowrap;">Pisit Heng</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/empty-tomb?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-skip: ink; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a>.</span></span></span></i></div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-81704047831913450142021-03-24T09:00:00.013-04:002021-03-24T09:00:02.240-04:00Make Easter Come Alive: Guest Post on a New Kidlit Treasure<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hr1-Sqkp70/YFo1PjmlOmI/AAAAAAAAECs/SqRMuI25P7ELYccUj6xXp2frbruHGbBTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FullSizeRender-preview.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hr1-Sqkp70/YFo1PjmlOmI/AAAAAAAAECs/SqRMuI25P7ELYccUj6xXp2frbruHGbBTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FullSizeRender-preview.HEIC" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I took a hiatus from the blog for my boys' spring break. We went to Philly for a hockey tournament...check out my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/noellekirchner/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Instagram</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for my son's clutch save as a goalie in a game! I was the mom screaming on the sidelines, though thankfully you can't hear me. ;-)</span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a delight to welcome my good friend Laura Sassi back onto the blog. Laura and I have worked together on numerous occasions—if you </span>haven't seen <a href="https://youtu.be/ezyMwqyqwsM" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">her appearance on my show</span></b></a>, tune in! <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">Here is the scoop on her new book, a playful tale that brings the Parable of the Lost Sheep to life in an endearing way...right in time for Easter! (P.S. Stay tuned on my Instagram for a sweet pic of my little one, who MIGHT be dressing up at the book's main character soon!) Here is my interview with Laura:</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What inspired you to write this story?</b></span></span></p><p><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">Little Ewe: The Story of One Lost Sheep </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;">is inspired by a combination of my love for the biblical parable found in Luke 15 and a desire to make it engaging for my own little lambs—my children—who, when they were young, loved nothing better than a day of outdoor exploration. Like Little Ewe in the story, they even sometimes became momentarily “lost”—though not really, because I was always just around the bend, keeping a loving eye on them—just like Little Ewe’s Shepherd. And on deeper level, I was inspired to write this creative retelling as a way of sharing with others—young and old—the joy and comfort of being found by God. I hope the book serves as a delightful reminder to all who feel lost that, God, our Shepherd, is waiting eagerly to find us wherever we may be. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes this metaphor particularly powerful for you given what it teaches us about God?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The image of God as our loving Shepherd is infused throughout scripture. I remember as a child memorizing Psalm 23, probably the most famous God/Shepherd passage in the whole Bible. And even as a young child this beautiful metaphor grabbed me because it was so relatable. I’d seen sheep grazing, read stories with sheep, and seen adorable little stuffed toy sheep. I knew how vulnerable they were and how much they needed their shepherd. And I pretty quickly connected the dots in understanding that’s how my parents loved me too. And, then, WOW! My young eyes opened and I understood just how deep God’s love must be—much deeper even than the love of shepherd or parent—for God’s love <span style="font-family: inherit;">is </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">perfect! </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I hope that sense of wonder comes through in the pages of <i>Little Ewe</i>.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is there a favorite tradition you have for celebrating Easter with your family? </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My kids are older now (20 and 16), but they still like to have an Easter egg hunt in our living room before church on Easter morning. When they were little, this took place at the crack of dawn. After all, who can sleep in when the Easter Bunny has paid a visit! I know in some family traditions, this event takes place outside, but it’s too cold here for that, especially at 6 am! The silver lining of this indoor event is that sometimes, months later, a jelly bean is discovered—and do we eat those? Hmmm… what <span style="font-family: inherit;">do you think? ;) Of course!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What other books have you found that successfully point children to God?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Over the years, both as a mom and Sunday school teacher, I’ve kept my eyes peeled for books for children aged 3–8 that I think do a beautiful job of pointing kids to God. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Here are six great choices that you may, or may not, have heard of: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><i>Picturing God</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;">,</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> written and illustrated by Ruth Goring (Beaming Books, 2019). This beautifully crafted picture book explores the many metaphors for God found in the Bible, providing a wonderful spark for faith-filled conversation. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><i>Nothing Can Separate You From God’s Love</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, written by Natalee Creech and illustrated by Joseph Cowman (Worthy Kids, 2019). This richly-illustrated, gently rhyming picture book, inspired by Romans 8:38–39, offers readers a kid-friendly start to pondering just how amazing God’s love is. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><i>Does God Take Naps?</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> written by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley and illustrated by Ailie Busby (Tyndale Kids, 2017). </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> book cleverly addresses the kinds of questions littlest ones might have about God. The questions, which include things like “Does God have pets?” and “How old is God?”, are answered by referencing the Bible and can provide a springboard for even more questions. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><i>God’s Protection Covers Me</i>,</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">written by Amy Houts and illustrated by David Creighton-Pester (Beaming Books, 2019). It explores the concept of God’s protection over us using similes with concrete examples. I’ve used it in Sunday school several times and even have a <a href="https://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/2019/09/28/picture-book-sundays-gods-protection-covers-me-a-faith-sparking-lesson/ " target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">lesson plan</span></b></a> for it on my blog.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><i>I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, written by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Diane Le Feyer (Thomas Nelson, 2016). This storybook/devotional is great for K–3rd graders. Each illustrated “chapter” includes a story from the Bible that exemplifies one of God’s names plus thoughtful questions for discussion. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><i>Everything A Child Should Know about God</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> by Kenneth N. Taylor and illustrated by Jenny Brake (10 Publishing, 2014). It is a wonderful primer on who God is and what faith in him is all about. Each spread features a kid-friendly illustration, a simple biblical truth, and a question to ponder together with your child. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I know you'll want Laura's book, <i>Little Ewe</i>, which is ideal for little ones up to age 5 too...Here is a </span><a href="https://ms.beamingbooks.com/downloads/LittleEwe_ActivityKit_web.pdf" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">FREE activity kit</span></b></a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> to accompany it! I predict my little one's favorite will be the coloring pages! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's more on Laura: </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. She is the author of five picture books including the best-selling </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Goodnight, Ark</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, which was a 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist; </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Goodnight, Manger</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">; </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, which won First Honor Book for the 2019 Best in Rhyme Award; </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Love Is Kind</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book; and </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Little Ewe: The Story of One Lost Sheep</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. Her next book, </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Bunny Finds Easter</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, will release in 2022. In addition to books, she’s published over one hundred poems, stories, crafts, and articles in various children’s publications. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">A graduate of Princeton University and UCLA, Sassi had a successful teaching career before becoming a children’s author. She’s been a homeschool mom, children’s ministry director, historic museum interpreter, and more. She writes daily from her home in New Jersey and finds special joy in sharing her love of reading and writing with the next generation at school visits and other book events.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-45635056626722405442021-03-05T09:00:00.003-05:002021-05-19T21:10:04.741-04:00From Sickness to Comfort in COVID<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR7YGAJ0MuI/YKW20SOFxEI/AAAAAAAAEGo/0LSDLR3Yc_INm4A5mJbwmEGMkDuwAD9kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mask%2BPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR7YGAJ0MuI/YKW20SOFxEI/AAAAAAAAEGo/0LSDLR3Yc_INm4A5mJbwmEGMkDuwAD9kwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Mask%2BPicture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my newest article, I share the story of my husband's diagnosis with COVID. The Healer met us in more ways than one. He met us through our gift. "</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); font-family: inherit;">Even as we grappled with the pandemic and our own storehouse felt empty, we gave in honor of Jesus. <i>Doing so allowed us to open and share the gift of his grace</i>."</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Read the story<span style="color: #101820;"> </span><a href="https://www.propelwomen.org/content/from-sickness-to-comfort-in-covid/gjebj7" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32); color: #101820;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This piece is my first one featured on <i style="caret-color: rgb(16, 24, 32);">Propel Sophia, </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Propel Women's publication</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">. Have you heard of it? It's an honor to join the amazing women's voices of scriptural insight and encouragement there. I encourage you to check it out!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-4057108631636646812021-02-23T09:00:00.001-05:002021-02-23T09:00:05.037-05:00Why Character Is Important and Three Sure-Fire Ways to Grow It<p><img alt="Why Character Is Important and 3 Sure-Fire Ways to Grow It" class="img-responsive" height="334" pinger-seen="true" src="https://i.swncdn.com/media/800w/via/6020-67704-woman-offering-hand-gettyimages-rawpixe.png" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" width="640" /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><b>I</b></span><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">t’s easy to overlook the cauldron of character in an effort thrust ahead. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">One definition describes character as “moral excellence and firmness, earned through one's actions.” </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Many consider being a person of character to be the highest compliment from others. Operating as a person of character improves the lives of those around you. Further, a person’s ability to practice self-control or discipline has been correlated to future success. </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For three tips on instilling character, along with one professor's life-or-death example as to why it's so necessary, check out my newest article for Crosswalk.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size: large;">For 3 tips on instilling character and more, <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/why-character-is-important-and-3-sure-fire-ways-to-grow-it.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>CLICK HERE</b></span></a></span></span></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081804779080044274.post-28470165835251967062021-02-17T09:00:00.019-05:002021-02-17T09:00:00.218-05:00A Beautiful Ash Wednesday Prayer with Reflection Prompts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlXHLJHLTR4/YCLccLxWoZI/AAAAAAAAD_c/t63IpwXeqnUBiDKnpGEJco1inTn3VUj1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Ash%2BWednesday%2BMeme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlXHLJHLTR4/YCLccLxWoZI/AAAAAAAAD_c/t63IpwXeqnUBiDKnpGEJco1inTn3VUj1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/Ash%2BWednesday%2BMeme.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Sending you ash-filled blessings! Please begin the season of Lent intentionally with me today by reading this article that I wrote for <i>Bible Study Tools</i>. It includes a prayer, key scripture verses, and reflection prompts for Lent. There's some interesting historical information about Ash Wednesday in the reading too!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/ash-wednesday-prayer-with-reflection-prompts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">HERE</span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Did you catch my faith-filled interview with Candace Cameron Bure last week? <a href="https://youtu.be/-cNQq60PCO0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Watch it here</b></span></a>. </i></p>Noelle Kirchnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09794755759658147460noreply@blogger.com0