Monica Ritchie

Biblical Theology for Everyday Moms

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Christian Encouragement : A Checklist for Encouragers

There is a command throughout the Bible to encourage one another, to bless one another with Christian Encouragement. Here is somewhat of a “checklist” if you will, of how to offer Christian Encouragement! Build Each Other Up If you see something, say something! A spoken word of encouragement given at the “right time” can mean so much. It can push someone through a valley, or give joy to their spirit. You never know the impact of a kind and encouraging word. In today’s world maybe that doesn’t always mean saying it in person, maybe it’s a text, a phone call …

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Three Characteristics of the Holy Spirit

Though there are many, let’s discuss three characteristics of the Holy Spirit you may not be aware of! The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and often somewhat forgotten. This isn’t intentional but it’s certainly a challenge to wrap our minds around the Holy Spirit. That being said, the best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. Let’s discuss three characteristics of the Holy Spirit you may or may not know! I pray it bring you to further worship the Triune God. Holy Spirit as Rauch Elohim This is one name of the …

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How to read the Bible with your kids

Have you ever wondered how to read the bible with your kids? You want to do it, but just aren’t sure how or where to start? Here a few simple tips on how to read the Bible with your kids! First, know this; you don’t have to be perfect! You don’t have to know all the answers to do this! My motto is this “do the best you can, when you can!” and that applies here too! Also, if you feel like your kiddo isn’t paying attention or is playing with a toy or is distracted during this, don’t worry! …

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Prayers For Moms

Motherhood is a challenging journey that highlights our desperate need for Jesus. We were never designed to do Motherhood alone, we need help. Holy Help. Written out here, are Prayers for Moms with scriptures to support your heart. You can pray them silently or out loud as you need them. As you take on the monumental task of raising Godly children, let these Prayers For Moms serve as a space of encouragement and hope. A small space for God’s presence and instruction to walk along side you.   Prayers for Moms : GRACE Many areas of motherhood may make us …

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Do You Trust Me?

The other week we had one of our first thunderstorms of the spring. I know so many people love the thunder and rain. The soothing sounds of rain beating outside your window typically helps people to fall asleep and then sleep soundly. Not for my girl, no. My youngest is terrified of thunderstorms. She hears the rain; she sees the flashes of lightning outside the window and her shoulders tense and her eyebrows furrow as she braces herself for the shudder of thunder that’s sure to follow each flash. I was doing my best to soothe and calm her, which …

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Get the most out of studying your Bible.

Do you ever sit down with your bible and think, ok what do I do now? How do I study this? Where do I even start? I want to give you a few simple steps to get the most of studying your Bible. In hopes that you can experience the transforming presence and love of God. 1. Chose a passage or book of scripture to start with. This can be anything that sparks your interest. I love starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) Or maybe the book of James or the Psalms. Those are great places to …

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Relationships

I had written this last fall after my grandma, my Gigi passed away. It has been a reminder to me that though she may be gone physically, she is still teaching me many lessons. If you’d like to read my tribute to my Gigi, you can find that HERE. My Gig, she was a woman of tenacity and grit no doubt. She didn’t necessarily own extravagant things, and in her lifetime she didn’t necessarily even travel to what one might consider extravagant places. But what she did have, what she did create were extravagant relationships. During this time of pandemic, …

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In a world that increasingly values numbers; know that never determines your worth.

It’s not a matter of IF you’ll be tempted, it’s more a matter of WHEN. When that happens, how will you respond? In Matthew 4 before Jesus begins his earthly ministry, we see Jesus going out into the desert. It is here that he has fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He is hungry. The tempter (ie Satan, the devil, the evil one) comes to him and tempts him. He says “turn these stones into bread” to that Jesus answers “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God.” Jesus, …

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Fruitfulness Vs. Happiness

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about fruitfulness vs. happiness and how they don’t necessarily go hand in hand. We see a lot of #thehappynow hashtag trending on social media and that’s not wrong. But what about when the path we’re on isn’t necessarily happy, but it’s fruitful? I have been in a season the past few months, one circumstance I’m in doesn’t make me super happy, but I know it will make me fruitful. So, I endure. I persevere the very best I can. Put in that hard work, and truthfully, amongst the struggle, I find deep joy. As …

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You’re Not Enough

Theology Matters. It matters because what we believe to be true shapes who we become. The words we tell ourselves, especially if they shape our spiritual lives, matter. Let’s be sure they are theologically sound and line up with scripture. In this episode, you will walk through the popular phrase “You’re not enough,” we’ll dissect where it comes from, why someone might say it, and if it is biblically sound. FREE THEOLOGY RESOURCES 22 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR YOUR CHILD Mike Winger: Biblical Objections to Calvinsim

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So, You Didn’t Grow Up in the Church?

Listen to episode Do you ever feel embarrassed because you don’t know as much about theology or “church words” as you think you should? Please don’t be ashamed! If you were never taught, how could you know? But that’s why I’m here. Your friend that went to seminary to share these things with you.  So, you didn’t grow up in the church, or maybe you did and still don’t quite know; doesn’t matter. Let’s untangle this word salad and sort through some “Christian-ese” regarding conversion, sanctification, and glorification through Jesus Christ.  FREE THEOLOGY RESOURCES 22 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR YOUR …

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Barnyard Animals and Hermeneutics

Listen to episode Ever wonder what it means to be a responsible reader of the Bible? In this episode we discuss what it looks like to interpret scripture and critical things, such as proof texting, that we as followers of Christ, and Bible enthusiats must follow. We discuss how our worldview map is the foundation by way we interpret the world around us, from barnyard animals to the Bible. Books Mentioned “How to Read The Bible For All It’s Worth” Dr. Gordon Fee & Dr. Douglas Stuart “How to Read The Bible In Changing Times” Dr. Mark Strauss “Becomming Whole …

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Introduction to Theologically Fashioned

Do you want to know God better? You may have attempted to study theology but quickly backed off because it was too confusing, felt like it was only for academics, or didn’t apply to your life. I hear ya. My name is Monica, your friend that went to seminary, so you don’t have to (if you don’t want to). Here at Theologically Fashioned Podcast, I want to share all I’ve learned, and then some, with you! Join me, Monica, as I make theological concepts accessible and easy to understand so that you can explore your faith and deepen your spiritual …

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