Monica Ritchie

Biblical Theology for Everyday Moms

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What Does the Bible Say About Wine and Alcohol

What does the Bible say about wine and alcohol? How do we then as Christians engage with it from a biblical perspective? Wine and alcohol are all around us and it’s a normal part of our lives. We need to know how to engage with it biblically. Check out the video below giving a brief overview of some of the good, the not so good and then one of my personal pain points in regard to wine culture. Keep in mind that this is just the beginning of the conversation when it comes to engaging with wine and alcohol. There …

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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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Historical Theology : Anselm of Canterbury

Introduction  Anslem is an important person to know about when glancing at Historical Theology. He is known as one of the forerunners to a movement known as Scholasticism. Anselm is seen as paving the way to a faith in which seeks understanding. Believing that faith is the starting point of knowledge.  Scholasticism : An approach to Christian theology that arose specifically during the middle ages, which emphasizes rational justification and systematic presentation of the faith.  For Anselm, the goal is to understand more fully what he already believes, by faith.  “I do not seek, Lord, to reach your heights, for …

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Madden’s on Gull Lake

Our family vacation to Madden’s on Gull Lake was the perfect kick off to summer! Maddens is located on Gull Lake in Brainerd Minnesota. Which is the perfect little road trip from the Twin Cities. We drove up on a Friday after lunch and came home on Sunday. The kids only complaint, they wanted to stay longer! This trip was by far a highlight of our year, here’s the full scoop on everything we did, what we want to do more of and how you can save on your trip to Madden’s on Gull Lake! The Resort : Where We …

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Historical Theology : Augustine

Historical Theology is a big topic and I understand it may not be everyone’s passion. However, knowing the history of Christian Theologians can help us see that we’re not alone in some of our questions or struggles. God was faithful to reveal himself then and He is faithful now, too. Sifting through the years of theology we can not only use reason to confirm what we already believe by faith, but we can see the hand of God. God’s faithfulness showing up and revealing himself to each generation. Including Our own (and our kids) generations! God is a God of …

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How To Help A Child With Anxiety

When worry becomes more than concern, when it becomes hindering to your child’s life and yours, they may have anxiety. Now, to be clear and up front – I AM NOT A THERAPIST. I am a theologian, very different. However, my daughter has grappled through anxiety and these tips are from her therapist whom we saw together and she now see’s on her own. Here are tips on how to help a child with anxiety. Schedule A Time To Worry This might sound strange but it has been one of the most helpful tips we have gotten and put into …

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Overcoming Doubt

No one is immune to doubt. Even after you put your faith and trust in Jesus, it’s possible that circumstance, seasons or moments can bring us into wrestling with doubt. Overcoming doubt biblically is an important skill in our faith journey. To start, let God’s Word lift any shame you may have in your feelings of doubt. There is no shame in feelings and there is no room for shame in the church. John 8:32 reminds us that “Then you will know truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we know Jesus as Christ, there is is freedom. …

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Justice?

There is a cry for justice in our culture. It is loud and it frankly is somewhat frightening. Take heart because here is what is true; Justice is a wonderful word. It is a character of God, it is who God is – He is JUST. Our culture’s cry for justice is truly a reflection of the heart for God in our nation. We can praise God for that. God is also mercy and grace, these characteristics of Himself all flow together in perfect harmony, working together to advance His Kingdom here on earth. I’ve been reminded in these days …

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South Dakota | Family Vacation

We just got back from a few days exploring South Dakota and in all honesty, it was one of our Favorite Family Vacations! Here’s the rundown on what we did, where we stayed and a few things we wish we’d done differently. First off, we rented an RV and I can’t even begin to tell you the excitement when it pulled up the driveway and we saw the name of the RV. It was called non other than The Minnie Winnie! This was the perfect size for the six of us traveling from Minnesota to South Dakota. The Badlands The …

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School Year Blessing

A SCHOOL YEAR BLESSING FOR 2020/2021 If you’re anything like me, you’ve been on the rollercoaster ride known as “School Year Plans 2020” it’s a wild ride and truth be told, I’m ready to get off! While I know full well that God has commanded me not to worry, I fully admit that I have absolutely worried. Rather, I did worry until God met me right where I was and reminded me of this simple truth. That He already has it figured out, I just need to pick a path and HE WILL BE ON IT.  Because you see, no …

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Northwestern Christian Writers Conference | 1:1 Appointment with Blythe Daniel

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have a book editor look over your work and give you feedback? It’s an exciting and vulnerable feeling but at the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference you can do just that! I assure you, it’s not nearly as frightening as you might think, believe me, I did it and you can see how it unfolded below. After you’ve registered for the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference and chosen your industry expert (find out how to choose your industry expert HERE). You’re ready to prepare for your 1:1 Appointment. I met with the …

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Memorize Scripture As A Family

I know from personal experience how important it is to memorize scripture! It’s something I continually try to work on even as an adult but it’s something I love to practice with my kids as well! I started doing this with my kids when they were two and three years old, showing you’re really never too young to start memorizing scripture! First, I took a picture frame, removed the photo and replaced it with a piece of paper. I then used a dry erase marker to write a verse on it. That picture frames with the verse then sat right …

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Cut Back

It’s spring here in Minnesota, which means that we’re all gardening! Part of preparing our landscaping is to cut back the previous years growth. We do this so that the plant can thrive in the new season. We cut the plant back to just the essentials. Recently, there has been an excessive amount of cut back in our own lives. The economy, jobs, our health and our social lives. It has been cut back, down to the essentials. Now, there is talk of things opening back up and pressing restart on it all has God’s word’s ringing in my ears. …

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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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Cultivate

Every year I choose a word to focus on, you can read about the process of how I go about this HERE. However, for 2020 I felt God place not just a word, but two scripture verses and one spiritual practice on my heart. The word I felt God land on my heart was the word cultivate. Typically, I would do a word study, but the Bible doesn’t use the word “cultivate” like we would. Instead, I took the opportunity to look at what God may be asking me to cultivate around, as well as within myself. Scripture Verses + Spiritual …

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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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Blooming in God’s Timing

I’ve been saying “no” to a lot of opportunities lately. A lot of really great opportunities. I have also been hearing “no” or “not yet” on a lot as well. That feels hard, it feels like rejection. It feels stagnant in an ever evolving space. But God is reminding me, much like I cannot force open the petals of my peonies to bloom, I cannot force open His plans or His timing for me. ‘Bloom where you’re planted’ is a popular mantra and typically, I’m not one to gravitate towards such things, however, this one, I’m digging into. I’m called …

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Rest

Do you trust God enough to rest? I’m not just talking about in this “busy season” either. But, even outside of your busy season – do you trust God enough to rest? God has been showing me these past few months just how important rest is, and really, it’s an act of worship to rest. To press the pause button on “the hustle” and “grind” and trust God enough to take what you can do by your own human efforts and multiply it by His hands. So truly, be honest, what’s your rest life like? Mine hasn’t been the greatest …

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