Christian mom - Monica Ritchie

Christian Encouragement : A Checklist for Encouragers

July 13, 2021 by Monica Ritchie

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 …

Three Characteristics of the Holy Spirit

July 7, 2021 by Monica Ritchie

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 …

Historical Theology : Anselm of Canterbury

June 9, 2021 by Monica Ritchie

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 …

Cut Back

May 3, 2020 by Monica Ritchie

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. …

How to read the Bible with your kids

May 3, 2020 by Monica Ritchie

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! …

Fear the Fear

March 9, 2020 by Monica Ritchie

“I’m scared” She whispered to the dark. “I know. I’m here” The dark seemed to whisper back. There is nowhere you can go, there is nowhere you can walk – that He has not already been. If God is for you, who can be against you. I’ve been in this scenario numerous times. Whispering to the dark as I grasp for solid ground in my mind. Fighting what we all fight from time to time – fear. We all struggle with fear on some level or another and it can ebb and flow in seasons. However, at the root of …

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

February 27, 2020 by Monica Ritchie

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, …

Rest

January 23, 2020 by Monica Ritchie

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 …