I had the chance to talk last week about how we can worship God through creative writing to 80 or so elementary-aged kids at a worship camp at my church. Not only did we talk about writing as another way we can love God, but the kids also got to write down their own words to describe heaven through their five senses. Their responses were phenomenal, and in a stroke of Holy Spirit-led genius, I jotted down their responses while we were talking. At the end, each half-hour class had collectively created their own poem about heaven. I was so proud of them, and they seemed really proud of themselves, too. Here, I’ve put together their responses in one big beautiful creation I’ve titled “Heaven Through the Eyes of a Child.” I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Faith, Blog, WritingJessica BrodieJuly 29, 2019Author Jessica Brodieheaven, what do kids think about heaven, children's poetry, worship through creative writing, creative kids, jesus and writing Comments

Releasing my pride

What’s so wrong with going through something hard and admitting you’re human … and it hurts? What is it about my own silly, arrogant pride that makes me laugh off skinned knees on a ball field instead of saying “Yep, it does hurt,” and taking a rest? I’m not just lying to myself. I’m lying to others, and I’m robbing them of the opportunity to do what God calls us to do: help each other.

Faith, BlogJessica BrodieJuly 22, 2019Author Jessica Brodieletting go of my prid, letting go of my pride, pride, carry each others burdens, help others, galatians 6:2, how to stop being prideful Comments

Drowning out the world’s messages

Many of us spend far more time watching TV, shopping, and otherwise exposing ourselves to the world’s messages than we do absorbing God’s message (the Bible!), which leaves us vulnerable and often confused about our priorities. My blog for today on taming my temptation for more stuff.

BlogJessica BrodieJuly 15, 2019Author Jessica Brodiebible reading, worldly messages, resisting the world, resisting temptation, shopaholic, how to stop shopping, 2 Timothy 3:16, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:11, Romans 15:4, Colossians 3:16, 1 John 2:15 Comments

Is it OK to make your kids work for their money?

The most surprising thing we had to work out when we became a “blended family” was how our kids and stepkids would earn commission when it came to chores. Thankfully, we’ve stumbled upon a solution. Here’s our story.

Faith, BlogJessica BrodieJuly 8, 2019Author Jessica Brodieis it ok to make kids do chores, kids and chores, appropriate chores, paying kids for chores, financial peace and kids, allowance, allowance or commission, Proverbs 22:6Comment

Safe in the glorious, perfect love of God

A reflection on the beautiful connection I share with God in the quiet of the morning—the harmony I know God intends.

Faith, BlogJessica BrodieJuly 1, 2019Author Jessica BrodieGod is love, perfect love, bible study, morning prayer, jesus and coffee, genesis, connection with god, relationship with God Comments

What my imaginary friends taught me about love

On my childhood imaginary friends—and how they modeled Christian love in what they did for me.

Faith, BlogJessica BrodieJune 24, 2019Author Jessica Brodieimaginary friends, jesus and friendship, love like jesus, John 15:12-13, selfless love, sacrifice Comments

Taking that leap of faith

Sometimes today, God calls us to really tough things. But faith is hearing a call, discerning whether it really is from God, then acting—even when it feels like the destination is a deserted island and you don’t even have your “three things” as comfort.

Faith, BlogJessica BrodieJune 17, 2019Author Jessica Brodiefaith, genesis, deserted island, trusting god, don't worry, leap of faith Comments

God doesn’t fall asleep on the job (like I do!)

My eyes bleary and brain foggy from lack of sleep, I’d finally get my young kids tucked in for the night. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes to check on you,” I’d promise in my best mommy voice, with every intention to follow through. Only, the second I tiptoed into my own bedroom, thinking I’d read for awhile and then go back and check, my sleep-weary body would give out. I’d wake up hours later, my bedtime promise broken. Oops.