Skip to content

First and Second

Perspective on What Matters Most (Matthew 22:36-40)

  • About
  • Books & Resources
  • Connect
First and Second
  • About
  • Books & Resources
  • Connect
Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Bethany's Guest Posts

Q and A with Lois Flowers

One of many ways God has wonderfully surprised me is through the community found when writing about Him publicly. Several years ago, I met Lois Flowers as we both joined the same blog link-ups. We... Read more

Posted on July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 Bethany's Guest Posts Faith

God is Sufficient for Your False Guilt

“I feel bad about…” I began. My husband joked it was time for my daily list of “things I feel guilty about that I probably have no control over anyway.” If only he wasn’t right!... Read more

Posted on June 7, 2024June 7, 2024 Bethany's Guest Posts

Helping A Child Through a Big Life Change

Change is messy. Even when we’re well-prepared. Even when we’re excited about it. This is true for kids experiencing seasons of transition, like when they move homes or schools, get their first job, or join... Read more

Posted on June 6, 2024June 6, 2024 Bethany's Guest Posts Faith

3 steps to helping kids grasp God’s grace when they’ve messed up

She proudly led me into the hall, demanding I cover my eyes first. When she said “open them!” my jaw dropped. The surprise was a drawing done in pen and marker…first on paper, then all... Read more

Posted on May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Bethany's Guest Posts

Follow in Full

Follow In Full “I know the plans I have for you[.]” (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse is often cited (out of context) to encourage modern Christians of the good plans God has for them. But so... Read more

Posted on May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 Faith

Ruins and the Things That Last

We took a trip to England and Scotland recently. Some of our time was spent visiting ruins of castles, abbeys, and fortresses. The sagging, mossy walls with their abrupt openings told of rich histories and... Read more

Posted on April 9, 2024April 9, 2024 Faith

Nothing Better To Do

I wonder if the disciples were more surprised when they discovered the empty grave or when Jesus’ nail-pierced hands prepared them breakfast. I’m a little startled every time I read about Jesus’ life on earth... Read more

Posted on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Faith Life of Faith

Forever New

I love our Easter traditions. We decorate cookies while watching a movie that points to God’s mercy, like the 10 Commandments or The Case For Christ. Matt gives me Cadbury Caramel Eggs. We sing the... Read more

Posted on March 5, 2024February 23, 2025 Books

Meet Abigail Ruth Brenner

So I’ve been on a bit of an adventure… Will you join me? (And my 9-year-old imaginary friend named Abigail who I’d love for you to meet, plus her people?) I’ve been trying to find... Read more

Posted on February 10, 2024February 10, 2024 Life of Faith

No More Wincing

Sometimes suffering involves less weeping than wincing.  When we love someone who never quite crosses the line to push us away completely, but is unkind enough, often enough, that we never get close. When we... Read more

Posts pagination

← 1 2 3 4 … 51 →

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Topics

bible book book review change christ christian christian and insomnia christianity christmas church devotions for tired people faith fear god good book gospel grace grow growing growth heart help holiday hope how do I do devotions when I'm tired how do I pray when I'm tired Jesus joy life love peace Prayer psalm 121 purpose really short devotions relationship sin sleep deprived christian tired christians trust truth weary christian word work worn out christian

Categories

Archives

Be Encouraged on Facebook

Be Encouraged on Facebook

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 3,120 other subscribers

Pages

  • About
  • Books & Resources
  • Connect

Recent Posts

  • Introducing Bite-Size Peace Devotions
  • For the Joy Set Before Him
  • Do Not, For the Sake of…
  • What We Need Most When We Feel Left Out
  • God Endures
© 2025 First and Second / Powered by WordPress / Theme by Design Lab