Words from the Heart

This is one of the beautiful pieces of artwork by Jamie that will appear in our upcoming book, Iam The Lamb and the Good Shepherd: A Psalm 23 Book. I’ll admit it, I’m an Audible addict. I listen to books every chance I get. Driving, doing dishes, folding laundry, exercising — everything feels lighter with a good story in my ears. There’s something soothing about letting my mind go on autopilot while being drawn into another world. Honestly, I don’t even mind being stuck in traffic if I’m caught up in a great book. On our recent road trips, my husband and I got completely lost (in the best way) in Charles Martin’s Keeper series — The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper, and The Keeper. Forty-three hours and forty-seven minutes of edge-of-your-seat, laughter-inducing, tear-jerking, thought-provoking storytelling! Throughout the series, one line echoes again and again: “Tell me what you know about sheep.” It’s such a simple question — yet it carries incredible depth. It made me pause and think about what the Bible says about sheep and the Good Shepherd. Here are a few facts about sheep that Martin mentions, and some I’ve learned myself (we once had two pet sheep named Tori and Carly!): They are prone to wander. They get lost easily. They are easy prey because they have no natural defenses — no claws, sharp teeth, or speed to escape predators. They can seldom find their way home. They must be led to food and water because they cannot find clean water or good pasture on their own. They struggle to see clearly beyond a few yards in front of them. They can be easily startled by shadows or moving water. They are instinctively social and will follow the flock, even if it leads them into danger. They need a shepherd. Studies show sheep can recognize individual faces and voices. They won’t follow a stranger, but they respond immediately to their shepherd’s call, a beautiful reflection of what Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” How We Are Like Sheep When we look closely, it’s not hard to see ourselves in these same patterns. Like sheep, we are prone to wander, chasing distractions, following the world’s lead, and drifting from the safety of God’s presence. We, too, get lost, become fearful, and struggle to see the bigger picture. Without the guidance of the Good Shepherd, we fall prey to the enemy’s tactics, exhaustion, and confusion. But when we listen to Jesus’ voice, the voice of our Shepherd, He leads us back to peace, purpose, and home. The Comfort of Psalm 23 Psalm 23 paints the most tender picture of this relationship: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Just as sheep depend on their shepherd for protection, nourishment, and rest, we depend on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, for everything our souls need He knows each of us by name, leads us to still waters, and restores our weary hearts when life feels heavy. We are never meant to navigate life alone. The One who made us walks before us, guards behind us, and calls us by name. So the next time you feel lost, anxious, or uncertain of the path ahead, remember this:You are one of His sheep.You have a Shepherd who never stops watching over you, guiding you, and leading you home.  

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is teaching them how to pray.From the time they’re little, kids experience big feelings such as fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, even when we wish we could shield them from it all. Whether it’s being dropped off at daycare, going to bed alone, facing a new school day, or hearing thunder in the middle of a storm, these moments can feel overwhelming. Prayer brings calm in the chaos and peace in the middle of fear. Model Prayer by Example The best way to teach prayer is by example.When we pray out loud with our kids, they learn that talking to God is normal, personal, and powerful. Praying before meals teaches gratitude for God’s daily provision. Praying before bed quiets their minds and helps them rest in peace. Starting the day with prayer invites God into everything ahead, from math tests to playground moments. When my kids were younger, we prayed every morning on the drive to school. I’d ask for God’s protection, provision, and guidance for their day. Sometimes I’d forget when we were running late, and they’d remind me, “Dad, we haven’t prayed yet!” Those small moments told me the habit was taking root and it made me smile. Helping Children Build Their Own Prayer Life Over time, children who hear us pray learn to pray on their own. They begin to understand that God listens, cares, and is always near. Soon, they start praying when we’re not around, in the middle of the school day, before a big game, or when they’re lying in bed at night. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply helping our children know they can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything, and that He loves to listen. What a beautiful legacy for any parent to leave behind. Ted D. Karr Author of Need Pray Listen: Discovering How to Pray Powerful and Effective Prayers    

Christmas isn’t just a season, it’s a story, and you’re invited to experience it in a new way this Advent. When you ask people what their favorite holiday is, most say Christmas.Though lately, I’ve noticed more and more people saying Halloween, a sign, perhaps, of how darkness continues to creep into our world. I’m often amazed (and honestly saddened) by the extremes people go to when decorating for Halloween—celebrating fear, death, and the grotesque. It reminds me, though, of a truth that never changes: the Light is always stronger than the darkness. The Beauty Behind Christmas Traditions Christmas, for many, still remains the most beloved holiday, by believers and nonbelievers alike. People love the lights, trees, decorations, parties, Santa, gifts, and the cozy warmth of the season. But have you ever stopped to wonder what all these symbols and traditions really mean? Most people know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, but few pause to reflect on how deeply woven He is into the very fabric of our holiday traditions. What Is Advent, Really? “Advent” is another word that surfaces a lot during this time of year. You can find Advent calendars of every kind—beauty boxes, chocolate samplers, teas, toys, even jewelry. They’ve become fun ways to count down the days until Christmas, and there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as the heart of Christmas stays at the center. But the word Advent means “coming.” It’s about much more than a countdown. The first Advent was a season of waiting. God’s people longed for the promised Messiah, expecting a king who would come in power and glory to rescue them from Roman oppression (Luke 1:67–79). Instead, He came humbly, as a baby in a manger, bringing salvation not through might, but through love. Now, we live in what many call the second Advent. We, too, are waiting, this time for Christ’s return. Scripture promises that Jesus will come again, not as a humble servant but as the victorious King of Kings (Revelation 19:11–16), to bring His followers home. The Heart Behind Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure My heart behind Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure: A Journey to the Heart of Christmas is to help families prepare, not just their homes, but their hearts, for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The lights, wreaths, gifts, and songs are wonderful parts of the season, but they’re also reminders that point us back to Him. This book is designed as a 28-day family devotional to help children and adults alike discover how each Christmas symbol reflects the hope, peace, joy, and love we find in Jesus. Discover the book and start your family’s journey to the heart of Christmas. Shop Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure → An Invitation to Wonder While it’s fun to track Santa’s sleigh and listen for reindeer hooves on the roof on Christmas Eve night, the true wonder of Christmas lies in imagining what it was like that night in Bethlehem. To stand among the shepherds as the sky filled with angels announcing the birth of the Savior and singing, “Glory to God in the highest!” To run into town and find the baby Jesus, “wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger,” just as the angels had said. To look for that wondrous star in the sky, the one that led the wise men to the promised King. And to know, that He left a throne in Heaven to come to Earth to be the sacrificial Lamb for you and for me. That’s the kind of wonder this book invites families to experience, one symbol, one story, one reflection at a time. A Tradition That Lasts Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure isn’t just a countdown, it’s a journey. An opportunity to draw closer to Jesus each day from November 27th - December 25th and beyond. My prayer is that as you and your family read, reflect, and celebrate together, your hearts will overflow with hope, peace, joy, and love. The very gifts Christ came to give. This is more than a book; it’s the beginning of a family tradition you can cherish year after year. And we’re excited to keep growing our ADVENTure collection! Next up, our Hide and Go Sheep ADVENTure wooden Advent calendar and family activity coming next season! From our family to yours, may this Advent season fill your home with His light and love.