In 2025 I selected the word PURSUE as my Word of the Year. I felt called to pursue to the heart of God and all He had for me. From the rear view mirror, I can see that God's response to that was buckle up. I'd imagined pursuing more of my book two writing with the expressed goal to publish it by year's end. That obviously didn't happen. When you let go of your own plan to truly seek God's best it often requires shedding our own desires to take on God's form. That happened wit

I'm reading Scripture and am once again caught by the Innkeeper. He essentially offered tent camping to the Ritz-Carlton of his time for the birth of the Savior. What was he like? This we don't know but at face value the obvious is that he was busy with no guest rooms to be had. However, "no room" in the pretty spaces didn't stop this man from offering place. Rather, he extended the smelly, manure-laden, cramped quarters amongst his animals for delivery. Messy space now made

The weather is changing. I've got Christmas music is on, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and cooking ingredients on the island. One of my favorite ways to dial back this time of year is with fun recipes. And, given the popularity of the Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls post , I thought you might enjoy these, as well. They are literally so simple and so good. I first found them on Disney.com , though the recipe seems to have disappeared from their site. No Bake Chocolate Chip Cooki

The most fun box just arrived in the mail. Sanctuary Scribes by Augsburg Fortress Last October I was selected as a contributor for the Unbridled Presence project with Augsburg Fortress. The defined objective was to create materials to engage students in faith. Opportunities existed for toddlers through teens, but I knew right away I wanted to audition for elementary-age children and submitted writing accordingly. I was ecstatic to be selected. For years faith leaders have beg

I opened the letter and was reduced to tears. “Even though you’re a substitute teacher you’ve been so much more than that. You always...

Lord God, today we lift our hearts up to You i n prayer for the precious children You’ve entrusted to us. Each is a treasure. Comforter...

Melissa Nesdahl Advent Fair/Christmas Event Plan Seeing ministry leaders ordering my "Perfect Peace" easy-to-do Christmas Program this...

There is a line so fine between the belief in what you secretly hope for and resigning to what is that it is nearly undetectable. Most of...

Popsicle Praise Activity Once the school year ends our society pretty much say "Adios" to defined schedules and enjoys freedom in the...

I entered the door of Starbucks to three aggressively waving sixth graders. “Good morning, Mrs. Nesdahl.” I smiled at them and listened...

{I initially wrote this post nine years ago today and it was featured in Family Today. And, though my kids have aged, I would give the...

This morning Ava woke up asking to make Bird Nest Easter treats. I first did these with her when she was in elementary school and she's...

John 10:10 Free Printable It's that time of year when church small groups are coming to an end. To help my daughter's celebrate, I...

Happy Pi (3.14) Day! In Sioux Falls the public schools are out today and it is the State basketball tournament so my youngest and I...

Love Balloon You. Yes, you. You are loved. Tomorrow the calendar broadcasts Valentine's Day. Some will get flowers and go on dates....

Exploration Station Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School has long been an experienced localized to the church building. Beyond...

One stop into the grocery store will remind you that Valentine's Day is coming up. The cards are stocked, candy is out and items to trade...

Yesterday our family enjoyed our annual year-in-review dinner where we go out to eat and discuss favorite moments, lows, great books,...

The world is busy today. People are scurrying around purchasing final gifts and gathering in grocery lines for meal preparations.   It’s...

This week my college roommate and I celebrated 23 years of Christmas candy making. One of the crowd pleasers is always the crunchy peanut...