Hey, friends!
For all of us who are still in the freezy-freeze, we continue to pray for your safety through the cold… and joy! A little silver lining is that when the power goes out, it's a perfect time to read and since the year is still young, there's time to get going on reading through the Bible in 2026. I'm following M'Cheyne's Bible reading schedule that takes us through the Psalms
and the New Testament twice during the calendar year, and the Old Testament once. Reading passages slowly and thoughtfully is very helpful because it gives me time to ponder and question with the Lord.
Meanwhile, try starting the day with these two verses,
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24, NIV
and
In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. — Psalm 5:3
Have you heard our exciting news?!.. If DaySpring Books already have a place on your shelf, you're going to love this. FaithGateway recently welcomed DaySpring Books into our store! For over 50 years, DaySpring has created books that encourage, comfort, and point hearts toward God's love. Now you can find their collection right here at FaithGateway. There is a
lot to explore, but here's a few of our favorites:
Bibles
With thoughtful layouts and space for note-taking, the Illustrating Bible will be one you'll come back to again and again.
Devotionals
We're loving Sweet Tea for the Soul. Warm, comforting, and full of heart!
Journals
If you love to journal, check out Good Morning God Prayer Journal to guide your conversations with Him every morning.
Coloring & Activity Books
Puzzle lovers and coloring fans, you'll love these spiral-bound activity books. Be sure to check out the Devotional Crossword Puzzle Book: Renew Your Mind that blends Scripture, reflection, and fun.
I hope you'll take a moment to browse, whether you're shopping for yourself or for a friend or family member. Feel free to leave a review because your words may bless someone else.
One other title I want to highlight is Tim Tebow's If the Tree Could Speak. It's not just for kids! This beautiful little book illustrated by Rommel Ruiz tells the story of the tree that was cut down to become the cross of Jesus. It's a wonderful book to pick up for Lent for yourself as well as a few for your friends and anyone who is curious about Jesus and about
what He did on Easter.
Speaking of Easter, you're invited to join us for In the Footsteps of the Savior Online Bible Study with Max Lucado that starts March 2nd. There's absolutely nothing in all of history like the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. Reading the Living Word and imagining the scenes as they unfold across the pages of our Bibles is utterly life-changing, but actually visiting the places where it all occurred?.. Now, that is on my bucket list! I want to walk where He walked, listen where He taught, and see the places He knew by heart. I want to
step foot into the places where Jesus ministered, touched the sick, healed them, and where He irritated the Pharisees. Don't you? In this study we're going to do just that… follow Jesus through the Holy Land (virtually!) Join us!
"It's not our job to know every step of our own journeys. It's our job to trust that Jesus does know the way." ~ Max
I also invite you to read our Walk Closer to Jesus: Essential Readings for Lent and Easter blog. If you'd like to do a year-long Bible study, I recommend our Commit to a Year in God's Word with a 52-Week Bible Study blog. And, if you're working on strengthening and enriching your prayer life this year, read our Why Prayer Matters: Building a Daily Connection with God All Year Long blog.
January was basically a blur, so just start now! It doesn't matter because the Lord is waiting for you there whenever you begin. Why not jump in today?
Grace and peace,
Laurie McClure, Editor
P.S. – Don't miss our Winter Bible Study Sale where you can save up to 60% off + get an Extra 15% off $50+ with code WINTER15.
P.P.S. – It's soup weather for sure! If you're looking for something delicious to throw in a pot and warm up your bellies, enjoy this recipe from Cooking with Nonna.
MINESTRONE SOUP
The word minestrone in Italian literally means "a big mix of things." Thus, this soup has a wonderful medley of yummy vegetables that break down into a warm and comforting soup able to nourish your belly as well as your soul. You can change up the vegetables and use whatever is in season — or use whatever you have on hand to prepare this "clean out your fridge" soup.
Makes 8 to 10 servings
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 medium carrots, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 medium onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 ribs celery, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 bay leaves
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
Pinch of salt, plus more for pasta water and to taste
2 Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup passata
10 cups water, plus more to rinse jar
2 to 3 chicken bouillon cubes
10 ounces frozen peas, thawed
1 (13-ounce) jar of cannellini beans, drained
Black pepper to taste
6 ounces fiocchetti (or any small pasta cut)
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
Crusty bread for serving
1. In a large pot heat the oil on medium. Add the carrots, onions, celery, and bay leaves and cook until the onion is translucent and the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the cauliflower and a pinch of salt and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook while stirring for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and another pinch of salt and cook until the zucchini begins to soften. Add the passata. Rinse the passata jar with a bit of water, pour it
into the pot, and cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add the water and bouillon cubes along with the peas and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Drop the pasta into a large pot of generously salted boiling water and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. The pasta will continue to cook in the soup. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup. Serve topped with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a liberal sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, along with crusty bread on
the side. Enjoy!
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