Category Archives: christian life

Andrew Murray on Trials

By caryschmidt | March 6, 2010

This quote about trials from Andrew Murray found it’s way to me through Dr. Mark Rasmussen. Perhaps it will encourage you!
“First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.”
“Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged biblical living, counseling, teaching | Leave a comment

You Are What You Listen To (Part 2)

By caryschmidt | December 29, 2009

This article is part two. You can read part 1 here.
Music Influences Your Heart (Your Mind, Will, and Emotions)
Music, primarily harmonies, always communicates emotion. In many ways, music is emotion. This means it powerfully impacts your thoughts and decisions. You could say your music is the soundtrack of your life—it paints emotions, thoughts, meditations, moods, and [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged biblical living, music | 1 Comment

Christmas from a 4 Year Old!

By caryschmidt | December 24, 2009

A friend of mine who serves the Lord at the BBN Radio Network sent me this link to the Christmas story told by a four-year-old little girl. It blessed our family. It will captivate you from the first word! Merry Christmas!

This was recorded and is available on CD from Jeff Apthorp, Sound Amazing Studios. The [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged family, parenting | Leave a comment

You Are What You Listen To (Part 1)

By caryschmidt | December 8, 2009

You’ve heard the statement “you are what you eat.” And, physically this is true—your body and health are merely products of what you digest. But rarely do we make the same connection to our spiritual lives. In other words, “you are what you listen to.”
Have you ever considered that your musical listening habits have a [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged biblical living, ministry, music, teaching | 2 Comments

A Funny Reminder to be Thankful!

By caryschmidt | November 26, 2009

Several weeks ago, a dear friend sent me this story and the encouragement that follows. I repost it here, on Thanksgiving Day in hopes that it will encourage you.
Two old friends met each other on the street one day. One looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, “What has the world [...]

Also posted in humor | Tagged biblical living, humor | 2 Comments

Making God’s Will Less Confusing

By caryschmidt | October 19, 2009

Life is complex. God’s will isn’t. In fact, at any given moment, there’s a powerful question you can ask to determine if you are in or out of His will. It’s simply this:
“Did I follow God to where I am right now?”
The Holy Spirit will instantly resonate the answer in your heart—you will know it [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged biblical living, college and career, counseling, leadership, parenting, sunday school, teaching | Leave a comment

10 Ways to Renew Your Spirit

By Cary Schmidt | October 8, 2009

Ever get depleted?
Ever reach the bottom of the barrel when it comes to spiritual energy or passion?
Don’t overreact! It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing all the wrong things with your life. You’re faith is probably still alive and well. There’s no need to go AWOL. Don’t start doubting every good decision or direction [...]

Also posted in featured, productivity | 3 Comments

Three Reasons to Get Good Advice

By Cary Schmidt | August 28, 2009

Isn’t it amazing how often people venture into major life-changing decisions without getting any outside, biblical advice. Why do we do this to ourselves?
Sometimes we fear that a counselor will have a private agenda and won’t counsel us honestly. At other times, we presume to know what our counselors will say, and rationalize it away [...]

Also posted in counseling | Tagged biblical living, college and career, counseling, teaching | 2 Comments

Lessons from a 17th Century Graveyard

By Cary Schmidt | July 23, 2009

“Lord, give me an ‘engraveable’ testimony like Benjamin Edwards!”

This misty morning, my wife and I took a slow, cloud-shrouded stroll through a 350-year-old cemetery in a churchyard in Setauket, Long Island. The church was established in 1660 and the graveyard was filled with tombstones barely readable after hundreds of years of decay. What we were [...]

Also posted in family | Tagged biblical living, college and career | 3 Comments

The Right Spirit Toward Spiritual Leaders

By Cary Schmidt | July 11, 2009

There are two very different attitudes towards spiritual leaders. Some Christians seemingly never see anything good, and in fact have given themselves over to criticism and fault-finding. While other Christians opt to be prayerfully and joyfully supportive and encouraging toward leaders. Which position have you taken in life? Just a couple of quick thoughts to [...]

Also posted in leadership | Tagged church staff, danger, leadership, local church, ministry, team | 2 Comments

How George Mueller Discerned God’s Will

By Cary Schmidt | June 20, 2009

This past week, my Dad sent me an excerpt from a George Mueller life story that reflected on how Mueller discerned the will of God.
Mueller listed the following steps he believed were necessary in determining God’s will regarding any decision. I thought they might be helpful to others:

“I get my heart into such a state [...]

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What Spurgeon Says About Internet Gossip

By caryschmidt | June 13, 2009

The following is an excerpt from C.H. Spurgeon that speaks powerfully to how we as Christians should invest our time, our efforts, and our words. May we live our lives and invest our time into things that glorify Christ and edify people. This quote has a powerful significance in this day of internet gossip and [...]

Posted in christian life | Tagged biblical living, blog, communication, twitter | 1 Comment

Walking Worthy

By caryschmidt | June 9, 2009

Are we willing to honor a living Saviour the way we honor deceased soldiers?

Colossians 1:10, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing…”
There is often debate amongst Christians about “standards of living” and there is a pervasive thought among Christian today that says, “I will do as I please, because I am [...]

Also posted in leadership | Tagged biblical living, separation | 3 Comments

The Best Investments We Can Make

By caryschmidt | March 18, 2009

Two Decisions You Will Never Regret

It seems like all we hear in today’s media is about the terrible economy and the tough times. And while I don’t minimize the struggles of many Americans, I do place my confidence in something far greater! Amid times like these God repeatedly reminds me of a foundational value in [...]

Also posted in family | Tagged biblical living, family | Leave a comment

Embracing the Seasons of Life (2)

By Cary Schmidt | December 29, 2008

Things I Don’t Regret When Looking Back Ten Years

All of this started with a project to review and organize our family photos over the Christmas break. 15,600 photos later, I sat back in awe of God’s goodness and the fast passing of time. I was overwhelmed by two thoughts. The first had to do with [...]

Also posted in family | Tagged biblical living, family, ministry, time management | 6 Comments