tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:03:18 +0000promiseisraelattitudeJesusGod's characterprayerworshipfaithblessingBibleobedienceprophecyconflictgracefaithfulnessfamilyscripture memorizationleaderssecretsdeliverancesinGod's willbeginningscommitmentvictoryprotectiongospelrevelationdiscipleshipredemptiondoubtparentingquestionsholidaysfriendssalvationartbattleidolatrymiraclesadventfear of GodhealingmusicpeaceprovisionsacrificehearttruthwisdomintegritychurchloveangelslegacytestingwritingforgivenesspriestsDavidlanguagedeceptionjudgmenthumilitymosesheavenpridechildrenrepentancefellowshippowerrebellionministryplanspoetrywordstrainingwomenservanthoodgriefangerrevivaldeathevangelismpuritycreationresurrectionwelcomecreativityfreedommoralitydreamsgivingmoneyvisionHoly Spiritend timesspiritual giftshumorSolomongenesisunityproverbslegalismmarriageocculttemptationTemplebookseasterjoshuaevilpersecutionabrahamintermarriagejacobchristmashospitalityisaacTen CommandmentstimebabylonparablesHeart of a Ready WriterThe Heart of a Ready Writer offers devotional content to encourage and challenge fellow believers in faith. Content may include art, Bible verses, photography, poetry, prose, sketches, testimonies and more.http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)Blogger681125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-7965590323464432204Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:12:00 +00002025-12-08T14:16:30.078-06:00beginningschristmasfaithgivingholidaysJesuslovepromiseSanta or Jesus - Who's your holiday hero?&nbsp;&nbsp;Advent is underway. Like many, I’ve been thinking a little about Santa (and Mrs. Santa’s holiday to-do list), but I’ve been thinking a lot more about Jesus.Here are some of my own merry musings:&nbsp; Santa eats cookies. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Santa comes down to your hearth. Jesus wants to enter your heart. Santa makes toys. Jesus makes us new. Santa is Ho-Ho-Ho. Jesus is http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2025/12/santa-or-jesus-whos-your-holiday-hero.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-5835286516414613537Sat, 23 Mar 2024 17:04:00 +00002024-03-24T11:48:13.815-05:00commitmentdeceptionfaithfulnessmoneyquestionssintestingEven toothpaste can be a test.&nbsp; Go with me here for a moment. &nbsp;Let’s say you have just filled your shopping cart with everything on your list. You notice all the checkout lines are crowded, so you mosey on over to the self-checkout area. Under the wary supervision of the self-checkout checker/staffer, you scan and bag your items and place them back in your shopping cart. &nbsp;You roll on over to the exit, http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2024/03/even-toothpaste-can-be-test.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-7401957327049413218Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:35:00 +00002024-03-08T11:38:15.088-06:00attitudeBibleGod's characterprayerpromisequestionstruthwordsworshipHeads-up! Who needs a holy facelift?&nbsp; (Raising hand sheepishly.) &nbsp;Things are looking up – except when they’re not. Or perhaps more accurately, things are looking up when I am looking up. &nbsp; How does everything improve when we look up, as in keeping our eyes on God, instead of on ourselves and our own concerns? &nbsp;First, here’s an important clarification. Our God is omnipresent. That means He is everywhere – http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2024/03/heads-up-who-needs-holy-facelift.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-5135062560394752845Wed, 01 Feb 2023 21:33:00 +00002023-02-01T15:33:06.552-06:00Biblebooksdiscipleshipplansscripture memorizationtrainingLet's journey through the 4 Gospels in 45 days<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2023/02/lets-journey-through-4-gospels-in-45.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-2653390804648224778Sun, 01 Jan 2023 23:27:00 +00002023-01-04T17:32:15.172-06:00Biblebookscommitmentdiscipleshipscripture memorizationtrainingwisdomJoin me in reading through Psalms and Proverbs in a month&nbsp; Who’s diving into the Scriptures, as the new year opens? &nbsp;Not sure where to start? Here’s an idea. &nbsp; Join me in reading through Psalms and Proverbs in one month. &nbsp;It’s simple. Just read FIVE PSALMS and ONE PROVERBS chapter each day. (Hint: Save a little extra time when we get to Psalms 119, the longest chapter in the whole Bible.) &nbsp; Here’s a handy calendar to http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2023/01/join-me-in-reading-through-psalms-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-6122770731644750723Sat, 24 Dec 2022 17:55:00 +00002022-12-24T11:56:12.107-06:00attitudechristmasHoly Spiritministryspiritual giftsThe gift-swapping game doesn't work with God&nbsp; Did you ever play the present-swapping game at a Christmas party? Everyone gets a gift. People pick numbers (like from a hat). Then, in turn, each person has a chance to keep her own gift or trade with another. &nbsp; It doesn’t really work that way with God’s gifts, does it? &nbsp;Here’s a personal example. Don’t laugh. OK, you can laugh a little, if you want to. &nbsp;As a young http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-gift-swapping-game-doesnt-work-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-8966605625786026083Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:28:00 +00002022-12-13T07:33:11.913-06:00adventangelschristmasDavidgivingholidaysJesus Why do we give gifts for Christmas? &nbsp;Strolling through a store recently, I spotted a banner that read: “It’s the season of giving.” &nbsp;That gave me pause. Sure, Christmastime brings out the giver in almost everyone. We enjoy picking out presents, wrapping them in pretty papers, and passing them out to loved ones. We enjoy seeing happy faces, as family members and friends open these parcels with surprise and delight. &http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/12/why-do-we-give-gifts-for-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-1944358870832514020Sun, 27 Mar 2022 19:22:00 +00002022-04-22T14:39:15.837-05:00God's characterGod's willhealinghumilityJesusministrymiraclesprayerGod's spectaculars don't require spectacles&nbsp;<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/03/gods-spectaculars-dont-require.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-912870985161080509Sat, 26 Mar 2022 17:45:00 +00002022-03-27T11:28:42.478-05:00BiblediscipleshipfaithGod's charactergriefjoshuaprayerprovisiontestingWhen God states the obvious, it's probably not&nbsp;<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/03/when-god-states-obvious-its-probably-not.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-3941731800902552695Sun, 27 Feb 2022 21:35:00 +00002022-02-27T15:38:45.111-06:00attitudecommitmenteasterfaithholidaysprayersacrificeDoes giving up only work with Lenten sacrifices?&nbsp;I’m giving up, but not in the sense one might think. Lent starts this week, and I’ve decided to drop a few things from my life. This initiative may last through Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter weekend), or it may become a longer term change. But for now, it’s a 40-day thing. &nbsp; I’m not mentioning this for any accolades. What I need is accountability. &nbsp; Of course, giving up ishttp://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/02/does-giving-up-only-work-with-lenten.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-5038645073091099344Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:38:00 +00002022-01-24T10:38:48.105-06:00conflictfellowshipfriendsgriefleadersquestionsrevelationtestingtrainingWhen well-meaning advice does more damage than good Advice from trusted friends is often a great gift – except when it isn’t. &nbsp;Wading through the book of Job this week, I am so struck by contrasts. This book begins as a narrative of the onset and progression of this faithful follower of God’s life-changing losses and agonies. But it soon becomes a volleying of speeches offered by Job’s friends, with his own responses interspersed. &nbsp;http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/01/when-well-meaning-advice-does-more.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-6810870792262225078Sat, 22 Jan 2022 17:42:00 +00002022-01-22T21:58:51.487-06:00BiblediscipleshipfaithGod's characterGod's willobedienceplansprayerpromiseDoes God say no to earnest prayers?&nbsp; What a tough question. We pray. God answers. I’d stake my life on it. Maybe you agree. But does that mean God gives us carte blanche when we pray? &nbsp;Believers love to say, “Prayer is powerful” and “Prayer works.” I beg to differ. This may sound like semantics, but I’d rather proclaim this: &nbsp;“God is powerful” and “God works.” &nbsp;The Bible clearly states, again and again, http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2022/01/does-god-say-no-to-earnest-prayers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-1086568922572639698Fri, 31 Dec 2021 15:19:00 +00002021-12-31T09:19:06.455-06:00BiblebookscommitmentdiscipleshipfriendsplanstrainingReading through the Bible in 2022. Join us!&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you read through the entire Bible? It sounds like a daunting task, but also a great goal for the coming year. &nbsp;It’s been a while since I journeyed from cover to cover in the Scriptures, and I’m eager to do this again. Plus, a group of inspiring friends has decided to do this together. Accountability and encouragement count for plenty, when it comes to approaching all 66 http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2021/12/reading-through-bible-in-2022-join-us.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-4470212335870695341Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:49:00 +00002021-12-07T12:51:18.464-06:00BiblechildrenchristmasfamilyholidaysJesusHow to Make a Jesse Tree for Christmas&nbsp;Family Fun and Holiday Learning During the Advent Season Amid the excitement and flurry of activity that surrounds holiday season each year, how can families refocus upon the true meaning of Christmas? &nbsp;The Jesse Tree family tradition offers excellent teachable moments for parents and children, while tracing the story of God and His people, from Creation to the coming of Christ. &http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2021/12/how-to-make-jesse-tree-for-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-4792120957118122008Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:10:00 +00002021-04-16T16:53:39.238-05:00angerdeathgracegriefheartpeaceprayerquestionssinShot in the street - Can't we all stop and mourn?Another kid was shot dead this week in one of our cities. By law enforcement. He was 20. How heartbreaking it is to hear of a young life cut short. I’m not bashing cops. And this particular story is evolving. But however it plays out, it’s calamitous. The police have officially called it an accidental weapon discharge. It began with a routine traffic stop over an expired registration. There mayhttp://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2021/04/shot-in-street-cant-we-all-stop-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-1164761904072131679Mon, 01 Feb 2021 21:02:00 +00002021-02-02T07:42:57.219-06:00attitudecommitmentconflictfaithfellowshipfriendsleaderspeaceunityFellowship: Let’s not rubber-stamp our politics&nbsp;<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2021/02/fellowship-lets-not-rubber-stamp-our.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-6954167953933315778Sun, 24 Jan 2021 18:28:00 +00002021-01-27T10:26:05.549-06:00Biblelanguagequestionstruthwordswriting125 popular expressions with biblical origins&nbsp;<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2021/01/125-popular-expressions-with-biblical.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-2706055751998117145Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:25:00 +00002020-03-18T19:25:48.100-05:00battleblessingcommitmentcreativityfellowshipfriendsprotectiontestingwomenFellowship wins, even with pandemic's shelter-in-place<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2020/03/fellowship-wins-even-with-pandemics.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-4688440109150621772Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:59:00 +00002020-03-16T15:10:55.469-05:00deliverancefriendshealinghospitalityministryobedienceprotectionprovisionGod is bigger than the pandemic<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2020/03/god-is-bigger-than-pandemic.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-3349843858163683674Wed, 13 Mar 2019 15:43:00 +00002019-03-13T10:48:10.793-05:00attitudebattleBibleblessingchildrenconflictdeliverancedoubtfaithparentingpeaceprayerprotectionprovisionquestionssecretstestingMaybe worry isn't all bad<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/maybe-worry-isnt-all-bad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-8847160696898191728Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:47:00 +00002018-08-15T16:54:15.647-05:00blessingfaithfaithfulnessGod's willintegrityJesusobediencequestionssecretstruthwisdomGod's best always flies past counterfeits that are merely good<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2018/08/gods-best-always-flies-past.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-5809498006164917717Mon, 14 May 2018 18:45:00 +00002018-05-14T13:48:19.715-05:00attitudedeathfamilyfriendsgracegriefheartlovequestionssecretsOuch! Why do we grieve grievers with tacky questions?<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2018/05/ouch-why-do-we-grieve-grievers-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801380105167127332.post-3741697556382429976Fri, 11 May 2018 18:10:00 +00002018-05-11T15:43:52.188-05:00angerattitudedoubtfaithforgivenessGod's characterhealingintegrityJesusquestionsredemptionsecretstestingtruthDark and difficult emotions don’t negate our faith.<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com/2018/05/dark-and-difficult-emotions-dont-negate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (LA Nickers)1