Welcome to Daily Encouragement!
Hi, I’m Charlene Notgrass. I was born a long time before you, way back in 1953. I loved homeschooling — once I learned how to make homeschooling who our family was instead of something I carried around like a big, heavy burden every day. From the lessons God has taught me, I offer you daily encouragement.
Generation to Generation
Mary Evelyn asked Ray the other day which was the first Christmas present he remembered receiving. Her question led to a discussion about Christmas memories and other childhood memories. While we talked, Ray remembered board games he received at early Christmases.…
God Teaches Us to Give
An astounding thing happened just over 2000 years ago. Our Father sent His only Son away from the wonder and majesty and safety of heaven to the earth He had created. God didn’t give Jesus a message to write in…
The Day Shift and the Night Shift
Ray and I spent yesterday Christmas shopping. In a Christian bookstore, I found a nice reusable sticker book about the birth of Jesus. I was impressed with the quality. The background scenes for the stickers were great. The book included Nazareth,…
Joseph and Mary Were Careful to Obey
When people tell the story of Jesus’ birth, they almost always tell about the manger and the shepherds and usually about the visit of the magi. I love all these beautiful stories, but I also love the stories of Simeon and Anna,…
Of Mothers’ Hearts and Birth Announcements
The birth of a baby is good news! Parents want to tell other people and the people they tell want to tell others, too. The way people share the news about a baby’s birth has changed in the last 35…
Kids Being Kids at Christmas
In the late spring and summer of 1943, Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton led American soldiers as they joined with Allied forces to fight German troops, first in North Africa and then in Italy. In November U.S. President Franklin…