October 28, 2026

ESPN

RSS Error: Retrieved unsupported status code "202"

Devotional

Verse of the Day - 1 Peter 1:24-25

All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

—1 Peter 1:24-25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As the seasons change, the leaves fall, and the grass dies, we are reminded once again of how short our lives actually are. Despite rapid advances in technology, our deepest needs are met only by the eternal, proven will of God in Scripture and through the gift of your Son, your Word in human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14-18). Whether you get your Scripture from the Bible on your mobile device or from an old family Bible, please access it today. You're not here forever, but God is! He wants to bring you close, so that with him, you can stand forever. We each need the blessing of eternal goodness from the well of the Holy Spirit's truth in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

My Prayer...

As I age, I am constantly reminded, O God, of my transitory stay on earth and your eternal reign in heaven. Please give me the proper sense of my place before you as I seek your will in your Word, the Scriptures. In Jesus' name, I seek your truth and your character as I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to help@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.

The ELIJAH LIST

ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 28, 2026]
Amanda Grace: We Are in A Revolutionary, Red-Alert Hour
Amanda Grace, Fishkill, NY [Published on Oct 28, 2026]
Don't Get Political Fatigue! Show up + Vote!
Hank Kunneman and Steve Shultz on ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 27, 2026]
Prophetic Moments with Hank Kunneman
Hank Kunneman on ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 27, 2026]

Christian Headlines

What America’s Best-Value Cities Reveal About Money and the Good Life

A new ranking names Tucson, Jacksonville, and San Antonio among the U.S. cities where residents receive the most quality of life for their money. But affordability can only tell us [...]

Voice of the Martyrs Hosting 30th Annual International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians Event

Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs shares insights into the critical International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians, revealing how millions face severe oppression in countries like North Korea [...]

Ohio Pastor Announces Second Wife, Says Having Two Wives Is Biblical

A Cleveland pastor has sent shockwaves through his congregation, revealing he has been secretly living with two wives for three years, defying legal norms and claiming divine endorsement for polygyny.  [...]

Frank Peretti Says ‘This Present Darkness’ Is Just as Relevant 40 Years Later: ‘Prayer Works’

Four decades ago, Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness" exploded onto bestseller lists after 14 rejections, fundamentally shifting the discourse on spiritual warfare and the unseen world. Now, as a special [...]

What McDonald’s AI Push and Wendy’s Struggles Reveal About Work

McDonald’s is investing heavily in AI and automation while one of Wendy’s largest franchisees works through bankruptcy. Together, the stories raise bigger questions about work, efficiency, job security, and human [...]

Christian Today

Christians calls on British Medical Association to drop opposition to NHS trans guidance
The BMA is “deeply concerned" the guidance is "exclusionary to trans and non-binary staff and patients”. Christian Concern says guidance should be determined by biological sex.
Major UK supermarket clothing brands fall behind Primark in ethical fashion rankings
BMS said that even the highest-rated companies have considerable room for improvement.
Fresh violence in Manipur leaves four dead as security is tightened
Security forces have stepped up operations in affected areas amid fears of further unrest.
Church of England faces ‘financial disaster’ without radical cuts, academics warn
A new report argues that dioceses have been strengthened at the expense of ordinary parishes.
Southwell Minster faces closure amid £20m funding crisis
Southwell Minster is seeking urgent financial support to keep its doors open after decades of underinvestment that has left it needing around £20m to safeguard its historic building and grounds.
Christians welcome NHS changing room policy reversal after nurses' legal victory
The Christian Legal Centre has welcomed a decision by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust to change its staff changing-room policy following a three-year legal battle with female nurses.

SIMPLE COOKING IDEAS

Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!)
Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!)

Everything you love about enchiladas, minus the fuss! This super flavorful, cheesy vegan enchilada skillet comes together in about 30 minutes with simple methods, minimal dishes, and no need to fill or roll tortillas. 

This easy, nourishing dish features tender cubed sweet potato or winter squash, fiber- & protein-rich black beans, and a rich red enchilada sauce. Everything gets simmered in 1 pan and topped with a melty cashew “cheese” that makes it SUPER satisfying and delicious!

Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)
1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)

Honey almond snack cake!? You know you want to jump in on the fun! This GORGEOUS loaf is perfectly moist with a lightly floral flavor and beautiful sponge texture. Bonus? It’s made without gluten or dairy, but no one will know.

It’s the perfect cake for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, and beyond! Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and simple methods (no mixer) required. Let’s bake!

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)
Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)

When we add another bolognese to the blog (Yes, we already have versions 1, 2, 3, and 4), you know it’s something special! This newest version is made with EGGPLANT, meaning it’s the perfect bolognese for late summer. It’s light yet satisfying, creamy yet bright, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor — everyone will be asking for seconds!

Even better? It’s a breeze to make — just 1 pot required!

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)
Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)

Just when we thought summer’s most perfect veggie couldn’t get any more delicious, corn FRITTERS graced our palettes. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside, lightly spiced fritters are a must-try appetizer or side!

Not only are they incredibly delicious, but these fritters are vegan, optionally gluten-free, and SO easy to make! Grab your mixing bowl and 10 basic ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying fritters in 30 minutes or less.

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan) from Minimalist Baker →

RECIPES IDEAS

Hot Honey

This hot honey recipe has earned a permanent spot in my pantry. Quick and easy to make with 3 ingredients, it’s sweet and spicy, with a subtle tangy flavor. I love whisking it into salad dressings to give them a little kick, drizzling it over pizzas, and slathering it on baked goods like cornbread and biscuits. In case you’re not familiar, hot honey is honey infused with fresh or dried chile peppers, often with some vinegar mixed in too. I started cooking with it about 10 years ago, when the brand Mike’s Hot Honey turned me (and a lot of other […]
Pumpkin Pancakes

These pumpkin pancakes are my favorite breakfast to make on a cool fall weekend morning. They’re packed with cozy fall flavor—from pumpkin puree, of course, but also from warm spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. They have a delicious fluffy texture, and they’re easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already. This pumpkin pancakes recipe works with fresh pumpkin puree, but most often, I make it with canned. I call for just 1/2 cup—enough to make the pancakes moist and flavorful without making them dense—so you’ll have a little more than a cup left […]
Apple Cider Margarita

This apple cider margarita recipe is a fun fall twist on the classic cocktail! It comes together with just four ingredients: apple cider, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. I love the sweet, bright flavor of the cider alongside the tangy lime and citrusy liqueur. Garnishes like star anise, cinnamon sticks, and a cinnamon sugar rim round out the cozy autumn flavors. Where I live in Austin, Texas, a classic margarita never feels out of season. But once October arrived this year, I started craving a festive fall drink. It’s still too hot here to make a hot toddy or […]
Pastina Soup

This pastina soup recipe is the best kind of comfort food. Filled with tiny pasta (pastina, in Italian) and tender vegetables, it’s cozy and flavorful, but nourishing too. Some of the vegetables stay whole for texture, while the rest get blended into the broth, thickening it slightly and giving it a stunning golden color. On a chilly fall or winter day, it’s a delicious way to warm up. Pastina soup is sometimes called Italian penicillin. You can think of it like chicken noodle soup’s Italian cousin, a perfect soothing meal for days when you’re under the weather. Most versions call for chicken […]
Love & Lemons Pop of Flavor is out now!

Hey friends, exciting news! My new cookbook Love & Lemons Pop of Flavor is out now! Grab your copy wherever books are sold. What’s Pop of Flavor about? Pop of Flavor is a celebration of cravings. Instead of organizing it into chapters by meal type, the chapters are divided by texture and flavor so that you can cook what you crave: Saucy Spicy Crunchy Herby Tangy Sweet I started working on this book when my son Ollie was about 2 years old. I’m sure many of you can relate—it was a time when it felt hard to get dinner on the table […]
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are one of the first treats I bake every fall. They’re delicious, with a soft, cakey texture and perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor. And better yet, they’re easy to make. These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies come together in one bowl (without a mixer!) and are ready to eat in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love? I originally published this recipe without an egg, but after making it again recently, I felt that an egg and some baking powder would actually improve it. Three tests later, and I couldn’t be happier with this updated version. These […]

LIFE BALANCE

35 Best Non-Toy Christmas Gifts for Kids (That Aren’t Experiences)

As a parent and educator with over 20 years of experience in child development, I’ve seen the exact same post-holiday scene play out time and time again: It’s December 26th. The floor is covered in shredded wrapping paper, plastic packaging, and dozens of tiny toy parts that are already missing their matching pieces. By mid-January,...

The post 35 Best Non-Toy Christmas Gifts for Kids (That Aren’t Experiences) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

50 Family Christmas Gift Exchange Theme Ideas

Looking for fun and unique Christmas gift theme ideas for family fun? This list is full of the perfect holiday gift exchange categories. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for the perfect gift, these holiday themes are sure to be a huge help.  Once the Christmas season rolls around, shopping and gift-giving seem to...

The post 50 Family Christmas Gift Exchange Theme Ideas appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

The “Throwback Kid” Gift Guide: 12 Classic Toys & Retro Games Modern Kids Actually Want

If you’ve shopped for toys lately, you already know the drill: almost everything blinks, makes loud electronic noises, requires a Wi-Fi connection, or comes attached to an app. As parents, it can feel like a losing battle to find retro gifts that hold a child’s attention without handing them another digital device. Over my 20+...

The post The “Throwback Kid” Gift Guide: 12 Classic Toys & Retro Games Modern Kids Actually Want appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide)

Wondering how to get kids to do chores without yelling, bribing, or repeating yourself five times? If every day feels like a negotiation meeting, you’re not alone. Most parents describe the exact same loop when explaining the struggles they face when it comes to chores: the request, the ignore, the repeat, the snap. What’s Inside:The...

The post Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12

You’re loading the dishwasher one Tuesday evening when it hits you: your 6-year-old is halfway to twelve. And suddenly, it feels like time is slipping through your hands. It’s not panic, exactly. More like a quiet nudge. A reminder that this season (the one with messy craft projects and requests for “one more story” and...

The post 25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12 appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8)

If you’re looking for toys your kids will actually want to put down their tablets for, you’ve come to the right place. These 25 open-ended picks are the real deal: screen-free, imagination-fueling, and genuinely fun for kids ages 3 to 8. What’s Inside: You’ll find 25 toys organized into four fun categories (building, pretend play,...

The post 25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength"