Our experiences in life shape how we move forward in the future and how vulnerable we are with others. Habits that we fed as we grew up have affected the daily choices that we make now. We are humans who live out patterns, and we can see that in our own lives because of the choices—or lack thereof—that we make.
Read MoreGod’s call on your life is greater than the “yes” or “no” of men. When going through a personal experience of my own, I have wondered about the people that stand in the way of what God wants to do. I mean, I know God's plan will ALWAYS come to fruition, He doesn’t have a Plan B.
Read MoreYesterday my close friend and I gathered in my living room amidst toys, empty juice boxes, and unfolded (but clean!) laundry. We buzzed with excitement despite the mess as we shared what God has been teaching us this week through Scripture, prayer, and everyday life. Hopes lifted up, tears shed, hearts humbled in prayer.
Read MoreThere are so many different expressions of faith within the church. Some feel it’s more honoring to God to dress up on Sundays and some feel perfectly fine wearing a pair of jeans and flip flops. You may even have your own opinions on whether it is morally okay to get a tongue piercing or tattoo. There are some things that God makes abundantly clear—like the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ—everything else is disputable.
Read MoreI struggled with friendships throughout my entire childhood. I was very quiet, more than a little shy, and extremely lacking in the confidence that helps most people in this area. I remember meeting my very first friend in kindergarten, though, and it was a girl I sat with on the bus. (Side note: I never even rode the bus except for maybe three times.) Her name was Allyson, and the first time I ever met her was a year before that in a vacation bible school at a nearby church. Her dad was the pastor of the small church in my area, and I was so glad that I saw a familiar face that day, in a sea of unfamiliar ones on that big, scary bus.
Read MoreWhoa! Where did that come from? Has it ever happened to you? Sometimes words come out of our mouths with little to no thought behind them. This has definitely happened to me, especially when I’m making an effort to be direct and deliver a clear message to someone, my words aren’t as gentle as they should be. God has been showing me the power of words through Scripture and how their misuse can be detrimental to others.
Read MoreIt’s a simple question: “Where are you from?” The question seems innocent enough, but I never know what people are actually asking. From where did you drive to arrive in this place? What does your license say? Where did you grow up? Where do you call home? North Carolina. Tennessee. Arkansas. My car.
Read MoreSocial media and one’s online presence has become a milestone or achievement for so many people that we have even coined a term for it: influencer. Influencers are found on many social media platforms, where they are praised for their ability to create content with cohesive feeds, have thousands of followers, and influence people on all kinds of decisions, like things to buy or places to shop.
Read MoreWe often get to a point in life where there doesn't seem to be a convenient community to fall into. Our circumstances are lacking a built-in group of people that can give godly guidance, share our hopes and dreams, and walk through life together. Through living what lives we have lived, most of us realize that choosing the people we want to invest in us (and vice versa) is crucial in our walk with Jesus.
Read MoreThe convenience of a streaming church service can be a double-edged sword. Indispensable to those who cannot leave their bed, but a tool of temptation for the devil. I heard that whisper this morning: Why get up so early? It's cold and you deserve a break, and who will notice you anyway? Whether you go or stay won't make a difference. You're still going to watch the sermon online, it's not a sin to miss one week…
Read MoreI was in college the first time I visited the homeless ministry downtown. I felt nervous and awkward, not sure of what to say and not wanting to offend. I would find excuses to be inside the food pantry, stocking the shelves while I talked to the other girls I came with, instead of speaking to those who were receiving the food.
Read MoreAnother morning, another filled inbox. Some of the emails are spam, some are reminding me about upcoming bills or purchases that are being shipped, others are from my gurus. My gurus are the people who flood my inbox when they launch a new podcast, blog, or post something especially engaging on Instagram. I tend to never click on these types of emails, but I find myself not deleting them either.
Read MoreGrad school wasn’t the problem. That became apparent as the tears welled up in my eyes, and I was suddenly at a loss for words as the unknown future loomed in front of me, and the weight of it all made me put my face in my hands and sob on my friend’s leather recliner when she asked what my plans were.
Read MoreIt was 10:55 and, as I circled the church parking lot in my new college town for the third time, I realized there was no way I was going to find a place to park in time. I rarely missed a Sunday back at home, but I couldn’t figure out any solution than to leave the parking lot and drive back to my dorm. While it might not have seemed like a big deal, I felt like such a failure for not making it to church my first weekend at college.
Read MoreThere I was, alone once again on a Saturday night. I was twisted up in my comforter as I scrolled aimlessly through my Instagram feed. I scrolled through pictures of places, people, and, yes, couples nuzzling up to one another. But, for once, it wasn’t the couples that pricked the corners of my jealous heart, but the friends.
Read MoreWhen it comes to love, we typically give what we're given. We love with conditions. We love the people who love us, we love the people who are nice to us. We love the people who look and act like us, but what about the ones who aren't so nice to us though? The ones who don't look like us or act like us? What about people that have hurt us? Do we love them?
Read MoreAfter college, it can start to feel like you and your friends are running on different paths. As many people start to move away, start new paths, and make new plans, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with your college friends that were just a second ago running right beside you. Now, they may be several yards ahead, and as hard as you are striving, you just can’t catch them.
Read MoreI recently met a woman whose exhaustion and loneliness was written on her face. She exuded defeat, though for the sake of her two children she tried to hold it together. A single mom of teenagers, who chain smoked vigorously throughout the day, and smiled without really smiling. Something about her stopped me in my tracks.
Read More
