When my sister and I were growing up, we played many sports and took some nice tumbles and hits through the years. My dad’s number one rule: we were not allowed to cry on the field or court. We may have broken that rule a time or two, but we always remembered it. This made us tougher opponents then and, to this day, has made us strong. One of my dad’s favorite sayings about us nowadays is, “I didn’t raise no sissies,” and I love the fact he believes my sister and I are strong women who will not cower and can take on anything.

DiscipleshipWhitney MalloyJune 25, 2019praise, hallelujah, spiritual battle Comment

A System Of Seeking God

When a small, scrappy nonprofit throws an event for 300+ people, things are bound to get a little bananas. In the weeks leading up to the event, our small team was feeling the pressure. Not only was I trying to develop all of the visuals for the evening, but I was also trying to wrap up my own programming with local kiddos. And plan a movie premiere. And make sure that our newly acquired event planner had all of her ducks in a row. And make sure that all of our email campaigns went out in a timely manner. And edit videos to embed in the email campaigns. And sleep. And eat. And just, in general, take care of myself. The day after the event, I went hiking.

DiscipleshipMary Elizabeth LatchJune 19, 2019seeking God, chaos, preparationComment

Grace All The More

This past week, I sat in a courtroom looking into the eyes of the two defendants responsible for breaking into my car, stealing my identity to commit fraud, and causing such stress, anxiety, and fear for me these last few months. While panicking, waiting for the judge to address the courts, I was reminded of the words Jesus prayed on the cross for the very ones crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

DiscipleshipHannah DouglasJune 17, 2019forgiveness, grace, loveComment

Counting As Loss

I never knew I could deceive myself so well. That I could take such a good look at myself in the mirror and forget to even deal with the condition of my soul. Maybe this sounds deep for a Saturday morning, but after last night, I feel compelled to write this. As though maybe the thoughts that are all disjointed can coalesce into something meaningful. That maybe then, I'll be able to say, “Yes, that's what I'm thinking, that's what I need to change, that's where I'm struggling.” Goodness, I've never looked at myself so clearly as last night.

DiscipleshipAimee TroutmanJune 12, 2019meaning, identity, purpose, knowing GodComment

In The Loneliness

I think the older you get, the more shame is attached to the words "I'm lonely." But I was. I felt like I was drowning. I felt like I was dying. Several years ago, I thought it would start to get better with a new year. At the time, I was starting two new jobs and was involved in multiple volunteer opportunities. I figured somewhere along the way I'd stop feeling lonely. But I didn't. And I started to wonder why.

DiscipleshipMariah RobersonJune 10, 2019lonely, comfort, God's loveComment

So, You Wanna Go Back To Egypt?

War is persecution. It is oppressive, it requires commitment to a cause and commitment to a side. War requires commitment even at the risk of death. I think it would be limiting God for us to assume the reason He took them the long way was because He didn’t think they were physically ready for battle. There are enough accounts in the Bible to testify that God can start and end a battle with whatever army He has on hand. So, what’s going on?

DiscipleshipMia GraceJune 7, 2019persecution, dependence, trusting God Comment

Life As A Tent-Dweller

The church down the street from me is about to celebrate its 125th anniversary. My closest friend right now lives within 30 minutes of her childhood town, and she’s about to marry her high school sweetheart. This small-town sameness is new to me. I have moved over twenty times in the past four years. I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., Denver, Nashville, San Antonio, Chicago, and I somehow ended up in a teeny-tiny little town in Northern Oklahoma. The friends I met along the way are mostly still where I left them, except now they’re just further along in their timeline: graduated, engaged, or married.

DiscipleshipPayden HallJune 6, 2019travel, moving, temporary homeComment

Joy In Your Journey

Camp stove. Fuel. Pot. Fork. Breakfast. Dinner. Coffee. Water purifier. Granola bar. Tea bags. Extra socks. Sleeping bag. Down jacket. Long underwear. Change of pants. Fleece vest. Mere Christianity. Water bottle. Apple. Toilet paper. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Pack cover. Fujifilm XT2. Coffee mug. Cord to hang a bear bag. More extra socks. Trekking poles. A hat. Phone charger/lantern. Overnight permit. With one last run-through of my mental checklist, I hefted the pack on my back. I adjusted the shoulder straps, clipped the hipbelt and tightened the chest strap. And I headed to the trailhead.

DiscipleshipMary Elizabeth LatchMay 31, 2019joy, journey, peace, hiking, wisdom, steadfastComment

But If Not, He Is Still Good

God is good. I do not doubt God’s goodness for a second, but what happens when your faith in His goodness is tested? There are numerous examples in the Bible with this certain scenario, but one in particular shows the power of the words: but if not, the Lord is still good.

DiscipleshipWhitney MalloyMay 27, 2019God's will, worry, faith tested, God's promises, sadness, lossComment

Writing To God Through Bible Journaling

There are a variety of ways to study God’s Word. Some people like to open up the Bible together in fellowship and explore Scripture through discussion. Others might enjoy meditating on Scripture by memorization of key verses, which is also known as Lectio Divina. Whichever method one prefers, the ultimate goal of a quiet time is intimacy with and obedience to God’s Word.

DiscipleshipMolly GonzalezMay 24, 2019quiet time, journaling, writingComment

Are You Looking Heavenward?

Last year, I slowly studied through the book of Matthew. It took me six months to get through the book, but I’m glad I stuck with it. As I was studying through Matthew, one of the things that struck me was how Jesus handled the disciples.

DiscipleshipMariah RobersonApril 12, 2019spiritual growth, stress, anxiety, discipleshipComment

Can God Still Use Me?

Thanks to the constant barrage of media, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that you will never be enough. There’s always pressure to do more and be more. And, even if you have somehow managed to escape the feeling that you must measure up to the way that others look or act, you are still likely to sink into the trap of thinking you are not enough.

DiscipleshipElizabeth DemolatMarch 11, 2019insecurities, worth, self worth, discipleship, ministryComment

How One "Awkward" Moment Could Change a Life

Is one awkward moment too high of a price to pay to potentially lead someone to Christ?

DiscipleshipAllison Ansell February 25, 2019Comment

In the Palms of His Hands

I 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.

Community, DiscipleshipMolly GonzalezFebruary 11, 2019 Comment