It is safe to say that no one knows what this year will hold. None of us expected 2020 to turn out the way it did. Life as we know it has been turned inside out and upside down. While this is unnerving at times, as a Christian, it is vital to remember that nothing takes God by surprise. The most important thing we can do for ourselves this year is to dwell in intimacy with God.
Read MoreFor several months, I had been having surreal, petrifying nightmares startling me awake in utter panic and terror that something tragic was happening to my loved ones. These weren’t premonitions or ordinary “you-had-too-much-to-eat” nightmares, but I believe, were demonic attacks from the enemy in an attempt to strike inordinate fear and panic into my mind to keep me from the pursuit and surrender toward Christ.
Read MoreRecently, I struggled to hear God’s voice in the midst of the chaos that is going on around me. I needed to grow in my relationship with God, but I felt stagnant in my efforts. Every time I tried to pray or read the Bible, God felt so distant. I felt like a bad Christian. It seemed like I was talking to an old friend, who couldn’t relate to me, and there was a barrier between us so I couldn’t clearly hear His voice. With tears in my eyes, I slowly admitted this to one of my friends… I struggled to hear God’s voice. I felt like the Lord was far from me. I read my Bible and prayed. But I still felt overwhelmed and defeated.
Read MoreI’ve always been a solo hiker. That’s what originally drew me to hiking...the opportunity to be alone with my own thoughts and feelings and fears. To face new challenges and push my limits. Setting myself up for success in the face of any and every possibility. My pack was perfect: Headlamp, snacks, water, extra layers, socks, rain layer, band-aids, knife, lighter..
Read MoreMy nephew, Charlie, is 17 months old, and it has been so much fun watching him grow. Listening to him learn new words has probably been my favorite part of this process. One of the first words, other than Mama and Daddy, that he said clearly was “book”. It was adorable! I remember being so amazed at how this small little human had expressed such a clear thought. With each new word that he says, it brings a smile to my face. It won’t be long before he expands his vocabulary further and even begins to string these solitary words into small sentences. Before we know it, he will be asking that question that parents with small children hear so often…”why?”
Read MoreForgiveness is arguably one of the most challenging instructions that Jesus gave us to follow. Logically, we understand that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that to be forgiven we need to be willing to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). It seems as if the issue is straightforward, and if we did what Jesus said, life would be peachy. Why then do so many of us, me included, find it hard to move beyond forgiveness?
Read MoreWhen someone lives through a life-changing event or trauma, like I did when I lost my sight, people often wonder how they are able to keep moving and carry on with life.
Read MoreWe’ve all played a game of “This or That” either as a child or at a bridal shower. The question of “Vanilla or Chocolate” is one that usually stumps me because when it comes to ice cream, it truly depends on whether it’s soft serve or not. Other questions are easier to answer like “Cats or Dogs” and despite my allergies I’d say dogs, without question! Now, if we were to ask the question of “Life or Death,” I would dare to say that the vast majority of people would choose life. That would be a no brainer.
Read MoreI waited outside the church to greet people after giving my presentation on hurricane relief programs. Several in the crowd came to shake my hand. Some asked questions. An older lady approached: taking my hand in hers, she said, “Keep doing the Lord’s work, sweetheart.” She smiled, patted my arm and kept walking toward the parking lot.
Read MoreWhat would Jesus do? In this time we are living in, this is a question we may need to be asking ourselves a little more frequently.
Read MoreMy best friend calls me a well-digger. I’m not sure I fully understood what that meant until I heard a Christine Caine message from January’s Passion 2020 Conference. She talked about how God wants to dig into old ministries and do new things. He wants to create completely new ministries as well.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to navigate the world solely on your trust in God and on your belief in the unseen? What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?
Read MoreIt was our first time in Washington state. My husband Mike and I traveled south along I-5, returning from a visit with our friend Kimmy. We were invited to attend his graduation from the University of Washington-Seattle. We stayed near Seattle-Tacoma Airport for just a few days and planned several get-togethers with Kimmy, who we had not seen in a couple of years.
Read More“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,” this is the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). “Love your neighbor as yourself,” this is the Second Commandment (Matthew 22:39). Let’s unpack that “love” word just a bit in order to understand exactly what Jesus is asking of us today.
Read MoreAs I write this, I have been unable to hug my family in over 8 weeks. I have fortunately seen them in the past few weeks in short spurts with quite a bit of social distancing. For some, COVID-19 may have left you unemployed. During this season, you may have suffered anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
Read MoreA few years ago, in a season of change, I found myself praying for friends. It was a strange prayer, since I’ve always had friends, and good friends at that. But I needed more than just someone who was on the same schedule as I was and more than someone I bump into at the coffee shop on campus. I needed women who would pray for me and hold me accountable,
Read MoreWe’re all feeling the stress of the current season. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, anxiety over things we can’t control, grieving the loss of plans and celebrations, or trying to navigate a new routine--many of us are wrestling with many different emotions.
Read MoreRecently I heard a sermon online about blessings and curses. The pastor mentioned Deuteronomy 28, which led me on an exegesis (an in-depth study of the meaning behind this passage) of the chapter. What leads to blessings and what leads to curses? It all came down to one thing - obedience.
Read MoreOne look at my planner will show that I like to know what's going on. It may not be the most aesthetic planner you've ever seen, but it's full of highlighting, checklist and sticky notes. I am capable of being flexible. I'm always willing to change my plans when I need to, but I still need to feel as if I know what's going on.
Read MoreOur voice is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. With our voice, we have the power to bring life or death in this world (Proverbs 18:21). In the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid (yes, I love Disney!) it is Ariel’s voice that Ursula is after. Ariel, not realizing the value of her voice and how costly this truly is, quickly signs it over. In stealing her voice, Ursula can keep her subordinate.
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