It’s crazy to look back and see just how far you’ve come. As you walk across that stage, smile and know that every moment over the past couple of years has led you to who you are today. May you find His love and joy as you celebrate with your family and friends. And as you look ahead for all that’s to come, would you continue to trust that God is holding you in His hands.
Read MoreLuke 10:38-42 is about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who are welcoming Jesus and his disciples into their home. One sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus’ feet taking in all He said. The other sister is Martha (I imagine her similar to a Southern woman who has invited guests over for a nice brunch). She is preparing fluffy pancakes, fruit, and biscuits and gravy, pouring the sweet tea and being the social butterfly in the room, accommodating all the visitors in her home.
Read MoreLittle girls often play house, innocently imagining themselves being married and having children. Later, those same little girls grow up to be young women who start dreaming of their wedding day, the white picket fence, and the fairytale, “happily EVER after.”
Read MoreYou’ve dreamed of your career, the destinations you’ve always wanted to travel to, the city you would live in, your ideal weight, marriage, motherhood - and in the midst of your determination, maybe you found yourself falling short of the person you thought you would be and the things you would accomplish.
Read MoreI sat in the room, with only one other person. He told me about an opportunity I had never heard of. I never imagined this opportunity would ever be offered to me. I did not even know the thought existed, before taking those few steps into his quaint, quiet office. As my hands became sweaty and my mind became numb, he explained this choice to me and encouraged me. I was faced with a difficult decision. Do I take the opportunity? Or do I stay where I am, and on the plan I had set for myself?
Read MoreLast night I went to a Christian concert, which was amazing. God was moving and it was a beautiful sight to see so many believers coming together unified and united. Eyes focused on the One who matters, hands raised in surrender. It was a beautiful sight to behold. While this was happening there were two women there with the intent to distract, shame and call us names.
Read MoreHave you ever thought about where your worry stems from? I think when we are made aware of the root of our worry, it can help us understand it. Most times, worry feels uncontrollable. Maybe that's why us worriers dislike it so much.
Read MoreLast year, I had to spend a Friday in a same day surgery center. Believe me when I say I did NOT want to be there. But it was necessary.
Read MoreThere are three large screen TVs in the break area at my office, and every morning, without fail, they are all tuned to news stations. As I go about my work day, the reporters’ voices echo through the building repeating stories of violence, terror, and hate. Even if I can avoid the sounds, my eye is caught by the headlines that scroll arcoss the bottom of the screen: Murder, Shooting, Natural Disaster.
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 MoreIs worship only found on Sunday morning between the first strum of the guitar to when the house lights are raised and the amen is said? Most of us know that worship is not confined to those minutes, but how do we reset our lifestyles to be lifestyles of worship toward God?
Read MoreI went most of college and well into my late twenties dieting (with the exception of the year I was pregnant). There was always something new to try and if results were being advertised, I was on it. However, I would start a diet, cheat (because I’d decided I deserved it due to my impressive discipline!), and then fell off the wagon because I took a mile when I only meant to give myself an inch. I would ultimately decide the diet wasn’t working for me and I’d move on to the next. Literally repeating the same cycle.
Read MoreI took the test last night. I waited all week for it. It was stupid to get my hopes up. I had my first taken away from me last year and each passing month the disappointment stabs a little deeper. I hate being disappointed, so I try not to hope too much. But this time, for whatever reason, I really thought I'd be pregnant.
Read MoreEveryone wants to be successful. In our culture, achieving success is basically the pinnacle of existence. We all have interest boards full of motivational quotes about #girlbosslife and #hustle. This idea of achievement is tied to school, work, or personal life, and we spend so much of our time chasing after this ideal. And while it is true that we have to work towards what we want in life, unless you know what success means to you personally, you’ll always be chasing after someone else’s version of success.
Read MoreFor my entire life, I’ve been fighting a battle for his love. Each time I look at my wounds, I want the pain to stop. I’ve tried and I try to keep fighting, but the battle keeps getting worse and the wounds are becoming unbearable. I’m fighting for a relationship that I may not ever have. This fight for love and affection from my earthly father has taken a mental and spiritual toll far greater than any physical impact.
Read MoreMisused opportunities and unused talents. I think that's the best way I would describe the way most of us live out our youth. And for a lot of people, our whole lives. Because we have this mindset of "one day" and "not enough."
Read MoreSeveral years ago, I picked up a copy of Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Minimalism was starting to become more popular, and I liked the idea of trying to organize my life. It didn’t take me that long into the decluttering process to realize I had so much stuff that I never use. Things that I was holding onto simply because I thought I should. It’s like I suddenly woke up and saw all the stuff that was weighing me down, and the whole idea of minimalism totally clicked for me.
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 MoreIt is a question we are afraid to ask. It is something we think but do not speak. It is a terrified piece of our souls in the closets of our minds. The Question is the same for everyone, but we all have our own version--our own way of asking. It is born in the chasm that exists between us humans and God.
Read MoreMany of us have heard about the concept of Sabbath in the Christian faith. This article isn’t about telling you legalistic rules or condemning you for not Sabbathing. I am not here to argue about the validity of Sabbath after the New Testament and Jesus. I am here to encourage you about Sabbath and to point out some reasons why you may need one more than you think.
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