Joy In Your Journey
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.

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DiscipleshipMary Elizabeth Latchjoy, journey, peace, hiking, wisdom, steadfastComment
Seeking God First
Seeking God First

Ever since I was a teenager, I remember reaching into my pocket for my phone whenever I had a crisis. I’d quickly dial my parents and vent about the most recent school happening. Today, I still rely on others to listen and provide feedback on a how stressful work or a relational issue has been. In addition to my parents, my network has now grown to include more friends, coworkers and a fiancé for their opinion; I’m even in a group chat titled “The Counsel.” Big or small, I’ve been guilty of running to other people for help and encouragement instead of seeking God first. While there is a place for godly counsel and accountability, our refuge should not be in others.

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PrayerMeagan Gutierrezseeking God, grace, plans, repentance, trusting GodComment
Are You A Slave To Your Online Gurus?
Are You A Slave To Your Online Gurus?

Another 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.

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CommunityRachel Watsonsocial media, online, Instagram, podcasts, influencersComment
Writing To God Through Bible Journaling
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.

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DiscipleshipMolly Gonzalezquiet time, journaling, writingComment
Identity Of Busy
Identity Of Busy

Recently, I texted a friend to let her know I was thinking of her and to ask how she was doing. I got a typical response many of us get from people we know, “I’m so busy!” We continued our conversation and I said, “I hope you’re able to find some down time to rest.” And her response was, “Wouldn’t that be nice? But it’s not going to happen, I’m just so busy.”

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LifestyleJaime Roeverbusy, hustle, identity, workingComment
Dear College Grad,
Dear College Grad,

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.

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CollegeDena Vangadulting, graduation, post-graduation, post-college lifeComment
Are You A Mary or Martha?
Are You A Mary or Martha?

Luke 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.

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LifestyleWhitney MalloyMary and Martha, worry, plans, trustComment
10 Bible Verses On Trusting God
10 Bible Verses On Trusting God

I 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?

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A Noble CharacterEmma Lowntrust, trusting God, worry, hope, fear, anxietyComment
Loving Through Prayer
Loving Through Prayer

Last 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.

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PrayerKendra Winnickfriendship, relationships, community Comment
Thirsting For A Living God
Thirsting For A Living God

There 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.

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LifestyleMolly Gonzaleznews, faithComment
How To Find A Church In A New City
How To Find A Church In A New City

It 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.

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CommunityElizabeth Demolatchurch, community, friends, friendship, college Comment
What Is Worship?
What Is Worship?

Is 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?

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PrayerAshley Shraderworship, prayerComment
Why I Finally Quit Dieting
Why I Finally Quit Dieting

I 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.

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FemininityGiana Vasconcellosdiet, dieting, food, weight lossComment