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Life As A Tent-Dweller

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

Christian Books For Summer Reading

Christian Books For Summer Reading

As we near the end of the spring months, summer reading lists are beginning to pop up everywhere. There is nothing better than spending time in the long summer evenings sitting outside and reading a good book. My summer reading list tends to get ambitiously long, but I am always looking to add books that will make me think deeply long after I finish them. Since recommending books is one of my favorite things to do (I’m a middle school reading teacher so this is literally my day job!), I thought that I would share some of the Christian nonfiction books that have made an impact on my faith and daily life.

LifestyleElizabeth McNairJune 5, 2019Christian books, summer, reading, inspirationComment

A Work Of Miracles: We Are His Hands

A Work Of Miracles: We Are His Hands

As a teacher, I have become accustomed to artfully answering questions that do not have an obvious answer. Often, these thought-provoking questions encourage deep thinking or conversation. I consider these interactions to be great gifts of God, as they allow time for myself and my students to learn, teach, and grow with one another in His love.

Justice and MissionsRebecca FlaszJune 4, 2019miracles, helping hands, serving, mission, graceComment

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.

DiscipleshipMary Elizabeth LatchMay 31, 2019joy, 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.

PrayerMeagan GutierrezMay 30, 2019seeking God, grace, plans, repentance, trusting GodComment

Staying Inspired For Creativity

Staying Inspired For Creativity

I consider myself to be a creative soul. I have been doing some form of art from a very young age, including drawing, painting, photography, interior design, graphics, writing, and anything else I could get my hands on to create. I believe it’s the way God created us to be: creative. After all, He is the Greatest Creator of all time, and He created us.

LifestyleJaime RoeverMay 28, 2019inspiration, creative, art, spiritual gifts Comment

But If Not, He Is Still Good

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

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

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.”

LifestyleJaime RoeverMay 23, 2019busy, hustle, identity, workingComment

You Cannot Be a Savior

You Cannot Be a Savior

Grad 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.

CommunityPayden HallMay 22, 2019friendship, parents, savior, anxietyComment

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.

CollegeDena VangMay 21, 2019adulting, 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.

LifestyleWhitney MalloyMay 20, 2019Mary and Martha, worry, plans, trustComment

Happily Ever Before: Finding Happiness in Singleness

Happily Ever Before: Finding Happiness in Singleness

Little 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.”

SinglenessJaime RoeverMay 17, 2019single, singleness, marriage, dating, loneliness Comment

God’s Plan: Grace For Unmet Expectations

God’s Plan: Grace For Unmet Expectations

You’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.

LifestyleDena VangMay 16, 2019expectations, hopes, dreams, goalsComment

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?

A Noble CharacterEmma LownMay 15, 2019trust, 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.

PrayerKendra WinnickMay 14, 2019friendship, relationships, community Comment

What Is Worth Your Worry?

What Is Worth Your Worry?

Have 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.

A Noble CharacterMoriah SpencerMay 13, 2019worry, anxiety, stress, peaceComment

What Knee Surgery Taught Me About Sin

What Knee Surgery Taught Me About Sin

Last 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.

A Noble CharacterMariah RobersonMay 10, 2019sin, addiction, bad habitsComment

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.

LifestyleMolly GonzalezMay 9, 2019news, faithComment