Creativity Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

Being creative on my own terms is what I am used to doing. Since I struggle with being disciplined, it’s just easier to do things when I want to, rather than making an intentional decision. After basing my creative process (i.e., that it’s easier to do things when I want to) on this lie, I have realized not only how selfish it is, but how stuck it has gotten me.

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Moriah Spencer Comment
Finding Help in a Broken World

Although many good things came out of 2019, there was also a massive rise in tragic events, and in particular, the rates of suicide.  In New Zealand, where I’m from, over the past year, suicide statistics have increased drastically. It appears people are feeling more helpless and alone in this world than ever.  In cases of suicide, families are left broken and grieving and so for many, the new year brings painful reminders of the previous year’s tragedies.  

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Learning to Live with a Living God

There is a section of 2 Kings that I came across, and I think the truths expounded in that saga are not unlike the truths we need to hear now. We are all learning how to live with a living God. It’s easy to live life when God is distant, ancient, and silent. But, that is not who God is, and in 2 Kings 18-19, we find two kings learning what it means to live with a living God.

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TheologyMia GraceComment
Do Women Need Theology? [NEW SERIES]

Anyone else find the word "theology" intimidating? Please, speak up if you do. I can't be the only one, right? Yes, I know, I write about what I learn from the Bible all the time and I lead a Christian online magazine where we talk about God and the Bible, but if anyone brings theology or theological concepts into the conversation, I panic. It feels way out of my depth. I've even debated going to seminary just to avoid having that feeling.

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Yelena’s 2020 Goals + An Invitation To Abundance

Goal setting used to be easier for me, back when my life track was a little more clear: get into college, graduate from college, get into law school, graduate from law school, get a job, get promoted, get a different job that aligns more with my personal priorities ... I checked all those life milestones. Now what? Because being unmarried in my late twenties feels a bit like an unknown path.

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How To Live Your Best Life And Become The Best You

As a society, we are always promoting our best for ourselves. However, these self-centered statements like “being my best self,” “being the best version of me,” or “ I am living my best life” can end up hurting ourselves and others. This happens when we interpret these phrases with the idea that we do it by ourselves, which is not a sustainable way to live. When I see these “best” phrases, there are two ways they potentially affect people's lives.

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When You Wish You Were More Like You Used To Be

I always have mixed feelings when I look back over my photo collection from the past decade.  Facebook always seems to be able to pick out and share some good times that are memorable moments to remember.  I love to reminisce over all the wonderful changes that have taken place in my life and I feel blessed to see how far I have come.  On the other hand, I have to admit, I also feel a twinge of sadness.

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Have Yourself a Very Patient Christmas

The holidays are a time of joy, family, celebrating, Hallmark movies, and Christmas magic. But it can also be a time that tries my patience like no other. Holiday traffic, crowded shopping malls, long lines at the post office, trying to find a parking spot at the grocery store, crazy family drama - the list goes on and on. Pretty soon, I’m exhausted and cranky, snapping at the checkout girl or stressing about a gift I still need to get. I can turn into quite the Scrooge if I’m not careful.

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What I Learned About a Distraction-Free Life From a Stranger at a Cafe

He sat at a family-sized table alone, pouring all of his attention into the study Bible opened before him. I imagined that the baked potato sitting at his side grew colder by the second and wondered if it felt neglected by his lack of interest in it. I sat enjoying my own meal and as I watched his fixed attention on the wrinkled pages before him, my curiosity only grew. The questions became a pile in my head and before I knew it my two legs were bee-lining me to the lonely man. It was only as I stood before him that I realized I had no plan. 

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