No matter what has happened in history, during some of our darkest hours, there is one truth that the bible shines a light on, God was aware and at work. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28 when he states those beloved words “we know that all things work towards the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.”
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 MoreA few summers ago, in the midst of deep grief and loss, I had hit my breaking point and took an impromptu trip to Orlando to not only visit my friends, but in honesty, to run away from my present circumstances, get some distance, and escape from the things God was calling me to do.
Read MoreOnce again, you’ve heard how my family’s story has led to me opening a home for teenage mothers in Parts 1, 2, and 3. Part 5 was telling y’all how the wrong guy can distract you from Jesus and his calling on your life. I’m going to circle back to Part 4. Maybe you remember the numerous guys that helped me start my home? Well, now I’d like to tell you about my favorite human.
Read MoreWe all pictured 2020 to look a little different than this. As we’ve all been watching the news for weeks now, this pandemic has unfolded right in front of our eyes. Never, did it cross our minds that part of 2020 would be spent quarantined at home. As we watch the news from home, all we see is death and suffering. You start to wonder, when will this all end?
Read MoreEven before the world was struck with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people already struggled with anxiety. However, this pandemic has exacerbated those feelings of worry, uncertainty, nervousness, and fear in both Christians and unbelievers. The difference between us and those who are lost, is that we can hold onto God’s truths for our lives even when we feel like we are in utter despair.
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 MoreWhether working from home is part of your normal life or part of your new normal during this time of quarantine, you may be looking to find some tips on how to be productive working from home. It can be challenging to stay focused, get work done, and not get distracted with Netflix or undone tasks waiting to be completed while stuck at home. In today’s article, I am going to share my favorite tips for working from home that hopefully can help you out!
Read MoreI off-handedly picked up, A Holy Pursuit by Dianne Jago (founder of Deeply Rooted Magazine) as my first read of quarantine. I flipped to the first page and sank into this opening:
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.
Read MoreSeeing people with the worth God created within them can change your entire outlook on life. It makes missions more valuable to you, because you care whether those in another city, state, or country hear about Jesus. It makes prison ministry seem more important than ever, because no matter what they've done, you know God still values them as equal in worth compared to you.
Read MoreWe all naturally want to do work that is meaningful. I heard this quoted many times as a teen and young adult by my father who believes strongly in usng one’s talents and creativity to the fullest. I took this to heart and for many years believed that the gold-standard of achievement lay in scoring a full time paid job doing exactly what you love so that you could love what you do.
Read MoreI wrote in a previous article about acknowledging that there is a living and active God in our lives and learning to live with Him in our lives. But, practically, how do we go about living with God? Especially, if we are in seasons where it is easier to accept He’s not actually around. How do we live with a living God, when we still aren’t convinced He is living?
Read MoreBeing alone means different things. It can be a solo hike through the woods while you listen to the whisper of trees, commune with the birds, and savor solitude that can’t be found inside walls. It can be a cross-country drive that’s filled with audiobooks, podcasts, and music you refuse to listen to in the company of others. The journey is space for you to settle into who you are before arriving at the destination.
Read MoreA secret I kept from my family and friends for many years, long before it even mattered, was my desire to be a mother one day. When I was in my early twenties and I was asked the question, “Do you want kids one day?” I would honestly say no.
Read MoreThere’s a line in the famous hymn, ‘Come Thou Font’ that we sing, and for the longest time it made absolutely no sense to me: “Here I raise my ebenezer, hither by thy help I come.”
Read MoreGrowing your capacity just takes time. It might mean starting new habits or investing in more education. It’s not an overnight process.
Read MoreIn times of isolation, quietness, and solitude, the noise of this world becomes amplified and the lies of the enemy can become overpowering leading to anxious thoughts, thoughts doubting God’s goodness, and hesitation to fully embrace the identity of who God says we are.
Read MoreEarlier this year, around the end of February, my dear friend, Adrian, told me she had been listening to a new podcast called “Fight Hustle, End Hurry.” As we talked about our jobs and our upcoming girls trip at the end of March, she encouraged me to listen to this podcast when I had the chance.
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