Work has always been a part of the equation. We were always meant to tend, cultivate, and name; but, we don’t like to think about how the Fall created more work for us. In every way imaginable. Eve missed the manipulation maneuver Satan pulled on her as he hacked his way into the equation. We still too often miss the clues that he’s hacking his lies into our lives.
Read MoreDo you feel stuck trying to make daily steps toward your spiritual growth as a busy mom? Here you can take 4 practical steps to grow in godliness while also being a busy mom. As a mom of 5 children 11 and under, I know firsthand how things don’t always go exactly as planned. Most days, I drink coffee that has been reheated four times, use dry shampoo like it is my lifeline and forget to eat.
Read MoreA few years ago, I never would have imagined that more than 4 years after college I would be back in the same house I grew up in. This little dingy house sits on the wrong side of town, yet holds 27 years of both good and bad memories. I also didn’t imagine getting married to a military man stationed overseas and not living together.
Read MoreIn today’s culture, it is easy to get swept up in the grind mindset and an overall position of being discontent. The mornings that start off in a whirlwind of splashing water and chaotic closets have the ability to keep our bodies and minds in a state of stress throughout the day. As shadows grow longer, patience is harder to come by, especially in homes crowded with children, or workspaces teeming with tasks. The result? Our spirits become a total afterthought, more susceptible to lacking joy and gratitude
Read MoreWelcome to Part 2 of Back to the Beginning where we talk about the history of the church and why different denominations exist! Click here for Part 1 of our series! If we want to fully understand church history, we have to go back to the very foundations of the church. Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus going into the synagogues, but we find that isn’t where the basis of church is.
Read MoreI want to be a psychologist. I want to work as a psychologist. The above two statements are representations of my thoughts concerning my future career choices. While they are overwhelmingly similar, they have a subtle distinction that helps frame my work into a proper perspective. The first statement makes my career choice an identity. The second statement identifies my future work as a role - something I assume in a particular situation, and then complete. The bottom statement is the one I want to think and speak.
Read MoreDo you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Do you find yourself constantly worried that you don’t deserve the life you have and someone is going to call you out on it? I’ll be the first to tell you that I often question my self-worth and God’s ability to use me. I’m currently knee-deep in the job-hunting trenches, and while I know that I am qualified for the positions I’m applying for, I still find myself doubting my abilities and feeling like a fake.
Read MoreThree hours watching a low - budget live play with very little prop settings. First off, I do have to say it is a movie about Amish people, so would you expect a lot of props & make - up for example? I know this review started off with preparation for a “that was horrible & this was the worst”. For me though, I surprised myself and watched the whole thing and found myself enjoying it. Many times we look for the whole fireworks - flashing lights, bright sets, and when watching a movie - changing scenery.
Read MoreMy relationship with God has been rather steady since accepting Him into my life in 2015. But lately that steady relationship has been rocky or almost nearly non-existent. I don’t know exactly when it started to dissolve, but it did. Maybe it was when I took off my cross ring, maybe it was during my time of stress where I attempted to solve my own problems versus leaning on Him.
Read MoreLord, we pray for the wedding coming up, for good health for all,
Pleasant weather, safety, and your presence in every part of the church and hall.
We pray for strength of body, heart, and mind for the elderly,
Joy and gladness for those who plan, arrange, and execute,
For wisdom, guidance, and your watchful eye over all,
When he asked me to be his girlfriend, I ignored that voice in my head that said, “Pray first.” There is no doubt in my mind that was the voice is the Holy Spirit. “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And this peace is a gift that the world cannot give.”-John 14:27 NLT
Read MoreWhen I notice something that bothers me in Church, or with other believers, it’s good to ask a question first: Is this a salvation issue or is it just a preference issue?
Christians are commanded not to judge others, but in a sense we do need to be able to judge for ourselves the non-negotiable territories. According to scripture, that line in the sand is where grace becomes legalism, and we start to do things because we think it will add anything to what Jesus has already done.
Read MoreI have worked remotely for more than ten years. Previously, people were always surprised and excited to hear this. They ask if I work from bed, and if I nap on the job, but the most common question is: “So you don’t even have to wear pants, right?” And now I have a platform to finally set the record straight: Nope, I don’t have to wear pants. Just to be clear, I DO, but it’s not technically a job requirement while I’m at home... 😂
Read MoreMany of you have likely heard reality stars and celebrities speaking out about “living my truth.” This can be heard with changes in their gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, sharing their side of a story, and the like. When this terminology is used - living their truth - it is celebrated.
Read MoreOne of my personal favorite things in theology is the study of apologetics. At Tirzah, we previously did an article that explains all things apologetics, which you can check out here. A brief definition for you in this moment is writings or words to justify one’s beliefs. The reason I just explained that to you is because Dr. James Kennedy’s documentary and book “What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?” is an apologetics book.
Read MoreSeminary has stretched me in many ways and urged me to grow in empathy and experience. One class I am taking this semester is Christian History 50 CE - 1500 CE. Stick with me here. My class has learned about ancient theological arguments that have shaped the faith we practice today and divided the then-forming Christian tradition. Our professor arranged a visit to an Eastern Orthodox church to learn about their traditions, which are different than ours in the western church.
Read MoreEveryone seems to think that money is corruptive and poisonous to the soul – it can be if you turn it into an idol, but it can actually be propelled for good. Over the past few years, I’ve seen God work His way in my life by teaching me some important lessons about money. The biggest lesson being that I needed to trust in Him, including with my finances.
As we move into 2023, examine your life. What is distracting you? I am in no way saying to quit your job or dismiss your family because you feel they are distracting you from God. The point I am trying to make is this: Is your mindset on Christ? Are we living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27)? Are you living as an example of Christ for others?
Read MoreSo we have hung up our new calendar for the year and have decided to start a few good habits (or at least one) in 2023. We have spent December 31st thanking God for the blessings of 2022 and our hearts are full of praise and thanks to God. As the new year dawns, we are glad but with it we draw a curtain on the unknown. The blank fresh dates on the calendar will soon get filled up. But for now, it is empty and blank.
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