The holidays and the final days of the year draw near. As we prepare to celebrate with joy, chances are disappointments remain from unaccomplished goals, unanswered prayers, and unexpected challenges. We long to see fruit from the work of our hands this year, but what happens when there is no harvest yet?
Maybe we need a harvest of hope. Allow these faithful next steps to help you give thanks when you’re waiting for the harvest.
Read MoreFinances, marriage, parenting—each feel heavy in this halfway season of life. As I walked briskly, my heart pumping, I prayed for God to let me bypass these burdens. With each step, these three truths helped me continue moving when I wished to escape simply.
Read MoreMy budget shows red, and my energy is overdrawn. As the spring recedes and gives way to summer, I feel like I’m running low on all of my resources.
This passage from the gospel of Mark reminded me of a woman who gave out of her poverty not abundance, and I wonder if it might have a word for us as we seek to keep giving despite our lack.
Read MoreThe parenting journey parallels the popular children’s book We’re Going On a Bear Hunt. Some seasons find us slowly trudging through thick mud, stuck in weight and worry, while others swish past in the blink of an eye. No matter what—we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, we must find the courage to go through it. So, how can we maintain an eternal perspective along the way? Read the full featured article at www.familychristian.com and download your family mission statement here.
Read MorePerched upon breathtaking cliffs, my eyes searched the surroundings in disbelief. Pure waves of blue rolled below, occasionally showing off a white cap from time to time as if to remind the spectators it is, in fact, real. Our 20th anniversary trip to Santorini, Greece was more than we could have imagined we needed. The entire week I couldn’t stop thinking about this one fact, and I wonder if we might gain some perspective from it as we pray and seek to help those walking through incomprehensible pain these days.
Read MoreSummer is here, so what now?
Grab these ten simple strategies to make the most of your summertime, and not let it slip away.
Read MoreAfter a recent loss, there were no spiritual platitudes or verses that could immediately numb the mind-blowing pain of a life taken too early, but I knew that I needed to be reminded of a God whose ways are different than mine. So, where do you turn in those moments when you feel lost, alone, and desperate for direction?
Join me as I process through three critical questions. Perhaps in my processing you, too, can find healing for a way forward through your own grief or disappointment.
Read MoreThis sweet conversation between my husband and seven year old gifted clarity for me this week, and reminded me that where I place my greatest affections in this life will not only determine the path I follow, but determine the size of my God.
Are you feeling weary at the start of another month, a new season, or another day? Read this, remember who your God is, and find strength and joy again for your next step.
Read MoreI guess I’ve always been a connector. You know, someone who introduces others when it seems like they were always meant to be connected.
While it’s benefited me in various seasons of life, there are times when it doesn’t feel like a gift. Instead it feels like my main value is all about the connection and less about, well, me.
Here I share how I’ve come to find my purpose in the fullness of God and why it matters for you today as well. It may just be the one thing that’s keeping you from the life you truly desire.
Read MoreAfter a recent beach vacation, my eyes were opened to more than the waves and expansive horizon. Unbeknownst to us, under the breathtaking scenery was a dangerous undercurrent. It led me to think about how we live looking at the surface—being rocked by waves—ignoring the current just below.
Here I share two truths to help as you assess what currents are directing your life.
Read MoreHave you ever found yourself saying, “If we only had ______, then things would be better?”
You are not alone. However, over the years, I’ve found there is a way to confront the limiting beliefs about our limitations. Is there a way they could communicate love over lack?
Read more to find out.
Read MoreDo you ever feel like you don’t measure up? Here I’m sharing an honest confession, and one sure way to fight against the lies that hold you back.
Read MoreWhile we know that reading the Bible matters, have you ever thought about how you actually hear the word of God? What voice is He speaking to you with and how does that change the way a verse ministers to you? Read more here and be encouraged.
Read MoreOne of the most important skills we can develop for ourselves and teach our children is how to identify statements as true or false. Formal logic lessons are not the only way. We need to ask ourselves these questions as we seek to live lives based on sure promises rather than faulty premises. Read more here.
Read MoreOur family returned to Texas this week and with it returned to the reality and burden of COVID-19 as Texas case numbers rise and hospital occupancy falls.
As I give my children updated reminders on mask wearing, hand washing and distance making, I am also reminded that we fight against an even more dangerous enemy. The enemy that lies within.
Read MoreWhat if we stopped looking for life to get easier?
What if we stopped looking for that trophy, that upgrade or that prize and begin to leverage everything we have for a life beyond the here and now?
Read MoreAt a time when our calendar is clear, our pantry is stocked (for now) and our fears heightened, how we posture our hearts will determine what we model for those around us. How we posture our hearts will reveal who or what we are trusting in to get us through. For me, I am intentionally pursuing the discipline of remaining in a posture of prayer, and invite you to join me.
Here are a few resources that I am using to deepen my prayer life and thought I’d share.
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