As humans, we can be so impacted by fear that we hide or shrink back when new opportunities arise. Fear can be one of the most significant barriers to accomplishing anything: we worry about failing, disappointing others, being laughed at, or even mocked.
Read MoreSheep can become cast on their backs in several ways, and so can we. In the spiritual realm, casting is a state of being discouraged in one’s soul.
Read MoreEven after becoming a Christian, I remained a diehard subscriber to the world's notion that romantic love was the ultimate treasure in the quest for earthly joy and wholeness.
Read MoreAn encouraging reminder for those times when it feels like we are spiritually stagnating: God is always at work, even when we can’t see it.
Read MoreWe long for quiet time - yet when silence comes, we are tempted to fill it with more noise. What might we experience if we embrace the occasional silent night?
Read MoreWhat if, instead of being thankful only for earthly blessings and relationships, we dove into the deepest well of gratitude?
Read MoreWhen I chose to stop attending church at age 19, I had no idea what I was giving up. One of those things was the spiritual growth that only comes through worshipping, praying, learning, and gathering with other Christians.
Read MoreWe don’t develop separation anxiety - we are born with it. But the unease and stress that comes when we lose earthly loves – not just people, but beloved pets and even treasured comfort objects – illuminates our most significant need and longing.
Read MoreLike waves of water and light, our words and actions have consequences. They ripple forward, but thankfully, also backward - all the way to the cross.
Read MoreThough I have spent tremendous energy banking on earthly things to anchor me, I have been known to casually release, or hold loosely, my trust in God.
Read MoreHow do we stop our minds from fretting and restlessness over problems we can’t solve? Should we shrug our shoulders and give up? What does God expect of us?
Read MoreBecoming a parent was like stepping forward and realizing the floor was missing. Being a mother was not what I had expected, and I was ill-prepared. But now, when I step into the unknown, I have a secret weapon.
Read MoreFear can wreck our empathy and derail our compassion. I wonder what would have become of us if Jesus had been too afraid to show compassion…if He had not gone to the cross.
Read MoreIn the midst of a car accident is not the best time to consider whether or not Jesus is who He says He is. But that’s what my husband did 25 years ago.
Read MoreOne day during the pandemic, I opened my mailbox, expecting to find the usual junk mail and bills. Instead, I was surprised to see a vase containing lovely miniature daisies and a beautifully written note from a friend.
Read MoreWe are always seeking self-improvement, especially in January: exercise, less screen, healthier diets. Yet one of the best ways to improve our physical and spiritual health is to come out of darkness and into the light.
Read MoreYears ago, I began a December practice of looking back over the whole year and summarizing it in writing. I have learned that considering the past is an essential spiritual exercise with unexpected benefits.
Read MoreFew prayers are more powerful than those in which we offer God’s words back to Him.
Read MoreAlthough I have endured some rough seasons, faced with heavy burdens that made gratitude feel elusive, I’ve begun to notice that minor annoyances are more likely to stifle thankfulness in me.
Read MoreOver the past few years, popular culture has hijacked the name “Karen” as a negative label. But rash words, name-calling, and verbal lashing don't bring reconciliation or healing in relationships or cultures.
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