My heart lifted as I plodded through the snow to the Christmas Eve service at the church my father pastored. The warm church was packed with joyful worshippers. We sang Christmas carols, meditated on the story of Christ’s birth, listened to the choir, and then at...
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 While in my early years of college, I met with my pastor to talk about God’s will for my life. I was seeking wisdom...
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is...
I just joined Instagram a year ago (I know, I’m late to the social media game) and I’ve been astonished at the marketing that takes place there. I follow my favorite authors and podcasters and it is clear that there is an art of self-promotion that people have...
Who is God? He is Merciful, Steadfast, and Gracious. A Friend of sinners, Slow to anger and abounding in faithfulness. Who is God? He is the Great Comforter. In the grip of grief, He holds every tear. There is peace in His Presence, Lean in and draw near. Who...
If you hear someone reference the love chapter in the Bible most people think of 1 Corinthians 13. It tells us what love is and what it’s not, and it is used to paint a beautiful picture with words at wedding ceremonies and Valentine banquets. But tucked away in...
Twenty years after my only sibling and brother died, I struggled again. I wrestled with unanswered questions, trying to understand why God didn’t save him from taking his life. Through the lens of my grief and pain, I was wavering in my belief in who I thought God...
We’ve all experienced disappointment, of something not turning out the way we expected, of hope deflated. Sometimes the anticipation feels better than the thing itself. For me, Christmas is like that. I countdown the days in joyful expectation. Yet every...
I’m pretty sure no one has ever called me a prayer warrior. I pray, of course, and if you ask me to pray for you, I assure you I will. But I’ll need to set a reminder in my phone or jot a note to myself so I don’t forget. I believe in the power of prayer, I really do,...