Faith
ArchivesThe Way to Stop Spiraling into a Storm of Emotion
The specifics of what hurt me that day don’t matter here. What matters is that on that day, God gently and generously whispered, “Stop. Take a moment. Let it out. I’m here.” He pushed the pause button on my agitation cycle, pulling me away from the feeling-stuffing and problem-fixing, opening His arms to hold me as I let it all out.
Have Mercy! How Full House Reminded Me to Press Forward
Who, living in the year 2020, can’t identify with those thoughts? How did we get here? What is happening? Where did our normal lives go? What happened to our plans, our lives, our world? And then, how do we and when will we get back to normal? What did happen to predictability? The old TV show playing in my living room made me think of a time gone by, but as I thought about that, I began to wonder: What exactly do we mean when we long for the “good ol’ days”?
I wrote a book for you.
I’m sitting at my dining room table, country music playing just a smidge too loudly behind me as my daughters have a dance party on what feels like the seventy-third snow day this month. I reach for my Bible, running my hand down the whisper-thin pages, and close my...
The Deal with December Deadlines
If I’d never worked in advertising (or fundraising or publishing), I might think it was a little unrealistic. All the promotions and projects on the line at the holidays in our favorite Hallmark and Lifetime movies seem like a made-up plot device, don’t they? Who...
When You Need a Reminder About Who’s in Control
When I hear the word “control,” I immediately begin mixing my pop culture metaphors as my brain simultaneously sings Janet Jackson lyrics and does a [poor] Gollum impression, whispering, “My precious,” to the idea of control. Ah, to have everything in my world following my commands and plans! Like Ms. Jackson, some days I imagine my last name really is Control.
When You Don’t Know What to Do
On Saturday night I went to bed at a decent time, with plans to get up on time the next morning. That might sound like common sense, but it's not always -- or even often -- what I do. Most Sunday mornings start off late and get more stressful every minute between...
Does a Bad Ending Ruin a Great Season?
If you’re having trouble separating your feelings about a bad ending with your memories of a great season, you’re not alone. I’ve been there — both as a disgruntled TV fan and as a failed church planter, fundraiser, and friend. It’s hard to remember the good things that led up to a disappointment, a heartbreak, a really bad ending, or just an unwanted ending. But you can do it.
Tunnels, Temptations, and Other Things That Try to Steal My Freedom
I had no idea I was terrified of the underwater tunnel that connects England and France. But it makes sense — and made me think of how many things, from chunnels and quiksand to sin and circumstance, try to steal the freedom God has given me through Christ.
Tales as Old As Time: A Devotional About God’s Love
Once upon a time, I wrote a devotional for you inspired by Beauty & the Beast. Despite the entertaining (and fun!) inspiration for this book, I believe the message God has for us is significant. I’m praying that He uses this story and these words to reveal His love in a new light and remind us of the truths we need to stay focused on the beautiful tale He’s written.
Fishing for Hope
Though I’m not into fishing, this story from the Bible about Jesus and the disciples is so meaningful to me. Jesus said he came to give us abundant life, and that means letting go of my need to control things and opening my heart to hope. Do you find it hard to hope?
When You Realize What Was in Your Blind Spot
I used to watch a TV show called Blindspot with my husband. I liked the show, but he quickly found it ridiculous – too preposterous to waste time watching. He’s not wrong. The premise and nearly all the story lines are incredibly unrealistic. But I keep...
How a Non-Christmas Movie Reminded Me of the Reason for the Season
This year my daughters have caught the holiday movie bug. As a longtime fan of Hallmark movies (and the like), I first felt like I had finally arrived. I was living the dream! The watch-cheesy-movies-with-my-daughters dream! Until my youngest started reminding me that...