Fighting the Good Fight, Gospel living, Suffering with hope, Treasures Found in the Trials of Life, Unlocking The Bible

Three Things to Remember When Life Is Hard

Disoriented. Numb. Somber. There are few words to describe where my heart has been lately. I feel inadequate to describe all the reasons why or how I have gotten to this place. But even if was able, the circumstances aren’t the point. The point is that even as Christians, we can face feelings of despair.… Continue reading Three Things to Remember When Life Is Hard

Suffering with hope, Unlocking The Bible

When God Doesn’t Seem Good

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7) A few years ago, we were anxiously awaiting our upcoming vacation to Florida. Even more than in years past, I was desperate to get away and catch my breath from all the hardships and stresses that… Continue reading When God Doesn’t Seem Good

Fighting the Good Fight, Suffering with hope, Treasures Found in the Trials of Life, Unlocking The Bible

In Faithfulness The Lord Has Afflicted Me

Sometimes I sit down to write and find myself staring at a blank screen, my head swirling with thoughts of what I know is true, yet struggling to connect those truths with the overwhelming emotions and circumstances that seem to say otherwise. This has been one of those weeks. One where I know that God is sovereign,… Continue reading In Faithfulness The Lord Has Afflicted Me

Suffering with hope, Unlocking The Bible

Five Reminders for the Stressed, Weary, Busy, and Burdened Soul

Do you ever feel like you just aren’t enough? Like there isn’t enough of you to go around and no matter how much effort you pour out, there is always something lacking? I do. Some days I wonder why I am feeling so overwhelmed and anxious, and then it hits me. It’s this nagging sense… Continue reading Five Reminders for the Stressed, Weary, Busy, and Burdened Soul

Gospel living, Unlocking The Bible

Don’t Lose Spiritual Disciplines for Fear of Legalism

In 2015, I was given the incredible opportunity of participating in a 16-week course taught by Colin Smith alongside of a few other guest speakers. During one of these sessions, I was struck by a statement made by Pastor Colin. He said, Don’t let the fear of legalism rob you of the benefits of a regular… Continue reading Don’t Lose Spiritual Disciplines for Fear of Legalism

Suffering with hope, Unlocking The Bible

When Your Find Yourself In a Dry and Weary Land

I was 17. I had my whole life ahead of me and yet, there I found myself, wanting it all to end. I sat silently in a stark white hospital room, broken, hurting, and alone. How did I end up here? Not more than a year earlier, I had been basking in the attention and… Continue reading When Your Find Yourself In a Dry and Weary Land

Parenting, Suffering with hope, Unlocking The Bible

Four Ways Our Identity in Christ Changes Our Lives

Several years ago, while my family was making a quick trip to a department store, one of our children started losing control. Our little boy began to struggle with a verbal and aggressive outburst as his little mind seemed to turn into someone else. This was nothing new for us, as we had been seeking help… Continue reading Four Ways Our Identity in Christ Changes Our Lives

Fighting the Good Fight, Gospel living, Suffering with hope, Treasures Found in the Trials of Life, Unlocking The Bible

Impossible Circumstances Are Where God’s Glory Shines the Brightest

Some days I feel as if I’m in the front lines of a battle where I’m outnumbered 1,000 to one. I’m fighting for truth, hope, and joy, but the fiery arrows of affliction continue to fly from every angle. I’m fighting the temptation to grumble, get angry, and stomp my feet defiantly at the daily… Continue reading Impossible Circumstances Are Where God’s Glory Shines the Brightest

Gospel living, Unlocking The Bible

Are You Seeking the Glory of God or the Glory of Man?

As I’ve watched the last several weeks of political debates, caucuses, and interviews, I’ve been struck by the number of presidential candidates who claim some form of faith in God, while talking and living in a way that seems far more about pursuing their own agenda than living under the authority of God and his Word.… Continue reading Are You Seeking the Glory of God or the Glory of Man?

Gospel living, Unlocking The Bible

Are Intergenerational Relationships a Blind Spot in Today’s Church?

I admit - I have often tried several wrong roads before finding the right one. To put it a positive spin on it, I’d call myself a "trail blazer". Despite how blessed I was to be surrounded by many godly family members and friends who sought to teach me the wise road to travel, I… Continue reading Are Intergenerational Relationships a Blind Spot in Today’s Church?