What are you waiting on the Lord for? Perhaps it's guidance, good news, a job, a provision of some kind, or reconciliation with a loved one. Are you finding that difficult? Waiting well can be so hard. I’ve been waiting on the Lord for months for a sense of closure on an issue that is […]
"For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." -Isaiah 57:15 […]
We weave thick vines in and out of and around our circular, amateur base to create a decorative ball. Soon, solar lights will be added to make it a visible yard ornament for the dark fall and winter nights that stretch ahead of us. It seems to be an illustration of our friendship. By now, […]
Do you ever feel ashamed or disappointed that you have lacked faith or confidence in God…or even doubted Him? Our doubts, lack of trust, or weak faith may tempt us to think our faith isn’t strong enough. Let’s look at some scripture passages that might encourage us – even if our faith feels small today. […]
Not too long ago, I wrote a post about how my cat, Lovey, shows my family what abiding does and doesn't look like. Among Lovey's many desirable cat qualities, He enjoys taking walks in the woods with me and my dog, Shadow. It's difficult to make great progress when Lovey comes along for the walk. […]
Lovey is our cool, orange tabby. He’s a cat’s cat. He’s soft and gentle with our family but will ferociously chase down a dog that’s going after one of his feline friends. He’s the king of our farm but allows strays to eat from his bowl. He was a rescue cat, so I like to […]
What do you think the artist was trying to show his audience in each person's direction of attention? This painting, Gentile Da Fabriano's Nativity from 1423, and the art study question are included in my updated and expanded Advent devotional, Beyond the Nativity. In it, each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas has […]
Earlier this year, my family was punched in the emotional gut numerous times in a matter of weeks. Two officers were shot in my small hometown just twenty minutes away from where I now live. Tragically, one died and the other is still recovering. As a pastor and chaplain, my husband went on the scene […]
I'm excited to introduce a special guest and her writing to you today! Kelly Balarie is a master encourager and a passionate writer and speaker about God's truths. She knows the power of God's truth for the heart, soul, and mind and since we are all about turning toward truth and grace here, I want […]
The encouragement in this post has been expanded upon in the podcast episode which can be found below.Will you join me at Asking Is Loving? I've known my friend, Susan Newkirk, for about twenty years. We started off being friends through our young adult group at a church we both attended. At that time, the […]
Advent Joy isn’t shallow or sentimental—it is rooted in the appearing of Christ. When Scripture speaks of Christ being manifested, it means that God has made Himself clearly seen, known, and encountered in order to save. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…” — Titus 2:11, ESV The Child in the manger is the […]
Where do you long for Christ’s Peace to enter your story this week? Or have you given up hope for that? Perhaps it would be good for you and me to remember Jesus' words about the kind of peace He gives. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the […]