-
Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Insights for Peace
We walk to the hill where the fir and spruce trees mingle in a dozen shades of emerald. Within minutes, the youngest falls into the thorny branches of a hawthorn crabapple, and the oldest is tangled in a knot of burdock. What was supposed to be fun has become an exercise in managing holiday stress. I take a deep breath and remind myself that this moment doesn’t have to be perfect. Later in the day, after the tree is wired to the wall in the corner of the living room, I take some time to sort through the ways I plan to manage stress through this Christmas season. Perhaps these…
-
A Free Advent Devotional for Less Stress and Deeper Peace
Two years ago, I released an Advent devotional aimed at helping others slow down and experience deeper peace throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. This year, for a limited time, I’m offering this eBook for free. Below, you’ll find an excerpt from the devotional. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for your free Advent devotional! Still My Soul: A Free Advent Devotional for Deeper Peace I sit with the dawn and let my thoughts gather. The grey morning light washes away the night, and the thin air is embroidered with a crimson cardinal’s song. My mind is scattered, and I feel like I’ve been stretched…
-
20 Bible Verses About Friendship: How to Love Well
“You find good friends by being a good friend,” I recently reminded our son as he shared his hopes about finding a best friend at school. He asked how to be a good friend, and we turned to God’s Word, where I shared several Bible verses about friendship. Later, I reflected on these verses and was encouraged to be a better friend to the people God has placed within my sphere of influence. Scripture has a great deal to say about being a good friend and finding friends. Today, we’ll look at 20 Bible verses about friendship as we seek friends and aim to be good friends to others. Also,…
-
15 Bible Verses About God’s Mercy in Difficult Times
Autmn loses itself to the darkness one long evening at a time. Now, more than ever, we need the reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning, that he will carry us through the long, dark months ahead. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about God’s mercy. I encourage you to soak in these words when you feel alone and discouraged. God is merciful when we fail. He pursues us with goodness and mercy all our lives. These are the gifts he carries in his hands, waiting for us to reach out and receive them. Let’s turn to God’s Word as we consider his mercy toward us. I also invite…
-
7 Prayers of Thanksgiving for Even the Toughest Days
We awoke to a periwinkle drizzle, tears of firmament clinging to spruce boughs and unadorned oak branches. As I watched the day begin, I focused on prayers of Thanksgiving, fixing my eyes on what was true, lovely, right, pure, and good. As always, the practice of giving thanks shifted my mood. After spending a few minutes in gratitude, the tone for the day had been set. 7 Prayers of Thanksgiving Gratitude is powerful for all of us. Let’s take some time to pray with thanksgiving and watch this practice transform our hearts. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent devotional to…
-
15 Bible Verses for a Struggling Marriage
Even the strongest marriages go through difficult times. When these times come, our marriages need secure anchors to hold us through the storms of life. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses for a struggling marriage. Bible Verses for a Struggling Marriage I invite you to meditate on these words and apply them to your marriage. God is a God of restoration and healing, and nothing is too hard for him. If you are in an abusive marriage, seek help. Do not continue in the pattern of abuse. There is a time to set boundaries and walk away. If your marriage is simply going through a difficult stretch, ask God to…
-
15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
We all face times when stepping out in faith elicits uncertainty and even fear. During these times, we can anchor ourselves to God’s Word, standing on the promises of Scripture. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about stepping out in faith. I’ll also share some practical ways to keep your eyes on God as you take the first step. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith Here are God’s words about…
-
8 Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times
Instead of sitting in my usual chair beside the window, I recently went to the porch at daybreak. Something about being immersed in the morning light felt nothing short of redemptive. Opening my journal, I was reminded of a different season. The page offered prayers for hope in difficult times. Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times We’re not in the middle of a crisis right now, but as I read the prayers from years ago, was filled with hope for the long winter months ahead. Perhaps you need hope today as well. If so, here are eight prayers of hope to encourage you. Be sure to read to the end…
-
15 Bible Verses About Repentance and Forgiveness
Repentance can best be described as turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a call to transformation and a new way of living, empowered by God. Today, we’ll examine 15 Bible verses about repentance and God’s forgiveness. We’ll also explore some practical ways to turn away from sinful cycles and turn toward God in obedience. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace a lifestyle of repentance and step into God’s healing freedom. 15 Bible Verses About Repentance Let’s begin by seeing what Scriptures says about repentance and forgiveness. Bible Verses About Repentance and Forgiveness 1.…
-
15 Healing Scriptures for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
The season’s first skiff of snow greeted us with the dawn this morning, and I thought of the places we’ve been and the things that have changed since we last woke to a wintry morning. I pulled out my Bible in search of healing Scriptures to carry us into the new season. Recently, a friend remarked that everything God permits in our lives is part of his plan to heal us. I’ve been thinking about these words for days. Every relational struggle, health crisis, financial setback, and difficult situation exists to heal us. And the ultimate “healing” is that we will emerge looking more like Jesus. As we reflect on…
