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What Is the Joy of the Lord? (Plus, 6 Ways to Have It)
What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is a deep sense of peace that isn’t contingent upon circumstances. This peace is found in God’s presence. It trusts in God’s promises and rests on his faithfulness. It offers hope in hardships and eternal perspective in temporal struggles. Today, we’ll explore the question, “What is the joy of the Lord?” by looking at practical ways to cultivate God’s joy. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience more joy in Jesus. I invite you to join me in the woods as I cultivated joy recently. What…
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God’s Power in Us: Power Perfected in Weakness
Thirteen years ago, I became a mom, and life as I had known it changed forever. Today, I invite you to join me in the hospital room at the beginning of my motherhood journey, and we’ll talk about experiencing God’s power in us when we feel weak. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook about learning to experience God’s grace in our weakness. God’s Power in Us Outside the hospital window, an apricot glow arises from behind the unclothed tree line. Dawn is coming. Today is my first full day as a mother, and I’m weary. I slept less than an hour…
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Christian Books for Mothers and Daughters to Read Together
Several years ago, our then-11-year-old daughter, Bekah, saw a mother-daughter devotional written by an older mother-daughter pair sitting on our kitchen table. I had no way of knowing that the question she asked next would lead us to write two Christian books for mothers and daughters to read together. “We should write a mother-daughter devotional!” she declared. “That sounds great, babe. Brainstorm some ideas, and we’ll get started,” I suggested. I suspected Bekah would write a few devotions and lose interest. 2 Unique Christian Books for Mothers and Daughters Much to my surprise, Bekah did not lose interest! Instead, we worked together to write 60 devotions for moms and daughters…
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6 Encouraging Prayers for Hopeless Situations
I recently went to the woods to talk to God about a situation that felt hopeless. Perhaps you’re facing some challenging circumstances, too. You are in the right place. Today, we’ll unpack six prayers for hopeless situations as we press into our true Source of hope. We are never without hope when we learn where our unchanging hope is found. This week, I invite you to join me in my favorite place: the woods. 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. Prayers for Hopeless Situations…
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Prayers for Broken Hearts: 5 Prayers for Comfort and Healing
It’s not easy to know how to pray for a broken heart. Whether you are hurting or you want to pray for a loved one who is suffering, today we’ll explore five comforting prayers for broken hearts. My hope is that these prayers will offer healing and hope to those who are hurting today. I invite you to join me in one of my favorite places, our backyard fire ring, and we’ll talk about how to pray for hurting hearts. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to comfort you when your heart is broken. 5 Comforting Prayers for Broken Hearts Four…
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Keys to Spiritual Growth: 4 Ways to Develop Spiritual Maturity
Last spring, the week after we bought a new furnace, I walked into the laundry room to discover a sudsy, wet floor. The washing machine had broken, too. Of course. As I stared at the soapy water, I had no idea that God was going to use the situation to remind me of several life-changing keys to spiritual growth. Keys to Spiritual Growth As I moved boxes and began sopping up the water with beach towels, I calculated the cost of a new washing machine and thought, When it rains, it pours. Later that evening, as I lay in bed and reviewed the events of the day, I remembered the…
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15 Bible Verses About the Presence of God
Mirrored on sleek water, the expanse of sapphire sky comes down to touch us. My little boy presses a delicate fingertip into its blue, and it feels like heaven has come to dwell among us. God’s Word has a great deal to say about the presence of God. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about the presence of God. We’ll also learn how to apply these verses to our lives. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you find victory in Christ as well as a library of free devotionals and eBooks for every season of life. Let’s begin…
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12 Thanksgiving Prayer Points With Scriptures to Guide You
Another gray sky greeted us this morning. Pulling out my Bible for encouragement, I began thanking God for his goodness as I prayed. In the process, God lifted my head and encouraged my heart. If this kind of prayer sounds refreshing, I invite you to join me as we explore 12 thanksgiving prayer points with Scriptures to guide us. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God and cultivate gratitude. Thanksgiving Prayer Points With Scriptures As I looked out the window and prayed, I saw the rainy day through a different lens. Instead of complaining, I gave…
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5 Encouraging Quotes for Struggling Moms and Weary Women
Throughout the past 13 years, I’ve spent most of my time caring for our children. As we push through the end of another long winter, I hope to offer a few quotes for struggling moms and weary women. I pray these words will bless and encourage you as you continue pressing forward. You are not alone, and your humble, hidden work matters deeply. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find strength in God’s presence. Quotes for Struggling Moms and Weary Women A friend recently sent me a text that went something like this: “No one tells you how…
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How to Have More Joy in the Lord—Even When Life is Tough
We are at the creek again today—hoping to imbibe the scarce rays of golden sunlight peering at us from behind the wooded knolls. I long to live with deep roots of joy in the Lord, but the winter months are often challenging. We’re on the cusp of springtime now. Nevertheless, the winter months have worn on me. Maybe you can relate. You might not have to fight for joy in the wintertime, but perhaps you’re navigating a difficult season in your life. Today, we’ll talk about how to have more joy in the Lord when life is challenging. No matter what your challenge looks like, I pray these words offer…
