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8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated
Most of us will feel defeated at times in our lives. In these moments, God’s Word offers encouragement. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore eight Bible verses for when you feel defeated. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to encourage you and help you draw near to God. 8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Defeated I decided I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the world. Like most 22-year-olds, I had high ideals and big expectations. Two months into my teaching career, I felt discouraged and defeated. Managing a…
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7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms Who Feel Weary
I want to be the kind of woman who knows how to cultivate deep joy. Sadly, I often feel like the overwhelmed mother who yells too much and spends way too much time in survival mode. If you can relate, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll share a story from our home; then, we’ll explore seven encouraging Bible verses for moms. 7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms The jewelweed is shriveling beneath the heavy blanket of summer heat as I lead my three little ones through the forest. We needed some fresh air and time outside the house. So here we are. The youngest has fallen at least ten…
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How to Captivate the Heart of Jesus and Change Your Life Forever
Dusk settles over Wyoming’s wild country as we gather beneath the milky light of a crescent moon. A cowboy strums his guitar, and I glance at his young apprentice on the far side of the deck. Our eyes lock, and I feel my heart leap in my chest. I have no idea this moment will forever remind me of exactly what happens to the heart of Jesus every time I glance in his direction. Nearly twenty years have passed since I first locked eyes with the handsome young cowboy beneath wild Wyoming skies. We now lock eyes across the kitchen table as our three children bicker about who got the…
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How to Cling to the Lord When You’d Rather Cling to Control
Recently, I sat with a friend in the sunshine as we caught up on life. We talked about our dreams, our families, and our desires to control our circumstances. We agreed that we want to cling to the Lord instead of clinging to control but walking it out often feels impractical. Most of us want to learn to cling to the Lord and turn to him when life gets tough, but we tend to grasp for a sense of control before we even think about turning to God for help. Learning to Cling to the Lord I want to learn to cling to the Lord, but I often hold onto…
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5 Creative Ways to Offer Hospitality This Summer
Daylight comes early now. Hummingbirds suck down our sugary syrup before the slow drip of black coffee has even begun. Summer is the season of long, lush days that open wide with possibilities. It’s the season for picnics and bonfires – fireflies and s’mores. Summer is also the perfect season to offer hospitality. You might think of cookouts and sparklers when you think of summer hospitality. However, hospitality involves more than just opening our homes; it’s about opening our hearts. We can offer hospitality anywhere. We weren’t made to do life alone. Every time you open your heart and life to someone else, you extend hospitality. This can happen in a…
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10 Bible Verses About Fitting in: And a Perspective Shift
A few years ago, I stepped about a million miles out of my comfort zone and attended a conference for women who feel called to write and speak. The weekend was filled with informational seminars, discussion groups, and motivational speakers. I was anxious about the weekend for plenty of reasons, and one of my deepest concerns was a quiet voice that whispered, “What if I don’t fit in?” Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about fitting in. Then, we’ll return to my weekend at the conference as I share the lessons I learned about feeling left out and insecure. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
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How to Cultivate a Consistent Prayer Life: 17 Tips
The roadsides are blanketed with wildflowers, and we often spend evenings playing kickball in the backyard now. It’s not officially summer yet, but it feels like summer has already settled upon us. As our rhythms change, I long to learn how to cultivate a more consistent prayer life, especially in this busy season. As I reflect on this desire, I’m reminded that God doesn’t want to be an add-on to my busy summer; he wants to do life with me. Perhaps you need this reminder as well. Today, we’ll discuss practical ways to cultivate a consistent prayer life. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a…
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17 Free Devotional Books to Help You Grow With God
Are you ready to develop a deeper, life-giving relationship with God? My vision is to provide tools to help you encounter him. For this reason, I have compiled a list of free devotional books to help you draw close to God’s heart. The first four books on this list are free as eBooks with the Kindle Unlimited plan (you can sign up for a free three-month trial if you do not have the plan) and also available to purchase in print. The remainder of the list is available to download for free with just one click. No plan is required. I pray these books help you connect with the tender…
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10 Bible Verses About Victory in Jesus
It rained last night—a penetrating, drenching rain. I sat beside the window this morning as robins pranced across the soggy earth, my heart feeling as melancholy as the grey sky above. Opening my Bible in search of Bible verses about victory in Jesus, I let the words wash over me. Bible Verses About Victory in Jesus Perhaps you could use some inspiration as you aim to rise above the cares of the world today, too. If so, let’s open God’s Word together. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find victory in the battles you are fighting today. 10…
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Are You Tired of Feeling Like a Failure as a Mom?
I didn’t know I was aiming for perfection when I first laid eyes on the swaddled baby girl in the pink and blue hospital cap. She was beautiful, and I couldn’t wait to teach her everything I knew about God and life. In that precious moment, feeling like a failure as a mom was the last thought on my mind. I wanted to be everything she could ever need in a mom. I wanted to be the perfect mom, and I was pretty sure I could follow all the rules and pull it off. Most moms know all about the ideals of early motherhood. You look at your sweet little…
