-
How to Turn to God in Times of Crisis
Shadows flutter on the wall as the candle flickers golden in front of us. I’ve gathered our three children to pray because I want to teach them how to turn to God in a crisis. As our time in prayer begins, I open the Bible. I read the words that have been floating through my mind for the past few weeks now: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). By the yellow glow of…
-
God Has a Plan for You—Even When He Seems Silent
We awoke to a fresh inch of snow on the lawn on the first day of April, and it felt like one more day tacked onto a never-ending winter. Whether you’re facing a long winter or enduring a difficult season that seems like it will never end, it can be hard to hold onto hope. You need to know that God has a plan for you, especially when he seems silent. Most of us don’t wait well. Waiting for a dream to come to fruition or a difficult time to end can be deeply discouraging. God Has a Plan for You While You Wait King Solomon said it well in…
-
How to Feel God’s Love: 8 Practical Insights
Not long ago, I texted a friend and told her about long days in a house filled with noisy children. “I wish I knew how to feel God’s love, but all I feel is chaos,” I expressed. Her response came seasoned with wisdom. First, she reminded me that regardless of whether I feel God’s love or not, his love is always with me. “Feelings are futile,” she offered. “Instead of aiming to feel God’s love, stand on his promises. Cling to the words he speaks about his love for you.” I realized she was right. We don’t always feel God’s love. Furthermore, we cannot trust our feelings. We have the…
-
7 Stress Relief Bible Verses About Worry
After a long winter, a hint of auburn crowns the tree line on the eastern horizon. The buds are emerging on the maples. I’ve been feeling anxious about some changes that will take place in our next season. In response, I open my Bible in search of stress relief Bible verses about worry and stress in life. I need these Truths to wash over me as I step forward without fear or anxiety. Perhaps you need to soak in these assurances, too. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God for peace and rest. Stress…
-
8 Free Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
Are you looking for family-friendly outdoor activities? Our family has made getting our kids outdoors a high priority, and the results are powerful. I’m revisiting this post today now that our oldest is a teenager, and I’m grateful that she still loves spending time outdoors. 8 Free Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities If you’re looking for free outdoor activities for your family during this time, you’re in the right place. Here’s our family’s list of fun ways to enjoy the outdoors together. Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities: 1. Wildlife Scavenger Hunts For this activity, I create a list of items we are likely to see in the forest near our home: pinecones, different colored…
-
A Free Small Group Bible Study Book for Women
Are you searching for a free small group Bible study book for your women’s group? I have wonderful news. You can download my new book, Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free, for free on Kindle Unlimited. I’ll explain how the program works shortly. First, let me tell you about this book. Most of us have been taught that willpower is the key to transformation; however, we’re frustrated because self-effort has failed us in many realms of our lives. We wonder why we can’t find victory over fear, worry, insecurity, and shame. We feel stuck in destructive habits like overeating and losing…
-
How to Know When God Is Leading You: 4 Ways
Have you ever wondered how to know when God is leading you in a new direction? Discerning the difference between our desires and God’s voice can be challenging. Today, we’ll talk about finding direction from God and following his lead. How to Know God is Leading You “If God really speaks to us, then I’d sure like someone to explain the ways God speaks to us,” a younger friend declared as we walked beneath a canopy of blossoming apple trees. There was a hint of frustration in her voice. My friend had been pursuing God and sincerely believed she was following him into a new career endeavor. Her dream seemed…
-
Live Yielded to God for Sweetness of Spirit
Hello, friends! I’m honored to share a guest post from my dear friend Kelly Baker with you today! Kelly’s words point to truth, all while offering practical insight for following Christ in the midst of full lives. She is a prayer partner, encourager, and like-minded sister on mission. Enjoy this challenge to cultivate a sweetness of spirit in your life. I was challenged by Kelly’s words, and I trust you will be as well! ~~~ I recently swapped stories of current family trials with Stacey. She declared, “Oh motherhood is such a death to self at times!” What a true statement! I wanted to crawl under my covers and hide…
-
15 Bible Verses About Faith Over Fear
Not long ago, our family faced a battle with fear that surpassed any fear we’d ever known. As we wrestled with fear regarding the life of our child, I anchored myself in God’s Word as I clung to Bible verses about faith over fear. Bible Verses About Faith Over Fear Nevertheless, the fear was relentless. On a cognitive level, I knew the answer: Faith pushes out fear and reminds us of where we find our hope. On a heart level, I had much to learn about walking by faith. Today, I’m sharing the Bible verses about faith over fear that carried me through that time. We’ll also discuss practical ways…
-
The Truth About God and Your Emptiness in Life
The first red-winged blackbird appeared from out of the pasty white sky on a Sunday, and we marveled at the feeder like we’d never seen such a miracle. We were at the end of a season when all the emptiness in life had us feeling poured out. Everyday moments suddenly feel like miracles when everything else has been stripped away. In the aftermath of the longest kind of winter season, that first red-winged blackbird looked something like a scarlet-caped wonder. At the end of a never-ending night, just a little flicker of light can change everything. Emptiness in Life We knew a thing or two about emptiness in life that…
