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How to Focus on Jesus Instead of Focusing on Your Problems
The seasons are changing in our part of the world. I watch from my window, where I’m lost in stacks of first-grade homework, bills, and messy reminders about the reality of my actual life. I want to focus on Jesus this morning, but I can’t clear my head in the middle of the mess. You probably know a thing or two about messes. You want to live by faith and focus on Jesus throughout your days, but the chaos of your life pulls you away. How to Focus on Jesus I want to learn to keep my eyes on Jesus, but sometimes, it doesn’t feel practical. Here’s what I’m learning:…
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How to Change the World Through Kindness
Julio Diaz gets off the train like it’s any other day. His mind is fixed on grabbing a bite to eat at his favorite café. It’s an ordinary day in an ordinary place. Nothing about the day leads Julio to believe he might change someone’s life. He’s not thinking about how to change the world. As Julio gets off the train, a young teenager approaches with a knife. The teen wants Julio’s wallet. After giving up the wallet, Julio turns to the young man and hands him his coat, saying, “If you’re gonna be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to…
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10 Encouraging Bible Verses for Struggling Moms
As I sit to write these words to you, there’s a pile of luggage at the bottom of our stairwell. It’s an array of minion-decorated backpacks, colorful duffel bags, and pink handbags adorned with flowers and fairies. Looking at it makes me feel overwhelmed. I share this with you before I share today’s Bible verses for struggling moms because I want you to know that I have walked in your shoes, friend. I have endured months of sleeplessness with infants who refused to sleep. The demands of motherhood have worn me thin, and I’ve locked myself in the bathroom while little fingers wiggled under the door. Bible Verses for Struggling…
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7 Powerful Bible Verses About Stress and Hard Times
The awakening of spring feels like a rebirth of sorts. The pungent scent wafting from the once-frozen creek bed stirs life in my soul. Today, I’m in the woods with my Bible in search of Bible verses about stress and hard times. Bible Verses About Stress and Hard Times If you need encouragement today, I invite you to join me in the woods, and we’ll see what God’s Word says about stress and trouble. Bible Verses About Stress and Hard Times 1. Psalm 135:1-2 Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of…
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10 Bible Verses About Glorifying God in All We Do
How do we glorify God in our daily lives? The Bible offers plenty of examples to help us glorify God in our everyday moments. Today, we’ll explore 10 powerful Bible verses about glorifying God. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you glorify God in all you do. 10 Bible Verses About Glorifying God According to God’s Word, our lives glorify God when his light and love shine through us, transforming our everyday places. Here are 10 Bible verses about living for the glory of God. Bible Verses About Glorifying God in our Everyday Places 1. 1 Corinthians 1031, ESV…
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Feeling God’s Presence: How to Connect With Him
The maples stood barren—as if they were waiting for a fresh breath from heaven. Gazing into their spindly arms, I realized my soul felt much the same. I wanted nothing more than to start feeling God’s presence again. “God, why do you seem so distant? Why don’t I sense your presence?” I prayed. Feeling God’s Presence As I sat in the silence, my mind returned to a crystal clear Tuesday evening years ago. In a single instant, I learned more about God and love than I’d gleaned in a whole lifetime. After nine long months of suffering through a debilitating diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum (mostly couch-ridden and sipping sports drinks…
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7 Practical Ways to Show Grace to Others
Dawn came too early today—like an interruption to a night that went too fast. As the first rays of light poured through the windowpane, I asked God to fill me with his grace for the day ahead. Showing grace is never easy when we’re weary and on the brink of burnout. I went to bed late thinking about writing projects, our child’s science fair project, and what I was going to send to school for snack day. My mind raced for hours. When dawn came too soon, I had no desire to race into anything. I brushed my teeth thoughtlessly, and the impending nature of my to-do list weighed me…
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What Does God Say About Making Decisions?
When it comes to walking by faith, there’s one question I’ve grappled with more than any other: What does God say about making decisions? I want to follow God and honor him with my choices. Yet, at times, I’ve struggled to find his direction. The summer after my junior year of college, I found a job working in a deli thousands of miles from my home in Pennsylvania. For three months, I lived outside Denali National Park, Alaska. In some ways, I was running from the life I’d created for myself at home. On a different level, I was searching for direction from God. I invite you to return with…
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How to Encounter God in Your Ordinary Moments
I’m not thinking about how to encounter God as I wash the crusty marinara sauce from a plate that sat too long. Sweet Bekah comes to me in my silent revelry and wraps her little arm around my thigh. “Come with me, Mommy,” she beckons. “Just as soon as I finish these dishes,” I tell her. “No, Mom—now. You have to come now,” she begs. She’s been playing on the deck, and I’m sure there’s a caterpillar making an escape or a tower built from rocks on a patio chair. I really just want to clean the kitchen. Nonetheless, when I look into those sparkling blue eyes, I surrender my…
