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How to Bear Fruit When You Feel Worn and Weary
We set a vase of wildflowers on the table last week, and they felt like tangible beacons of joy. I gazed at them while I made the morning coffee and prayed about how to bear fruit amid these energetic summer days—days with all three children home and many needs surrounding me. After the coffee was brewed, I read the following words: “And seeing in the distance a fig tree covered with leaves, He went to see if He could find any fruit on it. But when He came up to it, He found nothing but leaves, for the fig season had not yet come” (Mark 11:13, AMP). I’ve always been…
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How to Declutter Your Mind With God’s Help: 8 Steps
Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin when it comes to sorting through our mental chaos. Today, we’ll explore some practical ways to declutter your mind and find peace and clarity. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free eBook to help you set aside time for resting with God daily. First, I invite you to join me in a place where I regularly sort through my thoughts: the forested valley behind our home. How to Declutter Your Mind With God’s Help Last night I took a walk beneath a canopy of beech trees as patches of fog hovered over the creek beside me. …
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7 Encouraging Bible Verses About Starting Over
A towering hemlock casts a sleepy shadow on bare earth, and a pine squirrel gnaws on a walnut from its unseen perch overhead. I am in the woods with a stack of books and a journal—intent on seeking God and as I ask him how to begin again after a setback in my life. Opening my Bible, I begin listing the words of Truth, composing a list of Bible verses about starting over. Bible Verses About Starting Over Here are the Scriptures I find. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God as you begin again.…
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15 Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance
Are you seeking God’s guidance as you step into an uncertain situation? Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses for wisdom and guidance. I’ll also share a testimony of applying this truth to an everyday interruption. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you walk in wisdom. Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance Let’s see what God’s Word says about seeking wisdom and guidance from God. 15 Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance 1. Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. “The fear of the Lord” refers to reverence toward God. When…
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Combating Anxiety with the Power of Intentional Moments
I’m thrilled to share the wise words of my friend Nichole Suvar with you today! Nichole and I met in the world of online writers, and every time I read her words, they touch my heart deeply. Today, I’m honored to share a post from Nichole about combating anxiety with the power of small, intentional moments. Nichole recently released a new book called Numbering Our Days, and this book is helping me slow down, consider my thoughts, and make the most of my moments in light of eternity. It’s exactly what I needed in this season. This wonderful book contains 49 short devotions challenging us to overcome anxiety and embrace intention…
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God Uses Broken People—and He Wants to Use You
Have you ever wondered if your mistakes disqualify you from serving God? Today, I warmly invite you to travel back in time with me, and I’ll bear witness to the fact that God uses broken people—and he wants to use you. We’ll also look at eight biblical figures who were used by God despite their brokenness. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to encourage you as you follow God by faith. Now, I invite you into my story of brokenness. God Uses Broken People My early twenties were tumultuous. I was angry with God and decided to live for myself instead…
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8 Bible Verses About Joy and an Invitation to Encounter God
A fresh blanket of snow found us in the early hours before dawn today. I walked to the window and got lost in the purity of the wild world, and in the process, a spark was ignited in my soul. It felt like a fresh outpouring of joy—joy I’ve been craving for far too long. I pulled out my Bible in search of inspiring Bible verses about joy and started soaking in the words. Many of us look to the long winter season ahead, and we could use a fresh outpouring of joy. Let’s turn to God’s Word and soak in these truths about the joy of the Lord today. …
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10 Bible Verses About Not Being Perfect
I was in middle school when I set out on a quest to be perfect. I couldn’t stand getting anything less than an A on every test, and I wanted to be the best artist, the fastest runner, and the best writer in my class. Meanwhile, the Bible offers a different suggestion: We are to do our best and leave the outcomes to God. Today, we’ll explore a list of Bible verses about not being perfect. My hope is that these words will release you from the unrealistic expectation of perfection. Years ago, a friend offered advice about perfectionism that changed my life. She said, “Don’t try to be perfect. …
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7 Prayers for Insecurity: When You Wonder If You Fit in
Do you ever walk into crowded places and wonder where you fit in? Maybe you feel like you don’t fit in at all. Most of us have felt this way. Today, I’ll share seven empowering prayers for insecurity as we aim to overcome our fears of rejection. I invite you to join me as I navigated these feelings among a group of beautiful and talented women. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you overcome insecurity by shifting your focus. Prayers for Insecurity I make my way cautiously from the ornately decorated lobby of the exquisite hotel and follow the…
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Casting Our Nets
Today isn’t my usual day to post, but I’m excited to share the words of one of my dearest lifelong friends today. I met Courtney McNamara when we were in fourth grade at East Lawrence Elementary School, and we’ve been friends ever since! Courtney is a gifted artist, a talented published author, and a tender soul with a huge heart. Her friendship is a treasured gift. She’s one of a small handful of friends who receives my 6:00 a.m., “I need prayer” texts. As we all know, these friends are rare gifts! Courtney’s wisdom on the topic of casting our nets challenged me and blessed me, and I trust it…
