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I Have Called You By Name: Let This Change Your Life Forever
“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1, ESV). We’re sitting in the fading light of a late-summer evening when Aiden, our youngest son, runs to me and nuzzles his cheek against mine. As if he just can’t get enough, he plops onto my lap, wraps both arms around my waist, and buries his face in my T-shirt. “I’m glad you’re my mom,” he declares. “And I’m so glad you’re my son,” I answer. From the deck, his older brother notices us,…
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15 Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making
Have you been praying about a big decision? Maybe you feel confused because you want to follow God but don’t have a clear sense of his direction. You are in the right place. Today, we’ll talk about making decisions with God and explore 15 Bible verses for guidance in decision making. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you follow God’s guidance. 15 Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making Here is what God’s Word says about making decisions with God’s guidance. Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making 1. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and…
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8 Christmas Bible Verses About Peace and Joy
December rain falls cold and clear, washing away the mud-encrusted ice from children’s footprints. I gaze at the scene from the window as I open my Bible in search of Christmas Bible verses about peace and joy. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent devotional eBook. Christmas Bible Verses About Peace and Joy Christmas will be here soon, and our family could use a fresh outpouring of peace. We’ve battled various viruses nonstop throughout the past several weeks, and we’re ready for a break as we celebrate with family and friends. We’ve faced unexpected setbacks in many realms, and our joy has been…
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Why Has God Abandoned Me?
Have you ever asked the question, “Why has God abandoned me?” When life is difficult, it often feels as though God has forgotten and forsaken us. Today, I invite you to join me as I share an excerpt from our new book, Heart to Heart, and we’ll talk about what to do when we feel forgotten by God. Why has God abandoned me? Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 I spent much of my early twenties wondering if God had abandoned me. After a series…
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Rising Above Adversity (With Bekah Pardoe)
Yesterday, Bekah and I shared an exciting announcement. Heart to Heart, our new mother-daughter devotional book for teen girls is on sale here! Today, we’re sharing another devotion from the book. This one is from Bekah. Join her as she shares a few insights on rising above adversity. You’ve Got This! (Rising Above Adversity) Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. Isaiah 40:31 A few years ago, my mom and I decided to end the year with an adventure. It was New Year’s Eve, and we decided to walk five miles from our house to my grandma and grandpa’s house. We set out an hour before dark,…
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10 Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Timing
Today, I’m sharing a lesson I learned the hard way several years ago when a painful disappointment left me reeling in defeat. If you need encouragement about trusting God’s timing when life is disappointing, these words are also for you today. Here are 10 Bible verses about trusting God’s timing. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you trust God while you wait on him. Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Timing Like tears, droplets of the grey firmament fall forsaken on the front step. I watch from the window as they splash with more force than expected. My heart is…
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10 Bible Verses About God’s Plan for Your Life
We all face times when God changes our plans. He sends roadblocks to redirect paths that appeared to be smooth and clear. He permits detours that feel more like derailments. Today, we’ll explore ten Bible verses about God’s plan. First, I invite you to join me as I climbed a mountain alongside my 13-year-old daughter, Bekah. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace God’s plan for your life. Bible Verses About God’s Plan: And What to Do With Detours As Bekah and I stand at the base of the giant quartzite mountain, I don’t expect our ascent to…
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4 Signs That God Is Pruning You
Do you sense that God is pruning you and cutting away parts of your life that aren’t bearing fruit? Today, I invite you to join me as I stand on our front stoop, and we’ll talk about the signs that God is pruning you. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to encourage you in life’s pruning seasons. Signs That God Is Pruning You Yesterday, I pruned the Rose of Sharon. It’s not the season for pruning, but the roseate blossoms were drawing bees to our front door. With flowers hanging like a garland around the door, it was just a matter…
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God’s Timing Is Perfect—Even When He Makes Us Wait
Do you need the reminder that God’s timing is perfect? Maybe you’ve been waiting for God to bring a dream to pass for years, and you’ve started to doubt whether your dream will ever come to life. Perhaps you’ve been praying for a loved one for decades, but you see no sign of God’s movement in the situation. Or maybe you’ve been praying for God to heal a friend, lead you to a spouse, or give you a child. Much to your disappointment, you’re still waiting. Today, I invite you to join me on the porch of our family’s little cabin in the woods, and we’ll talk about learning to…
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How to Give God Control: 5 Scriptures on Surrendering to God
As morning broke, I recently left my usual chair and walked outside to the deck. The world was teeming with energy and life. Songbirds surrounded me as I opened my Bible in search of Scriptures on surrendering to God and slowing my pace. I needed this encouragement because summer break has come. Our oldest children will be home for the next two months. As much as I love these days together, I also fight the urge to rush from one task to the next. In the summertime, I struggle to keep up with the dishes, the laundry, and the constant requests for snacks and entertainment. I feel like I can’t…
