As is customary on Thanksgiving Day, giving thanks for everything we have can be easy or hard depending on what’s going on in our lives. If things are tough, it’s often hard to give God our thanks; when things are going well, sometimes we forget to thank God, too. We praise God first because he loved us and sent his only son to die for us on the cross (John 3:16), everything else should be gravy. Of course, it’s never quite that simple. If you’re like me and you need constant reminders to stop and be grateful and thank God for everything, you’ll find this list of Thanksgiving Bible verses handy.... Read More
20 Unique Gifts for the Writers and Readers in Your Life
Buying a gift for someone is hard, but buying a gift for the writers and readers in your life doesn't have to be. Those of us who love reading (and writing) would rather be discussing ideas or jotting down poems crave gifts that speak to our souls. Call us bibliophiles, nerdy, wordy, or bookish, we'll respond nicely when you feed the beast that craves anything having to do with the written word. In this list of 20 unique gifts for the writers and readers in your life, I'll aim to pick some great finds for you to consider for the next birthday or holiday gift. ... Read More
When God Shows Up in Worship
One's conversion to Christianity often includes a dramatic overwhelming God-moment. Something incredible happens when the Holy Spirit breaks through and speaks to you directly. This type of encounter with God usually causes a change, or pivot, from doubt to belief. When God shows up, the overwhelming evidence is convincing, and we have no choice but to accept and say yes to God. ... Read More
What Are the Pitfalls of Checklist Christianity?
When I became a Christian over twenty years ago, I wanted to know the best ways to fully engage with my new faith and become a devoted follower of Christ. While I grew up in Christian Science and attended church with my family regularly, I didn’t really understand that Christianity hinged on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as my personal savior. As I fully devoted myself to him, I wanted to be a good Christian but wasn’t sure what I needed to do. I was looking for ‘checklist Christianity’—a rubric for how and what to do as a new Christian.... Read More
What is My Purpose After Motherhood?
I rattled off some details about my life, slightly nervous to bear my soul to a complete stranger. So goes it when you begin a relationship with a new therapist—one part medicine, one part confessional.
Without too much warning, she asks me point blank,
"It sounds like you're wrestling with meaning and purpose. Do you know what your purpose is?"
... Read More
10 Bible Verses About Anxiety
The Bible can offer us peace and comfort during times of anxiety, grief, and depression; however, if you are having symptoms that go beyond what you can handle, I strongly encourage you to reach out to a medical or mental health professional. Bible verses about anxiety can pave the path to reducing stress and remind you that God loves you and is there for you.... Read More
How to Write Your Story of Leaving Christian Science
Writing can be a therapeutic way to process meaningful events in your life. Leaving your family's religion, or any religious group can be emotional and even traumatic. When I first wrote my own story of leaving Christian Science, I found that it took lots of time to recall and process all the details and steps. I didn't just wake up one day looking for a change; in fact, there were lots of small incremental signs in my life that Christian Science wasn't working and was actually harming my relationship with God. If you've already left Christian Science, I'd like to encourage you to write your story.... Read More
Everyday Love [Poem]
With each passing year, I appreciate my marriage to my husband more and more. In talking with my writing friends, we began talking about the joys of "everyday" normal life (after Covid). When the world is shaken and everything turns topsy turvy, taking stock of the normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill things often brings peace and comfort. I think we can all safely say that everyday love is something special. That's why I wrote this poem about everyday love.... Read More
Spurgeon and the Psalms [Review]
The Book of Psalms, or the Psalter, is often where most people go for comfort and guidance in the Bible. This chapter of the Old Testament includes 150 songs and poems written by David, Solomon, Moses, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Heman, and Ethan. In the new book, Spurgeon and the Psalms, publisher Thomas Nelson (Maclaren Series) has adapted short devotions from Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David: An Original Exposition of the Book of Psalms...in Three Volumes before each of the 150 Psalms in the New King James Version (NKJV). ... Read More
My Journey to Becoming a Writer
Most good stories begin somewhere in the past. While some avoid looking back, I find that looking back nearly always informs how I want to move forward, even when I’m stuck. As a young adult, I was drawn to the discussion of ideas, introspection, deep thinking, and conversations with adults. This is my journey to becoming a writer.... Read More
14 Bible Verses for Entrepreneurs
I've been a self-employed, Christian business owner for more than twenty years. Undergirding my philosophy of how I operate my business are principles I've extracted from the Bible. I don't profess that I have it all figured out, but I do know that the more I focus on God and establish my daily quiet time with him, the more prepared I am to serve others well through the work I do as an entrepreneur.... Read More
Do All Things Really Work Together for My Good?
There are a handful of Bible verses that are often quoted as platitudes. We hear these verses so frequently that they often lose their impact. We may hear them in passing, on the radio, or quoted by well-meaning family or friends. One such verse is Romans 8:28.... Read More
