Read Joshua 1:1-19; This passage in Joshua is one of my favorites in all of scripture. Four times the Lord commands him, "Be strong and courageous." I love this for so many reasons. It comforts me, and it makes me smile. Does the Lord get us or what? I don't know about you, but I can be a "four times" kind of gal. I find so much grace in the Lord's approach to Joshua and us. Our Lord knows that even the most pure-hearted Jesus-girl may begin to step out in faith and then retreat. "Be strong...

Read More ›

Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed. But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including His people, his own special possession. The Lord of Heavens Armies is his name. Jeremiah 10:15-16

Is your weight an Idol? I’ve had many times in my life when I’ve had to pause and ask myself this question.

Most of us think of idols as wood statues that are worshiped as false Gods, when in reality, an idol is...

Read More ›

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” Isaiah 6:8

I’m reflecting today on four simple words, “Here I am, Lord.” Simply said, yet sometimes putting feet to them is difficult, isn’t it? I consider the men of the Bible who have willing stood before the Lord and willingly offered their voices and hearts. Yes, Lord, it’s me you’re looking for. Here I am.

Perhaps the most astonishing example is Abraham, who, when...

Read More ›

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:31-33

There are so many things that grab for our attention and devotion: our jobs, our kids, our spouses, our hobbies—the demands and distractions of life are everywhere!

Being...

Read More ›

"Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for, in due season, we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to...

Read More ›

Last weekend my husband and I saw a comedy show. We laughed so hard, and I nodded emphatically as the comedian talked about the barrage of food allergies and sensitivities known to this generation. He charismatically explained the hierarchy of gluten-free to lactose intolerant to peanuts, the “King Kong” of food allergies. It rang hilariously true. By medical necessity, my family is gluten and egg-free. My daughter is lactose intolerant, as well as a devout vegetarian.

Staying the course in...

Read More ›

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Busyness is sneaky. I don't find myself feeling overwhelmed overnight. The busyness builds until I find myself buried beneath heaps of deadlines, to-do's, occasions, and preoccupations. The last several months have been hectic for me. I've taken on more clients. My kids are at a peak busy stage of life, having someplace to be nearly every evening or weekend. I've intentionally...

Read More ›

From the first moment I found out I was having a daughter, I knew I would have an incredible responsibility as she grew to teach her about her worth and identity in Christ.

I am still very much learning, but from the time she could walk and talk here are some of the ways Sean and I are working towards establishing her identity in Christ!

1. Praise her character attributes rather than just her physical appearance.

2. When we do say she’s beautiful, we state the reason why is because she’s made in...

Read More ›

I was recently looking through some old pictures and came across some of the few taken when I was in the height of my battle with anorexia and bulimia. Every time I see a photo from my teen years, I'm reminded of the redeeming power of God!

This first picture I was battling a silent battle with starvation, and I was exhausted all of the time, and had litter energy for life. In the midst of my storm, one of our family friends gave us a puppy from their litter, and he took to me right away....

Read More ›

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

We have a long trip planned with the family this summer. My daughter is anything but enthused about the lengthy amount we will spend on the road. Last night as we talked about all the fun we’ll have on this trip, my daughter looked stoic.

After a few minutes of listening, she said, “I can’t think of the fun because all I can think about is the long car ride that I’m dreading.” My wise husband responded...

Read More ›