God’s splendor is a tale that is told.
One year ago today, my husband and I heard the call from God to help start a church in a new country. It caught us off guard—we’re newish Christians and not in leadership—but our answer was a resounding YES. Yes, we want to build the Kingdom.Yes, we’re willing to uproot our lives.Yes, we can start …
P R A Y E R & F A S T I N G That’s what the rest of my month is about. Yesterday our church began a 21-day fast during which we’re sharpening our awareness of God by foregoing creature comforts to remind our flesh it’s not in charge. Some folks alter their food, …
There’s a lot of hype going on about 2020 being “The Year of Clear Vision.” And while I appreciate a good metaphor, I can’t help feeling like something’s missing. Most of the talk centers around believing for radical change and getting an audacious download of destiny. To fully see what God has in store for …
I had a terrible thought the other night. The sad, resigned kind that’s a red flag by itself and turns into a flashing danger sign when it crops up in odd places. As I was getting into bed, I said to myself, “Here we go again.” Seriously, who thinks that when they’re going to sleep?! …
When God promises us good things, it’s hard to wait. Much like a cake-smeared toddler tearing through birthday presents, we want it all and we want it right now. But could you imagine if you landed a seven-figure job before you could manage a four-figure budget? Or got a Lamborghini as your first car? You’d …
Sometimes a blessing feels like a burden, doesn’t it? A newborn baby.A demanding job.A house under renovation.A gift of discernment.A spouse with strongly-held opinions who works long hours and is heavily involved in community outreach. Okay, that last one might just be me. Point being, it’s hard for our human nature to bear that kind …
It’s that time again! The time when everyone designs their New & Improved Self™ for the upcoming year. Is that you? Are you planning things to start and things to stop, daydreaming about how awesome life will be come June? That’s certainly me. The turn of the year is an irresistible invitation to start fresh. …
PSA: No matter how you messed up this holiday season—no matter how many (dozen) cookies you ate or who you yelled at during family dinner or how jealous you were of other people’s presents—you aren’t too far gone for God. His love for you isn’t dependent on good behaviour, and His mercies are new each …
Do you think Mary knew? When she held her newborn son in her arms, both of them exhausted and raw, she knew he was the Son of God, but did she know he was the Savior? Did she know when she marvelled at his tiny hands and feet that one day she’d hold them when …
Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Or are you speedwalking the mall, getting all sweaty in a dire search for the last Sven plushie in the tri-city area? (Not that I know anything about that.) Don’t worry, it’ll all work out. Always does. But as you’re checking off that gift list, I suspect there’s someone …
Hey. How are you? Like, really? Are you gliding through your day on wings of peace? Or are you barely holding it together in the grocery store? If you’re in that first group, bless your cotton socks. Enjoy an extra nog for me. If you’re in that second group, though, you’re not alone. GOD is …
CONFESSION: I’m not feeling it this Christmas. I got any friends out there? It’s hardly an unusual thing to say these days, but what’s shocking to me is that I felt it so much before I even met Jesus. Every December, I was a holly jolly ball of cheer, delighted at the lights, the music, …