Growing up I loved everything to do with the arts. I would put on skits for my parents, direct my friends in mini plays, and use a camcorder to record the world around me. I loved the arts but I was confused how the arts and loving God could go together.
Read MoreSeveral times in my life - for one reason or another - I have found myself in seasons during which I didn’t take communion. I moved and didn’t have a church home. I was travelling every weekend. Or I just felt disconnected from God
Read MoreJust when states and countries began re-opening after months of quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a video of a black man killed by a white cop in Minneapolis set off protests all around the world. It’s all anyone is talking about and everyone has an opinion. So, what should Christians be doing? Should we be participating in all of this? What do we say? What does the Bible say about all of this?
Read MoreA few years ago, in a season of change, I found myself praying for friends. It was a strange prayer, since I’ve always had friends, and good friends at that. But I needed more than just someone who was on the same schedule as I was and more than someone I bump into at the coffee shop on campus. I needed women who would pray for me and hold me accountable,
Read MoreThis all happened on a ferry last summer. I was traveling between spaces, and I was weeping. I thought I would hide in the bathroom until I stopped, but I emerged and fell apart again. I didn’t want to walk all the way back to the bathroom and parade my grief before strangers a second time, so I sat on a bench, as children and couples passed. I cried for the whole hour.
Read MoreI’m finally going to have a garden of my own this year. When I lived at home, there was always something growing during the summer. Even when my parents didn’t plan out the full garden, we still had plenty of blueberries and apples along with a decent amount of blackberries and peaches.
Read MoreDo you know who is saying this? It’s surprising how many confessing Christians have never heard this scripture. This was spoken by Jesus Christ, the one our entire faith rests upon. In the slew of social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, magazines, and literature, his name sometimes gets cut out. God has a much larger platform presence than Jesus Christ.
Read MoreFor me, racial reconciliation is very personal. I grew up in St. Louis where the Ferguson riots were. My dad was an associate pastor near that area. Later, we moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the most segregated city in the nation. I have spent the last four years of my life sitting in the streets of the black neighborhoods hearing stories.
Read MoreBe honest with me for just a minute—have you had a moment (or two or eighty–three) during this pandemic with those you most love? Have you totally lost your focus, your emotions, and the tight reign you try to keep over your tongue? I have. I’ve had several of these moments, if I’m being honest, and just earlier this week I was in the throes of one such time. I have this issue that I am always working on, with having high expectations of people.
Read MoreNo matter what has happened in history, during some of our darkest hours, there is one truth that the bible shines a light on, God was aware and at work. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28 when he states those beloved words “we know that all things work towards the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.”
Read MoreWe’re all feeling the stress of the current season. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, anxiety over things we can’t control, grieving the loss of plans and celebrations, or trying to navigate a new routine--many of us are wrestling with many different emotions.
Read MoreA few summers ago, in the midst of deep grief and loss, I had hit my breaking point and took an impromptu trip to Orlando to not only visit my friends, but in honesty, to run away from my present circumstances, get some distance, and escape from the things God was calling me to do.
Read MoreOnce again, you’ve heard how my family’s story has led to me opening a home for teenage mothers in Parts 1, 2, and 3. Part 5 was telling y’all how the wrong guy can distract you from Jesus and his calling on your life. I’m going to circle back to Part 4. Maybe you remember the numerous guys that helped me start my home? Well, now I’d like to tell you about my favorite human.
Read MoreWe all pictured 2020 to look a little different than this. As we’ve all been watching the news for weeks now, this pandemic has unfolded right in front of our eyes. Never, did it cross our minds that part of 2020 would be spent quarantined at home. As we watch the news from home, all we see is death and suffering. You start to wonder, when will this all end?
Read MoreEven before the world was struck with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people already struggled with anxiety. However, this pandemic has exacerbated those feelings of worry, uncertainty, nervousness, and fear in both Christians and unbelievers. The difference between us and those who are lost, is that we can hold onto God’s truths for our lives even when we feel like we are in utter despair.
Read MoreRecently I heard a sermon online about blessings and curses. The pastor mentioned Deuteronomy 28, which led me on an exegesis (an in-depth study of the meaning behind this passage) of the chapter. What leads to blessings and what leads to curses? It all came down to one thing - obedience.
Read MoreWhether working from home is part of your normal life or part of your new normal during this time of quarantine, you may be looking to find some tips on how to be productive working from home. It can be challenging to stay focused, get work done, and not get distracted with Netflix or undone tasks waiting to be completed while stuck at home. In today’s article, I am going to share my favorite tips for working from home that hopefully can help you out!
Read MoreI off-handedly picked up, A Holy Pursuit by Dianne Jago (founder of Deeply Rooted Magazine) as my first read of quarantine. I flipped to the first page and sank into this opening:
Read MoreOne look at my planner will show that I like to know what's going on. It may not be the most aesthetic planner you've ever seen, but it's full of highlighting, checklist and sticky notes. I am capable of being flexible. I'm always willing to change my plans when I need to, but I still need to feel as if I know what's going on.
Read MoreOur voice is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. With our voice, we have the power to bring life or death in this world (Proverbs 18:21). In the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid (yes, I love Disney!) it is Ariel’s voice that Ursula is after. Ariel, not realizing the value of her voice and how costly this truly is, quickly signs it over. In stealing her voice, Ursula can keep her subordinate.
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