God's Will

Lord, Help Me to Change

Experts give advice about yearly planners and goal setting while promising to improve our lives, but it’s January, and cold. I’d rather hibernate than work on self-improvement. When I think about implementing new habits, the old ones talk to me like high school friends. “Ah, it’s okay; you’re fine just the way you are.”  However,… Continue reading Lord, Help Me to Change

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Intentional growth

Why Do I Struggle Reading My Bible Consistently?

I begrudgingly pulled out my Bible, to read and study, not because I wanted to, but because I felt as if I had to. Ever feel that way? I did. But my eagerness to read it consistently has grown tremendously in recent years, which had me analyzing why. I grew up wanting to become many things… Continue reading Why Do I Struggle Reading My Bible Consistently?

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Hardships and Trials, Mental illness

Admitting Depression

Many joke of 2020 was the worst.  But it was January 2021. I lived through the nastiest month ever. No lie. No exaggeration. I’ve had bad months or seasons before, where a part of my life was in disarray or reeling from tragedy or loss. But January 2021 had tentacles that spread and infected all… Continue reading Admitting Depression

Prayer

Becoming More Like Jesus–Praying for Our Enemies

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matt. 5:44, NIV). Guest post by Kristi Woods Think about someone who hurt you. How did you love or pray for them? Or, did you? As a mother, I love and protect my children. When someone wounds them, my mama bear… Continue reading Becoming More Like Jesus–Praying for Our Enemies

Prayer

Praying When Hate or Trials Get in the Way

  Hate is a word I never use unless I’m talking about cancer. It’s a festering, growing batch of cells that leads to sickness and destruction in one’s body. When it attacks someone you love, everything within you rages and aches. I detest the joy cancer steals, and the life it tries to take. I… Continue reading Praying When Hate or Trials Get in the Way