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Unlikely Heroes of the Bible: God Uses Imperfect People
I recently met a younger friend for coffee, and we caught up on the past few months. Since I’d last seen her, she’d surrendered her life to Christ, and the transformation was beautiful. She was also having trouble forgiving herself for the decisions she made when she wasn’t walking with Christ. As I reflected on the conversation, I was reminded of the many unlikely heroes of the Bible. These people didn’t appear to be qualified to lead others. But God doesn’t choose those who are wise and strong according to worldly standards. He chooses the weak. He chooses sinful people who know they need a Savior and are willing to…
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8 Prayers for Strength and Patience in Difficult Times
I marvel at the almost-winter moon, a silvery second-light casting soft shadows on the wall. I’m restless tonight, unable to sleep, and I take the advice of a friend, using these quiet hours to seek God. On this night, I mostly pray prayers for strength and patience as we press into the long, winter months to come. Prayers for Strength and Patience At various times in our lives, we all need to pursue God for strength while we push through difficult times. If this resonates with you, here are some prayers for strength and patience. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent…
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15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord
The tulip poplar leaves are just beginning to emerge like tiny hands waving at the cobalt sky. For six fleeting months, they will greet the dawn with their flapping waves as if they’re living to the full. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the season of life looks like. I pull out my Bible in search of refreshing Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s…
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Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Insights for Peace
We walk to the hill where the fir and spruce trees mingle in a dozen shades of emerald. Within minutes, the youngest falls into the thorny branches of a hawthorn crabapple, and the oldest is tangled in a knot of burdock. What was supposed to be fun has become an exercise in managing holiday stress. I take a deep breath and remind myself that this moment doesn’t have to be perfect. Later in the day, after the tree is wired to the wall in the corner of the living room, I take some time to sort through the ways I plan to manage stress through this Christmas season. Perhaps these…
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A Free Advent Devotional for Less Stress and Deeper Peace
Two years ago, I released an Advent devotional aimed at helping others slow down and experience deeper peace throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. This year, for a limited time, I’m offering this eBook for free. Below, you’ll find an excerpt from the devotional. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for your free Advent devotional! Still My Soul: A Free Advent Devotional for Deeper Peace I sit with the dawn and let my thoughts gather. The grey morning light washes away the night, and the thin air is embroidered with a crimson cardinal’s song. My mind is scattered, and I feel like I’ve been stretched…
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7 Prayers of Thanksgiving for Even the Toughest Days
We awoke to a periwinkle drizzle, tears of firmament clinging to spruce boughs and unadorned oak branches. As I watched the day begin, I focused on prayers of Thanksgiving, fixing my eyes on what was true, lovely, right, pure, and good. As always, the practice of giving thanks shifted my mood. After spending a few minutes in gratitude, the tone for the day had been set. 7 Prayers of Thanksgiving Gratitude is powerful for all of us. Let’s take some time to pray with thanksgiving and watch this practice transform our hearts. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent devotional to…
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15 Bible Verses for a Struggling Marriage
Even the strongest marriages go through difficult times. When these times come, our marriages need secure anchors to hold us through the storms of life. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses for a struggling marriage. Bible Verses for a Struggling Marriage I invite you to meditate on these words and apply them to your marriage. God is a God of restoration and healing, and nothing is too hard for him. If you are in an abusive marriage, seek help. Do not continue in the pattern of abuse. There is a time to set boundaries and walk away. If your marriage is simply going through a difficult stretch, ask God to…
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8 Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times
Instead of sitting in my usual chair beside the window, I recently went to the porch at daybreak. Something about being immersed in the morning light felt nothing short of redemptive. Opening my journal, I was reminded of a different season. The page offered prayers for hope in difficult times. Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times We’re not in the middle of a crisis right now, but as I read the prayers from years ago, was filled with hope for the long winter months ahead. Perhaps you need hope today as well. If so, here are eight prayers of hope to encourage you. Be sure to read to the end…
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10 Prayers of Praise to Lift Your Head
A white moon washes the forest in waves of pellucid light, a benediction. I went to the woods to ground myself. As the light fades, I realize I’ve stayed longer than planned. Closing my eyes in the moonlight, I turn to God with prayers of praise in hopes that he might lift my head. When life is challenging, turning to God in praise can help us rise above our circumstances. This doesn’t mean we ignore our emotions; rather, we process them in God’s presence. After we have sorted through these feelings, we anchor ourselves to God. One way to secure this anchor is through praise. If you need God to…
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Finding Joy in the Lord: 9 Biblical Tips
I’m bent over an industrial meat slicer—not thinking a thing in the world about finding joy in the Lord—when a phrase comes to mind: “Why do we often have to lose what we have to appreciate it?” I’m 21 years old, and I’m far from my home in Pennsylvania. I’m working in a deli in the middle of Alaska, saving money for next year’s college expenses, and hiking every time I get a free hour. I love Alaska. The view of endless mountains intrigues me. I love to watch the fireweed dance beneath the midnight sun and sit by the river that flows grey with glacial silt. This place meets…
