As we begin a new year, so often with new goals and hopes for change, I have good news for you! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait for your feelings or your desires to change. They aren’t in charge of what you choose to do. You are.
Tag: hope
Remember What God Has Done
What do you think about when you think of this past year? Wherever you find yourself, whether dragging your feet or rushing to start that new calendar, I’d like to encourage you. God has good planned for you, even in the bad things.
But God: a Favorite Phrase, a Shared Poem
One of my favorite phrases throughout Scripture is, "but God." Such hope in that phrase! My sin earned me death...but God. This world is full of darkness...but God. Things don't go the way I want them to...but God. Things are sometimes downright terrible...but God. I struggle and fail...but God.
Why Does Sin Earn Death?
Why is death the penalty for sin? Have you ever wondered about that? Like, why not something else? Or, even better, some might say, why not just let it go, just forgive, without requiring anything? And have you ever wondered why a “little” sin would earn death just like a “big” sin – why a moment of envy or a little white lie would get the same death penalty as murdering 1000 people in cold blood?
You’ve Got Us; Who’s Got YOU?
Click above to listen. For those who feel the burden of responsibility on your shoulders, who work so hard to love well and take care of those around you, who sacrifice and pour yourself out for others: where does *your* help come from? Or, to paraphrase Lois Lane's worthwhile question: you're holding us; who's holding… Continue reading You’ve Got Us; Who’s Got YOU?
(Bad News and) Good News for Christmas
Click above to listen. In honor of Christmas, I’d like to offer a brief summary of Christianity. There are a lot of misconceptions out there; maybe this can help clarify a bit. What do you want first, the good news or the bad news?Actually, the good news won’t make any sense unless you know the… Continue reading (Bad News and) Good News for Christmas
You Are Enough*
Click above to listen. You are enough.* You are worthy.* You are perfect just as you are.* I think people say these things to be encouraging, but honestly? It’s a huge backfire. If you’re enough, and you’re worthy, and you’re perfect, then …why do you keep messing up? Why do you make mistakes, or choose… Continue reading You Are Enough*
Appreciating Community After A Year of Covid-19
We are created to function together. Those of us who are Christ-followers are each a small but integral part of the body of Christ, meant to be working together to help each other, and to help others come to know Him.
Nativity Scenes, and Their Flaw
I love nativity scenes. I have several. They’re beautiful. I love looking at them. But, really, there’s something wrong with all of them.
An Offer of Total Satisfaction (Favorite Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-3)
Another favorite Scripture passage of mine is found in Isaiah 55. To me, this is such a beautiful picture of who God is, and what He desires for us, and what He has for those who turn to Him and follow Him. And with all the feasting imagery, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving week!
More Than This Mess 