“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (NIV) The room was dark, so I lit six candles. At first, I placed them all together in one corner. The light was beautiful, but it only touched a small portion of the room. The rest remained in shadow. It […]
Spreading Out the Light Read Post »
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul compares
Don’t Give Up: Training Your Faith Like an Athlete Read Post »
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 ESV Feeling behind is part of being human. We fall behind on laundry, dishes, deadlines, and expectations. Life piles up quickly, and before we know it, we’re running in circles—busy, overwhelmed, and unsure of what needs
There is Strength in Stillness with God Read Post »
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 NIV God gently reminds us not to live chained to what has already happened. The past; whether filled with joy, regret, or pain, has no power over today unless we give it permission. Yesterday is finished, and tomorrow is still in God’s hands.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV We often hear the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” While it sounds comforting, it isn’t actually found in Scripture. What is true and far more powerful is this: God won’t give
When God’s Purpose Overrides Our Plans Read Post »
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 KJV The day warmed just enough to take the dogs for a walk in the snow. The sun shone brightly, melting the snow and ice into a muddy mess in the driveway, right where my
Footprints in the Snow: God Cleans Our “Soles” Read Post »
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 ESV Do you ever have days where everything feels impossible? Days when no matter how many steps you take forward, it feels like you’re somehow still moving backward? You pray, you try, you show
When Life Feels Impossible: Have Faith in God Read Post »
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV After a long day of moving and stacking firewood, I finally stepped into the shower to wash the day off. I remember thinking, I don’t want to go into tomorrow with today’s dirt still on me. As
Don’t Take Today’s Dirt Into Tomorrow’s Peace Read Post »
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV New beginnings often stir up a mix of excitement and fear. They invite us to step forward while still feeling the weight of
A Hope-Filled Beginning Read Post »
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 NIV Some days you spend the entire day exhausted, counting down the hours until bedtime. Yet when your head finally hits the pillow, your mind refuses to rest. Thoughts race, worries resurface, and before you know
Resting in God’s Peace Read Post »
