I recently discovered that I have a significant gluten intolerance. I’ve suffered with a variety of strange ailments over the last few years, most of which I have associated with my low thyroid condition. However, some symptoms actually seemed to be completely antithetical to hypothyroid. As I’ve read about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I’ve learned many experts…
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Have you ever experienced God’s perfect peace? That sense of calm and security that is completely inexplicable in the midst of life’s chaotic circumstances? Have you ever wondered how you can even be upright in light…
God is the giver of peace. It’s throughout scripture. When we focus our minds on Him, we are covered with His perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 When we take our concerns to Him in prayer with thanksgiving, His peace that surpasses understanding will guard our hearts and mind. Philippians 4:6-7 Jesus is called the Prince of…
Throughout my years of writing about divorce, I have advocated for men and women who have found themselves in toxic and destructive marriages. Since I write from a Christian perspective, I often find people holding to the sanctity of marriage. I have no problem with that. I am a firm believer in one man, one…
Change. Change is an essential part of the Christian life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. But, what does that change look like? Have you ever known someone who says the right things, maybe even does…
It’s been six years. This weekend, September 2, Roy and I will celebrate six years of marriage. Six years of changes. Six years of blending two very different families. Six years of learning and growing. Six years of experiencing God’s redemption. Don’t let me fool you. It hasn’t been six years of wedded bliss. It’s…
What’s your rescue story? I have heard so many rescue stories over my lifetime. Stories of rescue from the grips of drug addiction and alcohol. Stories of marriages rescued from the brink of divorce. Stories of miraculous births after infertility. Stories of healing that can only be explained as a miracle of God. But I’ve…
“Are you truly happy?” That was the question posed to me earlier this week in a conversation with a friend facing divorce after a decades-long marriage. It’s the fear of the unknown that creates so much anxiety, even when the marriage was unbelievably difficult, fraught with betrayal and pain of the deepest kind. Will I…
Every year, Life.Church has a special series in July called At the Movies. Each location goes all out, choosing a movie theme and decorating the lobby with incredible scenes from memorable movies. Pastor Craig Groeschel chooses a movie each week, shows clips from the movies, and then brings biblical lessons from the movie. (I highly encourage…
Stuff. I have a lot of stuff. To truly understand how much stuff I have, I need to go back about 15 years. You see, when I walked through my divorce, I was living about 15 miles from where I am now. My parents lived about 100 miles away with my then 98-year-old grandpa. My…
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Sunday morning, we had a rousing and somewhat uncomfortable conversation in Sunday School. Before we even started our lesson, the topic of the Southern…
Deconstructing Christianity. It seems to be all the rage these days, outspoken individuals raised in the church who are sharing their stories. Telling of how they have left the faith. Discussing the disappointments of unanswered prayers. Sharing how they have been disillusioned by their upbringing. I listen intently, inquisitively. Many of these individuals have faced…