Recently, I shared my heart with a small group of trusted friends. I told them how I felt discouraged in several different areas of my life, and was in a slump I couldn’t seem to shake. My family life, writing, and friendships were all under attack, and I needed affirmation that I wasn’t alone. Each of these women understood, and committed to praying for me. None of them shamed me, but bolstered me up with words of encouragement. Have you ever been there? One day your family and relationships Continue Reading
If You’ve Ever Thought God Speaks to Others But Not to You
I longed for the confidence my friend had. God spoke to her and her husband, and her family took a huge leap of faith. They knew God was leading them in a specific direction, and it was beautiful to watch. While I was happy for them, I also wondered why it seemed like I’d hit a lull in my own spiritual life. Every time I came to God, my prayers felt static. Where excitement and new adventure had once been, I faced discouragement and doubt about God’s guidance. I found myself wondering, "Why does Continue Reading
Hope for When Your Prayers for Protection Aren’t Answered
I read the text over and over again, hoping the words would somehow change. But they didn’t. It was the third time my husband and I had heard this dreaded word during the past year. This word we wanted to wish away: cancer. This time it was my father-in-law, and while we didn’t know the details yet, we knew surgery was imminent. If you ask any parent what their daily prayers include, most of them would name protection as part of the list. Protection of their kids is first and foremost, but Continue Reading