Recently, the Lord has been impressing on me the importance of discernment–especially between that which looks good and that which is truly good: The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But, he also masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). When a roaring lion is… Read More »A Word on Discernment Between “Light” & Light
Chained to a past of mistakes. Swallowed up in shame. Shackled in regrets. Drowning in fear. Bound by too many cares of this world. Silently suffering from gaping soul wounds. Panic and anxiety always simmering just beneath that surface smile. This was my self-contained prison for many years. Trapped within the confines of my own mind, held captive by the memories that plagued my thoughts.… Read More »You Must Become Captivated to be Set Free
Over the years, the phrase “self-care” has made me cringe. I think the reason I hate it is that it’s so easy to take advantage of the concept, using it as an excuse for selfish care. Many articles and social media posts I’ve seen tout the necessity of self-care as though it’s the key to happiness! However, the methods mentioned seem superficial at best and… Read More »The Ultimate Guide to Christian Self-Care
Recently, my husband, new to the pastorate, shared his testimony with our congregation. It’s hard to sum up a life-long testimony in a couple of sessions, but he covered key seasons and life-changing lessons from his experiences. (I’m so proud of him and honored to be his wife–such an undeserved blessing, and is part of the redemption story of my testimony. But that’s a story… Read More »Christian, Would You Die for What You Believe?
A little context before sharing the word: Recently, God has been speaking to me a lot about healing from hard things. I know it’s a topic I already write about rather frequently, but lately, the Lord has shown me that it is time to step into a new area. He has been taking me deeper, revealing connections in work I’ve already done, adding essential strategies,… Read More »It Is Time To Rise Above The Pain (prophetic word)
Why do I feel empty? Why do I constantly feel like I’m missing out on something? Why do I always want more… More…but…more of…what? How is it, that in an age where we do have more of, well, everything, we feel empty, craving more of something despite the endless options spilling out of our lives in every corner? Closets brimming with clothing, shelves overflowing with… Read More »How to Stop Feeling Empty
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3, KJV If you have ever been betrayed, abused, or mistreated… If you’ve ever sat at… Read More »He Gives Beauty for Ashes
Over the last year, we have seen inflation soar and house prices drop as interest rates climb. The war between Russia and Ukraine rages on. Earthquakes continue to shake countries, and fires burn up one area while hurricanes douse another. Banks are dissolving; trains derailing. Bullets zing snuffing out little lights in a moment. Hunger devours stomaches while persecution tries to strangle souls. Headlines hauntingly… Read More »How to Stand Firm When all the World is Shaking
The heady scent of lilac always transports me to a time when all was right in my world. Their delicate fragrance immediately elicits feelings of belonging, anticipation, and love. As a little girl, I spent a good deal of time in the middle of a big hollowed-out lilac bush right next to our long sidewalk which ran from the dusty gravel drive up to… Read More »When Dreams Shatter
Parenting is a gift. Children are a blessing, no matter how they come to us, be it through foster care, adoption, or from our own bodies. Parenting is also challenging. Sometimes our children have bad days. Sometimes they have trauma tailspins that make for horrible days. Sometimes we have bad days, too. Sometimes, we get angry. Every parent has times when they get angry–parents are… Read More »How to Stop Being an Angry Parent
Our Royal Identity in The Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God is aHoly PlaceReserved for those who areSeeking His face Righteous because of theBlood of the LambReliant on Him while boldlyTaking a stand Speaking life and lightTo all who are nearSharing God’s love andPraying they’ll hear Welcoming all to surrenderTo HimInviting them intoThe Kingdom within A Kingdom where heavenAnd earth coexistA lifestyle so beautifulWho… Read More »Royal Identity