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7 Bible Verses About Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Another grey sky greeted us this morning. I went to the window and watched the raindrops cling to the spruce needles like tiny, translucent pearls. I was almost tempted to grumble about the rain until I looked at the rolling fields beyond the yard. Dressed in their springtime garments of young green life, the fields seemed to sing a hopeful song beneath the dripping sky. Immediately, I saw the rainy day through a different lens. Instead of complaining, I gave thanks for the promise of springtime, warmer days, and wildflowers. I was lost in my reverie when, suddenly, our 9-year-old growled loudly from his bed and awoke his little brother.…
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Being Patient and Kind When Your Plans Are Interrupted
I don’t do well with interrupted plans. I wrote the following post several years ago, but I need the reminder regularly. If you have trouble being patient and kind when your plans are interrupted, too, this is for you. I pray it blesses you. Being Patient and Kind When Your Plans Are Interrupted Morning birdsong twists through the sleepy spruce needles, and a grey squirrel carries a mouthful of leaves across the deck. I sit by the window and get lost in the scene as I read Psalms and sip black coffee. I have no idea that this morning’s quiet time is about to become a test of being patient…
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4 Ways to Begin Healing Your Relationship With Food
It’s a rainy Tuesday evening, and I gaze into the fridge with an insatiable appetite. I want to learn how to stop comfort eating and find my comfort in God, but when I’m honest about it, sugar is more palpable at the end of a long day. I’d love to find healing in my relationship with food, but I have not arrived—not by a long shot. As I stand in front of the fridge, I pray, “Lord, I need your grace. I need you to work in my life and help me break free from my pattern of escapist eating.” Healing Your Relationship With Food There are no lightning bolts…
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Overcoming Overwhelming Emotions With God’s Help
Hello! Last week, I announced the release of my new book, Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free. Today, I’m sharing another excerpt to give you a glimpse inside the book. This reading comes from a chapter about learning to overcome overwhelming emotions with God’s help. I pray it blesses you! Overcoming Overwhelming Emotions It’s an unseasonably warm December afternoon as our family trudges to the top of the hill where scotch pines and blue spruces speckle the beige backdrop of weathered goldenrod. I am fully engaged and prayerful as the sun shines warm upon our skin and a scrim of…
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Transform Your Life With These 5 Prayers for the New Year
The wind howls all day—rattling the windowpanes and nearly bending the old poplar to its breaking point. We watch through ice-glazed glass while the Christmas lights blaze white on the mantle. I have no idea that stepping into the white world is about to help me begin praying focused prayers for the New Year. “You’re not thinking of taking your daily walk today, are you, Mom?” a little voice prods. “Are you worried about me?” I ask, turning from the window where the snow is swirling in small whirlwinds across the yard. “You shouldn’t go out in this,” our young son declares protectively. “The TV said it’s 40-below zero with…
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A Free 2024 New Year Devotional to Help You Grow With God
Do you want to start 2024 by renewing your commitment to spend time with God? Like me, maybe you enjoy reading from an Advent devotional throughout December, but you hit a wall when the devotional ends. You feel a bit lost and aren’t sure what’s next. I have fantastic news. I have a free 2024 New Year devotional for you. Mornings With Jesus will help you connect with Jesus every morning for the next 31 days! Why I Wrote This New Year Devotional I spent years reading my Bible and practicing a morning devotional routine without regularly encountering God in the process. My devotional time felt more like homework than…
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The Light of the World: 7 Truths to Shine Light into Our Hearts
“Who wants to go on an adventure?” I ask the kids as we drive through farm country on a frigid Saturday afternoon. As the darkness of impending winter presses tighter, we could all use the reminder that the Light of the world has come. Two hours later, we bundle in mittens, heavy winter coats, stocking caps, and heavy boots. Perspiration beads on my forehead as I slide the final mitten over the little one’s fingers. Managing to pile out the door on the cusp of darkness, we climb into the truck and head for the Christmas light show at the local animal safari park. The questions pour from the backseat…
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Whatever Is True: Change Your Focus and Change Your Life
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8, NIV The geese are flying south again. I watch them from the yard with a grateful heart. Lilac clouds are stacked like strips of wet wool over a sinking sun, and crickets croon like they’re crying out for love. It all feels like a reminder of the importance of focusing on what is true and good in life. As I savor God’s gifts, something in me shifts. I’m pulled out of the rhythms of productivity and hurry and…
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16 Practical Ways to Keep Your Heart on Fire for God
We gathered around the campfire as fireflies illuminated the hoary breath of dusk. As I watched the flames dance, I thought about my walk of faith and felt a deep desire to fan the flame of my passion for God. I want to be a woman who is on fire for God, and when I feel the flame dwindling, I come back to today’s list of practices. On Fire for God Let’s get right to the heart of the matter today. I pray these practices will help you fan the flame, too. 16 Ways to Stay on Fire for God 1. Stay on fire for God by seeking him for…
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Showing God’s Love When People Interrupt Your Plans
Imagine you’ve reached the end of an especially grueling day. Your to-do list was long, the needs surrounding you were never-ending, and you’re exhausted. You want nothing more than a hot meal and a soft bed. The last thing you want is a lesson on showing God’s love it doesn’t come easily. You pull into your driveway expecting a quiet house; instead, you discover a relative visiting with her children. They are on their way home from vacation and are hoping to share a meal and spend the night. Regardless of how much you love your family, embracing the unexpected visit probably feels challenging. Showing God’s Love When You’re Weary The…