Summer is a crazy season of sunning and running, right? We go from beach to pool (if we're lucky), or we're toting the winter coat to our freezing office space and dreaming about going from the beach to the pool. The kids are out of school and we're either loving all this homework-free time or we're crying over the piles of junk they leave in every room they occupy. But despite all the sunshine ... View Post
Is God Pleased with You?
This morning, curled up in the corner of my usual quiet-time space, my workbook to Beth Moore’s The Quest Bible Study open on my lap, a question sprung off the page and stumped me: Do you struggle to imagine God smiling on you? I thought about it, took a sip of my warm vanilla coffee, and wrote down my honest answer. Dutifully, I kept going, and read Exodus 33. Moses and God are having a ... View Post
If you want the church to change, go and be the church
When was the last time you were involved in a heated discussion about the church? Maybe it was about your home church and something that drives you crazy. Or maybe some “crazy Christian” made a comment that offended you and a discussion ensued about how “the church” is a hot mess. I’ve witnessed and been a part of lengthy debates regarding the church. These discussions have been regarding the ... View Post
Waiting in the Womb: How God Births Miracles from the Barren
In Genesis we are introduced to Sarah, who becomes the mother of all Israel. With her begins God's promise that someday Abraham's descendants will outnumber the stars in the sky. God's promise to Abraham can't work without a womb. And the woman whose womb He has been chosen is barren. Sarah is beyond middle age when the promise is first spoken, and twenty-five years later when the promise ... View Post
The Busy Believer’s Guide to Bible Binging
I wasn’t always a Bible Binger. I used to open the Bible, slide my fingers across the silky pages and get ready to be transformed. I’d read a few words, maybe a chapter, and – BOOM – bored. So I’d put it back on the shelf and go back to trying to be a good Christian, even with the nagging feeling I was missing something. You know the feeling, like you should be doing something… That feeling ... View Post
When Jesus Came to Christmas
We are gathered in the quiet early morning amidst twinkles and tinsel. My boys are running in elated circles as I drink my coffee with half-opened eyes and gift tape still stuck to my pajamas from late-night wrapping. What would Christmas morning be like without coffee? I wonder. And then I take another sip. Because clearly that’s the question of a woman who hasn’t had enough caffeine. The boys ... View Post
Erin’s Book Nook: The Faith Girlz Backpack Bible
If you have a tween girl, her shopping list is likely the length of your arm. And chances are, the idea of most of her wish list items gives your wallet anxiety: Apple Watches, iPhones, makeup from Sephora, or trendy clothes with so little fabric you can't fathom how the price tag can be so high. Amen? Well, here's another idea for you! The Follow Your Heart Faith Girlz Backpack Bible is just a ... View Post
What Skinny Jeans Taught Me About Confessing Our Sins
My husband and I lead a marriage small group at our church. The topic of marriage, the importance of it to the Kingdom of God, and all the challenges that come with it, are close to our heart. I’ve written numerous times about our imperfect marriage. Our marriage is imperfect because we are imperfect. In fact, a statement of our imperfection might be an understatement. Let’s just say we’re daily ... View Post
Waiting on the Promise
Have you ever felt as though God has given you a promise? I’m talking about a whisper in your spirit, a prophecy, or a vision so incredible and fleeting you think surely you’ve been drinking too many lattes. I have. September of 2016 marked the beginning of a season of great communication and whispered promises between the Lord and me. It began with an entertainment fast (that means no TV or ... View Post