“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Latest from the blog
- Soaring AboveSomething that really stood out to me, and left a lasting impact, was watching the hawks as I peered down into the canyon from the overlooks above. It was remarkable to see things the way they do, to take in their size, their beauty, and the quiet assurance in the way they moved. I rememberContinue reading “Soaring Above”
- The Mountain and the ValleyBeing on top of a mountain, looking out over the valley below, had me thinking deeply about the goodness of God. Being up there felt triumphant—like standing in a place I wasn’t sure I’d ever reach. As I looked down at the valley, it felt like I was seeing the story of how far GodContinue reading “The Mountain and the Valley”
- The Lonely BenchI took this picture during a recent nature walk, and it stands out to me every time I see it in my camera roll. This lonely bench looks so inviting, and it screams such a loud message—as though it’s saying, please come take a seat, rest, pray, cry, breathe, let it all out. It remindsContinue reading “The Lonely Bench”
- He is Enough“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”2 Corinthians 6:10 (NLT) Paul wrote this as part of a letter to the church in Corinth, where some members mocked him for his suffering, viewing his weakness as aContinue reading “He is Enough”
- My RockI often picture a vivid scene in my mind. The imagery is intense. There’s a raging storm near a lonely shore. It’s dark and bitterly cold. Barren trees cling to the ground, fighting for life against the wind. Branches snap, and debris whirls dangerously through the air. Rain lashes sideways—the kind that would sting yourContinue reading “My Rock”
- Hitting a WallWall. You’ve hit it hard—headfirst into something you can’t move past. No doors. No windows. No way through. Just cold, unyielding stone staring back at you. You can’t turn around, and forward is impossible. The air grows thin as the wall seems to draw closer and closer. You’re trapped—ensnared, smothered, stagnant. It crowds you untilContinue reading “Hitting a Wall”
- BrokenLife has a way of breaking us. Sometimes it happens suddenly; other times, it starts as a small crack that slowly deepens until it finally gives way. The plans we made, the dreams we hoped for, the people we trusted—broken, leaving us gasping for air in the wreckage. But when our hearts shatter, the presenceContinue reading “Broken”
- Squirrel in the RoadIt seems like almost every day, a squirrel darts out in front of my car while I’m driving. I’m always gripped by the anticipation of what it will do next. Most of the time, it stops in the middle of the road, hesitates, and then runs right back to where it started. Every time, IContinue reading “Squirrel in the Road”
- SunflowersSunflowers have always been one of my favorite flowers. Not only do they resemble the sun, but younger sunflowers also follow the sun through a phenomenon called heliotropism. One of the reasons they do this is to maximize photosynthesis for growth. This really got me comparing that to our relationship with God—thinking of the sunContinue reading “Sunflowers”
- The Apple of His Eye“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 17:8 (NKJV)
- The Middle SeatOnce a year, my daughters and I fly to New York to visit family. Of course, we book a row of three seats, and the prized window seat has never lost its charm after all these years. The girls take turns—one on the way there, the other on the way back—which always leaves me inContinue reading “The Middle Seat”
- LoveThis morning, I simply wanted to write about love. It’s a word we all know, but in Scripture it carries a weight far deeper than sentiment. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God, and the second is to love others. These aren’t just rules to follow—they are the heartbeat of the entire Bible.Continue reading “Love”
- A Life Lifted in Prayer“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. YourContinue reading “A Life Lifted in Prayer”
- PrayerI get asked a lot how to pray. I’ve noticed that many people are intimidated by it, which holds them back from talking to God—because that’s essentially all prayer is: a conversation with God. You may feel as if your prayers aren’t good enough, or maybe you’re just not sure what to say. You mayContinue reading “Prayer”
- Surrender“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Instead of being ruled by anxiety, Paul urges us to trade it inContinue reading “Surrender”
- Hang OnIf you’re feeling close to giving up… Remember that God delights in new beginnings. What feels like an ending to you, may be the beginning of something new that God is doing in your life. Hang on. “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?Continue reading “Hang On”
- The Lord is All We NeedWhen you’re in a season that nobody seems to understand,it can feel like your closest friends have turned into strangers. Even your own family seems blinded to your pain. It’s a lonely place where silence echoes louder than words.The ache of being unseen cuts very deep. The psalmist David knew this place well too.In PsalmContinue reading “The Lord is All We Need”
- The FightSometimes the hardest part of the fight isn’t the battle itself—it’s what we’re up against. It’s what we’re fighting for. WHO we’re fighting for. Unfortunately, we don’t physically see the spiritual realm—all we see are our struggles: bills stacking up, bank accounts being drained, the conflicts in our relationships, the anxiety that keeps us awakeContinue reading “The Fight”
- The OrdinaryOrdinary. I sort of detest that word. I’ve never felt like I was built for the ordinary. The ordinary has always felt wasteful, boring, fleeting. I see this great big world, and here I am—a little speck of nothing in my ordinary life. Those thoughts stir up some negative feelings, which always come with convictionContinue reading “The Ordinary”
- Still Small VoiceWhen starting a new endeavor or journey—in my case, biblical counseling and a stronger pursuit of writing—it’s normal to wrestle with fear, doubt, and apprehension. It’s scary to put yourself out there and chase dreams. The exposure and vulnerability can feel so overwhelming at times. You open yourself to the judgment of others—friends, family, evenContinue reading “Still Small Voice”
- Foreboding JoyDo you ever feel that when things are going well, you can’t fully enjoy them because you’re just bracing for something bad to happen and ruin it? And when things aren’t going well, does it seem as if they’ll never get better? It’s as though we rob ourselves of joy by foreboding it. Why doContinue reading “Foreboding Joy”
- Go Deeper“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.’” Luke 5:4 (NLT) The story behind this verse really makes me pause and reflect. Jesus was preaching along the shore of the Sea of Galilee when He noticed a coupleContinue reading “Go Deeper”
- HumilityWhat is humility? This world teaches us to look cool, crave the spotlight, prove ourselves, get ahead, and outshine others—but the Bible teaches us quite the opposite. It calls us to humility. It points us to Jesus—the One who humbled Himself even to the point of death. Humility is kneeling before the Lord rather thanContinue reading “Humility”
- My ConstantI was sitting in my car, waiting for my daughter to get out of a class, feeling as if I’m just not entirely sure about anything anymore. Sometimes everything seems so fragile, unsteady, and uncertain. It’s like I don’t quite know where I’m going or what I’m doing. It can leave me so uneasy. ButContinue reading “My Constant”
- ClingSometimes my writing inspiration comes from just one single word. It’s as if God plants something so simple in my mind and says, “Here—work with that. Write about that.” Today, that word is cling. It comes from my constant hunger for, and complete reliance on, Jesus. As I go through my days and my life,Continue reading “Cling”
- Running the RaceLately, I’ve really been trying to view my life as a race. It helps me stay focused, knowing Who and what I’m running for. It also helps me remember that this life is temporary and I’m only passing through.  1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us to always run as if we are striving for firstContinue reading “Running the Race”
- The Valley“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 (NKJV) When trying to envision walking through a valley, here’s what comes to mind: It’s a very low place, with rugged terrain andContinue reading “The Valley”
- Our Eyes Are On You“For we are powerless against this great multitude which is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 (AMP) I once prayed with a woman who kept crying out the words, “I just don’t know what to do” over and over again. It wasContinue reading “Our Eyes Are On You”
- AlgorithmsI was randomly thinking about how algorithms work on social media. You just keep getting more of what you give your attention to, right? If you start clicking on specific things, more of the same things will continue to show up. It made me think of our relationship with God—it only deepens as we giveContinue reading “Algorithms”
- Who Really Matters“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) This is one I feel I need to read and meditate on often lately. It’s far too easy to lose sight ofContinue reading “Who Really Matters”
- The Narrow GateChoose the narrow gate. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)Continue reading “The Narrow Gate”
- DrowningDrowning. Life can sure feel that way at times. Like you’re barely keeping your head above the water. Like you’re losing the strength to swim—to fight. Like the water is starting to make its way into your lungs and you’re gasping for air. Like you’re about to give up and you can only hope toContinue reading “Drowning”
- Broken Cisterns“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV) Jeremiah 2:13 speaks to forsaking God—the fountain of living waters, and replacing Him with carnal solutions—broken cisterns. It illustrates people turning from God to seek fulfillmentContinue reading “Broken Cisterns”
- WeaknessI woke up this morning with such a strong urge to write about weakness. I really wanted to share a word of encouragement for anyone who might be feeling weak—mainly because I was wrestling with it myself all weekend. I’ll never be ashamed to admit how weak I feel at times. To me, it onlyContinue reading “Weakness”
- Forward & UpwardI was studying at the library while I was waiting for my daughters to get out of a class. I would love to share some of my notes because they’re just so good. Psychoanalysis tells us to look inward and backward—to dig in and trace back. But God tells us to look forward and upward—lettingContinue reading “Forward & Upward”
- Beautiful and PurposefulIt’s funny how I’ll sit down in the morning with a cup of coffee, excited and ready to write, and then suddenly I’m faced with the dreaded writer’s block. It’s like my mind either goes completely blank or is too cluttered for me to focus—usually the latter. Then I’ll do something as small as justContinue reading “Beautiful and Purposeful”
- God is For YouWhen it feels like the world is against you, remember that God is still on your side. That is where your strength should come from. Romans 8:31 (NKJV) says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And Hebrews 13:6 (NLT) tells us that we can say with confidence, “The Lord is myContinue reading “God is For You”
- Spiritual Reality Check“Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” Romans 6:16 (NLT) I’m in the book of Romans a lot. Not only because it’s a personal favoriteContinue reading “Spiritual Reality Check”
- Rejoice“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) Romans 5:3-4 is yet another passage in the Bible that tells us to rejoice in our troubles. ItContinue reading “Rejoice”
- Intended For GoodI inadvertently came across this verse recently, but boy did I need to read it and share it with some others. Genesis 50:20 (NLT) – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” I sure canContinue reading “Intended For Good”
- He Will Give You RestThen Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) This is an open invitation for you to come find rest in the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s inviting you into a personal relationship with Him. He’s inviting you to comeContinue reading “He Will Give You Rest”
- Overwhelming Goodness of GodLet’s quickly talk about being overwhelmed. I’ve been feeling pretty overwhelmed lately—not so much from bad things, but just from too many things. Just a lot of stress and changes happening all at once in my life. I was just about to turn to the Bible to see what God had to say to meContinue reading “Overwhelming Goodness of God”
- Please, Lord“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses,Continue reading “Please, Lord”
- Simplicity of Christ“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) I just love this verse so much. It really speaks volumes—“the simplicity that is in Christ.” We tend to really overcomplicate religion, don’t we? AllContinue reading “Simplicity of Christ”
- Flicker of FaithI recently came across something in my counseling studies that I would love to share. Isaiah 42:3 is a messianic prophetic passage that is later fulfilled in Matthew 12:20. The NLT version reads like this: “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally He will cause justice to beContinue reading “Flicker of Faith”
- LamentingAs I was preparing for a coaching session with someone recently, I started studying laments. In the dictionary, a lament is defined as a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. In a more biblical sense, a lament is defined as a prayer in pain that leads to trust—meaning that it’s a deep and powerful expressionContinue reading “Lamenting”
- Content and HumbleVery often when I’m trying to think of what I want to write about and share next, I start with how I’m feeling. Lately, I’ve really been feeling like I just try too hard at life. It’s hard to explain exactly what I mean by that, but I guess just the sense that I tryContinue reading “Content and Humble”
- Joy in Troubles“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” JamesContinue reading “Joy in Troubles”
- Lessons in TrialsWhen you read through the Bible, you’ll notice how it doesn’t ever try to hide or downgrade the hardships and the struggles of those who are in it—rather, it magnifies them. They are continuously used as demonstrations of God’s transformative power. They display for us how God uses imperfect people in the most perfect ways.Continue reading “Lessons in Trials”
- Don’t Give UpYou are not failing, you are fighting. Every time you start to feel like you are failing—whether it’s with your emotions, your relationships, your job, your finances, your recovery, or anything that life throws at you—replace the word failing with the word fighting. You are not failing, you are fighting—and God is fighting with you.Continue reading “Don’t Give Up”
- Keep BuildingI think people often backslide or begin to lose hope in God when things aren’t going well for them. Sometimes it may feel as if God has forgotten about you, or maybe that He just doesn’t care about your situation. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “why do I keep praying and nothing changes?”Continue reading “Keep Building”
My Light for My Lord 