More than a few Christians I’ve talked to over the years have struggled with understanding just what is truly asked of us when we’re called to “praise” or “worship” God. When the Bible tells us we’ll be worshiping God to the ages of the ages, does that meant just one giant Hillsong concert in Heaven? […]
Sometimes, I seriously wish I could eat a whole bucket of sugary chocolate desserts and have them just affect my tastebuds—not my pancreas or my stomach or my brain, who don’t handle sugar super well. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome if we could pick and choose what parts of our body are affected by the […]
When I was in sixth grade—the only year I went to public school—I earned an award in my Language Arts class. It was called the Edger Allen Poe Award for Excellence, and it was given to the most promising young writer in the grade. In the eyes of most, it probably wasn’t the most prestigious […]
As I write this blog, I’m sitting in a coffee shop, watching the people around me while I type (one of my eeriest off-putting talents). Being the only coffee joint in my small town, this place tends to attract all types—particularly after schools let out. There’s quite the variety of patrons in the afternoon hours, […]
Deep within the human heart, there is an intrinsic desire to be seen, to be known, and to be loved. We crave intimacy—“into-me-see”—and seek it out it in many places, including friendship, family, romantic, and spousal relationships. Just as few things are as rewarding as emotional and heartfelt intimacy with those we hold dear, few […]
When I was growing up, I had a slew of friendships in which I, quite frankly, submitted to a plethora of verbal abuses from other children. No matter what names I was called or what snide remarks came my way, I just took it. I remember my mom calling out one of these instances, to […]
Happy New Year! The beginning of every year is the time when the world seems to unite around one word: “resolutions.” With the start of another circle around the sun comes the feeling of turning over a new leaf; anything is possible, and many people feel empowered, even invincible, to tackle goals that even one […]
Despite a lifelong fascination with the beauty of the flora God has provided for us to tend and enjoy, I have never considered myself a gardener. I have a bit of a black thumb—meaning most of the flowerpots I receive will be dead inside a month, no matter how meticulously I water them. I suppose […]
With Christmas just a few days away, the mood among many Christians I’ve spoken to is polarized. Among those who recognize and celebrate this holiday, are those abounding in joy and excitement, what most people call “the Christmas spirit.” And then there are those who are “not really feeling it.” Those who are stressed, overwhelmed, […]
Have you ever felt like there was a particular subject God was pressing you to take notice of? A topic that just came up over and over in a myriad of ways? For me lately, it’s been prayer. I feel like God has been encouraging me to pray more; to make prayer my default when […]