Spiritual Growth
- Favorite Quotes, Knowing God's Will, Lament, Lessons, Spiritual Growth, Struggle and Loss, Test, Trial, Waiting
Turning What Ifs Into Even Ifs
As I’ve continued my Titus Bible study, a question was posed that stopped me in my tracks: What if we turned our “what ifs” into “even ifs”? Almost immediately, my mind went to the MercyMe song “Even If.” If I’m honest, I found myself quietly singing some of the lyrics as I sat with that question. I’ve loved that song since the first time I heard it, but I needed the reminder it offers—a call back to standing firmly on its message: “I know You’re able and I know You can save through the fire with Your mighty hand, but even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.” If…
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Beginning the Year With Open Hands
Like so many others, the beginning of a new year brings a time of assessment and renewed focus—especially in my walk with Christ. During this season, I find myself particularly sensitive to how the Holy Spirit speaks and gently reveals areas I need to consider and address. Sometimes that prompting comes through a worship song, a passage of Scripture, or a message preached. On the last Sunday of December, a guest preacher taught from Colossians 2. Paul was encouraging the church in Colossae to be unified in love and to grow in wisdom and understanding of God. He also warned them not to be deceived by the false teachings that…
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Simply Praying
Last week, on January 1, I found myself reflecting on the past year. I remembered sweet moments and hard seasons, times of questioning and wondering, and times of being settled and still. There were moments of lament and joy, anger and comfort—all woven together through the days of 2025. I imagine you experienced many of these emotions too. Several friends of mine are currently walking through extremely difficult seasons. Many of them live far away, so I can’t physically sit with them. But they are never far from my heart, and certainly never far from my prayers. I’ve committed to praying continually for them during these challenging days. My heart…
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Looking Back, Leaning Forward
This week we stand at the crossroads of the old year and the new. We look back at what is behind and wonder what lies ahead. Are you excited or fearful? Do you wish time would pause, or are you ready to rush forward into 2026? If I’m honest, my answer is “yes” to all of it at different moments. We live looking back at the first advent of Jesus while waiting for His second coming. Israel waited through 400 years of silence, wondering when the promised Messiah would come. Now we wait—without knowing when—for Jesus to return and usher in a new heaven and a new earth. My emotions…
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The Silence is Broken
Imagine how you’d feel if God stopped speaking to you. Absolute silence. Even as a dedicated follower. What if that silence lasted for a very long time? Would you start to think God had simply stopped working, that He was just idle? This is how the Jewish nation may have felt. After the prophet Malachi closed the Old Testament with his prophecy, God’s direct, prophetic voice fell silent for approximately 400 years. The next time a divine message would be given was to the priest Zechariah as he served in the Temple. Despite him and his wife, Elizabeth, being advanced in years and past the age of childbearing, God declared…
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Mary’s Example: When Calling Feels Impossible
Are you ever unsure whether you’re truly qualified to do what God has called you to do? Do you feel confident when you step out to serve Christ—whether it’s a one-time task or part of your daily calling? As I was studying Behold the Savior, a LifeWay Women Advent study, I was reminded of how Mary must have felt when the angel Gabriel announced her assignment: to give birth to the Savior of the world. We know she found peace in God’s presence, yet I can’t imagine she instantly felt “qualified.” In this day’s lesson, author Alena Pitts Franklin shared a quote that resonated deeply with me: I venture to…
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He Throws My Sin Behind
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, He Throws My Sin Behind In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where even the most steadfast people, institutions, and laws can prove fallible, what can we truly depend on? While few things are 100% reliable, the Word of God offers an unwavering anchor. Consider salvation. We often question if we’ve “done enough” to secure it. My own certainty was tested during Hurricane Sally. Amidst a night of terror, a powerful truth emerged: if we died, we’d instantly be with Jesus. That undeniable realization solidified an assurance no earthly storm could shake. There are promises you can cling to when…
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He Forgets My Sin
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, He Forgets My Sin. My best friend betrayed me and later apologized, but I could not forget what she did. Even though it’s been years, I still remember the hurt of that betrayal. It threatened to destroy our relationship. It’s understandable to carry the weight of past hurts, especially when they involve someone close. How difficult it is for us to truly forget, even when we forgive. Does God forget our sins? The answer, beautifully articulated in Jeremiah 31:34, offers incredible comfort. This prophecy speaks of a new covenant where God declares, For I will forgive their wickedness and…
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Always in a Hurry
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, Always in a Hurry. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Scottish missionary Mary Slessor said, Christ was never in a hurry. There was no rushing forward, no anticipating, no fretting over what might be. Each day’s duties were done as each day brought them, and the rest was left with God. How…
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Celebrating What God Has Done
Having just celebrated 30 years of LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, I’ve found myself deeply nostalgic these past few months. It’s been such a sweet season of remembering all the Lord has done—and continues to do—in and through the lives of women. Many may not realize that women’s ministry in the church hasn’t always looked like it does today. In many congregations, it began with a strong missions and service focus. Those early ministries were powerful, teaching us to care for missionaries, pray faithfully, give generously, and participate in missions work ourselves. But around 50 years ago, God began stirring hearts with a longing for a deeper walk with Him. Many…
