Before we make any changes in our life, we have to first believe that we can change. We have to believe that we can make different choices, think different things and act a different way. Without believing we can change – we will never change. For years after my Liver Transplant I felt like the … More Do you believe you can change?
Peace Being a person who is, at times, full of anxiety, fear and discontentment – there is nothing more that I long for than peace. Not just normal peace, but the peace that passes all understanding. The peace that has been promised to those who follow Jesus. Philippians 4:7 promises that “the peace of God, … More Peace
The third candle that we light during Advent is often called the “Shepard’s Candle” or the candle of Joy. During Advent we are asked to join the Shepherds as they rejoice at the arrival of the newborn king – the long promised Messiah. As we do that, we are ushered into a place of joy. … More Joy
Mary I often wonder what I would do if I were Mary. Can you imagine? When she became pregnant – the expectant mother of Jesus – she was between the ages of 12-14. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. There is a strong chance she didn’t know him very well. Arranged marriages were … More Faith
What is hope? How do we get it? As I shared last week, Advent is a season of waiting. Hope is also a central theme of Advent. We join those who waited in hope for the birth of Jesus and we are longing with hope for his second coming. Hope is a common word in … More Hope
I grew up at a church where Advent was recognized. I’m sure people explained to me what Advent is growing up, but if you asked me what it was back then I would have given you a blank stare. What is Advent outside of lighting a candle each week at church? Into my college years … More What is Advent anyway?
If you haven’t read my last post on making friends, take a pause and check it out first. As I mentioned in my last post, it can be hard to make friends at any stage in life, but I have found it especially challenging in adulthood. I’ve heard people say “I can’t make new friends, … More How do we maintain friendships?
I was talking with a friend the other day about how hard it is to make friends as an adult. In college, making friends seemed to come easy. Friendships get more tricky when you start dating someone. It can be complicated to merge two totally different friend groups. Then you get married. Is it just … More How do I make friends?
God has made it clear that He wants to speak to His people. In the Old Testament He spoke through prophets. In the New Testament He spoke through Jesus. When Jesus left this earth He left us with His Holy Spirit, who speaks to us today. So the question is, if God wants to speak … More What keeps us from hearing God’s voice?
If you read the Old Testament you don’t have to look far for an example of God speaking to His people. Not only did God speak to His people, He spoke to them in very unique ways. He guided the Israelites out of Egypt through fire and a cloud. He spoke to Moses through a … More How do I know if God is speaking to me?