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Pure Words from a Pure Heart
Articles to strengthen your faith and personal vignettes to inspire your journey.
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The Fire of God
When it comes to the fire, we can do one of two things: We can either RECEIVE it or REJECT it. However we respond to it determines how difficult this will be for us. By willingly receiving God's fire and cooperating with His sanctifying grace, we yield ourselves to God's process and stay submitted to Him. On the other hand, if we choose to reject the purifying work of God's fire, we are actually fighting against the Spirit of God and resisting Him! That's not a good place to be in, because the Bible tells us that God resists the proud -- or those that resist Him. The way will be very difficult and destructive for those who choose not to surrender to God's purifying process.
Kingdom Conversations
If you were to take a walk around your town, sit in your local coffee shop, eat out at your favorite restaurant, and even meet up with church friends, chances are the conversations will touch and linger on the many pressing current events. But the Bible instructs believers to keep their conversation focused on something else entirely—God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
On Grief and Loss: My First Experience Cleaning Out a Loved One's Home
For those of you who have never cleaned out a loved one's home after their passing, let me tell you--it's both physically laborious and emotionally gut-wrenching. It's a sacred and intimate experience that not only honors the deceased and supports the closest family relatives in a practical and meaningful way, but it also helps to process the personal work of grief.
Hearing Wisdom’s Voice Above It All
The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom, but only those who know what wisdom looks like and sounds like will ever be able to find her or know what to do once they’ve encountered her. If we want to successfully locate wisdom and engage her, then we need to know her. We need to understand how she functions, what she looks like, what she says, and how to respond to her. Only then will we be able to hear her voice above the crowds.
The Spoils of Victory
When we put on the full armor of God, stand our ground, and resist the devil in faith, we have the assurance of victory. And with that glorious victory comes an even greater spoil!
Financial Success
To help you prepare for long-term financial success, I've listed three valuable Biblical principles that are vital to your financial health and wellbeing. Take a moment to let these truths sink in and adjust where necessary. We are all a work in progress, and it is my hope you grow right along with me!
Five Secrets to a Flourishing Home
A godly home that flourishes doesn’t come automatically. Here are five principles that will unleash God’s power and cause your home to flourish and abound.
Come & Listen
During all the hustle and bustle of the morning’s preparations for the day, I asked Jeff to sit with me for a minute to listen to one of our favorite songs from our wedding season. In that moment, we both were forced to stop and reflect…and listen to the rhythm of grace flowing in our lives. Now, I invite you as a guest of honor to come and listen to what the Lord has done for me and for us.
Four Life Lessons from Ezra the Scribe
Although Ezra retains a special place in my heart because of his writing gift, it is his love for God’s Word that trumps all of his accomplishments. Because he greatly honored God’s commands, he found favor with both God and men and became a highly influential leader in his time.
5 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband
Although respect can be communicated a thousand different ways, I have discovered a few important ones that have empowered my husband and nurtured our marriage. I trust these five tips for communicating respect to your spouse will also help you speak the language of respect more fluently in your home.
Our Urban Garden: Replanting & Rebuilding - A Reminder from My Lilac Bush
The Bible reveals to us there are appointed seasons and times in life. And just like the lilac bush represents—after long winter seasons of dormancy and pruning—there eventually comes a resurrection and rebirth. It’s the season for new life!
Our Urban Garden: The Water of the Word
Hydrangeas constantly need a delicate balance of water and sunlight for sustained and healthy growth. Similarly, we as believers must be constantly watered by God’s Word in order to flourish. As we stay connected to the Vine and keep our hearts full of Truth, we will blossom through every season of life.
Our Urban Garden: The Birth of a New Adventure
Newly married and enchanted by love blossoming all around us, we ventured out into the fragrant and delightful world of gardening. What first began as a little project to enjoy together during our first spring as husband and wife has turned into an annual adventure full of profound spiritual lessons and sweet simple pleasures.
What to Do While Waiting: A Valentine’s Day Special for Singles
If the desire of your heart is to one day be married, I encourage you to hang on to that dream. Trust God with your heart, pray for your future spouse, and rejoice that God is answering your prayers. As you maintain an attitude of faith and expectancy, God will bring His absolute best to you!