Is it in your default to think of God as Someone who is waiting to hammer you for messing up? If you …
Is it in your default to think of God as Someone who is waiting to hammer you for messing up? If you …
If you’re feeling frightened or uneasy about the future, I understand. In an election year, when you may feel your vote doesn’t …
If you grew up with a great dad, God blessed you with a glimpse of what life with your heavenly Father can …
I wouldnāt be surprised if by now in your walk with God youāve heard at least one person say, āI have a …
Are you wondering why God isn’t answering a particular prayer of yours? Maybe He seems silent and youāre wondering why you should …
I had just returned from a 10-day trip to North Africa with my family. I had heavy jet lag and a week …
Identity is a big deal lately. So are labels we give ourselves. Years ago, we despised labels. They were synonymous with a …
Do you know what it’s like to ask God for something and to keep waiting for an answer? It’s difficult to imagine …
In this new year, Iāve been asking God for more of Him and less of me. More of His wisdom. Less of …
You might be hearing it in songs or on people’s lips:Ā Ā “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But what if you’re …
It happens. What youād been hoping for, praying for, and in some cases even planning for, has resulted in disappointment. And if …
I recently had cause for worry. And even fear! My sister noticed a lump in my neck that an ultrasound shortly after …
There is a lot that can cause you to fear your future these days. But Godās steady assurances in His Word can …
Are you feeling uncertain, anxious, and even fearful about the future? When it comes to the nationās economy, the housing market, gas …
Have you ever said something with a pure heart and were criticized by another believer who didnāt understand or just appeared to …
No one welcomes hardships. They hurt. And they can negatively impact our relationship with God and others. But, they can also refine …
Easter isnāt just a one-day-a-year celebration. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead gives us extraordinary hope to live every day …
I recently gave you some prayers that can help stop negative thoughts before they have a chance to take hold of your …
Are negative thoughts sabotaging your day by dictating to you what to fear and how to feel? Donāt let them have their …
You may have searched for itāI know I have. But perfect love does not exist this side of heaven.Ā Nevertheless, you and I …
Would you like to improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health this year? Try journaling what you are struggling with, topics youāre …
Stressāwhether itās physical, emotional, relational, or financialācan take its toll on any of us. But you can stay healthier this year if …
Are you struggling with motivation this time of year? Is it taking all youāve got to just face whatās on your to-do …
If youāll be having your grown children around your table this Thanksgiving you may want to be aware of some things that …
Are you ever accused of embarrassing your children? Iām not talking about embarrassing middle-school or high school-age children. All we have to …
If I pay too much attention to what’s happening in this world, it could make me crazy. Can you relate? While gas …
I recently shared with you three ways we can put Jesus on the throne, instead of āworshiping a golden calf.ā This week, …
Do you ever wonder why we do the things we do? And yet, we’re not so different from the Israelites who did …
We live in a time when itās finally politically correct to empower women. But how we do it makes all the difference …
Itās popular today to talk of harnessing your inner strength, displaying your power as a woman, and living from your authentic self. …
Itās rare, but wonderful, for a woman to be able to say āI grew up with a loving father.āIf you grew up …
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, āFor everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.āAs the season of summer …
Itās easy to feel on the edge these days — whether weāre watching the news and becoming frustrated or just living with …
Have you noticed that itās May? The flowers are out, the birds are singing, and Spring is in the air. And Spring …
Itās one thing to be disappointed in someone.But it’s even more hurtful, at times, when someone else is disappointed in you.And yet, …
Do you ever feel like youāve completely blown it with God? As if Heās thinking Iāve had it. Iāve given you enough …
If youāre like me, youād rather just sleep in every morning ā especially after losing an hour through Daylight Savings Time. But …
I found myself worrying about finances yesterday. I hate it when I do that. I certainly know better. God has always provided …
Having trouble with friends, family, or other relationships?None of us gets it right every time. But it helps to have some guidelines …
Tension is real. Baggage is destructive. And relationships can be outright difficult. But, itās possible to improve every one of your relationships …
Do you ever just want to start over?Itās a good thing that the God of Heaven is a God of fresh starts …
When it comes to prayers are yours all about you and your desires, or all about God and His worthiness to be …
What percentage of your life is made up of worship? One day out of your week? A fraction of a day, perhaps? …
I know what youāre thinking. We all had great expectations for the year 2020 and look what happened! Then when we rang …
On Sunday, we sang a song at church about the “overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.” Have you thought about that lately? …
Are you asking God for something and you feel He hasnāt come through?Weekly I receive emails from women who have consistently asked …
Donāt you wish you had an attitude of gratitude every day, and not just at Thanksgiving? I know I do. But sometimes …
Do you feel like God is ignoring you because others around you are enjoying Godās blessing and it looks like youāre being …
Do you sometimes cower at your circumstances, wondering why your faith isnāt up for the task?How much faith we have is directly …
Faith is like a muscle in our bodies. We are given all we will ever need at the point of our salvation. …
I recently learned something about myself — and my Savior — from my black cat, Mowgli.Each morning after exercising, I will ask …
Last week I wrote about three lies we tend to believe about God that keep us from enjoying a more intimate relationship …
What are you believing about God that isnāt true? And is it holding you back from a more intimate and enjoyable relationship …
When you think of abused women you might not think they are sitting in church next to you, or in front of …
Admit it. Youād enjoy more rest in your life, you just donāt know how to get it. Do you realize God would enjoy more …
Wouldnāt it be nice to not be so busy?Talk to most believers and you will find their lives are marked by busyness. …
Letās admit it. We know weāre not supposed to worry and yet we do.We worry about finances, our health, and the health …
I know what youāre thinking: So many things to pray for and so little time. Perhaps youāve kept a prayer journal, prayed for …
Do you have children or grandchildren who arenāt excited about Gods Word? Thatās normal, you might think.Ā The Bible is difficult for even adults …
Are you feeling drained, depressed, unmotivated? Thatās understandable. This past year could do that to anyone. In fact, most women I talk …
If youāre like most people you are probably familiar with Psalm 23, which speaks of how the Lord is our Good Shepherd. …
Last week I gave you four ways to notice God is right next to you. But the list goes on. Here are …
Do you sometimes feel like God is far away? Heartbreak, struggles, unanswered prayer, or just filling your schedule with everything but Him can …
Do you have a favorite song that has helped you through a relationship breakup or a challenging season of life?Songs can penetrate …
God doesnāt have favoritesā¦right? That would seem impartial or unfair. And yet, look through Scripture and youāll find ordinary people whom God …
In this time of confusion, division, and sometimes hate or indifference, are others seeing Jesus in you? In my last blog, I gave …
Now more than ever, others need to see Jesus in us. Not the Jesus the media portrays. Not the Jesus that others …
Having trouble sleeping due to all thatās on your mind and heart? Whether youāre lying awake at night due to job loss, tight …
Would you like to fall more in love with Jesus in 2021? It happens by falling in love with His Word. And …
Do you find you are overly focused on spending money at this time of year?Ā My writing client, Donna Wright, just released a …
Around Thanksgiving itās ingrained in us to think of our blessings, and focus on what we have, rather than what we lack. …
Are you on the edge of your seat regarding your health, the election, your finances, or your future? Donāt worry. Godās got this. …
There are lot of situations that can cause us to worry right now. Pandemic. Sinking economy. Volatile election year. In fact, if you …
My husband and I were running on a local trail recently. As we increased our speed up a hill, an older man …
After watching the Presidential election debate last week my heart dropped. With a sickened feeling in my stomach I prayed, “Come quickly, …
I was struck this morning at how badly our country needs prayer, how much our leaders need prayer, and how my own …
Iāll admit it. I’ve been ragging on 2020. Who hasn’t? Worst year ever! I mean, could things get any worse? And then Psalm …
What are you waiting for God to accomplish in your life? We often quote Psalm 37:4 as our āguaranteeā that God is going …
During a worldwide pandemic we often think of the need for physical healing. But God is the One who can heal EVERY …
Do you need to experience peace right now in a world that feels like it’s falling apart? The prescription ā or antidote …
In a world of pain, pandemic, fear, anxiety, political divisiveness, racial tensions, and shaming every time we turn around, how do you …
As parents, none of us want to hear that our grown children have suffered pain. Especially if we were the cause of …
If youāre like most women, you often feel stuck in the trap of comparison. But my friend and writing client, Julie Pearson, …
It happened.Ā This week I snapped about COVID-19 and the resulting cruddy condition of this world.Ā Iād been staying positive for months. Iād been …
Itās happening daily. Itās the volatile, divisive world weāre living in right now. A personal accusation, a misunderstanding, careless words, or an action …
Satan wants nothing more than to enter certain areas of your life so he can gain a stronghold. Heāll try anything to …
Do you struggle to understand your Bible? Or are you one who simply waits for someone else — like your Pastor or …
Itās easy to gripe right now about everything I donāt like about this world pandemic. But this week I decided to focus on …
On Sunday afternoon I was walking a neighborhood trail and enjoying the beauty of the sunshine, the clear blue skies, and the …
How are you doing while being holed up in your home? Iāve been encouraged by seeing so many people rise above this …
I know life has turned upside down for you. You canāt attend church. You canāt go to your health club or meet …
Recently, Iād been shaking my head at the fear and panic Iāve seen that surrounds the Coronavirus outbreak. Lines wrapped around the …
What a crazy week itās been. Fear. Panic. Hoarding of toilet paper. Cancelled flights (I had one of those!) and cancellation of …
Last week I gave you Four Ways to Trust God When Money is Tight. This week I want to give you four …
Wouldnāt it be nice if having a relationship with God meant never having to worry about money again? Actually, thatās possible. But not …
In a perfect world, your boyfriend or husband would know instinctively how to love you in a way that meets your needs. In …
Did you survive Valentineās Day focusing on the true love of your life? Last week I gave you four ways Jesus is …
As Valentineās Day approaches, it can be a lonely time if you’re single, divorced, widowed, or often disappointed from unmet expectations. So, I …
Let me introduce you to my friend, Lorraine BossĆ©-Smith, whom I met years ago when I worked at a health club. Lorraine …
Last week I gave you five prayers to help you maintain hope when life throws a curveball. Here are 5 more prayers …
Could you use some hope in the middle of a mess right now? Life often doesnāt go as planned, does it? And …
Have you thought about your priorities in this new decade? Are you planning to put your family first, get out of debt, …
How can you and I be extra selfless during a time when it’s so easy to be selfish? Nearly every ad on …
It feels good to be all about us, doesn’t it? Especially when everyone else is, too. But when Jesus told His followers to …
As the busiest time of the year approaches, Iām sure youāre finding thereās still too much to do and only one of …
Does the Bible sound foreign to you, at times? Would you like to understand it more and even study it? Iāve been …
Have you ever wondered how you might spend money differently if God wrote your shopping list? In other words, what if we …
Itās that time of year again when thereās too much to do and thereās only one of you. Ā If the responsibilities are mounting …
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog called 5 Simple Ways to Let Others See Christ in Your Life. Based on …
Do you find that you have more questions than answers when you read the Bible? Do you wish there was someone there …
Do you know what it’s like to wait for something? My friend, Author Janet Thompson, lends some encouragement that will help you …
I know that you and I would like to think others see only the best in us. But honestly, others see whomever …
I know this thought must cross your mind from time to time. If God knows everything and if He’s going to do …
What are the three most powerful words you can think of? I love you? I see you? I trust you? How about …
Summer is almost over. Would you like to spend the rest of it growing closer to the Lord? How about taking a …
After giving you 10 women of the Bible NOT to be like, my friend — Author Kathy Collard Miller — guest blogs …
I learned during my teen years that if you donāt have the proper role models in front of you, you have to …
When it comes to the women we model our lives after, who are your heroines? Actresses? Models? Outspoken women fighting for a womanās …
Do you ever wonder why God isn’t giving you “success”? This morning I read this from Proverbs 2:7: “He holds success in …
āDoesnāt God want me to succeed?ā I canāt tell you how many times Iāve heard that question ā or lament ā after someone …
Do you ever have one of those weeks ā or months ā when it seems like God isnāt around? When it seems …
Iāve been hearing a lot about āself loveā lately. Everywhere I turn, I see articles like “10 Powerful Ways to Practice Self …
Do you consider yourself a healthy, happy person? How about one or the other? My friend, Sally Nance, has a new ebook …
Are disappointments and dashed dreams causing you to struggle with believing God is good? Last week I helped you answer the question “Is …
Youāve probably heard it said a thousand times — “God is good.” Yet one good look at the pain and suffering in …
Is it really possible to “capture” the heart of God? After all, He loves all of us, right? And Scripture says God …
For all of my readers who are now grandmothers, I want to encourage you in how you can help your grown daughter …
Last week I gave you āFive Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life.ā This week I want to touch on five …
Are you feeling āskipped overā when it comes to Godās blessings in your life? Sometimes itās easy to feel neglected when we look …
Is your faith on a steady course or could you be in danger of shipwreck? Scripture warns us of the possibility of being …
Could you use a reminder of God’s presence, a whisper of His love, a comforting reassurance that He has not forgotten you? …
Do you ever just need to reconnect with God, remind yourself of the truth of Who He is, or reignite your personal …
While looking for ways to change up my devotional time with God recently, I dusted off an old hymnal (that was published …
Do you ever think about what God is writing about YOUR life in the eternal realm? I had the opportunity to talk …
Do you still have questions for God? There are many things we will never understand this side of heaven, yet our inquiring …
We often have questions of God. Questions like: Where are you? Why did You allow this? and What kind of good can come out …
Have you experienced the heartache of losing someone you love? What about a personal dread or agony of wishing you didnāt have …
Several years ago, I heard a wise person pray, āBreak my heart, God, with what breaks Yours.ā Iāve never forgotten that prayer …
Have you ever wondered if God can really hear you? All I ever do is listen to other people.Ā Can you relate? As …
Are you ever accused of being critical when you don’t think you are?That happened to me recently. My grown daughter was telling …
How is your time with God going in this new year? If you’d like to give it a boost, I have added …
Would you like this new year to be a better, more thriving year with God? It can be if you learn to …
Are you experiencing a sense of loss at this time of year when everyone else seems to be celebrating? The Christmas season can …
Wouldn’t this be a great time to let others see Jesus in your life? Ā Especially at this time of year when so …
Do you need a mentor to help you through life’s transitions? Or would you like to be that woman who helps a …
I’m often asked how one can be thankful at this time of Ā year when struggling with pain, heartache, and disappointment. If that …
I heard my pastor say recently that, as humans, “we are as porous as sponges.” “We are so vulnerable to whatever will …
This week, author, blogger and parenting expert Sarah Hamaker shares with my readers how you can connect — and stay connected — …
If you’re still feeling like God has forgotten you, here’s some hope. Last week I shared with you what God was teaching …
Are you going through a disappointing time right now? I know what that’s like. I got my hopes up about something, was …
I recently posted a blog called “Stop Believing You Can Never Change.” This week, Author Debbie Taylor Williams shares her guest blog …
Are you letting your past mistakes define you? Do you find yourself believing that you will always be a certain way? Iāll …
None of us wants to break our children’s hearts. Yet, sometimes we do without even realizing it. This week, my friend, Lori …
How we love to claim the promises of God in Scripture! They give us hope, comfort, and renewed strength. Yet sometimes we …
Monday marked my husband’s and my thirtieth wedding anniversary. Thirty years! I’d love to tell you it’s been one long honeymoon. But …
That’s a pretty big claim, isn’t it? That just three truths can change your life for the better? But seriously. The people …
Are you one to crumble at lifeās circumstances? Or do you allow them to make you stronger? When life brings something painful …
I Ā recently wrote an article called “Is God Really Good?” Of course He is! But sometimes we question His goodness when we …
No one wants to be a people pleaser. But could you be one without even realizing it? I was. Until I realized …
Would you like to spend this summer growing closer to the Lord, experiencing His presence, falling in love with His Word again? …
I know youāve asked yourself ā or someone else ā this question. In the past couple months, I’ve run a couple guest …
Are the circumstances of life robbing you of true joy and contentment? Then my friend, Diane Markins, has some encouraging words for …
If you have wounds in your life because of a less-than-perfect father you are not alone. Through the years, Iāve heard stories …
I’ve heard it said that feelings arenāt bad or good, theyāre simply yours. But I happen to believe that what we consider …
I know how you feel. There are so many things for you to do in so little time. Kids are pulling at …
Can you say you are completely content with your life? Your relationships? Your job? If not, you can be. My friend — …
Do you know what it’s like to be married but feel “miles apart” from your husband? How about the feeling that there’s …
Yes, there are days parenting can be frustrating. And yes, Iāve had those moments ā especially during my daughter’s Ā pre-teen years ā …
Do you and I need a support system while going through life’s changes? Absolutely. For years, I’ve talked about how we each …
Are you believing debilitating lies without even realizing it? I wasn’t aware that I was until I read Leviticus 5 the other …
Are you loving Jesus as much today as the first day you decided to follow Him? I first decided to follow Jesus …
Do you ever find yourself frustrated by life’s circumstances? The Bible has a general “reap what you sow” message, but sometimes we …
Is there a widening gap in your marriage? One that you arenāt sure how to bridge? What about the emotional gap with …
Are you at risk of losing your effectiveness as a child of God? How can we do that? you might ask. I …
Last week, I gave you 5 Simple Steps to Leave Your Pain in the Past. This week I'm offering you 5 more ways to help you overcome the deep-seated hurts in your life. (And No. 2 just might surprise you...especially if it's the reason you have not been able to move forward out of your past pain.) From my book, When a Woman Overcomes Life's Hurts, here are 5 more steps toward healing and wholeness so you can move on from the baggage in your past
Every person who walks planet earth has been wounded. Some more than others. And pain has a way of sticking with us …
I’ll never forget the day I was cleaning through my top dresser drawer and found a treasure. I almost threw out the …
Do you ever panic when your situation looks bleak, thinking God has forgotten you? It’s human nature, I’m sure, to fear the …
Imagine, Ā you and I can bring glory to the God of this universe…and benefit from it, too. And if we don’t, God …
If youāre like me, you constantly wonder what more you should be doing for your children. Am I giving them enough of …
What do you do to instill confidence in your life? Read a good book? Take a course in self-confidence? Brush up on …
Have you experienced circumstances lately that threaten to darken your outlook on life? Are you struggling with a health problem? A tight …
Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? Why do we DO that? If youāre like me, you donāt intentionally play the comparison …
If you’re like most people, you have lots of Ā WHY questions for God. I have had them, too. Why am I going …
Are you tired of pursuing something only to find it always eludes you? It might be your approach. For instance, are you …
Are you tired of pursuing something only to find it always eludes you? It might be your approach. For instance, are you …
What fear seems overwhelming to you right now? A situation that your child is in? Something God is calling you to do? …
Every time I write a book about something, God makes sure I learn it first. So what was my lesson behind writing …
Sally Nance, whose blog is The Healthy Happy Woman, is my guest blogger this week. Here are her thoughts on how to …
Have you ever considered that some of the drama in your life could actually be God’s deliverance from something worse? I mean, …
Admit it. Youād like to be one of those couples that prays together daily, conducts family devotions regularly, and models to others …
I had the privilege of being interviewed by Marnie Swedberg on her radio show just recently. Spending an hour talking about Drama …
I don’t believe any of us sets out to experience drama on a daily basis. Many times it just happens. But you …
What would you say if your child told you that he or she was gay? Maybe you havenāt experienced that but a …
What do you fear more than God? It’s very possible that is what is causing you drama. For instance, I was recently …
Leave it to my friend, Arlene Pellicane, to find a positive example of drama. I asked the popular author and speaker to …
If youāre like me, youāve often said ā or thought ā I donāt do drama. Yet, as much as you and I …
Would you like to be done with the drama? Me too. Admit it. Youāve said (or at least thought) Iām done with …
Iām no stranger to drama. I wish that werenāt so. I wish I could tell you that there has never been a …
Oh how we love whining! I donāt think any of us sets out to make a habit of whining. But it sure …
What stresses you out? Work? Finances? Your children? Tax time? What about a project you are working on that doesnāt appear to …
Are you tired of the hateful language on television and social media lately? It isnāt coming just from unbelievers. Itās coming from those who follow Christ, too. My friend, Dawn Marie Wilson, has a heart to see women live more godly lives. As my guest blogger today, she offers simple ways we can stand out amidst the hostility and be a more compassionate, yet effective, communicator. Dawn says: āI believe every one of us can become a more compassionate communicator." Here are Dawn's 8 ways we can learn to express ourselves in a more compassionate manner: 1. We can learn to be SENSITIVE. We must be sensitive to differences. God designed a beautiful āgardenā of people. Some are āroses,ā some are ādaisies,ā and some are awesome medicinal āweedsā! Is a rose better than a weed just because we think itās so? God is the Potter and we are His clay (Isaiah 64:8). Every person is beautiful and valuableācreated in Godās image (Genesis 1:27). Instead of trying to ignore our differences, we can develop deeper appreciation for them. We can love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Being sensitive doesnāt mean we have to agree with everything; we can learn to disagree agreeably. Sensitivity is simply the capacity to be aware of differences and the needs of others. Thatās something we all can cultivate. 2. We can show RESPECT.
If you are dreading Valentineās Day you are not alone. Every year I talk with women, read loads of emails, and even …
Why Donāt We Pray More Specifically? In this two-minute video clip from a recent conference, I share what I learned about praying …
As I prepare to launch my new book Drama Free, I asked my friend, Shelley Hendrix to share what was on her …
Do you struggle with confidence, significance, or feeling loved? Or do you know a woman who does? Godās Word is full of …
About 16 months ago I posted a blog calledĀ “5 Things God Will Never Say as You Hand Him Your Concerns.” You …
Do you ever feel like God isnāt answering your prayers? I heard from a reader recently who asked āHow long am I …
Do you know what it’s like to feel disappointed in God? Youāve prayed. Youāve been faithful and obedient. Youāve sincerely wanted Godās …
In my last blog I asked you what you want more of. I told you I want more of Jesus and less …
What do you want more of? Have you thought of that lately? You and I live in a society where we are …
Focus on the facts of Who God is, and not your feelings and fears, and you can gain the energy to get through your day.
Do you ever feel guilty about pursuing a dream God has placed upon your heart? Iāve heard women say things like āWho …
Are you someone who is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Do you find it's easier to expect the worst than the best? Do you find yourself fearful that God won't really come through for you?
As women, our fears range from living out our lives alone, to not being able to have children, to losing our jobs or homes or someone close to us. Often, our fears are rooted in a misunderstanding of who God really is. Depending on your upbringing, you may see God as the One who seeks to pay you back for mistakes you've made in the past. Or, maybe you see Him as One who will think good and hard before coming to your aid when you find you are in need. But God isn't an angry god with a vengeance to get back at you. He's the God who loves you and wants your love and trust in return.
Hebrews 11:6 says: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV, emphasis added).
God wants your faith -- not your fear -- that He really can come through for you. But in order to have faith in Him, you must know who He is and be convinced He's trustworthy. So let me give you two steps that will help you get to know -- and love -- this God you no longer need to fear.
Thereās a reason you and I struggle with forgiveness. But I donāt think itās because of how deeply weāve been wounded by …
Have you found yourself wondering if God was ever going to answer your prayer? My friend, Author and Speaker Donna Jones, shares …
There are a few situations in my life right now that could really stress me out. My husband is waiting to hear about three different job opportunities, and to be honest, he needs at least two of the three!
Now, I can pull out my hair, and lose sleep at night, and keep calculating what we'll do if he doesn't get any of those jobs. Or, I can realize it is ludicrous for me to worry that God isn't aware, or doesn't care, or won't provide for us in time.
I choose to not be ludicrous. So I thought of five good reasons not to worry about that or anything we tend to worry about. Those five good reasons come down to five things you and I will never hear God say as we hand Him our worries and concerns.
So here they are. You never have to fear any of these responses when you trust God with what is on your heart:
I thought it was time to put together a list of the 10 best (and most challenging) books I’ve read in the …
Slavery is not something of the past. It still happens in this country and even in our local communities. I asked my friend, Peggy Sue Wells, to share on my blog this week what is on her heart. As you read her shocking and heartbreaking story, be asking yourself what YOU can do to stamp out slavery in your corner of the world. "Twelve-year-old Carrie was a smart girl taking classes for gifted and talented students. One day as she walked home from middle school, a man in a fancy car drove up beside her and told her she was pretty. Though she didnāt tell her parents about him, every day for six months he met her after school and they talked. He bought her small gifts and made her feel special. After six months she finally agreed to get into his car. When the door shut, Carrieās life changed forever. Her boyfriend drove her far from home and took away her identity. For the next five years, he prostituted Carrie to more than 100 men each month. Taken from state to state, there was no place for her to run, and she was without hope for rescue. Though Carrie was a United States citizen, in the land of liberty she was no longer free. This all-American pre-teen was a slave. (To read more of this blog click on the "Read More" button below)
Do you ever get ā or give ā ābiblical adviceā that isnāt actually from the Bible?
My guess is that it happens more times than you realize because there are so many secular sayings that sound like theyāre from the Bible when they, in fact, are not.
To help you be able to discern the real stuff from the imposter, here are three āversesā that are often quoted as if theyāre from Scripture when in fact, they are actually contrary to the truth found in Godās Word:
Got stress? It seems to be our constant companion in this life. In fact, stress is trying to be a companion of mine as I write my next book, Drama Free. So, I asked my friend Sally Nance -- who writes a wonderful blog called The Healthy Happy Woman -- to share some practical ways that you and I can stress less. I'm already trying a few of these as I struggle with deadline pressure and they are really helping. So, as I get back to my book-writing deadline, here are some words from Sally that just might change YOUR life, too:
Want to drop a few pounds, find more energy, enjoy life,Ā and live a little longer? The secret is to keep moving. …
Every week for the past ten years, I’ve received at least one or two emails asking me for marriage or relationship advice. …
Before my daughter, Dana. started work at DisneylandĀ she had to take a class called āTraditions.ā In this class, Disney employees (called …
Is Our Culture Forsaking God? Sadly, the answer to that question is “Yes.” That’s what my friend, Janet Thompson, says. She is …
I think it’s natural for us to feel alone as women. You and I have burdens we carry — emotionally and spiritually. …
This morning I found myself focusing on what I donāt have. I hate it when I do that. I have been given …
Are you a worrier or a warrior? A worrier is one who tries to fight her own battles of fear, insecurity, and …
I’d love to give you ten minutes of encouragement on how you can be a worry-free mom. And if you don’t have …
Iāll admit it. Iāve said the words aloud or thought them many times. And Iām guessing you have, too. Theyāre two of …
There are three things I could really worry and stress about right now. And yet, I’m choosing not to. Here are the …
Do you ever worry about finding someone? Keeping someone? Marrying someone? As Valentineās Day approaches, you or someone you know might be …
What if I told you that breaking the worry habit is easier than you think? Here are some simple ways to apply the Bible's instruction to our life to worry about nothing, pray about everything, and experience God's peace in return.
Iām tired of sweating the small stuff. And stressing about the large stuff. And worrying about whatever is in between. So, now …
You hear it every year (at least I hope you do!). You might have called it āThe Story of Baby Jesusā when …
Are you dreading the holidays because of all there is to do? Or all you have to buy? Or all there is …
Itās that time of year againā¦the time of year that stresses your schedule, stretches your patience, and drains your finances. About now …
Do you remember what it was like to be in love with God? Do you remember having a passion for Him? It …
As the busyness increases this time of year it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, isn’t it? You and I have so much to …
Do you, too, need more of Jesus and less of yourself? As I was focusing this past week on wanting more of …
Today I got to thinking about a concept: More Jesus, less selfie. It goes against everything that’s modeled to us in this …
I’m guessing you could use some rest and relief — right now! But taking a vacation or getting a massage or spending …
There’s no magic formula for staying hopeful. But I’m convinced there is One who instills hope in us during even the most …
I wonder how often you and I have received God’s touch, but we never knew it was Him. In response to my …
Could you use some tips for more effectively hearing God’s voice? This week I asked Author Leighann McCoy to share her insights …
Are you considering leaving your church? If so, I want to give you a few things to think about. If you’re leaving …
Do you hear God’s voice? Or can you say you even know how to listen for Him? Much confusion exists today about …
Would you like to be a happier mom? I’ve asked my friend, Arlene Pellicane, to give you some insights from her wonderful …
“Where is God when it hurts?” “Doesn’t He care?” “Why would He let this happen?” Those are questions I often hear from …
I started thinking today about divine desires. Do my desires truly please God? Are they from Him? Or are they too much …
Have you ever wondered what to do when peace seems elusive? Three women emailed me recently to ask how they can find …
Itās been one of those weeks. A week in which I had to choose joy. A week in which it seemed like …
Are you trying to change your husband?Are you thinking you’d be happier married to someone else? Are you just falling out of …
Are you feeling spiritually dry? Do you need to recharge your spiritual battery? A reader recently emailed and said: “I feel so …
Are you struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you but hasn’t shown any signs of remorse? In my ongoing blog series …
Are you wondering how to recapture your husband’s heart? In my ongoing blog series “Questions Women Ask,” one reader wrote: “I want …
Do you ever feel like your pastor is blowing you off? Maybe you just feel like he doesn’t greet you or treat …
Do you ever feel like you’re losing your son? Here is a question I received recently in my ongoing blog series on …
What does a wife do when her husband cheats? That was the most frequently asked question I received last week since …
What if the man you are longing for loves someone else? I am dedicating the next few weeks on my blog to …
Do you know what it’s like to experience God as your hiding place? For years, one of my favorite verses in Scripture …
It is quite popular these days to be on a search to find yourself. To pull away from friends, family and the …
Do you ever feel intimidated as a parent? If so you’re not alone. I’m now a featured blogger at First Corinthians 13 …
Are you ready for 4Ā more things you never have to worry about? I asked you last week to let me know …
Did you know there are at least 7 things we never need to worry about? ‘ As Iāve grown older, Iāve made …
A few years ago my husband and I came up with a list of 15 Things You’ll Never Hear God Say. It …
Do you know the God of religion or relationship? I re-discovered something precious in the Word of God this morning. I was …
Do you ever think about the kind of legacy you will one day leave? Now that I’m older (I hit half a …
If God is saying “no” to your prayers for a child, I can understand if Mother’s Day hurts. I remember the hurt …
Do you have thatĀ inconsolable longing to be truly and deeply known? As a young wife and mom, I copied a verse …
Has anyone ever tried to give you advice from God? We all need people in our lives to encourage us with Scripture …
Do you ever find yourself questioning God? Why now, God? Couldn’t You have waited another week or so? Why her, Lord? Couldn’t …
Are you a wounded woman or a warrior woman? I can help you become the latter. While I was writing my book, …
Now that Spring is here, it’s time for make-overs, do-overs and new beginnings. Could you use one of those? There are days …
Do you want to see growth in your marriage? Once a month I try to encourage my blog readers who are married. …
I got cut off on the road the other day by an inconsiderate driver. I found myself saying aloud “I didn’t deserve …
Have you ever had a God encounter? Let me rephrase that question. Have you ever had a week in which it seemed …
My 3-year-old nephew, Escher, was praying for our breakfast just as we were about to go into Disneyland. “Dear Disneyland Jesus, Thank …
What are you and IĀ teaching our children about how to develop healthy and lasting relationships? I asked my friend, Lori WildenbergĀ …
What seems impossible that you are waiting upon God to accomplish? A raise at work? A life partner? A baby in your …
Have you ever thought about what kind of Valentine’s Day card you might pick out for God? I got to thinking about …
Are you wondering why God won’t answer a particular prayer of yours? A question I’ve been hearing a lot lately is “Why …
Does getting older bother you? It never used to bother me. Until yesterday. I turned 50. And I think I’m beginning to …
What are you doing to cultivate a closer connection with your spouse this year? Every January I write new goals for the …
These are the questions that burned on the hearts of my readers this past year: How do I know if that open …
Do you have a plan for growing spiritually in the next 12 months? I had to start writing out a plan every …
Are you dreaming of something you’d like to see happen in this next year? Ā I hope so. To have something to look …
Do you have lofty expectations this Christmas? I hear from many women who fear the family won’t get along or their husband …
It’s easy to be a woman on the edge at Christmas. After all, there’s so much to do,Ā and so much toĀ buy,Ā and …
Admit it. You at one time believed God brought you and your husband together. That’s what you told others. And that’s why …
Every week I receive an email from another woman who is frustrated with her husband. Every week I read exasperated words like …
With the holidays coming, it’s easy to get stressed, so all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than …
How healthy are you going into this holiday season? While you can try to steer clear of germs, pump up the …
In 20 years of ministering to women, I’ve received hundreds of letters and emails telling me about a woman’s unique marital struggles. …
I remember the day marriage finally made sense to me. I was flying to a speaking engagement and complaining to God …
Hugh was ticking me off. I didn’t realize when he opened the restaurant door for me and I walked in, that …
When was the last time you really splurged on your spouse? We don’t seem to have a problem splurging on our …
Go ahead. Admit it. Your marriage isn’t everything you expected it to be, is it? But that’s okay. That doesn’t mean …
When I started dating Hugh, my youth pastor ā a longtime friend of Hugh’s ā pulled me aside and felt he …
Hugh and I were going through the mail together when he held up an envelope and my heart nearly stopped. “Superior …
Having a difficult time getting your husband in the mood? Sometimes he simply needs a boost. A boost to his ego …
As women, we long to be pursued. We were made that way. It’s natural for us, then, as wives to want …
If I asked you “What makes your husband feel loved?” would you be able to tell me? As I interviewed hundreds …
I was once a wife who was quick to point out my husband’s faults. Quick to let him know when he …
Do you ever feel threatened by your husband’s dreams? As I was writing my book, When a Woman Inspires Her Husband, …
As I was writing my book, When a Woman Inspires Her Husband, I discovered that a man expresses his heart in …
I once heard a disgruntled wife say she thought Valentine’s Day was hypocritical. “Why can’t he just treat me that special …
Whether he's failing, in her eyes, to be the "spiritual head of the household" or just not appearing to want to take the lead in parenting, budgeting, or planning the family vacations, many wives believe their husbands are passive.
Young girls swoon today over the music, looks, and happenings of the popular British Boy Band, One Direction. But what if I told you that you could compete for that kind of influence in your daughter's life?
Our daughters watch us, look to us for what they need, and often imitate both our weaknesses and our strengths. So being aware of what they most need can help us focus on getting them through their teen and young adult years.
While going through my daughter's backpack when she was in second grade, I found a paper on which she had written her spelling words for the week. I was pleased to see an "A" for correct spelling and grammar.
For some children, it's obvious what their calling is. They come out of the womb, it seems, with big plans of what they want to accomplish with their lives. For most, however, it can be a mystery - a secret worth pulling out of them.
Every day that your daughter lives and breathes is a special day for the two of you to make a memory. But some memories the two of you make together will no doubt stand out more than others. Through the years, I've noticed that the special dates I planned with or for my daughter were among the memories she cherished the most.
Why do I have to feel so alone, God? I prayed. I can't live in this silence! Can't he come home once in a while and talk about how he feels? Or better yet, can't he come home and be willing to listen to how I feel? Where are his words of encouragement for me?
Early on in her marriage, Jennifer realized her struggle was not with her husband, but "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"
There are powerful stories in the Bible about women who were alone in worship. One of them was Hannah, the mother of Samuel. She knew well what it meant to worship alone, pray alone, and carry burdens on her heart alone.
If you're single and hoping for a spiritual partner in life, or married but not on the same page spiritually with your husband, chances are you feel you "walk alone" in your spiritual life. But you aren't alone. Throughout time, countless women have walked alone, spiritually. And you're in good company.
I knew I should be salt and light to a dying world. But I preferred to be around the Christian crowd, living a separated life far from those people who were so different from me. "I want to minister among Christian women," I told the Lord one day. "Preaching to pagans is not for me."
Jesus told us to forget ourselves and focus on a life given over to Him. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it."
Can we meet some time and talk?” Heather asked as I was packing up my teaching materials after the Bible study. …
Jesus' advice in Matthew 6 was more practical than I realized. To store up treasures in heaven rather than in my home means I never have to worry that they'll break or be stolen or destroyed. And treasures in heaven will greet me someday when I arrive; my trinkets on earth will not.
I just want to go somewhere far away, I found myself thinking. I am not appreciated. I am not feeling respected or supported. I am not feeling understood or loved. (Now did you notice how many times I used the word "feeling" and how many times I used the pronoun I? We get that way when we're on the edge.)
Our heart is closely attuned to our bank balance, rather than our life's balance. Yet God instructs us in Colossians 3:1-2: "set your hearts on things above." If our priorities were in heaven, not on this earth, we would not only be happier and healthier, but less financially drained and emotionally spent.
We want that so much that it drives us to the edge when aspects of our life seem out of control. Now that we are living in a sin-stained world, life this side of heaven will never be completely under control, and working harmoniously.
Is God withholding something from your life? If so, it could be that He is preparing you for ministry - a ministry that will turn the bitter areas of your life into a blessing...What are you still waiting for God to bring about in your life?
God speaks in various ways by the Holy Spirit to those in relationship with Him ā through His Word (the Bible), through prayer (and what He lays on our hearts to pray for), through circumstances in our life, and through the church (godly advice from believers).
How many times have you sensed a voice telling you to do something but you considered it a distraction? Maybe other times you've felt the inkling to do something, but brushed it off as silly or too elemental to be the voice of God.
“Why did I have to hurt like this?” It’s a question we often ask to try to make sense of God …
It may be easy for you to believe that God didn't care about you and that's why you've experienced pain in your life. But a closer examination of the Bible tells us that God is intimately acquainted with the events of our lives.
Hurtful times are opportunities to grow closer to God. Tell Him you're ready to see what He wants you to see and to know Him in the way that He desires. By doing this you are placing yourself in the position where He can teach you what He wants you to learn.
I remember waiting upon God for a second child and wondering if He was even there during that struggle. But now I realize - 20 years later and still no second child - that God knew what He was doing all along. He did hear my prayers. He did see my tears. And He had a better plan.
God not only sees your tears, but His Word says He collects them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8, NASB). He is mindful of all that is on our hearts and all He wants to do in our lives to bring about His desired purposes.
Whether I was trying to get a book published, trying to have a child, or trying to pry open a door of opportunity, every time I received a "no" I later learned what God was really saying was "Wait - I have something far better for you than you thought to ask for."
Sometimes...we don't feel God's love... We feel only the sting of an insult, the ache of loneliness, the pain of an unhealed wound. We feel rejection in relationships ā or lack of them. And we feel the isolation that comes from longing for something more.
With tears in her eyes, Janie recounted the last thing her husband told her before she left the house for the weekend. āHe said āWhen you figure out how I can meet all your emotional needs, let me know.āā His comment cut deep into her heart. And it still hurt.
Whether it be from the pain of rejection, the sting of betrayal, loneliness in your marriage, the ache of an addiction, or even the loss of a job or dream, we can begin sinking down into a dark, slimy pit and before long we're wondering if we'll ever be able to crawl back out.
As Valentineās Day approaches, this is often a time when women find themselves longing for more. Whether your husband appears inattentive to your needs, your boyfriend appears uninterested, or you donāt have a man in your life at all, this is actually the time to celebrate what you do have.
Do you ever stumble upon something from years ago and find that it still touches you today? I recently found an oldĀ …
I recently lay on my side in a dermatologist’s office as she cut a football-shaped incision into the back of my shoulder …
It’s probably the one question I hear women ask more than any other. It is likely the biggest area of frustration for …
Do you ever worry that you aren’t growing enough, spiritually? And should it be something you worry about? One of my …
When my friend sent me a text upon learning her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, I was surprised — yet encouraged …
As I’ve grown older, I’ve made it a point to not waste a day worrying about something I can’t control. I wish …
Are you feeling today that there is just too much to do? I remember a time in my life when I felt …
You are not alone when you feel discouraged because it seems like God isn’t answering your prayers. Even if it appears that …
My daughter, Dana, turned 22 recently. She’s at the beginning of a life journey that I am more than half-way through. She …
I recently posted a devotional on the Proverbs 31 Ministries site and received about 900 comments from women, most of them with …
Why even pray if it seems like God’s not there? Do you ever find yourself thinking that? I know what it’s like …
This week my husband and I will celebrate 26 years of marriage. More than two decades ago, we told each other “I …
This morning I have a special treat for you. I’d like to invite you to join me at Proverbs 31 Ministries …
My readers often ask me where I get the inspiration to write my books. Truth be told, God has to deal with …
I’m a firm believer that God knows exactly what He’s doing when He says “no” to our prayers, when He seems to …
Do you know what it’s like to ask God for something and to keep receiving a “no”? I do. Whether I was …
When life gets messy, it’s easy to get stressed. Or angry. Or bitter. But most of the time we’re in the middle …
Admit it, there are parts of the Bible that are difficult to digest. Certain words sting and can cause us to question …
You, too, may have heard it all your life. God is in complete control of everything. But, oh how that rubs when …
I’m sure you’ve heard some of these well-intentioned comments: “At least you have a husband.” “At least you already have a child.” …
Where is God in the story of your life? collecting your tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). recording every detail in His …
AreĀ you tired of living on a battlefield? Does it seem like every time you turn around there’s an argument brewing? As …
Is your husband drawn to you like a magnet? That can be wonderful until you’re stumbling over him at every turn!Ā My …
Do you find it difficult to say “no” when an opportunity comes your way or someone asks you to do something? Well, …
Have you ever been told your dream is unrealistic or too far-fetched? Has anyone ever implied that you have been shooting too …
I remember the days when I felt completely worthless as a mom. It was during my daughter’s teenage years when I was …
I remember feeling very discouraged that I would never be able to live my dream. My husband, a young Bible college graduate, …
Do you feel you can never achieve your dream because of your past mistakes? Whenever women tell me they don’t deserve to …
Did you love doing something as a child until someone else, perhaps unintentionally, killed that dream in your heart? Were you at …
Would you classify yourself as a dreamer? Or a realist? You can be both. But don’t cheat yourself out of dreaming. I …
Are you living out your dream? For years, when I would ask women that question, I would often get a blank stare …
Are you feeling dragged down by the negativity around you? Maybe it’s the critical comments you hear others making at work. Maybe …
Last week we looked at the first two (of five)Ā things a mom never needs to worry about:Ā her child’s friendships, and …
It happened. My daughter, a recent college graduate, Ā moved in to her apartment an hour away from home and started her first …
It happens to all of us at one time or another. You’re plugging along, doing just fine, and then it happens. Paralysis. …
My daughter was only 2 years old when she first verbally expressed love and understanding for her Daddy. Little Dana was watching …
I understand if you’re not looking forward to Valentine’s Day. If you’re single you might not want to be reminded that you’re …
I celebrated my 49th birthday this week. Notice I said “celebrated”– not “shrugged at.” Ok, originally, my thought was that 49 doesn’t …
Are you raising a child in a spiritually mismatched marriage? My friend, Lynn Donovan,Ā shares some powerful encouragement as my guest blogger …
Are you in a place where you are second-guessing God? How often we go to the Creator and Sustainer of Life and …
Have you ever found yourself wondering Why doesn’t God speak to me? Many of us talk to the Lord and just want …
Do you have a plan for growing spiritually in the next 12 months? I had to start making a plan every January …
Wouldn’t it be nice if life consisted only of pleasant surprises, not the disappointing ones? The other day I received news that …
Do you ever feel desperate when it comes to parenting? Rhonda and I know how you feel. We each have had our …
Are you ready to hear God’s whispers on your heart? Chances are He is already whispering. You and I just need to …
These are hard times. Iām reminded of it every time I have to put gas in my car, or the grocery bill …
My husband and I were reflecting recently about the ways people can let us down and even the way we let each …
My husband and I were reflecting recently about the ways people can let us down and even the way we let each …
Have you ever wondered how to inspire your husband and draw his heart closer to yours? Do you ever feel like you …
Hugh and I recently spent an afternoon with Dr. James Dobson. He had invited us to his Family Talk offices and radio …
Try This Remedy When Youāre Running on Empty If youāre like most women, chances are you often feel like youāre running on empty. And the problem is that chocolate, bubble baths, a shopping trip to the mall, or a long massage are only temporary āfixes.ā
Ever wonder why moms and daughters tend to clash? If they’re alike they can butt heads. If they’re different,Ā they can misunderstand …
Ever wonder why moms and daughters tend to clash? If they’re alike they can butt heads. If they’re different,Ā they can misunderstand …
At the conclusion of nearly every radio interview I’ve done thus far on the topic of my newest book, When a Mom …
I received an email from a reader that broke my heart. She has been betrayed multiple times in her marriage and asked …
Some children come out of the womb, it seems, with big plans of what they want to accomplish with their lives. For …
As I surveyed daughters, ages 15-45 for my book, When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter, Ā I found that, overall, a daughter needs …
Are you struggling with motivation today? Is it taking all youāve got to just face whatās on your to-do list? I remember waking up one morning and thinking āI donāt feel like getting out of bed. I donāt feel like doing all that I have to do today.
Ā Ā Ā While going through my daughter’s backpack when she was in the second grade, I found a paper on which she had …
A mom starts out as the single most influential voice in her daughter’s life. Until the day her daughter might decide to …
After sharing with you last week what I’ve learned from my daughter in 21 years of parenting her, I asked many of …
My daughter, Dana, turned 21 on Sunday. Could it really have been that long since I heard her piercing scream and was …
The problem is we can be as stressed and busy as we let ourselves become. Most of the time stress rears its ugly head in my life when Iāve taken on too many commitments that are not within the realm of my dream and purpose.
Have you ever asked if it was time to let go of your marriage? After writing a post on what I’ve learned …
Today is my 25th wedding anniversary.Ā And after 25 years with the same man, IĀ can honestly say that marriage is one …
Are you struggling to know if an open door is from God? Just because an opportunity presents itself, doesn’t necessarily mean it …
Are you willing to walk through that open door? Life is full of uncertainty.Ā But life is also full of doors that …
My daughter, Dana, Ā recently returned from Kosovo, a 5-year-old European country just above Greece, where the sentiment for America is strong. But …
A mother of three young children, who works part-time, Ā told me this past week that she wrestles with guilt feelings that she’s …
These are stressful times we live in. But that doesn’t mean we have to fall apart as a result. Everywhere I turn …
Do you ever have one of those moments when a truthĀ stops you dead in your tracks and makes you think Wow….I …
I know how you feel. Life seems to be going in a million different directions. There are so many things for you to do in so little time. Kids are pulling at you or your job is pushing you. I, too, know what itās like to feel like youāre running on empty.
Yesterday morning I interviewed a woman for my upcoming book, When God Sees Your Tears. Amanda is one who has experienced many …
Do you ever feel that God is ignoring you? I’ve had quite a few emails lately from women asking me why God …
After my post last week — reminding you that you have a Father in Heaven who invites you to call Him “Daddy” …
Every year around Father’s Day I get emails from women about their fathers.Ā They felt either abandonment, rejection, abuse, or indifference from …
A woman named Peggy recently wrote and said: “I would like to knowĀ how to keep my focus on God and walk …
We all know of people who claim to be followers of Christ but don’t seem to live it. And you’re not alone …
Do you ever wonder if you and your family members are susceptible to certain sins because they seem to repeat themselves in …
Would you say your relationship with your Mom is as good as the relationship you have — or hope to have — …
In my weekly blog series on “Answering Life’s Tough Questions,” Charity asked: How do you let go of the fear and …
Do you ever wonder about your purpose, especially when life is not going according to plan? Jeannette emailed me recently and said: …
A married mom of two daughters, ages 2 and 6 months, asked me for advice on those days when she has a …
āI discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.ā (First Corinthians 9:27) Believe it or not, one …
Have you noticed how draining negativity can be? That’s why it’s important for you to keep positive…by keeping positive people around you. …
Do you ever feel like giving up? I know I do. But that is usually when I’m focused on my feelings, …
Call it my “dysfunction” but I used to try to please everyone around me. Life is less stressful, I thought, if everyone …
Ever have one of those mini-vacations where you take a couple days to sit by the hotel pool, or enjoy a stay …
I’d like to say that every morning at the crack of dawn I am assuming this position (at left) and starting my …
Are you struggling with motivation today? Is it taking all youāve got to just face whatās on your to-do list? Whether you’re …
I know how you feel. Life seems to be going in a million different directions. There are so many things for you …
As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you sensing the hesitancy? Are you tired of looking through cards that don’t reflect what your dating …
If God called us to live safe, manageable lives, and to do only what we could in our own power, then we …
I believe God’s specific calling on your life can be closely related to a dream you’ve always had. That’s because when God …
If you struggle with wondering what your purpose or calling is, think about ways you can put God on display. Ephesians 2:10 …
As you face a new year, can you confidently say you are living out God’s calling on your life? Or can you …
Among my Jazzercise friends, the saying in JanuaryĀ is “Happy New Rear!” It’s our way of affirming to each other our fitness …
I’ve never had more of a potential for stress than this holiday season. Since I put off my November 1st book deadline …
It’s natural for us to feel like we’re running on empty as the holidays approach. I remember waking up one morning, about …
As the holidays approach, you might already be feeling like a woman on the edge. We can feel edgy because there’s much …
Are you one of those women who gets stressed out at Christmastime? If so, you’re not alone. But regardless of the reasons …
I got to thinking about how Thanksgiving might be much more meaningful this year if I focused on thanking God for the …
Do you ever feel that you’re not doing enough to please God? I recently asked a group of women how their spiritual …
There are two kinds of women in this world: Those who have been hurt and continue to feel hurt,Ā and those who …
Ā Women ask me, on a regular basis, “How can I know God’s will for me?” I love when they ask that question, …
Ā Women ask me, on a regular basis, “How can I know God’s will for me?” I love when they ask that question, …
Are you struggling with how to forgive your offender? After 20 years of counseling women, I’ve discovered the main reason a woman …
Having faced rejection from an abusive father, abandonment from an abusive husband, and then betrayal by a boyfriend she thought was the …
Having faced rejection from an abusive father, abandonment from an abusive husband, and then betrayal by a boyfriend she thought was the …
I tend to be a control freak. I don’t mean to be. It just happens. I want things my way and in …
I tend to be a control freak. I don’t mean to be. It just happens. I want things my way and in …
Do you see yourself according to how your past mistakes have defined you? Do you find yourself believing that you will always …
Are you one of those people who believes you’ve done something that God could never forgive? It took my friend, Jean, about …
Are you one of those people who believes you’ve done something that God could never forgive? It took my friend, Jean, about …
I’ve heard many women, through the years, tell me their story of pain and frustration and ask “Where was God, anyway?” “How …
Have you ever found yourselfĀ askingĀ Why did I have to hurt like this? It’s a question Sharon has often asked, while trying …
Listen to Cindi’s recent interview on “The Debbie Chavez Show.” Cindi shares how to uproot faulty thinking, so you can move from …
If you’ve ever found yourself saying “This wasn’t supposed to happen” I know how you feel. I heard myself saying that at …
When I started writing my eleventh book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, I figured I’dĀ overcome most of the baggage from my …
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