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’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 wouldn’t be surprised if by now in your walk with God you’ve heard at least one person say, “I have a …
Are you wondering why God isn’t answering a particular prayer of yours? Maybe He seems silent and you’re 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, I’ve 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: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But what if you’re …
It happens. What you’d 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 God’s steady assurances in His Word can …
Are you feeling uncertain, anxious, and even fearful about the future? When it comes to the nation’s economy, the housing market, gas …
Have you ever said something with a pure heart and were criticized by another believer who didn’t 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 isn’t 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? Don’t let them have their …
You may have searched for it—I know I have. But perfect love does not exist this side of heaven. 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 you’re …
Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can 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 you’ve got to just face what’s on your to-do …
If you’ll 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? I’m 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 “worshiping a golden calf.” 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 it’s finally politically correct to empower women. But how we do it makes all the difference …
It’s popular today to talk of harnessing your inner strength, displaying your power as a woman, and living from your authentic self. …
It’s rare, but wonderful, for a woman to be able to say “I grew up with a loving father.”If you grew up …
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”As the season of summer …
It’s easy to feel on the edge these days — whether we’re watching the news and becoming frustrated or just living with …
Have you noticed that it’s May? The flowers are out, the birds are singing, and Spring is in the air. And Spring …
It’s 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 you’ve completely blown it with God? As if He’s thinking I’ve had it. I’ve given you enough …
If you’re like me, you’d rather just sleep in every morning – 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, it’s possible to improve every one of your relationships …
Do you ever just want to start over?It’s 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 you’re 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 hasn’t come through?Weekly I receive emails from women who have consistently asked …
Don’t 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 God’s blessing and it looks like you’re being …
Do you sometimes cower at your circumstances, wondering why your faith isn’t 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 isn’t 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. You’d enjoy more rest in your life, you just don’t know how to get it. Do you realize God would enjoy more …
Wouldn’t it be nice to not be so busy?Talk to most believers and you will find their lives are marked by busyness. …
Let’s admit it. We know we’re not supposed to worry and yet we do.We worry about finances, our health, and the health …
I know what you’re thinking: So many things to pray for and so little time. Perhaps you’ve kept a prayer journal, prayed for …
Do you have children or grandchildren who aren’t excited about Gods Word? That’s normal, you might think. The Bible is difficult for even adults …
Are you feeling drained, depressed, unmotivated? That’s understandable. This past year could do that to anyone. In fact, most women I talk …
If you’re 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 doesn’t have favorites…right? That would seem impartial or unfair. And yet, look through Scripture and you’ll 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 that’s on your mind and heart? Whether you’re 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? My writing client, Donna Wright, just released a …
Around Thanksgiving it’s 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? Don’t worry. God’s 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 …
I’ll 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 “guarantee” 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 – 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 you’re like most women, you often feel stuck in the trap of comparison. But my friend and writing client, Julie Pearson, …
It happened. This week I snapped about COVID-19 and the resulting cruddy condition of this world. I’d been staying positive for months. I’d been …
It’s happening daily. It’s the volatile, divisive world we’re 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. He’ll try anything to …
Do you struggle to understand your Bible? Or are you one who simply waits for someone else — like your Pastor or …
It’s easy to gripe right now about everything I don’t 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? I’ve been encouraged by seeing so many people rise above this …
I know life has turned upside down for you. You can’t attend church. You can’t go to your health club or meet …
Recently, I’d been shaking my head at the fear and panic I’ve seen that surrounds the Coronavirus outbreak. Lines wrapped around the …
What a crazy week it’s 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 …
Wouldn’t it be nice if having a relationship with God meant never having to worry about money again? Actually, that’s 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 Valentine’s Day focusing on the true love of your life? Last week I gave you four ways Jesus is …
As Valentine’s 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 Bossé-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 doesn’t 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, I’m sure you’re finding there’s 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? I’ve been …
Have you ever wondered how you might spend money differently if God wrote your shopping list? In other words, what if we …
It’s that time of year again when there’s too much to do and there’s only one of you. 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 don’t 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 woman’s …
Do you ever wonder why God isn’t giving you “success”? This morning I read this from Proverbs 2:7: “He holds success in …
“Doesn’t God want me to succeed?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that question – or lament – after someone …
Do you ever have one of those weeks – or months – when it seems like God isn’t around? When it seems …
I’ve been hearing a lot about “self love” 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 …
You’ve 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 “Five Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life.” This week I want to touch on five …
Are you feeling “skipped over” when it comes to God’s blessings in your life? Sometimes it’s 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 didn’t have …
Several years ago, I heard a wise person pray, “Break my heart, God, with what breaks Yours.” I’ve never forgotten that prayer …
Have you ever wondered if God can really hear you? All I ever do is listen to other people. 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? 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 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? I’ll …
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 life’s circumstances? Or do you allow them to make you stronger? When life brings something painful …
I 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 you’ve asked yourself – or someone else – 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, I’ve heard stories …
I’ve heard it said that feelings aren’t bad or good, they’re 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, I’ve had those moments – especially during my daughter’s pre-teen years – …
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 aren’t 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, you and I can bring glory to the God of this universe…and benefit from it, too. And if we don’t, God …
If you’re 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 you’re like me, you don’t intentionally play the comparison …
If you’re like most people, you have lots of 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. You’d 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 haven’t 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 you’re like me, you’ve often said – or thought – I don’t do drama. Yet, as much as you and I …
Would you like to be done with the drama? Me too. Admit it. You’ve said (or at least thought) I’m done with …
I’m no stranger to drama. I wish that weren’t so. I wish I could tell you that there has never been a …
Oh how we love whining! I don’t 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 doesn’t appear to …
Are you tired of the hateful language on television and social media lately? It isn’t coming just from unbelievers. It’s 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: “I 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 “garden” of people. Some are “roses,” some are “daisies,” and some are awesome medicinal “weeds”! Is a rose better than a weed just because we think it’s so? God is the Potter and we are His clay (Isaiah 64:8). Every person is beautiful and valuable—created in God’s 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 doesn’t 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. That’s something we all can cultivate. 2. We can show RESPECT.
If you are dreading Valentine’s Day you are not alone. Every year I talk with women, read loads of emails, and even …
Why Don’t 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? God’s Word is full of …
About 16 months ago I posted a blog called “5 Things God Will Never Say as You Hand Him Your Concerns.” You …
Do you ever feel like God isn’t answering your prayers? I heard from a reader recently who asked “How long am I …
Do you know what it’s like to feel disappointed in God? You’ve prayed. You’ve been faithful and obedient. You’ve sincerely wanted God’s …
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? I’ve heard women say things like “Who …
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.
There’s a reason you and I struggle with forgiveness. But I don’t think it’s because of how deeply we’ve 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 didn’t 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, Carrie’s 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 – or give – “biblical advice” that isn’t 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 they’re 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 “verses” that are often quoted as if they’re from Scripture when in fact, they are actually contrary to the truth found in God’s 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, 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 Disneyland she had to take a class called “Traditions.” 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 don’t 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 …
I’ll admit it. I’ve said the words aloud or thought them many times. And I’m guessing you have, too. They’re 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 Valentine’s 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.
I’m 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 “The Story of Baby Jesus” when …
Are you dreading the holidays because of all there is to do? Or all you have to buy? Or all there is …
It’s that time of year again…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 …
It’s 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 …