This past week, on a particularly dreary afternoon, I lit an assortment of candles just to watch them glow. My little chorus-line of flames sparkled and danced above mismatched candle holders and suddenly, the day didn’t seem quite as gloomy. But as the day went on, I noticed that some of the candles were much […]
When Loved Ones Resist Faith
Have you ever shared your faith with people you care about—only to have them push you away? Years ago, I had a tiny taste of this with a friend…and it was hard. If I’m honest, it was hurtful to see this friend push away from me. Every message that went unanswered stung a little. But more […]
Finding Joy in Grateful Worship
Approximately three seconds after hitting “add to cart,” I realized something that startled me. I didn’t actually want the item I was in the process of purchasing. What I wanted was the dream of what life could be like if I had it. “I would be cooler,” I thought, “and happier.” I could envision it! I […]
The Joy of Having High Expectations of God
When we have low-expectations of God we aren’t protecting ourselves from disappointment. We are robbing ourselves of the joy, peace and hope God wants to give us.
The Joy of Being Delighted in
God delights in us and God beautifies us. These two truths lead to a joy we can enjoy today.
How to Trade Guilt for Joy
I remember it like it was yesterday: My heart raced. My eyes shifted downward. And I sputtered out an excuse that sounded lame even to my ears. My mom had just caught me doing something I wasn’t allowed to do—and I knew I was in the wrong. Did you ever have a moment like this as a kid? It’s […]