When we’re waiting for our prayers to be answered, we can behave like we’re in a doctor’s waiting room. We may be patient to begin with, but then impatience sets in. We ask God “why ” and “when.” The longer the wait, the harder it becomes. We don’t rest. We can’t relax. “If God answers my prayer, then everything will be okay,” we think. Read More →
If prayer feels empty, we need to keep coming to Him. Keep showing up. Keep seeking Him. He longs for our presence far more than our perfect prayers.Read More →
Maybe you doubt whether your prayers can really be effective, especially when you’re asking for the impossible or what seems unlikely. In the back of your mind you’re thinking, “will my prayer really make a difference?” Or, as one of my readers asks, “Can I move God?” Just the other day, I found myself struggling with these questions. My daughter lives in Los Angeles where the wildfires this year have been particularly devastating—ravaging the landscape, towns, and homes of California, Washington and Oregon. The fires have been so widespread, they seem impossible for firefighters to put out. These areas of the country need ourRead More →
Are you at a turning point? When we’re hit hard, it’s usual to question God with “Why me? Why are you allowing this to happen?” We enter a spiritual darkness because it seems like God’s not there. He doesn’t appear to be listening. It’s like He’s turned His back. Or, maybe like me, you agonize over whether this is divine punishment. Sometimes, I even feel guilty sharing my doubts with other people because I should have an unwavering faith in God. On one hand, they might look down on me for not being solid, and on the other hand, they might question why I botherRead More →
I’ve wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There’s nothing left of your sins. Isaiah 44:22 You’re only as good as your last mistake. Sadly, this little saying is often quite true. When we hear the name Brett Kavanaugh, we are likely to think of his college antics for years to come rather than his achievement to be a Supreme Court Justice. Likewise, Justin Bieber brings to mind his past reckless behavior more than his musical accomplishments. Even with biblical characters, we easily recall their errors. Moses in his anger killed an Egyptian. Sarah laughed when God declared she would have a baby in herRead More →
I am thrilled to have Paula Sorrells-Beene, friend and teammate from reNEW – retreat for New England Writing, as the #BeBoldGirl this week. When God asks you to step out for him, he will step in and give you boldness, as Paula discovered. “I’ve written a dramatic monologue and I’d like you to do it.” What? Me? A solo drama. I was flattered that she asked. I was excited about the idea. But, wait. I had no experience with solo drama and very little with acting. Oh, sure, I was in The Beverly Hillbillies play my senior year of high school. Played Emmaline Fetty, aRead More →
I’m happy to welcome my friend, author Carrye Burr to the #BeBoldGirl series today. Carrye shares how a diagnosis allowed her to surrender control and find bravery. Welcome, Carrye! After reading, scroll all the way to the bottom and leave Carrye a comment. “Hey God, could you please give me a chronic illness so I’d have more faith and stop being a control freak?” Would you ever pray something like that? Me either. If I’m honest, many of my prayers revolve around God keeping everyone safe and healthy so I can get back to being in control. “God, during road trips, keep us fromRead More →
Seasons of grief are some of the most difficult times to trust God. I’m delighted Michelle Rabon is sharing her story and I hope it encourages you to have bold faith in a season of grief. #BeBoldGirl I laid next to him, his hair was beginning to fall out, and his strength was starting to fail. He shared his dreams; to get married, have a family like mine, but most of all to be happy. He was in a sense begging God for another chance, asking for a future. I still remember hearing his voice between labored breaths as the cancer in his lungs robbedRead More →
A mamma is allowed to be a little apprehensive leaving her child at college in a different country, isn’t she? That’s how I felt a week or so ago when I boarded a plane back to America. My son and I had arrived in London a few days earlier for international student enrollment. It felt a bit like cheating. After all, I am British and my husband is, too. My son, however, was born and raised in the States. He knows more about ordering Starbucks than how to make a cup of tea. I waited in the Quad as my son stood in line toRead More →
