In a world of smart phones, social media, and the internet we have so many things pulling for our time and attention on a daily basis. Although technology has it's benefits, the pressure that comes with "being available all of the time" as well as the pressure of living up to certain standards and comparisons that are constantly in front of our eyes can pull us in so many different directions, and away from the things that truly matter. I am convinced that the life God intended us to live can...
With the world at our fingertips (smart phones), we don't have to look very far to feel bombarded by all of the food "rules" and opinions about what to eat. If you are like me, you probably feel fed up with all of the contrary opinions and extremes that are being marketed as fact. The truth is, I have seen far to many women (including myself), hurt by diets, food “rules” and a culture that idolizes body and food. I believe we enjoy food in its place and care for our bodies without making it...
“Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, and let your heart be light!”
Most of us are familiar with, and even appreciate the Christmas sentiment. If you're honest thought, do you find it difficult to keep in consistent good cheer and peace during the holiday season? Despite your best intentions and aspirations, do "joyful" and "jolly" feel a bit out of reach? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, I’ve really been spending time with...
We all know that group bible studies and book clubs are a great way to connect with other women. They help us grow both from sharing and receiving insight from others. And, they challenge us to spend focused, dedicated time reading and studying God’s Word.
The obstacle though that keeps many of us from joining book or bible studies is simply the challenge of navigating busy schedules, childcare, full-time jobs, and all the many ways life pulls us in a million directions. That’s why an online...
It was the summer of 1998. I was fourteen years old when my dad came to my two sisters and I and informed us that we would be moving from the only home we have ever known in suburban Michigan to a small town in Wisconsin. My dad worked as an administrator for a small health care agency which was experiencing layoffs, forcing him to find a new job. This kind of news would be shocking to any family, much less when you are a shy fourteen year old about to enter her first year of high school. My...
When we set out to accomplish a goal, we often make one of two errors. We either try to do everything on our own, relying on our own wisdom, strength, and ability. Or, we pray and ask God to help us, but we fail to do our part. I have found that it is only when we actively engage in a partnership with God that the impossible suddenly becomes possible.After all, He never intended us to do anything on our own, so it would be foolish to imagine that we can accomplish anything apart from Him.
“How do I know if I’m hearing from God or just being influenced by my own thoughts?”
“How do I learn to hear from God?”
“I think I’ve heard the voice of God, how do I keep from doubting that it was really Him?”
Have you wrestled with questions like these? If so, today’s Dashing Devotional is just for you!
When I mentor people in their walk with the Lord, questions like these are the most common I hear. Know this though, you were made to hear from God. I pray today’s encouragement and guidance...
The dictionary defines vision as the act or power of imagination. (Merriam-Webster, 2016); When we actively use our imaginations to produce vision, it is incredibly powerful. When we have a vision, we are essentially using our imaginations to dream and fulfill what God has placed in our hearts. I am a firm believer that our lives will head in the direction of our vision, and we can't make lasting change in any area of our lives without it.
As powerful as it is however, vision often doesn't...
If I could give believers one piece of advice on where to focus their energy in terms of their spiritual growth, it would be to invest quality time in studying the Word and to cultivate a deeper prayer life. Nothing else will translate to greater confidence, breakthrough, and movement of the Lord in and through you than will a deeply rooted habit of consuming scripture and faithfulness in consistent prayer.
For many, the first of these two—spending time in the Word—seems to come more...
Have you ever heard someone say, what you believe is what you will eventually become!? This may seem like a far-out claim, but I can speak from experience that there is great truth in these words! In fact, a big part of my freedom from disordered eating and chronic dieting came when I started to believe I could achieve a healthy relationship with my body and food. I have now been completely free from a negative self-image, dieting, and have maintained my desired weight for over ten years. I...
“How do I know if I’m hearing from God or just being influenced by my own thoughts?”
If I could give believers one piece of advice on where to focus their energy in terms of their spiritual growth, it would be to invest quality time in studying the Word and to cultivate a deeper prayer life. Nothing else will translate to greater confidence, breakthrough, and movement of the Lord in and through you than will a deeply rooted habit of consuming scripture and faithfulness in consistent prayer.
