You know those "Hello, my name is ____________" tags you stick to your shirt, forget to take off, and find in shreds days later all over the washing machine? (That never happens to you? Oh. Cool. Me either.) We fill those out for ourselves as we navigate life in the dust—not with names but with... Continue Reading →
He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:10) I'll let you in on a little secret about God you may not have heard: He's a glory hound. He is out for His own fame and praise. We've dwelled a... Continue Reading →
The sage-colored plastic lid lifts off the barrel to reveal bundles of lace, sequined leotards, creamy evening gowns, and fluffy blue tutus. Costume jewelry swims at the bottom of it all, along with a few purses and gloves. My six-year-old self runs for the makeup set and applies what I imagine to be the perfect... Continue Reading →
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) Repentance. Ew. Anyone else? I love how the 1828 version of Webster's dictionary puts this old church word: in theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law, a dishonor to His character and government, and the foulest... Continue Reading →
What does God want from me? What am I supposed to do now? What if I screw up THE PLAN? What if I have screwed it up already and don't even know it yet? Sound familiar? The minute it dawns on us that there is a redemptive, eternal story unfolding from heaven, and that it... Continue Reading →
You might think Game of Thrones is an original work of modern pop culture. Nope. It's the oldest story ever. Sorry. Nothing new under the sun, right? There was a throne (even before there were people), and when Satan failed miserably at seizing it for himself, he helped us erect a host of thrones to... Continue Reading →
There's nothing quite like realizing you've forgotten to pack clean undies when you're away from home and nowhere near a store. Any time a trip comes up, I start getting neurotic. What will I really need? What am I forgetting? Do I have what matters most? This is when it's great to have a packing... Continue Reading →
Pretty much every American kid's calendar year revolves around Christmas. The tree, the music, the treats, the excitement, and those presents though! Worth waking up with the first light of day every time. The moment of salvation is kind of like Christmas for believers. Sure, you can make it spiritual by saying Jesus is born... Continue Reading →
Anyone who's ever tried to keep an orchid alive has quickly learned that this plant is a temperamental one. I don't think mine survived its first month. (I have since discovered that I can apparently only handle the little plastic greeneries that look real. Which is cool.) But if you can manage the perfect balance... Continue Reading →
The Dwelling Place 